God of War 2 bound for PS2 in '07
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Feb 22nd 2006 at 1:30PM }
Eurogamer reports that a leaked
Sony marketing document reveals further details about the God of War sequel. Referred to as God of War
2, the game is currently scheduled for a February 2007 release on the PlayStation 2. The sequel will build upon
the successful elements of the first game. This time around, Kratos will be able to ride Pegasus, sport the Golden
Fleece, and even rob Icarus of his wings. According to the marketing document, God of War 2 will sport
next-genish visuals.So why doesn't Sony make God of War 2 a PS3 launch title? With over 100 million PS2 units in circulation, the answer should be clear. But rest assured, the God of War franchise will make it onto Sony's next-gen console the third time around.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jose @ Feb 22nd 2006 1:46PM
Sweet!
Can't wait for this one.
This kind of stuff is why I'm holding off on NextGen for now. There's better stuff coming out for PS2 and XBox. It looks like I'll wait till this Christmas before making any nextgen decisions...
Armin @ Feb 22nd 2006 1:47PM
This doesn't make sense. It's like releasing a game for the original PlayStation when the PS2 came out.
Maybe the short term income is small at the beginning, but PS3 will eventually be much more popular than the PS2.
They can only sell God of War 2 for a year on the PS2, tops. But if they released it for the PS3, we're talking about 3+ years.
LunarDuality @ Feb 22nd 2006 1:50PM
Story already got yanked "under threat of legal action from SCEA" or some such. Anyway, if true, how can Sony stick by their "Spring 2006" launch of the PS3. I know there are 100 million PS2s, but this is a system selling game...so why would they avoid making it for the PS3?
Bearcat @ Feb 22nd 2006 1:53PM
Makes sense to me but they link is dead due to legal action threatened by Sony... nice.
The economics of this are obviously in favor of a PS2 release although a PS2 and PS# release I would think is more likely...
I though will not be investing in PS3 and look forward to seeing this game on PS2 while duking it out on my N Revolution...
Jose @ Feb 22nd 2006 1:56PM
Making a proper ps3 version would take a couple of years at least. Unless they do 360-style 'next gen' where it's the same game running in higher res. I dont think they want to kill the franchise off by risking that.
Gonzo @ Feb 22nd 2006 2:02PM
I loved the first one but wiped through it in one sick day and a half. Not the challenge of the gods though; that took a couple of days with me getting a brain hemmorage on the last one. It's worth it just for the cow costume.
The puzzles in it were fun and were really well integrated with the rest of the game's action. I just home they make them just a little bit harder for this one.
bxjoseff @ Feb 22nd 2006 2:13PM
I think this is pretty simple really. I dont' recall where I read it but Kutargi-san stated that support for the PS2 will continue for the next 3-5 years AFTER the launch of the PS3. So obviously, they aren't expecting the disgustingly high sell rate this time around-especially if the PS3 is going to be over 399.99, which almost seems a definite at this point. God of War 2 will be a hit, no question about it, it won't be the hit they want if they sell it for PS3 as a launch title for a system that costs more than decent computer these days. It's just smarter to sell it as a PS2 game...knowing it'll be backward compatible at the same time...hell--why not even throw in a graphical upgrade for people who play it on PS3...that's seems good enough for now...we already know God of War 3 will burst records when it comes out in 2009, by then-PS3 will be everywhere...hopefully.
bd @ Feb 22nd 2006 2:17PM
Exactly, as Jose said, the franchise would be killed in the attempt if it was made at the beginning of the next-gen. To make a good game on a next-gen game (both graphically and gameplaywise) you need to have at least some experience in developing for the systems and the final PS3 dev kits have been barely released, if they are indeed final.
With this, they help reinforce brand loyality towards PlayStation, and a lot more money is earned, let alone the PS2 specs are fully taken advantage off, instead of cutting their generation short in order to deliver a 1.5 experience.
Once devs learn to use PS3 kits, we will probably see a decent God of War 3 and a decent Shadow of the Colossus.
"Maybe because no one wants the PS3...."
Can't joystiq immediately delete posts from trolls? Thanks.
Wonderflex @ Feb 22nd 2006 2:22PM
"They can only sell God of War 2 for a year on the PS2, tops. But if they released it for the PS3, we're talking about 3+ years."
