Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Zombie Tycoon 2 free on PS Plus this week; BioShocks, Metal Gears, God of Wars on sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/zombie-tycoon-2-free-on-ps-plus-this-week-bioshocks-metal-gear/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/zombie-tycoon-2-free-on-ps-plus-this-week-bioshocks-metal-gear/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/zombie-tycoon-2-free-on-ps-plus-this-week-bioshocks-metal-gear/#comments PS Plus madness Zombie Tycoon 2 free, AllStars for $20This week's free PS Plus game is Zombie Tycoon 2, launching tomorrow as a PSN download on PS3 and PS Vita. Zombie Tycoon 2 is the sequel to Frima Studios' real-time strategy game pitting two mad scientists against one another, each with an army of zombies at his beck and call, as they try to invade the town of Finkleville.

In addition to the free game, the usual discount trumpeting will take place tomorrow. Spring Fever concludes with arguably its best week yet, offering up discounts themed around PlayStation All-Stars ($20 for PS Plus members) and its featured combatants. Many notable series are on sale, including entries in Metal Gear, Sly Cooper, BioShock, LittleBigPlanet, Devil May Cry, God of War, Infamous, Ratchet & Clank and Twisted Metal. The full list is available over on the PlayStation Blog.

JoystiqZombie Tycoon 2 free on PS Plus this week; BioShocks, Metal Gears, God of Wars on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshockdevil-may-crygod-of-warinfamouslittlebigplanetmetal-gearplaystationplaystation-all-stars-battle-royaleplaystation-plusplaystation-vitaps-plusps3pspratchet-and-clanksly-coopersonyspring-fevertwisted-metalvitazombie-tycoon-2Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War: Ascension's tough 'Trial of Archimedes' to be patched]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/god-of-war-ascensions-tough-trial-of-archimedes-to-be-patche/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/god-of-war-ascensions-tough-trial-of-archimedes-to-be-patche/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/god-of-war-ascensions-tough-trial-of-archimedes-to-be-patche/#comments One particular section of Sony Santa Monica's God of War: Ascension has players quite miffed: the Trial of Archimedes. It's a long gameplay encounter near the end of the game, with no checkpoints and few health drops.

Game director Todd Papy took to Twitter to say the developer is "looking into patching it" now. "I personally tuned it. I didn't mean for it to be so hard. We are looking into patching it," Pappy wrote in one tweet. In another, he said the patch was likely to arrive "very soon."

God of War: Ascension launched on PS3 this week. In our review, we likened Ascension to "a car riding in the spectacle slipstream of its predecessors, never quite able to surpass them."

JoystiqGod of War: Ascension's tough 'Trial of Archimedes' to be patched originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-wargod-of-war-ascensionpatchplaystationps3todd-papytrial-of-archimedesThu, 14 Mar 2013 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War: Ascension enables The Last of Us demo May 31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/buy-god-of-war-ascension-get-access-to-the-last-of-us-demo-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/buy-god-of-war-ascension-get-access-to-the-last-of-us-demo-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/buy-god-of-war-ascension-get-access-to-the-last-of-us-demo-may/#comments Synergy! The demo for Naughty Dog's upcoming fungi-fueled survival game, The Last of Us, will be accessible on May 31, 2013, through copies of God of War: Ascension. The demo will be accessible through the front menu of God of War: Ascension, as Sony has previously revealed.

We've contacted Naughty Dog for further clarification as to whether this demo will ever be available to those without God of War: Ascension. The Last of Us was originally due on May 7, until it was pushed back to June 14 worldwide.

JoystiqGod of War: Ascension enables The Last of Us demo May 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demogod-of-wargod-of-war-ascensionnaughty-dogplaystationps3psnsceathe-last-of-usFri, 08 Mar 2013 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sale spotlight: God of War series, Mass Effect 2 on EU PSN this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/sale-spotlight-god-of-war-series-mass-effect-2-on-eu-psn-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/sale-spotlight-god-of-war-series-mass-effect-2-on-eu-psn-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/sale-spotlight-god-of-war-series-mass-effect-2-on-eu-psn-this/#comments For the next week, PSN users across the pond can snag a slew of God of War stuff on the cheap, with PlayStation Plus members getting an additional 10 percent off everything. Dramatic discounts have been extended to the God of War Collection, each individual God of War game sans God of War 3, and even LittleBigPlanet DLC and the trilogy soundtrack. PlayStation Plus subscribers get an additional 10 percent off on all of that.

This week also marks the debut of Mass Effect 3 as a free game for PlayStation Plus members in Europe, kicking off a month of pretty great freebies. To celebrate ME3's Instant Game Collection status, Sony is also discounting downloads of Mass Effect 2 by 30 percent for everyone - as with the God of War stuff, PlayStation Plus members take an additional 10 percent off.

JoystiqSale spotlight: God of War series, Mass Effect 2 on EU PSN this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlceuropegod-of-wargod-of-war-2God-Of-War-Chains-Of-Olympusgod-of-war-collectionlittlebigplanetplaystationplaystation-plusps3pspsonyWed, 06 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[See Zeus, Isaac Clarke throw down in PlayStation All-Stars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/see-zeus-isaac-clarke-throw-down-in-playstation-all-stars/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/see-zeus-isaac-clarke-throw-down-in-playstation-all-stars/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/see-zeus-isaac-clarke-throw-down-in-playstation-all-stars/#comments
Sony will release downloadable characters Zeus and Isaac Clarke for PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale on March 19, along with a new stage that is a cross-over of MediEvil and The Unfinished Swan. According to a post on the PlayStation Blog from newly appointed Sony lead game designer Seth Killian, the stage will be free to play in online ranked matches, $1.99 to own.

