Tag: God of War

  • God of War Spinoff Hinted by Leaker Ahead of State of Play

    God of War Spinoff Hinted by Leaker Ahead of State of Play

    Key Takeaway

    – Leaker elesnicho hints at a Faye-led God of War spinoff, possibly as the “one more thing” at the next State of Play.
    – Sony’s next State of Play is rumored for May 15; no official confirmation yet.
    – The Faye-spinoff rumor has persisted, with claims of Faye as lead and more action-heavy gameplay; Schreier says it could feel like a new IP within God of War.
    – Development is said to have been ongoing since the 2018 reboot under Cory Barlog; no denial or official Sony confirmation.

    A leaker with a proven track record of getting PlayStation showcases right has all but confirmed a Faye-led God of War spinoff as a major upcoming announcement – and if the State of Play rumors are accurate, the reveal could be imminent.

    Rumors swirling and timing collide

    Twitter/X account @elesnicho, who successfully leaked content from the last PlayStation showcase before it aired, posted just a few words earlier today: “Faye of War.” The post have accumulated over 20,000 impressions in under seven hours, and a thread on r/GamingLeaksAndRumours has since framed it as elesnicho hinting the game as the “one more thing” of the next State of Play – a surprize closer announcement.

    Signals from a well known leaker

    The timing itself matters because Sony’s next State of Play is currently rumored, via insider Detective Seeds, to take place on May 15 – tomorrow. Sony has not officially confirmed the event.

    Official word still pending

    Furthermore, the Faye spinoff itself is not a new rumor. Multiple credible sources have been circling it for months. Insider NateTheHate was among the first to publicly claim that Santa Monica Studio is developing a new God of War entry starring Kratos’ late wife Faye as the lead protagonist. The gameplay was described as more action-heavy compared to the Norse-era titles. Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier had also provided his two cents – he stated that it would feel like a new IP despite staying within the God of War universe.

    Descriptions contrasts and vibes

    God of War director Cory Barlog has reportedly been working on this project since the 2018 reboot wrapped – that is nearly seven years of development. Barlog had publicly shown his frustration earlier this year after NateTheHate’s leak was spotted, though he did stop short of a direct denial.

    Consistency in the rumor mill

    Elesnicho’s post adds even more weight to this particular wave of rumors. Regardless, everything is unconfirmed and should be taken with a grain of salt until Sony makes an official announcement. If the State of Play does air tomorrow, we won’t have to wait long.

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  • Sony’s Strategy: PC Gamers Feel Left Out by Exclusive Games

    Sony’s Strategy: PC Gamers Feel Left Out by Exclusive Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. Big PlayStation Studios games may no longer be released on PC, influenced by the new Steam Machine.
    2. Sony is focusing on keeping its strong exclusives, which could sway buyers toward consoles rather than PC.
    3. Emotional connections to exclusive games can significantly impact console purchasing decisions.
    4. The trend of releasing AAA titles on PC has been beneficial for PC gamers, but future exclusives may limit access.
    5. Many PC gamers feel sidelined by Sony’s strategy to prioritize console loyalty over broader game availability.

    If we trust the words of Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier, it seems that big PlayStation Studios games might not be coming to PC anymore. Interestingly enough, Valve could be part of the reason. The new Steam Machine is set to bring Steam’s massive game collection right into our living rooms. When we compare it to traditional consoles, PC offers a wider range of games, particularly in the indie category, and often at lower prices. While AAA games from companies like Nintendo can now cost around $80, PC prices tend to be cheaper, although there are exceptions that prove the rule.

    Sony’s Concerns Grow

    It’s easy to see why Sony might be feeling uneasy. If everything goes as planned, the Steam Machine could merge the best features of both PC and console gaming into one device. However, PlayStation still has one powerful tool left in its arsenal: exclusives. Sony has created strong fan bases around hit titles like Ghost of Tsushima and God of War. If it’s clear that such games will be exclusive to PlayStation going forward, this could make potential buyers rethink their console choices. While we still don’t know the specs of the PS6, emotional connections to games and characters can definitely sway buying decisions. A perfect example of this is Microsoft, which is currently falling behind in the console race. A friend of mine was a die-hard Xbox fan back in the day, and it was simple – he loved Halo, which was only on that platform.

