Game Scoop! 844: God of War Goes Back to the Beginning

Date: February 14, 2026
Host: Daemon Hatfield
Panel: Sam Claiborne, Justin Davis, Nick Limone
Podcast Network: IGN / Geek Media

Episode Overview

This lively episode of Game Scoop! delivers a thorough breakdown of the major reveals from the PlayStation State of Play held the previous day, with a strong emphasis on the big announcements from classic franchises like God of War, Castlevania, and Metal Gear Solid. The IGN crew dives into retro gaming, industry trends, listener mail, and of course, some nostalgia-laced trivia.

The show is brimming with excitement, sharp insights, playful banter, and the classic Game Scoop! camaraderie—making it a compelling listen for gaming fans, whether you want the latest news or thoughtful takes on why old franchises still matter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. PlayStation State of Play Recap

• State of Play was over an hour, jam-packed with announcements, showing off Sony’s intent to deliver big for 2026. (01:56)
• Major announcements included a new God of War, a fresh Castlevania, returns from Konami and Capcom, legacy revivals like Legacy of Kain, and unexpected drops.

Notable Banter:

• The crew jokes about how the podcast “manifested” the Castlevania return:
  “Tons of games, tons of surprises. New God of War, New Castlevania. Oh my gosh, we made it happen.” —Daemon Hatfield (01:56)

2. Highlight: New God of War Trilogy Remake

• Sony Santa Monica is remaking the original God of War trilogy.

• Panel surprised the main studio is handling the remake instead of outsourcing.
  “Sometimes these remakes are to get your arms around new tech…” —Justin (57:46)

• Discussion about whether the remake will modernize the gameplay or remain faithful to the originals.

• Debate on Mature Content: Panel debates whether former controversial content (like sex minigames) will remain:
  “They are in so much trouble if they remove it or if they dance [around it].” —Justin (62:12)

• The panel observes this is an odd “reversal”—modern God of War grew up, but now we’re revisiting “old-school” Kratos.

3. Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Announcement

• 2D action-platformer developed by Evil Empire (Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown) & with input from Motion Twin (Dead Cells).
  “It’s absolutely perfect… part of Dead Cells and the rogue Prince of Persia all making a Castlevania game.” —Daemon (09:14)
• Map design and Metroidvania roots: Team notes the term “Metroidvania” isn’t used, but the genre is clear.
• Art style praised as an evolution beyond pixel art, more vibrant and stylized than even Bloodstained.
• New traversal mechanics (whip as grappling hook, environmental puzzles).
• Hype level: “This is now tied for Wolverine for most anticipated game for me this year.” —Sam (15:19)

4. Konami’s Comeback

• Feels like an old-school E3 with both Capcom and Konami back-to-back.

• Beyond Castlevania, Konami is remastering classic Metal Gear and surprising with new (and niche) projects.

• Metal Gear Solid Master Collection 2: Finally frees MGS4 from PS3 exclusivity.
  “It’s completely crazy that Metal Gear Solid 4 has just been in purgatory for so long.” —Justin (24:49)

• Surprise inclusion of Ghost Babel (GB Color cult classic).

• New IPs like Darwin’s Paradox and Rev Noir (original JRPG), indicating a genuine return to game development.

5. Listener Mail: “How Do I Start with Castlevania?”

• Recommendations for newcomers: Symphony of the Night (not on Steam, but can “figure it out”), then Aria of Sorrow.
  “Symphony of the Night is the best Castlevania and one of the best video games ever.” —Daemon (18:07)
• 7 primary Metroidvania-style Castlevania games; play in any order, but Symphony → Aria is recommended.
• Bonus advice for exploring linear originals and using save states.
• Recap of which bundles to buy for classic or Metroidvania experiences.

6. Other Highlights & Game Announcements

Legacy of Kain Returns

• Defiance remaster and a new 2D side-scroller, Ascendance.
• Discussion on the genre’s decline and nostalgia for third-person action-platformers.
  “This type of game’s just gone now.” —Justin (33:12)

Silent Hill Townfall

• New approach, set in Scotland, leans on body horror and psychological horror with experimental presentation.
• Praise for Konami signaling they’re “taking games seriously again.”