Both Zeus and Isaac are being offered gratis to those who purchase God of War: Ascension, available through an included voucher; or you can buy each combatant for $4.99 through PSN on March 19. Above, you can see Isaac battle back the madness - hop past the break if you want to see Zeus choke Sackboy.

Gallery: PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale (Zeus and Isaac Clarke DLC)

Continue reading See Zeus, Isaac Clarke throw down in PlayStation All-Stars

JoystiqSee Zeus, Isaac Clarke throw down in PlayStation All-Stars originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-spacedead-space-2dead-space-3dlceagod-of-wargod-of-war-ascensionisaac-clarkemedievilplaystationplaystation-all-stars-battle-royaleplaystation-vitaps3sceasuperbot-entertainmentthe-unfinished-swanvisceral-gamesvitazeusThu, 28 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War HD free for PS Plus members in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/god-of-war-hd-free-for-ps-plus-members-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/god-of-war-hd-free-for-ps-plus-members-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/god-of-war-hd-free-for-ps-plus-members-in-europe/#comments God of War HD gets twoweek run on PS Plus in EuropeThe first God of War (in its HD format) is available now to PlayStation Plus members in Europe for free. The special will last two weeks, concluding on the ides minus two of March. After downloading, the game will remain accessible as long as the console stays a PS Plus member.

The freebie is to promote God of War: Ascension, the "immediate prequel" to the first game. Ascension will launch on the actual ides of March in Europe.

JoystiqGod of War HD free for PS Plus members in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>God-Of-Wargod-of-war-ascensionplaystationps3Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War: Ascension demo hits PSN alongside new trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/play-the-god-of-war-ascension-demo-on-psn-watch-the-trailer-he/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/play-the-god-of-war-ascension-demo-on-psn-watch-the-trailer-he/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/play-the-god-of-war-ascension-demo-on-psn-watch-the-trailer-he/#comments
The single-player demo for God of War: Ascension is available now for all users on the PlayStation Network. There's also a launch trailer out for the game, as seen above. Turns out the pre-divine Kratos is just as popular with the ladies as the fully-powered one was. Oh, and he's plenty angry, too.

JoystiqGod of War: Ascension demo hits PSN alongside new trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demodownloadfreegod-of-wargod-of-war-ascensiongowkratoslaunch-trailerplaystationps3psnreleasesingleplayersonysony-santa-monicatrailerTue, 26 Feb 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Go behind the scenes of the God of War Super Bowl ad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/go-behind-the-scenes-of-the-god-of-war-super-bowl-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/go-behind-the-scenes-of-the-god-of-war-super-bowl-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/go-behind-the-scenes-of-the-god-of-war-super-bowl-ad/#comments
This video shows the folks at Quantum Creation FX creating Kratos for the God of War: Ascension live-action Super Bowl commercial. If you're sick of eating buffalo wings after watching the finished ad, kick back, grab a burrito and watch this trailer and the other making-of video.

JoystiqGo behind the scenes of the God of War Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Feb 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-scenesgod-of-wargod-of-war-ascensionmaking-ofplaystationps3SONYsony-santa-monicaSat, 09 Feb 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Garnet Red PS3 heads to North America in God of War: Ascension bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/garnet-red-ps3-heads-to-north-america-in-god-of-war-ascension-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/garnet-red-ps3-heads-to-north-america-in-god-of-war-ascension-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/garnet-red-ps3-heads-to-north-america-in-god-of-war-ascension-b/#comments The Garnet Red version of the new super slim PS3, recently announced for Japan and Europe, is heading to North America as well, as the centerpiece of a God of War: Ascension bundle.

Along with the red 500GB PS3 (chosen as a nod to Kratos' tattoo, though "monster blood" could also be evoked), the $349 bundle comes with a copy of Ascension, as well as the God of War Saga collection, which includes every other God of War game. 30 days of PlayStation Plus are also thrown in.

The package comes out March 12, concurrent with Ascension. It seems like a great deal if you don't have a PS3 and have been eager to try devote your life to God of War.

Continue reading Garnet Red PS3 heads to North America in God of War: Ascension bundle

JoystiqGarnet Red PS3 heads to North America in God of War: Ascension bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlegarnet-redgod-of-wargod-of-war-ascensionplaystationps3Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War: Ascension single-player demo coming late February [Update: multiplayer beta open to all this weekend]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/god-of-war-ascension-single-player-demo-coming-late-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/god-of-war-ascension-single-player-demo-coming-late-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/god-of-war-ascension-single-player-demo-coming-late-february/#comments
A "full-fledged" single-player demo for God of War: Ascension is coming in late February, according to a recent PlayStation blog. With the multiplayer beta scheduled to end next week, fans only have the above 30-second teaser trailer to watch for the next month in preparation for the game's March 12 release date.

Unless you bought the Total Recall remake film on Blu-ray of course, which came with the E3 single-player demo that is exclusive through 3/8/13. While we'd assume those are two different demos by virtue of February and March being two different months, we've contacted Sony to be sure.

Update: God of War: Ascension's closed multiplayer beta testing initiative is officially open to all PSN users for the duration of the holiday weekend, Sony has informed us. Get in on that action by clicking here.

JoystiqGod of War: Ascension single-player demo coming late February [Update: multiplayer beta open to all this weekend] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Demogod-of-wargod-of-war-ascensionplaystationps3SCEASONYsony-santa-monicatrailerSat, 19 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kratos: God of war, man of evolving fashion tastes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/16/kratos-god-of-war-man-of-evolving-fashion-tastes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/16/kratos-god-of-war-man-of-evolving-fashion-tastes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/16/kratos-god-of-war-man-of-evolving-fashion-tastes/#comments The evolution of Kratos' designIf God of War's Kratos is best known for anything, it's obviously his impeccable fashion sense. His ensemble, even from the beginning of his hell-bent rampage, speaks of being meticulously composed, what with that pale skin, flowing skirt and bold face tattoo. How avante garde.