    A Shift in Gaming Preferences

    I personally stepped away from consoles a long time ago because, for me, the benefits of PC gaming clearly outshine those of consoles. But I’ve been gaming since my early days. My journey began with the PS1 and PS2, and I vividly remember playing Metal Gear – which circles us back to the topic of exclusives. I later moved on to the Xbox 360 and eventually to PC. Sony’s recent trend of releasing its AAA titles on PC has been a positive change for me and likely for many other PC gamers. I was particularly impressed with God of War and God of War Ragnarök. I had been eagerly anticipating news about the next chapter featuring Kratos and Atreus. There were even whispers that they might venture into Egyptian mythology. However, it appears that I might miss out on that – at least not on PC.

    The Impact on PC Gamers

    I totally get why Sony would want to keep buyers loyal to its console with exclusive games. But as a PC gamer, I can’t help but feel like a bystander in this whole situation. I’ve thought about getting a PlayStation too. Yet, logic tells me that spending several hundred euros for a relatively limited selection of games might not be the best idea. So, it looks like I have to say farewell to Kratos and Atreus for now. Though it’s truly a difficult goodbye.

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  • New God of War Spinoff Game Features Familiar Female Protagonist

    New God of War Spinoff Game Features Familiar Female Protagonist

    Key Takeaways

    1. PlayStation Studios announced a new God of War game titled “Sons of Sparta” and plans to remake the original trilogy.
    2. A sequel to God of War: Ragnarok may be in development, inspired by Egyptian mythology and described as a “franchise within the God of War universe.”
    3. The new game is expected to feature Faye, Atreus’s mother, as the main character, potentially serving as a prequel to God of War (2018).
    4. Gameplay in the new title will focus more on action compared to previous Norse God of War games, with a planned reveal later this year.
    5. The release is targeted for the first half of 2027, with hints of an announcement from voice actor Christopher Judge expected in late summer.

    At the recent State of Play event, PlayStation Studios introduced a new installment in the God of War franchise called Sons of Sparta. Additionally, they announced plans to remake the original trilogy. However, before these announcements, there were whispers about another game in the works. A trusted leaker has now shared further insights about this upcoming title.

    New Game Insights

    Earlier reports suggested that Sony was creating a sequel to God of War: Ragnarok, drawing inspiration from Egyptian mythology. However, a report by Wccftech indicated that a LinkedIn profile from a former employee at Sony Santa Monica hinted the game is a “franchise within the God of War universe.” Not long after, the well-known leaker, Nate the Hate, added more context to the situation.

    Character and Gameplay Details

    In a post on X, Nate the Hate confirmed that the new game will take place in the God of War universe, with Faye as the main character. Faye, who is Atreus’s mother and Kratos’s second wife, was first referenced in God of War (2018) but only appeared in the 2022 sequel. Since the character passed away before the events of the first game, it’s a bit confusing how she can be the lead in this new release. One possibility is that this game serves as a prequel to God of War (2018).

    Release Timeline

    The leaker also mentioned that gameplay will be different from the Norse God of War titles, like God of War (2018) and God of War: Ragnarok, with a greater emphasis on action. An important point raised is that Sony plans to unveil the game this year, aiming for a release in the first half of 2027, assuming there are no delays.

    Christopher Judge, the voice actor for Kratos, previously hinted at an announcement for the next God of War game in late summer. If this upcoming title is indeed the one he referred to, fans may only have a few months to wait until the first official reveal.

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  • Amazon’s First Look at God of War: Fans Disappointed by Kratos and Atreus

    Amazon’s First Look at God of War: Fans Disappointed by Kratos and Atreus

    Key Takeaways

    1. Amazon’s God of War series will focus on the 2018 game rather than the original trilogy, highlighting Kratos and Atreus’s relationship.
    2. The cast includes Ryan Hurst as Kratos and Callum Vinson as Atreus, with the first official image of the characters recently released.
    3. Fan reactions to the image have been largely negative, with many comparing it to cosplay and criticizing the portrayal of Kratos and Atreus.
    4. Some fans remain hopeful, suggesting that set photos may not represent the final product well and urging patience until the actual footage is released.
    5. The series is expected to debut around 2027 or 2028, while fans are also interested in a potential new God of War game featuring Kratos against Egyptian gods.

