Common Sense Media Review
By Chad Sapieha
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sex and graphic violence loom large in adults-only brawler.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
God of War: Ghost of Sparta
What's It About?
Greek warrior Kratos returns to the small screen in GOD OF WAR: GHOST OF SPARTA, an "interquel" that takes place between early games in the franchise. This game sees the crimson-painted protagonist exploring his past and family, with additional central characters, including his mother and his brother, Deimos. Like all of the God of War games, the action is composed primarily of extremely bloody and violent fights against fantastical creatures that include cinematic kill moves (this is not a game for kids) as well as some simple puzzles that involve pushing blocks and throwing switches.
Is It Any Good?
God of War: Ghost of Sparta is perhaps the most graphically impressive game yet to be released for Sony's handheld console. Its characters are highly detailed and capable of expressing emotion through subtle facial animations, and the environments and boss battles have an epic scope similar to that of their console-based cousins.
The action, meanwhile, is tight and entertaining. Kratos' over-the-top blade attacks and imaginative kill moves are perhaps becoming a little well-worn, but they remain highly satisfying. Plus, the developers have added a few elements, including new weapons in the form of the Arms of Sparta and the ability to add flames to Kratos' blades, a necessary tactic to breach certain enemies' armor and some barriers. It's one of the best handheld games of the year for adults.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why developers would put a sex scene in a game. Is it always purely exploitative? Can sexual sequences be presented with maturity and taste in an interactive medium? Did you find the sex scenes in this game to be offensive?
Families can also discuss excessive violence in games. Can it serve a legitimate narrative purpose? Is it more acceptable if the violence is perpetrated against non-humans? Do you think the violence in this game is too much?
Game Details
- Platform : PSP
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Sony Computer Entertainment
- Release date : November 2, 2010
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : June 20, 2022
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