The PS3 can play PS2 titles, so those who wish to play it on the PS2 will be able to, as well as those who wawnt to play it on their PS3's. That means it can have as long a life as it would have if it had been a strictly PS3 release, along with the bonus of larger sales do to the fact that those who only have PS2's will be able to play it.
Thanks to backwards compatibility if they wanted to release a new PS1 game they could, and it would capture players who currently only have PS1's, but also PS2, and PS3 owners. It woudln't sell as well in light of today's gamers screaming for graphical improvement, but that doesn't mean it couldn't be done.
A game like God of War will have the high demand though, and those who bought a PS3 will prolly still pick it up, even if it is a PS2 title; while Sony will laugh their way to the bank, thanks to it also picking up sales from current gen owners.
Clint @ Feb 22nd 2006 2:27PM
Since most PS2 games will work on PS3 (unlike Xbox 1.5) this shouldn't be a problem. If you have a PS2, play it on the PS2. If you have a PS3, you can still play it on the PS3 with better graphics. It's a win win situation for Sony AND customers.
Bill @ Feb 22nd 2006 2:40PM
If it is a PS2 title; it will support 16X9 widescreen and 1080p. The PS3 is backwards compatible with the PS2; it will look like a next-gen xbox 360 (First generation of games) game by running at a higher resolution. I would rather see them develop the game for a system they know in-and-out; but a PS3 director's cut would be nice too!
MrPolarBare @ Feb 22nd 2006 2:45PM
The reason why is simple to me. They want to milk dry the profits from success of the first one. Obviously if they move to the PS3 they would have to completely redo the graphics and prep it up for the next generation (which costs money). But by keeping it on the PS2 they can clean up a few little things and call it a sequel. It might be a good decision "profits-wise", but after all of the praise given to the God of War crew this past year, I would expect a little more. Releasing a game for PS2 AFTER the next gen has started isn't very "innovative" to me. Metal Gear, Killzone, and Gran Turismo are key Sony franchises looking towards the future. God of War seems to be heading in the opposite direction, unfortunately. Hopefully this time around they can at least clean up the countless invisible walls that almost every game reivewer fails to mention about the original GOW.
FooAtari @ Feb 22nd 2006 2:47PM
Clint...
"Since most PS2 games will work on PS3 (unlike Xbox 1.5) this shouldn't be a problem. If you have a PS2, play it on the PS2. If you have a PS3, you can still play it on the PS3 with better graphics. It's a win win situation for Sony AND customers."
What exactly are you basing your assumptions on there?
Aaron Laine @ Feb 22nd 2006 2:48PM
I'm gald they are sticking with the current generation for the release of this game. Especially considering the strong fan base of the PS2 and the contined sales of this game. I also believe they have alot to improve on considering the short nature of the original, and they additional models they scratched off right before the game went gold. And flying would make a great addition as well!
jon @ Feb 22nd 2006 2:57PM
Next Genish visuals on a PS2...Ha!
clearskin @ Feb 22nd 2006 2:58PM
I don't know about this decision. I loved GOW on the PS2, but Sony should really be prioritizing the PS3 about now. In the console wars, market share is more important that profit (otherwise Nintendo would be the clear winner), and they should be giving people as many reasons as possible to sell their PS2s and buy a PS3. Otherwise they risk a smaller piece to the new pie that will soon replace the old.
bryan @ Feb 22nd 2006 3:02PM
This is pretty clear to me. The PlayStation 3 has no chance of a 2006 launch. They are showing their cards here. That's why they pulled the story.
ITS FEBRUARY 2006!!!, and they are discussing a PS2 game for 2007? By 2007, the PS2 should be in the bargain bin...unless the PS3 still brand new, and still $400 in 2007.
I doubt we will see any Xbox 1 games released in 2007. Nintendo should be selling the Revolution in record numbers by then too. Sony has put all their eggs in one basket, and now they cant deliver before they spoil. Its to bad. I love my minidisc player too.
nemi @ Feb 22nd 2006 3:10PM
If it supports 1080i like GT4 does then it would be a lovely game to have on the PS2.