    Fans have been aware since 2022 that Amazon was working on a series based on God of War. In the summer of 2025, some early information came out that left many feeling let down. Instead of focusing on the original trilogy, the show will take inspiration from the 2018 game (the PS4 version is currently priced at about $18 on Amazon), which highlights the relationship between Kratos and his son Atreus. Recently, Amazon revealed the first official image of these two characters, and it seems to have made fans feel even more disappointed rather than excited.

    Cast Details

    Ryan Hurst, who is recognized for his performances in Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead, will play Kratos. Callum Vinson, known for his role in Chucky, will portray Atreus. The image shared by Amazon appears to show a scene from God of War, where Kratos instructs his son on how to hunt. Instead of generating excitement, this reveal has received a rather tepid response. Many reactions on Reddit have been mostly critical.

    Fan Reactions

    Numerous users have commented that the image looks like cosplay or resembles a low-budget fantasy film. Common complaints include that Kratos doesn’t seem big enough, the scene feels staged, and Atreus looks too contemporary with his styled hair. Some more hopeful Reddit users ask for patience, pointing out that set photos can often be unflattering and that actual footage will give a better impression. The God of War series is not likely to debut until 2027, or even 2028. Only at that time can a proper evaluation be made. Meanwhile, fans are also wishing for a new God of War game, which might feature Kratos battling Egyptian gods. However, a planned multiplayer project featuring Kratos has apparently been scrapped.

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  • Sony Closes Bluepoint Games Five Years After Acquisition

    Sony Closes Bluepoint Games Five Years After Acquisition

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony has closed Bluepoint Games, which was acquired five years ago, resulting in around 70 job losses.
    2. Bluepoint was known for remastering titles like Demon’s Souls and other classic PlayStation games.
    3. The studio was working on a live-service version of God of War, but that project was canceled.
    4. The closure raises concerns about the future of remakes for fan-favorite games like Bloodborne.
    5. Other studios, such as Iron Galaxy and Nixxes, may still take on remaster projects in the future.

    Sony has reportedly closed Bluepoint Games, just five years after fully acquiring the studio, as per Jason Schreier from Bloomberg. Bluepoint is best known for remastering the PlayStation 3 classic Demon’s Souls for the PlayStation 5. They have also worked on various other titles, including Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection, Shadow of the Colossus, Metal Gear Solid HD Collection, and God of War Collection. This decision comes as around 70 developers have lost their jobs due to a recent review of Sony’s business strategy.

    Live-Service Game Development Ceases

    Recently, Bluepoint was in the process of creating a live-service version of God of War, but that project was abruptly canceled. Sony’s choice to close such a highly regarded studio raises questions, especially given the number of older PlayStation games that could benefit from modern remasters—particularly those from the PS3 era.

    Future of Fan-Favorite Remakes in Jeopardy

    With Bluepoint’s closure, hopes for a Bloodborne remake are now dashed, despite fans having persistently requested it. There was speculation that this remake might launch alongside the PlayStation 6, similar to how Demon’s Souls debuted with the PS5. However, with Bluepoint no longer in the mix, that prospect appears dim. There are still other studios, like Iron Galaxy and Nixxes, that could potentially take on such a project, though.

    Bloomberg (paywalled)

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  • God of War: Sons of Sparta Criticized by Creator for Boring Kratos

    God of War: Sons of Sparta Criticized by Creator for Boring Kratos

    Key Takeaways

    1. David Jaffe critiques the new God of War: Sons of Sparta for its uninspired portrayal of a young Kratos, arguing he doesn’t resemble the beloved character fans know.
    2. Jaffe expresses disappointment that the game, a metroidvania style title, was released and states he won’t return to it after just one hour of gameplay.
    3. He questions the need for a “generic kid version” of Kratos and notes the game lacks the violence and bloodshed typical of the series.
    4. Jaffe feels the character development in the 2018 reboot and Ragnarök strayed too far from Kratos’ original essence, with too much focus on storytelling disrupting gameplay.
    5. Despite his critiques, he acknowledges that Sons of Sparta is “not a bad game,” but questions its $30 price tag compared to other titles offering better production quality.

