Summary
- Release Year: 2008
- Genres: Adventure, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
- Platforms: PlayStation Portable
- Developers: Ready at Dawn, SCE Santa Monica Studio
- Publishers: Capcom, Sony Computer Entertainment
God of War: Chains of Olympus – A PSP Masterpiece
Introduction
God of War: Chains of Olympus is a 2008 action-adventure game developed by Ready at Dawn Studios and SCE Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation Portable. It is the third installment in the God of War series, and a prequel to the original God of War. The game follows Kratos, a Spartan warrior who serves the gods of Olympus, as he travels to the city of Attica to stop the Persian army from invading Greece.
Gameplay
Chains of Olympus retains the familiar gameplay dynamics of its predecessors, with a focus on fast-paced combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving. Kratos wields his iconic Blades of Chaos, which can be used to perform a variety of attacks and combos. He can also acquire new weapons and abilities throughout the game, such as the Sun Shield, Efreet spell, and Light of Dawn.
The game’s controls have been refined to work with the PSP’s reduced button configuration. Dodging, for instance, now requires the use of both shoulder buttons and the analog stick. The game also features a number of quick-time events, which require the player to press specific buttons at the right time to perform special attacks or avoid damage.
Story
Chains of Olympus serves as a prequel to the original God of War, and its story takes place a decade before the events of that game. The game begins with Kratos being dispatched by the gods to the city of Attica to defend against an invading Persian army. However, as Morpheus, the god of dreams, unleashes chaos upon the world, Kratos finds himself compelled to harness his formidable powers to once again rescue the world from impending doom.
Setting
The game takes place in a variety of locations, including the city of Attica, the Underworld, and the Temple of Pandora. Each location is meticulously crafted and features its own unique enemies and challenges. The game’s art style is a blend of Greek mythology and dark fantasy, with a heavy emphasis on gore and violence.
Characters
Kratos is the protagonist of the game, and he is joined by a number of other characters, including Athena, the goddess of war; Helios, the god of the sun; and Persephone, the goddess of the underworld. Each character has their own unique motivations and goals, and they play a vital role in the game’s story.
Reception
God of War: Chains of Olympus was a critical and commercial success. The game received widespread praise for its stunning visuals, tight controls, and engaging story. It was also a commercial success, selling over four million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Chains of Olympus is considered to be one of the best PSP games ever made. It is a testament to the power of the PSP and the God of War franchise. The game’s success helped to pave the way for future God of War games, including the critically acclaimed God of War (2018).
Conclusion
God of War: Chains of Olympus is a masterpiece of the PSP era. It is a thrilling action-adventure game with a compelling story, stunning visuals, and tight controls. If you are a fan of the God of War series, or if you are simply looking for a great PSP game to play, then I highly recommend checking out Chains of Olympus.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