That said, it's interesting to note that just days before Sony introduced Kratos to the world, he sported blue full-body markings and more Hot Topic-inspired accessories. Right before his launch, however, someone on director David Jaffe's team pointed out that Smurfy Kratos resembled the Barbarian from Diablo 2, and his design was swapped to the red Kratos we now know and love.

"I had played Diablo but never 2, and this was sure news to me," Jaffe recalls. "As it was too clearly to many/all others on the team, as this was the first we'd heard of the character, let alone the similarity. So you can bet we changed it, lickety fuckin' split!"

JoystiqKratos: God of war, man of evolving fashion tastes originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artbluedavid-jaffedesignfashionGod-Of-WarKratosplaystationps3Sun, 16 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War: Ascension, Power Stone, and paying allegiance to the gods]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/god-of-war-ascension-power-stone-and-paying-allegiance-to-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/god-of-war-ascension-power-stone-and-paying-allegiance-to-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/god-of-war-ascension-power-stone-and-paying-allegiance-to-the/#comments God of War AscensionWhen asked about how he and the team at Sony Santa Monica are bringing multiplayer into the God of War series with God of War: Ascension, game director Todd Papy digs deep for inspiration. The single-player side of the game is obviously an influence, he says, as multiplayer side of the game attempts to enhance the always cinematic world of Kratos with a new character called the Avatar.

But then things get a little nuts. "You can look at Allegiance levels," says Papy, referring to the mode's customization choices defined by the four gods Zeus, Hades, Poseidon, and Ares, "and you can look at Diablo and Call of Duty and other games that have skill trees that you basically level up.

"And then you can look at Power Stone," says Papy, "as far as that old school melee feel to it." Yes. That's the one. Playing God of War: Ascension's renamed "Favor of the Gods" mode, and running around with up to eight other players flipping switches, executing combos, and earning favor points does feel a whole lot like the Dreamcast classic. In a strange way, to be honest. But a good one nevertheless.

Gallery: God of War: Ascension (Multiplayer)

Continue reading God of War: Ascension, Power Stone, and paying allegiance to the gods

JoystiqGod of War: Ascension, Power Stone, and paying allegiance to the gods originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allegianceascensionavatardirectorfavor-of-the-godsgod-of-wargod-of-war-ascensionkratosplaystationpreviewps3screenshotssony-santa-monicatodd-papyThu, 06 Dec 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War: Ascension making-of video covers two years of development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/24/god-of-war-ascension-making-of-video-covers-two-years-of-develo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/24/god-of-war-ascension-making-of-video-covers-two-years-of-develo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/24/god-of-war-ascension-making-of-video-covers-two-years-of-develo/#comments
This video from Sony Santa Monica details two years of development time for God of War: Ascension. The developer video shows the creation of a monstrous cyclops creature from its initial design phases. God of War: Ascension will launch on March 12, 2013 for PS3.

JoystiqGod of War: Ascension making-of video covers two years of development originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Nov 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-wargod-of-war-ascensionplaystationps3SONYsony-santa-monicaSat, 24 Nov 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: PowerUp Rewards offers big discounts on Sony PS3 collections]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/rumor-power-up-rewards-deals-on-sony-ps3-collections-nov-1-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/rumor-power-up-rewards-deals-on-sony-ps3-collections-nov-1-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/rumor-power-up-rewards-deals-on-sony-ps3-collections-nov-1-14/#comments Supposedly GameStop is planning a PowerUp Rewards member-exclusive sale from November 1 through November 14 for select Sony PlayStation 3 collections. Titles rumored to be on the cheap include Ico and Shadow of the Colossus Collection ($10), Jak and Daxter Collection ($10), Uncharted 1 and 2 ($15), God of War Saga ($20), Infamous 1 and 2 ($15), Killzone Trilogy ($20), the collector's edition of Journey ($15) and Ratchet & Clank Collection ($15). The rumored prices come courtesy of a NeoGAF thread featuring deal-seeking gamers.

We called a few local GameStop stores and the employees we talked to said there's no indication on their end a sale is incoming. A few employees mentioned seeing the GAF thread, but had no email correspondence or indication in their system of the promotion. We've followed up with GameStop corporate as well because we totally want this to be a thing. Ico and Shadow of the Colossus for $10? Yeah, we totally back that idea.

JoystiqRumor: PowerUp Rewards offers big discounts on Sony PS3 collections originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopgod-of-wargod-of-war-sagaico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collectioninfamousinfamous-2jak-and-daxter-collectionjourneyjourney-collectors-editionkillzone-trilogyplaystationps3ratchet-and-clank-collectionuncharteduncharted-2uncharted-2-among-thievesThu, 01 Nov 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ico and God of War PS3 collections patched for Remote Play on Vita [update: later today]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/ico-and-god-of-war-ps3-collections-patched-for-remote-play-on-vi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/ico-and-god-of-war-ps3-collections-patched-for-remote-play-on-vi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/ico-and-god-of-war-ps3-collections-patched-for-remote-play-on-vi/#comments Ico and God of War PS3 collections patched for Remote Play on VitaThe Remote Play patch for the God of War and Ico/Shadow of the Colossus collections is now live in Europe and the US [Update: It should go live in the US by 8PM PDT]. Sony announced the news on the PlayStation Blog.