    Since his last involvement with a God of War title in 2008, creator David Jaffe hasn’t held back in critiquing the series. However, his recent remarks on the new God of War: Sons of Sparta might be his harshest yet. In a YouTube video, he expresses his disapproval of the uninspired depiction of a young Kratos, claiming he looks very little like the cherished character fans know.

    Shadows of Critique

    Confirming rumors about the metroidvania PS5 game, Sons of Sparta was unexpectedly released during the latest State of Play event. Nevertheless, Jaffe wishes that this 2D action platformer had remained unreleased. After just an hour of gameplay, he states plainly that he is “never going back to it.”

    The God of War spin-off takes players back to ancient Greece, detailing the training of a young Kratos. Despite this, Jaffe wonders if any fans truly desired to see a “generic kid version” of the hero. He also notes that the game fails to capture the violence and bloodshed for which the series is well-known.

    A Shift in Character

    Jaffe has also expressed discontent regarding Kratos’ character development in the 2018 God of War reboot and its sequel, Ragnarök. Players witnessed a transformation into a calmer, fatherly figure. Even with impressive sales figures, the game designer and director believes that the writers strayed too far from the original character’s essence.

    One major point of debate raised in the video is the excessive focus on storytelling. The dialogue often disrupts the more action-oriented exploration and combat sections. While Jaffe finds the narrative lacking in excitement, he concedes that it could improve as the game progresses.

    Not All Bad

    Despite a lengthy list of grievances, at one moment, the franchise’s originator admits that God of War: Sons of Sparta is “not a bad game.” Still, he questions whether the $30 price tag is justified, suggesting that other side-scrolling games, like Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, offer better production quality.

    In reality, a number of God of War enthusiasts are welcoming this new version of Kratos. Sons of Sparta has received a decent, if not outstanding, user rating of 7.5 on Metacritic. Yet, some players argue that it doesn’t differentiate itself enough in the crowded metroidvania landscape.

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  • God of War Sequel by Cory Barlog Set for Release This Year

    God of War Sequel by Cory Barlog Set for Release This Year

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony announced new games at the State of Play event, including two God of War titles: a 2D platformer called God of War: Sons of Sparta and a remake of the original trilogy.
    2. Cory Barlog, the creative director at Santa Monica Studios, is not leading the platformer or the remake; he is focused on a new mainline God of War game.
    3. The upcoming mainline game may draw inspiration from Egyptian mythology, but its connection to the previous Norse setting is unclear.
    4. The new title is expected to be officially announced later this year, potentially at the next State of Play in May or during the Summer Game Fest.
    5. Santa Monica Studios aims for a short gap between the game’s reveal and its release, likely targeting the second quarter of this year.

    Sony held a big event called State of Play yesterday (February 12), where they announced a bunch of new games, including two titles from the God of War series. One of these games is called God War: Sons of Sparta, a 2D platformer made by Santa Monica Studios (SMS) and Mega Cat Studios. This title had been the topic of many leaks and discussions long before it was officially announced. The other game is a remake of the original trilogy. However, it seems like SMS is also working on another important game that continues the main story.

    Cory Barlog’s New Project

    Insider shinobi602 on ResetEra shared that neither the remake nor the platformer is being led by Cory Barlog. You might know Barlog as the creative director at SMS, who played a key role in the development of several God of War games, including the successful titles from 2018 and 2022. Reports suggest that he is focused on a new mainline game that will continue the narrative set up by the 2018 version of God of War.

    Development and Themes

    This upcoming title has been in the works for a while and has been kept a secret quite effectively. There are whispers that it might draw inspiration from Egyptian mythology. However, how this connects with the Norse setting of the previous games is still a mystery. The insider mentioned that this game is “not that far (unless there are delays, of course)” from being officially announced, which is expected to happen later this year. It could be revealed as soon as the next State of Play in May or during the Summer Game Fest led by Geoff Keighley.

