God of War: Chains of Olympus is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game developed by Ready at Dawn and SCE Santa Monica Studio. The game follows Kratos, a Spartan warrior tasked by the gods of Olympus to stop the sun god Helios from being captured by the Titan Atlas. The game features fast-paced combat, puzzle-solving, platforming, quick-time events, and new weapons, magic, and enemies. It boasts high-quality graphics and sound design, and is considered one of the best games on PSP. The game was later remastered for the PS3 as part of the God of War: Origins Collection. Overall, the game is a must-play for fans of the genre or the God of War series.
Embark on a Mythical Journey with God of War: Chains of Olympus
God of War: Chains of Olympus is an action-adventure game developed by Ready at Dawn and SCE Santa Monica Studio. It was released for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) in 2008 and later remastered for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) in 2011. The game is one of the most critically acclaimed titles on PSP and a prequel to the popular God of War series.
The Storyline
The game is set in ancient Greece and follows Kratos, a Spartan warrior who serves the gods of Olympus. Kratos is tasked by the gods to stop the sun god Helios from being captured by the Titan Atlas, who plans to use Helios’ power to destroy the world. Kratos embarks on a journey to the underworld to retrieve the sun god and save the world from destruction.
The Gameplay
God of War: Chains of Olympus features fast-paced and brutal combat, puzzle-solving, platforming, and quick-time events. The game also introduces new weapons, magic, and enemies to the series. Kratos can use the Blades of Chaos, a pair of chained blades attached to his forearms, to attack enemies, grapple onto ledges, or swing across gaps. He also has access to new weapons, such as the Gauntlet of Zeus or the Sun Shield, which can be used to stun, deflect or destroy enemies. Kratos can also use magic spells, such as the Light of Dawn or the Efreet, to damage or control enemies.
The game has a linear structure with various stages and enemies to overcome. Each stage is divided into different sections, each with its own challenges and puzzles to solve. Kratos has to use his wit and agility to overcome traps, obstacles, and boss battles. The game also features some of the most epic and cinematic sequences in the series, such as the encounter with the Colossus of Rhodes or the battle with Atlas.
The Graphics and Sound
God of War: Chains of Olympus features some of the best graphics and sound design on PSP. The game runs at a smooth framerate and features high-quality graphics, animations, and environments. The game’s visual style is inspired by ancient Greek mythology and features a variety of creatures and landscapes, such as the Temple of Helios or the Underworld. The game also features some of the most iconic and memorable music tracks in the series, composed by Gerard Marino.
The Legacy
God of War: Chains of Olympus is considered one of the best games on PSP and a must-play for fans of the series or action-adventure games. The game received critical acclaim for its gameplay, graphics, and storytelling, and won several awards, such as Best Handheld Game at the Spike Video Game Awards. The game also helped boost the sales of PSP and introduced new fans to the God of War franchise.
The game was later remastered for the PS3 as part of the God of War: Origins Collection, which included the other PSP game in the series, God of War: Ghost of Sparta. The remastered version features improved graphics, controls, and additional content, such as bonus costumes or behind-the-scenes videos. The remastered version was also praised for its fidelity to the original game and its accessibility for PS3 players.
The Verdict
God of War: Chains of Olympus is a masterpiece of action-adventure gaming and a must-play for fans of the genre or the God of War series. The game features a gripping storyline, breathtaking visuals, and intense gameplay that will keep players entertained for hours. The game is an excellent entry point for newcomers to the series and a must-have for fans of Kratos and his epic journey through Greek mythology. The game is available on PSP and PS3 and is worth every penny of its price.