Sony president Shuhei Yoshida teased the Vita patch earlier this week - once applied, you can remotely play the PS3 HD versions of first two God of War games, Ico, and Shadow of the Colossus on your Vita. It's almost like magic.

JoystiqIco and God of War PS3 collections patched for Remote Play on Vita [update: later today] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-wargod-of-war-2icoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3shadow-of-the-colossussonyvitaWed, 05 Sep 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War: Ascension dev 'pulls back' from in-game violence against women]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/god-of-war-ascension-dev-pulls-back-from-in-game-violence-aga/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/god-of-war-ascension-dev-pulls-back-from-in-game-violence-aga/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/god-of-war-ascension-dev-pulls-back-from-in-game-violence-aga/#comments God of War Ascension dev 'pulls back' from ingame violence against womenIn an interview with IGN, Sony Santa Monica's David Hewitt admitted the team's scaled back on the violence towards women in God of War: Ascension. The team is of the mind that showing such a thing would make a statement and define the character in a way that doesn't befit Kratos. "There are some things we've pulled back from. I think where this has been an issue is with violence against women - the team's pulled back from some of that and assessed that a little more carefully," Hewitt admitted. "There are certain things that carry has a different kind of resonance that we don't want to get into. This isn't about statement-making in that regard. It's about fleshing out this character."

The overall interview focuses not just on violence on women, but violence in general. As one of the most criticized games of E3 in this regard, Hewitt justifies God of War: Ascension's body count by saying Kratos doesn't languish in the slaughter, nor does he particularly enjoy it. Kratos is constantly pushing forward, moving toward his goal of revenge, so Hewitt doesn't feel the violence is particularly glorified.

JoystiqGod of War: Ascension dev 'pulls back' from in-game violence against women originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-wargod-of-war-ascensionkratosplaystationps3sony-santa-monicaviolenceThu, 19 Jul 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War screenplay being rewritten by Saw VI alumni]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/god-of-war-screenplay-being-rewritten-by-saw-vi-alumni/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/god-of-war-screenplay-being-rewritten-by-saw-vi-alumni/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/god-of-war-screenplay-being-rewritten-by-saw-vi-alumni/#comments These dudes are writing that God of War movieIt seems that God of War movie still exists on some nebulous, astral plane of pre-production. The screenplay originally penned by executive producer David Self is now being rewritten by Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Melton and Dunstan come from a primarily horror-based background, with their resumes consisting of such classics as Saw IV, V and VI, as well as Feast, Feast II: Sloppy Seconds and Feast III: The Happy Finish. Considering how eloquent the dialogue generally is in a God of War game, they're probably the perfect choices.

JoystiqGod of War screenplay being rewritten by Saw VI alumni originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-wargod-of-war-ascensiongod-of-war-filmgod-of-war-movieMarcus-DunstanPatrick-Meltonplaystationps3SawWed, 11 Jul 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War: Ascension gameplay revealed, coming March 12, 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/god-of-war-ascension-gameplay-revealed-at-sonys-e3-press-confer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/god-of-war-ascension-gameplay-revealed-at-sonys-e3-press-confer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/god-of-war-ascension-gameplay-revealed-at-sonys-e3-press-confer/#comments God of War Ascension gameplay revealed at Sony's E3 press conferenceSony just showed off the first singleplayer content for God of War: Ascension. Kratos is back in action fighting all kinds of baddies, including both a goat man and a half-elephant, half-man of some kind. Kratos showed off a nice arsenal of various weapons, including his trusty chainblades, and quite a few environmentally-obtained tools of destruction, as well as a few new stun moves and some very nice counter attacks.

Kratos also has one other big move: When a dock is destroyed, he can use something on his wrist (and a shiny green glow) to rebuild the dock's crane, Red Faction: Armageddon style.

The demo ended with Kratos diving right into the belly of a large kraken, undoubtedly ready for more killing. The game is coming out March 12, 2013.

JoystiqGod of War: Ascension gameplay revealed, coming March 12, 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 22:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bossgod-of-wargod-of-war-ascensionkratosplaystationps3Mon, 04 Jun 2012 22:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Retailer taking pre-orders for God of War 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/retailer-taking-pre-orders-for-god-of-war-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/retailer-taking-pre-orders-for-god-of-war-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/retailer-taking-pre-orders-for-god-of-war-4/#comments Though it still doesn't exist officially, God of War 4 is now available for pre-order at BT Games, a South African retailer. This is the same BT Games that leaked Mass Effect 3's multiplayer and the Jak and Daxter Collection's, so there's precedence for this being more than an ambitious placeholder. We've also confirmed that they operate based on information given by local distributors.

The site gives "Feb 2013" as the game's expected ship date, but that's a bit more nebulous in its reliability at this point. Still, add this listing with Sony Santa Monica's search for a Senior Staff Concept Artist and Timothy Williams' affirmation that he is indeed working on God of War 4's orchestral score, and we feel confident in saying -- yes -- there may be yet another game in a super popular franchise.

JoystiqRetailer taking pre-orders for God of War 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-wargod-of-war-4god-of-war-ivGoWplaystationpre-orderps3sony-santa-monicaThu, 23 Feb 2012 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Santa Monica hiring for unannounced God of War title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/sony-santa-monica-hiring-for-unannounced-god-of-war-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/sony-santa-monica-hiring-for-unannounced-god-of-war-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/sony-santa-monica-hiring-for-unannounced-god-of-war-title/#comments A job listing for Sony Santa Monica notes the studio is working on a new God of War, confirming that the sun will rise tomorrow and that McDonalds' french fries are, indeed, the best. The job listing is for a "Senior Staff Concept Artist," so, if you're available, we look forward to seeing your work translated in-game sometime in the next couple years.