Does any know of any game currently avliable (or avlibale soon) other than GT4 that supports 1080i on the PS2?
pr0cs @ Feb 22nd 2006 3:32PM
don't know if this speaks well for Sony's faith in their new product when one of the best (if not the best) Playstation only games isn't going to be coming to their new console anytime soon.
scott @ Feb 22nd 2006 3:50PM
personally i'm glad. I have no intention of buying a PS3 - or any console - for over $500. GOW was probably my favorite game since the original tomb raider on PSone, so it would suck if they just released the sequel on a different platform.
i just wish it was coming out THIS february.
MosquitoControl @ Feb 22nd 2006 4:00PM
Clint:
The PS2 Slimline can't even play every PS2 game.
What makes you think the PS3 will be any better at backwards compatibility than the 360?
If a new version of a current gen system can't play the same games as the old version... that bodes poorly for the next gen.
Fortunately people like you don't ever question things like this and keep lapping up the exaggerations all 3 game companies spin. That keeps the rest of us swarmed in hype that never comes true.
kizza's brother wazza @ Feb 22nd 2006 5:08PM
Maybe the original developers are doing the ps3 version & they have palmed the ps2 version off to someone else. Kinda like how ubisoft get their shanghai studio's to port their tom clancy games to ps2.
Sales will be more massive on ps2. 100 million installed base is a no brainer. PS3 is only gonna have around 5-15million installed base consoles out there by mid-late 2007.
"think this is pretty simple really. I dont' recall where I read it but Kutargi-san stated that support for the PS2 will continue for the next 3-5 years AFTER the launch of the PS3. So obviously, they aren't expecting the disgustingly high sell rate this time around-especially if the PS3 is "
I heard this from sony with the ps1-ps2 crossover. The support from sony in house developers will twindle off within a yr of ps3 release. Support will then die off very quickly with the better developers (it's already started really), then you will see nothing but budget games from crappy developers that rush stuff out with minimal effort or development expense, knowing that there will be plenty of people to lap up any new release on the old hardware.
This is how it works.
Kamalot @ Feb 22nd 2006 7:15PM
Sony is showing no faith in their ability to sell PS3's between now and the launch of this game...
...in 2007!
The PS3 is nowhere near ready.
Superzapper2000 @ Feb 22nd 2006 8:12PM
"The PS2 Slimline can't even play every PS2 game.
What makes you think the PS3 will be any better at backwards compatibility than the 360?"
by MosquitoControl
What PS2 titles can't the PS2 slimline play ?.This is news to me.
Arachneya @ Feb 22nd 2006 8:32PM
GOW "franchise"? Didn't Kratos die?
Clint, the "Xbox 1.5" tag has been done to death. Some originality, if you please.
pakit2 @ Feb 23rd 2006 12:19AM
god of war 1 and 2 in one blue ray disc for ps3
Zero_ @ Feb 23rd 2006 12:28AM
"The PS2 Slimline can't even play every PS2 game.
What makes you think the PS3 will be any better at backwards compatibility than the 360?"
You mean, Final Fantasy XI?
Secondly, the 360 uses emulation, software emulation. The Playstation 3 will play PS2 and PS1 games using hardware, not software emulation.
If this report is true, I'm not suprised. The PS2 user base is huge, mega huge and ofcourse they'll target it. Most of the people who are getting it have played GOW1 and have PS2, but that doesn't mean they'll buy a PS3, so they're targetting the audience they want.
But I doubt this report is true. Isn't Jaffe working on a PSP game?
jason @ Feb 23rd 2006 12:47AM
It would actually surprise me if the lead designer for God of War would make a third installment. He's actually very outspoken against the sequelitis that's plaguing the industry, among other things. Even if he is affiliated with a company like Sony, I have a very high opinion of him. An artist must go where the money is.
jason @ Feb 23rd 2006 12:51AM
#27
That's not true. The PS3 will use emulation to run older PS system title. The architecture is vastly different, as both the PS2 and PS3 use eccentric methods of processing.
However, due to its pure number crunching power, the PS3 will not have a problem with PS2 games, just like the 360 has no problem with Xbox games. It's only a matter of having programmers taking the time work on each title which, hopefully, they do more of than MS did with the 360.
Jason Froshaug @ Feb 26th 2006 11:28AM
I don't know how accurate this is but I did read it on gamespot
PS3 launch, price doubts batter Sony stock
Share price sinks 3.6 percent on predictions of $900-per-console manufacturing cost, spring 2007 US launch; contradictory corporate statements follow.