Brigandine and Niche Tactics Return

• Brigandine series returns; highlight on deep mechanics and retro fans.

Surprise Drops and Shadow Drops

• God of War: Sons of Sparta 2D brawler shadow-dropped during State of Play; panel debates pros and cons of shadow drops, especially regarding reviews and consumer protection.
  “Sometimes not getting advance copies is a signal they’re trying to shield critics… but not always.” —Justin (65:35)

Pokemon Pinball Machine

• Sam visited Stern Pinball’s factory; details the impressive new machine with RPG/collection mechanics.
• “It couldn’t be a better theme and game match.” —Sam (70:35)

Smaller Announcements & Updates

• Beast of Reincarnation (by Game Freak) looks better than any previous Game Freak work.
  “This looks so much better than Pokémon…” —Sam (42:47)
• Rayman 30th from Digital Eclipse out now with lots of documentary material.

John Wick Game

• Sifu-style action teased, with hopes for improvisational gameplay, but panel is skeptical of the developer (Saber Interactive).
• Discussion on whether the John Wick IP missed its moment.

7. Trivia & Listener Interaction

Valentine’s Cards & Mailbag

• Fans sent retro Super Mario Bros. Valentine’s and gifts.
• Four video game 20 Questions choices, each linked to Daemon’s very first (2006) episode.

20 Questions Game

• The panel stumbles with clues but enjoys the nostalgia.
• The answer: TMNT (2007, Ubisoft); panel explores the confusion around multi-plat releases, comic/movie tie-ins, and the fading memory of the 2007 TMNT animated movie/game.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “Tons of games, tons of surprises. New God of War, New Castlevania. Oh my gosh, we made it happen.” —Daemon (01:56)
• “I think this is a Metroidvania.” —Nick (15:44)
• “It looks so good. I’m just so pleased that we made this happen.” —Daemon, on new Castlevania (16:03)
• “It’s completely crazy that Metal Gear Solid 4 has just been in purgatory for so long.” —Justin (24:49)
• “Sometimes these remakes are to get your arms around new tech…” —Justin, on GoW Remake projects (57:46)
• “They are in so much trouble if they remove [the sex minigame] or dance.” —Justin, on handling mature content in remakes (62:12)
• “It couldn’t be a better theme and game match.” —Sam, on Pokémon Pinball (70:35)
• “This looks so much better than Pokémon…What are we doing?” —Sam, on Beast of Reincarnation (42:47)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• State of Play Reactions Begin: 01:56
• Castlevania Announcement & Reaction: 08:52 – 16:17
• Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Announced: 24:03 – 27:30
• Konami’s Broader Comeback & New IPs: 30:08 – 34:56
• Listener Mail: Castlevania Recommendations: 16:14 – 20:58
• Legacy of Kain & Third-Person Platformers: 31:27 – 34:33
• God of War Trilogy Remake Discussion: 57:29 – 62:32
• Shadow Drop Debate: 65:31 – 67:41
• Pokemon Pinball Deep Dive: 68:40 – 73:48
• 20 Questions Game: 74:30 – 91:20

Conclusion & Panel Wrap Up

The team unanimously agrees: this was one of Sony’s best State of Play events in years (67:41–68:22). Japanese dev revivals, big IP returns, and a swelling late-year release calendar mark 2026 as an exciting year for games.

• “As a revival of Japanese game interests, it’s a 10 out of 10 for me.” —Sam (67:56)
• “It’s impressive they can hold my interest for over an hour…” —Daemon (68:10)

Sam closes with a field report from the Stern pinball factory (Pokemon!), the team laughs off some lost trivia, and Daemon encourages listeners to consider applying to host for IGN.

For New Listeners & Superfans Alike

This episode is bursting with excitement, nostalgia, and candid takes on the industry’s direction—Game Scoop! at its best, blending news, deep knowledge, and warm camaraderie.