In March, the studio was also on the hunt for a senior online programmer with experience in "designing and implementing systems and tools to support networking needs," which immediately got us thinking Gods of Wars, as in multiplayer.

The rumors are the next installment in the God of War franchise will eviscerate demons of Greek legend in new and gory ways during the 2012 holiday season.

JoystiqSony Santa Monica hiring for unannounced God of War title originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>God-Of-Warplaystationps3sony-santa-monicaMon, 31 Oct 2011 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War: Origins Collection demo hits PSN tomorrow for Plus members, next week for everyone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/god-of-war-origins-collection-demo-hits-psn-tomorrow-for-plus-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/god-of-war-origins-collection-demo-hits-psn-tomorrow-for-plus-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/god-of-war-origins-collection-demo-hits-psn-tomorrow-for-plus-m/#comments The life of a Spartan is hard, you know? Not only do you spend the majority of your time battling the will of the gods and/or Freddy Krueger, but you've also got to deal with Ready at Dawn rebuilding your entire body from scratch. Being completely reconstituted from the ground up is a serious drag on a wrathful deity's love life, but it looks like the reconstruction process is nearly finished, as the God of War: Origins Collection demo will soon make its way into your living room.

PlayStation Plus members itchin' for some PSP-remake action can get their hands dirty as early as tomorrow, while plebeian un-Plus members will have to quell their bloodlust until September 6. Full stereoscopic 3D will be included in the demo as well, so if you've got a 3D-capable display and an action-capable attitude, the only thing keeping you from olympian glory is yourself. Unless you're not a PlayStation Plus member; that will also keep you from olympian glory, for one week.

JoystiqGod of War: Origins Collection demo hits PSN tomorrow for Plus members, next week for everyone originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DemoGod-of-Wargod-of-war-origins-collectionplaystationPlayStation-Plusps3PSNReady-at-DawnSonyMon, 29 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ready at Dawn gets technical about God of War: Origins Collection on PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/ready-at-dawn-gets-technical-about-god-of-war-origins-collectio/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/ready-at-dawn-gets-technical-about-god-of-war-origins-collectio/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/ready-at-dawn-gets-technical-about-god-of-war-origins-collectio/#comments
Oh, you just thought they tighten up the graphics a bit and call it a day, huh? No way, José -- converting PSP games that run at 480 x 272, 30 frames a second, to full 1080p, 60 frames a second is no small task. Ready at Dawn had to get its hands dirty and create a custom PS3 version of its internal engine for God of War: Origins Collection, Nathan Phail-Liff recounted on the PlayStation Blog today.

"We ended up going through every single character in the game and doubling or tripling polygon count by hand, as well as up-rezing and re-painting every texture across both games at 4x resolution on both characters and environments," Phail-Liff said. He also said Ready at Dawn had to re-render every cutscene from Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta in the new PS3 engine. Finally, there's also going to be full stereoscopic 3D support in both games.

God of War: Origins Collection launches for the PS3 on September 13, 2011.

JoystiqReady at Dawn gets technical about God of War: Origins Collection on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-wargod-of-war-origins-collectionkratosplaystationps3pspReady-At-DawnsceasonyFri, 12 Aug 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War Master Collection 'currently' only for Germany]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/god-of-war-master-collection-currently-only-for-germany/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/god-of-war-master-collection-currently-only-for-germany/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/god-of-war-master-collection-currently-only-for-germany/#comments As much as we love writing about video games here at Joystiq, it pales in comparison to our real hobby: crushing hopes and dreams. If you were looking forward to playing through every single God of War game in the God of War Master Collection that was spotted on Amazon's German site, and you don't actually live in Germany, you're out of luck.

When asked about the listing, Sony informed Joystiq that the Master Collection is "currently only slated for the German market." It seems a bit unlikely that such a collection would be exclusive to a single region, so we wouldn't be surprised to see it announced for other regions as well. Of course, we'll take all the dream crushing we can get, even if it is only temporary.

JoystiqGod of War Master Collection 'currently' only for Germany originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-warGod-Of-War-3God-Of-War-Chains-Of-Olympusgod-of-war-ghost-of-spartaplaystationps3santa-monica-studiosonySony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaMon, 25 Jul 2011 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War 'Master Collection' spotted on Amazon.de]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/god-of-war-master-collection-spotted-on-amazon-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/god-of-war-master-collection-spotted-on-amazon-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/god-of-war-master-collection-spotted-on-amazon-de/#comments If God of War Collection didn't collect game well enough for you, we just might have some good news. A listing for "God of War Master Collection" has been spotted on Amazon Germany. The listing has no image or description, though it clearly states that the PS3 collection includes every single God of War title -- well, except for God of War: Betrayal. In case you've lost track, that's God of War 1, God of War 2, God of War 3, Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta.

Given Sony's penchant for fancy collections these days, a new, complete God of War compilation certainly makes sense. We've contacted Sony for confirmation on the Master Collection.

[Thanks, Josh]

JoystiqGod of War 'Master Collection' spotted on Amazon.de originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-wargod-of-war-2god-of-war-3God-Of-War-Chains-Of-Olympusgod-of-war-ghost-of-spartagod-of-war-master-collectionplaystationps3Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War Origins Collection announced, bringing PSP titles to PS3 with 3D support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/god-of-war-origins-announced-bringing-psp-titles-to-ps3-with-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/god-of-war-origins-announced-bringing-psp-titles-to-ps3-with-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/god-of-war-origins-announced-bringing-psp-titles-to-ps3-with-3d/#comments He just. Can't. Be. Stopped. As hinted at last month, everyone's favorite furious blade-spinner will return to the PS3 in God of War Origins Collection, a 3D-enabled compilation of God of War: Ghost of Sparta and Chains of Olympus -- Ready at Dawn's two PSP entries into the franchise. Keep an eye out for Origins in September.