Across the United States, most Americans were relaxing this Monday, courtesy of the long Presidents' Day holiday weekend. Not so across the Pacific in the corporate offices of Sony. The electronics and entertainment giant saw its stock price sink 3.6 percent, dropping to 5,300 yen ($45) per share. The fall affected the entire Tokyo stock market, with the Nikkei index dropping 1.75 percent to 15,437.93 yen ($130.57).
Monday's drop follows a 2.8 percent decline in Sony stock on Friday, after Wall Street stock-brokerage firm Merrill Lynch published a report skeptical of the company's next-generation console plans. It predicted that the launch of the PlayStation 3 console could be delayed by 6 to 12 months from its current spring 2006 window, resulting in an autumn launch in Japan and a late-2006 or early-2007 launch in the US.
"We wrote last November that Sony’s design choices for the PS3 had resulted in an expensive and difficult-to-manufacture product," read the report, "and we think that we're seeing the consequences of those choices play out now. In particular, we think the problem points are the Sony Cell processor and the Blu-ray drive." Merrill Lynch also cited heat-generation issues with PS3 hardware and the far-from-finished state of most games for the platform as factors.
While other analysts have predicted that the PS3 might not hit North America until Q4 2006 or Q1 2007--which would miss the all-important holiday shopping season--Merrill Lynch's stature made many a trader skittish. The fires of unease were fueled further by another component of the report, which predicted that the manufacturing cost of the console could be much higher than previous estimates of around $500 per unit.
"Our updated analysis indicates that the initial bill of [production] materials for PS3 could approach $900," read the report. The report said that the production cost of a single Cell processor will be $230 at launch, with the Blu-ray drive setting Sony back $350 per unit. However, the $900 price tag presumably includes a $100 optional hard drive, as a breakdown of component costs in the report totals just $795.
If the $900 estimate is correct, that means the PS3 would have to sell for around $775-$800 to maintain a $100-$125 per-unit loss similar to that of Microsoft's Xbox 360. If the $795 estimate is correct, the console could sell for around $699--within the range recently forecast by a group of analysts and developers polled by CNN/Money.
Merrill Lynch expects that PS3 production costs will start falling after 2007, when Sony can shift the Cell chip's manufacture from the complex 90nm process to the more cost-effective 65mn process. Scaling Blu-ray to other devices will also bring down the drive's price. Merrill Lynch predicts that the PS3's production cost will fall to $320 in the three years after its launch, by which time the Cell will cost only $60 per unit and the Blu-ray drive only $100 per unit.
In the wake of the report, Sony issued a series of contradictory statements. In Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment spokesperson Kei Sakaguchi flatly denied that there would be any delay to Bloomberg News and other press outlets, saying, "There isn't any change in our plan to release the console in spring 2006."
However, a Sony Computer Entertainment America spokesperson was more cautious when she spoke with USA Today. "We're aiming for spring, but we haven't announced specific regions," she told the daily broadsheet. "We're waiting for [final PS3 specifications] until the last possible minute, but the launch could be pushed back if they're not decided soon."
Zachary Keever @ Mar 21st 2006 11:26PM
Oh yah god of war is one of those game is lay over and over i love this game i mean after the first game there is no way they can top this but i am sure that this one will be bloddier and better then the first
Zachary Keever @ Mar 22nd 2006 8:55PM
Oh yah god of war is one of those game is lay over and
over i love
this game i mean after the first game there is no way they can top
this but i am sure that this one will be bloddier and better then the
first
cool_kyle @ Mar 25th 2006 12:12PM
think God of war rocks and so will the god of war 2. i think that a ps2 version will sell more than a Ps3 just because a lot of people have a Ps2 and that the first release sales went through the roof. but i thinkt that this is not the last that we are going to see. believe me that there is going to be a Ps3 version. God of War 3. and i think that when it does by then a lot of people would have a Ps3 by then.
Luke @ Apr 24th 2006 3:37AM
Cant wait 4 the new 1, i wonder if they will b using better hardwear so the graphics look more realistic, if n e 1 know when the official website is finished plz email me tha date thanx
l83rz LUKEY BOI