    Potential Release Timeline

    While shinobi602 isn’t entirely certain about the exact reveal date, they feel that SMS is aiming for the second quarter of this year. Regarding the release date, it seems that SMS might prefer a shorter gap between the reveal and the launch. This strategy makes sense since studios usually want to release major titles either significantly before or well after the launch of GTA 6, which is set for November this year.

    Overall, the insider’s comments suggest that this new title could be coming out sooner rather than later. If this happens, it would be the second God of War game to release this year, keeping in mind that the trilogy remake is not considered a brand-new title.

    shinobi602 via ResetEra

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  • Original God of War Trilogy Remake Announcement

    Original God of War Trilogy Remake Announcement

    Key Takeaways

    1. God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök (2022) received high praise, scoring 94 on Metacritic and winning multiple awards.
    2. Some fans expressed disappointment over the series’ shift from Greek to Norse mythology, citing changes in tone, gameplay, and character development.
    3. Sony announced plans to potentially remake the original God of War trilogy, which could attract both old fans and new players.
    4. The remake is expected to be a complete rebuild, not just an upgrade, as indicated by the use of “remake” instead of “remaster.”
    5. The original games, while still appreciated, show signs of aging, and a remake could modernize them to match the quality of the newer titles.

    God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök (2022) were both really popular games, achieving a score of 94 on Metacritic and earning a lot of awards.

    Shifts in Mythology

    Even with all the positive feedback, some fans pointed out a downside about the Norse reboot: it moved away from the original Greek Mythology. They mentioned changes in tone, gameplay, and character development as reasons for their concerns.

    Exciting News from Sony

    Today, Sony revealed that they might finally remake the original trilogy, which has been around for 20 years. This news should make fans of the original series happy, and it could also attract new players who can’t access the older hardware needed to play those games.

    The announcement on the PlayStation Blog used the term “remake” instead of “remaster,” which might mean that the games are going to be rebuilt from the very beginning rather than just getting a little upgrade from the PlayStation 2 and 3 versions.

    A Step Towards Modernization

    Even though the original games from 2005 to 2010 still hold up to some extent, they do show some signs of aging. A remake would ideally bring these classic titles up to par with the newer Norse series.

    The studio, however, didn’t provide much more detail, only sharing a teaser from TC Carson, the voice behind the Greek saga. He mentioned that the project is “still in very early development” and that fans will have to wait some time for more updates.

    In any case, the chance to revisit the original Greek series is likely to thrill many fans, and there’s a possibility we might see them on PC for those who don’t have a PlayStation 5 (which is available on Amazon).

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  • God of War Series on Prime Video Casts Familiar Voice as Kratos

    God of War Series on Prime Video Casts Familiar Voice as Kratos

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ryan Hurst has been cast as Kratos in Prime Video’s live adaptation of God of War, marking his first live-action portrayal of the character.
    2. Hurst is known for his roles in Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead, and he previously voiced Thor in God of War Ragnarök, earning a BAFTA nomination.
    3. The series will focus on the evolving relationship between Kratos and his son, Atreus, as they fulfill the last wish of Kratos’ wife, Faye.
    4. Two seasons have been commissioned, with filming set in Vancouver and ongoing auditions for additional roles.
    5. The production team includes director Frederick E.O. Toye and showrunner Ronald D. Moore, with backing from major studios like Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios.

    After many months of rumors about who would be cast, Prime Video has officially selected Ryan Hurst to play Kratos. The actor will take the lead in the forthcoming live adaptation of God of War, which is a well-known video game series.

    Ryan Hurst’s Background

    Ryan Hurst is widely recognized for his parts in Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead. He also has ties to the franchise, having lent his voice to Thor in God of War Ragnarök (2022). His work in the game got him a BFTA nomination.

    Storyline Focus

    The series is expected to follow the storyline set in the 2018 God of War and its sequel from 2022, highlighting the changing bond between Kratos and his son, Atreus, as they go on a quest to fulfill the last wish of Kratos’ deceased wife, Faye.