JoystiqGod of War Origins Collection announced, bringing PSP titles to PS3 with 3D support originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 20:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2011god-of-warplaystationps3sony-santa-monicaMon, 06 Jun 2011 20:46:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War development team hiring online programmer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/god-of-war-development-team-hiring-online-programmer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/god-of-war-development-team-hiring-online-programmer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/god-of-war-development-team-hiring-online-programmer/#comments Sony Santa Monica isn't really known for creating games with compelling online user experiences, or ... um, any online user experiences ... but that might be changing with the developer's next project. The God of War developer has posted a hiring notice for a senior online programmer with experience in "Designing and implementing systems and tools to support networking needs," specifically in-game chat systems, matchmaking and leaderboards.

It would be irresponsible to jump the gun and say Sony Santa Monica's working on an online-enabled God of War game, but we'll be damned if that's going to keep us from coming up with a bunch of prospective titles. God of War: Kratos and the Gang. God of War: Massively Mythological RPG. God of War vs. Free Realms. Gods of Wars.

JoystiqGod of War development team hiring online programmer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-warGod-Of-War-3multiplayerplaystationps3pspsonysony-santa-monicaWed, 30 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 2 wins GOTY, RPG, storytelling awards at DICE 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/mass-effect-2-wins-goty-rpg-story-awards-at-dice-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/mass-effect-2-wins-goty-rpg-story-awards-at-dice-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/mass-effect-2-wins-goty-rpg-story-awards-at-dice-2011/#comments Tonight's 14th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards (i.e., the DICE awards) saw Mass Effect 2 cruise off with honors for Game of the Year, RPG of the Year and Outstanding Achievement in Story. However, Red Dead Redemption ended up with more trophies, riding away with wins for Action Game of the Year and Outstanding Character Performance, along with Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction, Art Direction and Gameplay Engineering.

The portable and casual categories were filled with rage, as God of War: Ghost of Sparta won the award for Portable Game of the Year, while Casual Game of the Year went to the ferocious fowls of Angry Birds HD.

Check out the full list of award recipients after the break.

Continue reading Mass Effect 2 wins GOTY, RPG, storytelling awards at DICE 2011

JoystiqMass Effect 2 wins GOTY, RPG, storytelling awards at DICE 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 01:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AIASangry-birdsawardsbiowareDICEDICE-2011eaElectronic-Artsgod-of-wargod-of-war-ghost-of-spartaMass-Effect-2microsoftpcplaystationps3Ready-At-Dawnred-dead-redemptionRockstar-GamesRockstar-San-DiegoRoviosceasonyxboxFri, 11 Feb 2011 01:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Kratos in Mortal Kombat, exclusively on PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/rumor-kratos-in-mortal-kombat-exclusively-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/rumor-kratos-in-mortal-kombat-exclusively-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/rumor-kratos-in-mortal-kombat-exclusively-on-ps3/#comments It seems that the constantly furious Kratos of God of War fame could be appearing exclusively on the PlayStation 3 version of this February's Mortal Kombat. Fighting game site Shoryuken claims the January issue of PlayStation: The Official Magazine will detail as much, though copies of the magazine have yet to arrive in readers' hands.

The Grecian rage machine will purportedly not appear in the game's story mode, but will rip apart characters in versus. Also, if the rumor is true, we're putting this out there right now: fatality featuring a stampeding Pegasus. Just sayin'! Anyway, between the issue's impending release and the nearing VGAs, we hope to hear more on Kratos' cameo soon. Who's next? Link in the Wii version -- oh, wait a minute ...

[Thanks, Adam]

JoystiqRumor: Kratos in Mortal Kombat, exclusively on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameoexclusive-charactergod-of-warkratosmortal-kombat-2011netherrealmnetherrealm-studiosplaystationps3Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Kratos yourself' (or your cat) with God of War: Ghost of Sparta web app]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/06/kratos-yourself-or-your-cat-with-god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/06/kratos-yourself-or-your-cat-with-god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/06/kratos-yourself-or-your-cat-with-god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta/#comments PlayStation UK has created a handy web app that can transform a normal headshot of yourself (or your dog, cat, life-size cardboard standee of Burt Reynolds, etc.) into the spitting image of the Ghost of Sparta himself, Kratos. Perfect for seeing if you can rock that red, full-face tattoo you want.

Joystiq'Kratos yourself' (or your cat) with God of War: Ghost of Sparta web app originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Nov 2010 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-warGod-of-War-Ghost-of-SpartakratosplaystationpspsonySat, 06 Nov 2010 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War: Ghost of Sparta review: This Spartan stands tall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta-review/#comments The past 12 months have been very good to fans of the God of War franchise. Nearly a year ago, we got HD versions of the original PS2 game and its sequel, followed by the excellent God of War III for PS3. Then came the revelation that Ready At Dawn, developer of the knockout God of War: Chains of Olympus for PSP, was returning to the system with a brand new entry, God of War: Ghost of Sparta.

As great as Chains of Olympus had been, the idea that a portable God of War could satisfy after the epic PS3 iteration seemed, well, like it would take an act of ... gods. It's a good thing, then, that Ready At Dawn clearly drew on some otherworldly powers in creating Ghost of Sparta: a game that upholds the standard of quality in gameplay, storytelling and sheer wow factor of the series, while also -- like Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker before it -- blurring the lines between portable and console experiences with its amazing presentation.

Gallery: God of War: Ghost of Sparta

Continue reading God of War: Ghost of Sparta review: This Spartan stands tall

JoystiqGod of War: Ghost of Sparta review: This Spartan stands tall originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-Adventuregod-of-warGod-of-War-Ghost-of-SpartaplaystationpspReady-At-DawnsonyMon, 25 Oct 2010 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War Collection coming to PSN in November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/god-of-war-collection-coming-to-psn-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/god-of-war-collection-coming-to-psn-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/god-of-war-collection-coming-to-psn-in-november/#comments Does the very thought of standing up, walking to your PlayStation 3 and inserting a Blu-ray disc incite utter, uncontrollable rage? In an effort to counter vengeful rampages against Sony's higher management, the publisher has announced a downloadable version of God of War Collection.

Set to arrive on Tuesday, November 2, alongside God of War: Ghost of Sparta, the PlayStation Network compilation will feature the remastered God of War and God of War 2 -- both running in 720p native resolution at 60 frames per second -- but will not include any of the bonus content from the Blu-ray release.

According to the European PlayStation Blog, the greek growl-a-thons will be sold separately for €18/£14 each, or as a bundle for €30/£24. That's quite a bit higher than the cost of the Blu-ray collection, and we hope the observation won't apply to the US price when it's announced. You have enough reasons to be angry as it is -- just look at how far away the remote control is today.

Gallery: God of War Collection

JoystiqGod of War Collection coming to PSN in November originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-wargod-of-war-collectionplaystationps3psnrelease-datesony-santa-monicaWed, 20 Oct 2010 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War: Ghost of Sparta demo for PlayStation Plus next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta-demo-for-playstation-plus-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta-demo-for-playstation-plus-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta-demo-for-playstation-plus-next-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Now this is totally cooler than discounts on PS3 service plans: next Tuesday, September 7, those with subscriptions to Sony's PlayStation Plus service will score an early download of the God of War: Ghost of Sparta demo. No word yet on a non-subscriber date for the demo. We'll keep you posted.

JoystiqGod of War: Ghost of Sparta demo for PlayStation Plus next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demogod-of-warGod-of-War-Ghost-of-Spartaplaystationplaystation-pluspsnpspReady-At-DawnsonyWed, 01 Sep 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony invites public to God of War documentary taping in Los Angeles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/sony-invites-public-to-god-of-war-documentary-taping-in-los-ange/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/sony-invites-public-to-god-of-war-documentary-taping-in-los-ange/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/sony-invites-public-to-god-of-war-documentary-taping-in-los-ange/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you live in Los Angeles and love God of War, you're in luck. Sony is getting the directors of all of the God of War games so far -- that's David Jaffe, Cory Barlog, Stig Asmussen, Ru Weerasuiya and Dana Jan, for those of you keeping score -- together this Wednesday in the City of Angels to film a documentary extra for the upcoming Ghost of Sparta preorder bundle, and it's inviting the public to watch.

Starting at 4:00 p.m. PDT on September 1, fans can arrive at the El Portal theater in North Hollywood, and the first 150 on the scene (which means you better show up early) will get seats to see the show. You can RSVP on the Facebook page (though it doesn't appear that you have to -- it's just first come, first served) and you must be 18+ or accompanied by a parent to enter. Sony's also promising "gifts and prizes for all in attendance," so if you make it in, you'll probably get to take something home, too. We mean besides the insight and wit of David Jaffe and company.

JoystiqSony invites public to God of War documentary taping in Los Angeles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cory-barlogdana-jandavid-jaffegod-of-warGod-of-War-Ghost-of-Spartagow-3gow3playstationps3pspru-weerasuiyasonystig-asmussenMon, 30 Aug 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War: Ghost of Sparta special edition PSP revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta-special-edition-psp-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta-special-edition-psp-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta-special-edition-psp-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

PlayStation Blog released a few images of the special edition PSP, seen above, included in the God of War: Ghost of Sparta bundle. It just ... looks angry, doesn't it? Like, we rarely imbue inanimate objects with human emotions, but that thing looks like it wants to cut us while we sleep.

Continue reading God of War: Ghost of Sparta special edition PSP revealed

JoystiqGod of War: Ghost of Sparta special edition PSP revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlegod-of-warGod-of-War-Ghost-of-Spartaplaystationpspready-at-dawnsonySony-Computer-Entertainmentspecial-editionMon, 30 Aug 2010 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Spoof God of War movie trailer is so indie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/17/spoof-god-of-war-movie-trailer-is-so-indie/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/17/spoof-god-of-war-movie-trailer-is-so-indie/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/17/spoof-god-of-war-movie-trailer-is-so-indie/#comments Whatever you may have imagined a God of War movie would be like, there's a very good chance it was nothing like this. Who would have thought Kratos was just an upper-crust prep school kid with real problems? Really, the only things missing from this trailer are Ellen Page and Jason Schwartzman.

Continue reading Spoof God of War movie trailer is so indie

JoystiqSpoof God of War movie trailer is so indie originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cultureGod-of-WarGod-Of-War-3playstationps3pspSat, 17 Jul 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: God of War: Ghost of Sparta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/preview-god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/preview-god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/preview-god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta/#comments "Every end has a beginning," the trailer for God of War: Ghost of Sparta tells us. Yet, considering how savaged Greek mythology is by the end of God of War 3, Ghost of Sparta seems a bit out of place. A new God of War prequel from Chains of Olympus developer Ready at Dawn should be cause for celebration, but perhaps it's too soon after God of War 3 -- my excitement was definitely abated when I picked up the PSP system and started playing. It felt too safe, too familiar.