    Prime Video has already commissioned two seasons of the series, with filming taking place in Vancouver and auditions for more roles still ongoing.

    Production Team

    Frederick E.O. Toye (Shōgun, The Boys, and Fallout) is reported to direct the first two episodes, while Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica, Outlander) will take on the roles of showrunner, writer, and executive producer.

    Produced by Sony Pictures Television, Amazon MGM Studios, PlayStation Productions, and Tall Ship Productions, this show marks the latest venture of Sony’s PlayStation properties into television, following previous adaptations like The Last of Us.

    Kratos has had various actors voice him throughout the video game series. Terrence C. Carson voiced the character from the original God of War (2005) until God of War: Ascension (2013). Christopher Judge then assumed the role with the 2018 reboot and continued through God of War Ragnarök, receiving much acclaim for his portrayal.

    Hurst’s casting is significant as it represents the first live-action depiction of Kratos. This choice has garnered attention partly due to Hurst’s prior connection to the franchise, linking his work in the games to his new role in the series.

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  • Bit of War: Free 8-Bit Platformer Revives Kratos’ Greek Saga

    Bit of War: Free 8-Bit Platformer Revives Kratos’ Greek Saga

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fan Tribute: Bit of War is a fan-made 8-bit demake of God of War, created by Holmade Games as a tribute to the original 2005 PS2 title.

    2. Unique Storyline: The game features a new narrative inspired by interviews with series creator David Jaffe, offering an alternate ending for Kratos while maintaining his vengeful spirit.

    3. Nostalgic Design: The retro 8-bit style and simpler gameplay distinguish Bit of War from the main series, with clipart backgrounds and precise controls.

    4. Gameplay Enhancements: While featuring generic enemy designs, the game introduces unique elements like Euryale, who can turn enemies into stone and create wind blasts.

    5. Popularity: Over 39,000 players have downloaded Bit of War, which is available for free on IndieDB and Itch.io, making it a popular choice for fans of retro gaming and the God of War series.

    God of War has received a nostalgic twist with a pixelated version of Kratos climbing Olympus in a retro 8-bit demake that has recently reemerged. This fan-made game, titled Bit of War, was released for free in 2012 and reimagines the iconic 2005 PS2 title, transforming the Greek mythology adventure into a side-scrolling platformer that feels perfectly suited for the NES.

    A Tribute to the Original

    Bit of War was created by Holmade Games as a tribute to the classic game. The developers managed to condense the grand cinematic battles and intense hack-and-slash action of God of War into smaller, more manageable levels.

    Players control a miniature version of Kratos, whose appearance is reminiscent of the playful caveman from Bonk’s Adventure. Bit of War seems to draw influence from beloved retro titles like The Cyber Shinobi and Alex Kidd, giving it a charmingly nostalgic feel.

    A Unique Storyline

    What’s interesting about Bit of War is its deviation from the original God of War plot. Instead, it crafts a new narrative based on past interviews with David Jaffe, the series creator, creating an alternate ending for Kratos.

    The game maintains Kratos’s vengeful spirit, though it skips the graphic violence due to the limitations of the 8-bit format. The makers of Bit of War have noted that this is a non-profit fan project, and they received permission from Sony to feature Kratos. They describe it on Itch.io as, “An 8-Bit demake of God of War, this game is a love letter to both the series itself as well as old school gaming in general.”

    Nostalgia Meets Simplicity

    With its retro 8-bit style, Bit of War distinguishes itself from the more extravagant gameplay and cinematic elements found in the main series. It features simpler clipart backgrounds and more precise controls for blocking and jumping.

    However, the enemy designs are quite generic, including mummies, soldiers, archers, and berserkers. Nevertheless, the game introduces a few enhancements, such as Euryale, who can turn foes into stone and unleash wind blasts.

    Over 39,000 players have already downloaded Bit of War from IndieDB, and it is also obtainable on Itch.io. Overall, Bit of War serves as a delightful retro demake to explore after finishing the main series and the latest installment, God of War Ragnarok.

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