That's not to say that Ghost of Sparta is bad. In fact, it's very good -- Ready at Dawn's handheld wizardry has managed to improve even more, with visuals that seem impossible on Sony's aging portable. And it's not just a pretty face: there are some new gameplay features as well, including a few refinements carried over from the PS3 game. Chains of Olympus stands as the most critically acclaimed PSP game to date, and it seems Ghost of Sparta has a chance of besting such a lofty goal.

The core mechanics will be instantly familiar to anyone who has played a God of War game. At this point, Kratos' repertoire of dual-chain attacks should be part of muscle memory. There are a few additions that make the combat feel new and fun. The "Hyperion Charge," for example, allows you to run at enemies and tackle them. Additional button presses let you bash at the enemy, MMA style, or throw it as a meatbag projectile.

Gallery: God of War: Ghost of Sparta (E3 2010)

Continue reading Preview: God of War: Ghost of Sparta

JoystiqPreview: God of War: Ghost of Sparta originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2010god-of-wargod-of-war-ghost-of-spartaplaystationpspready-at-dawnTue, 22 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Los Angeles residents invited to playtest Ghost of Sparta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/los-angeles-residents-invited-to-playtest-ghost-of-sparta/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/los-angeles-residents-invited-to-playtest-ghost-of-sparta/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/los-angeles-residents-invited-to-playtest-ghost-of-sparta/#comments If you live in Los Angeles, and are at least 18 years old, and you know your way around a God of War game, and you're capable of signing a Non-Disclosure agreement, then this is one heck of a coincidence. Sony is currently looking for people matching that very description to come check out Kratos' next handheld adventure: God of War: Ghost of Sparta, this Thursday.

To apply, just email SCEA Santa Monica with your name, address, phone number, and whether you'd prefer to join in the 11 a.m. to noon session, or the 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. session. We suggest going with the first one, so that you don't have to see them cleaning up the goat offal left over from their bacchanalian lunchtime feast.

JoystiqLos Angeles residents invited to playtest Ghost of Sparta originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 May 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-wargod-of-war-ghost-of-spartalos-angelesplaytestsony-santa-monicatestMon, 24 May 2010 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BAFTA-winning God of War writer working on Shank]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/bafta-winning-god-of-war-writer-working-on-shank/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/bafta-winning-god-of-war-writer-working-on-shank/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/bafta-winning-god-of-war-writer-working-on-shank/#comments While you wouldn't think a game with a title as brutally simple as Shank would need a heavyweight in the whole "writing" department, Electronic Arts recently announced that Marianne Krawczyk, who won a BAFTA award for her work on the God of War franchise, will contribute to Klei Entertainment's action-platformer.

In a recent EA press release, Krawczyk said, "we are creating a story that will allow gamers to explore a world where values like integrity and loyalty take on their own twisted meanings." We assume said story will be related between opportunities to stab things using two knives simultaneously -- a genre which is quickly becoming Krawczyk's literary bread-and-butter.

JoystiqBAFTA-winning God of War writer working on Shank originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 May 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baftaeaElectronic-Artsgod-of-warklei-entertainmentMarianne-KrawczykMicrosoftshankwriterwritingxblaXbox-360Thu, 13 May 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War novel ravages retail May 25, first chapter online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/god-of-war-novel-ravages-retail-may-25-first-chapter-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/god-of-war-novel-ravages-retail-may-25-first-chapter-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/god-of-war-novel-ravages-retail-may-25-first-chapter-online/#comments The official God of War novel, based on the "thrilling video game," will spill its entrails of words all over bookstore shelves May 25, 2010. In the meantime, the prologue and first chapter of the book are available for Medusa's gaze online [PDF link]. Be warned, however, Kratos' transition from video game to literature may be a little tough to swallow. An excerpt:

"His only dream now is of oblivion.
He has been called the Ghost of Sparta. He has been called the Fist of Ares and the Champion of Athena. He has been called a warrior. A murderer. A monster.
He is all of these things. And none of them.
His name is Kratos, and he knows who the real monsters are."

If you're comfortable with that, then the rest won't feel like a grueling Olympic event.

JoystiqGod of War novel ravages retail May 25, first chapter online originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookgod-of-wargod-of-war-3god-of-war-novelliteraturenovelTue, 11 May 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War: Ghost of Sparta brings Kratos back to PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta-brings-kratos-back-to-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta-brings-kratos-back-to-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta-brings-kratos-back-to-psp/#comments
God of Whoa: Click to browse high-res gallery. It looks like we finally know what the "Spartans Stand Tall" teaser site was all about. Sony has just announced God of War: Ghost of Sparta, a new PSP-exclusive game developed by Ready At Dawn Studios, the same team responsible for Chains of Olympus. "Excitement for the God of War franchise is at an all-time high and we're thrilled to continue that momentum with God of War: Ghost of Sparta," Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, SCEA, said in a press release. "This new adventure will showcase Kratos on PSP like never before in an experience that fans and newcomers can enjoy on the go, anytime, anywhere."

Ghost of Sparta features Kratos once again, this time in an adventure that takes place after the first God of War on PS2 and delves into Kratos' rise to power. According to Sony, Ready At Dawn will utilize "state-of-the-art visual technologies" that will allow "higher quality environments and characters." In addition, Ghost of Sparta will offer "over 25% more gameplay" than its PSP predecessor, while adding more enemies on screen, and a greater number of boss encounters.

God of War: Ghost of Sparta is planned for release "later this year." We expect a lot more to be revealed at E3.

Gallery: God of War: Ghost of Sparta

JoystiqGod of War: Ghost of Sparta brings Kratos back to PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-wargod-of-war-ghost-of-spartaready-at-dawnsonysony-santa-monicaspartans-stand-tallTue, 04 May 2010 09:17:00 EST