There are simple reasons why I’ve many have claimed God of War and God of War II the top PS2 games of all time — the story and gameplay mechanics!   Thanks to Santa Monica Studios and SCEA we now have the pleasure to re-play one of our favorite PS2 collections in hi-def… For those questioning the port by Bluepoint Games from the PS2 to the PS3, don’t. They’ve done a miraculous job upgrading the graphics, sound, and kept gameplay — including the mini-games — the same. The value alone is worth going out there and getting this great 2-for-1 game at $39.99.   As we patiently wait for God of War III, did the “Collection” please the Gods?

We answer the above question with, “Of course it did!”

You begin your epic quest in God Of War I atop Mt. Olympus looking down at the crashing waters creating foam on the rocks surface. To end his suffering of pain and anguish, Kratos leaps off the mountain looking for the end. But three weeks earlier, our tale of Kratos is told in a series of flashbacks.

The games within the game. Puzzles and brainteasers within GoW keep it from becoming a stale button masher game and with that your gamer skills are tested from the start.   Special enemies and bosses will require you to be quick to the punch.  By that I mean, timed-based attacks or Quick Time Events (QTEs).  You will see an on-screen display that will require you to hit the correct button in sequence.  Hit the wrong button and you’ll have to begin the sequence again while losing health. Rememeber, GoW isn’t an openworld or sandbox game, it is indeed linear but you may retrace your footsteps in a level to advance to the next.   In a battle with the Olympus statue in God Of War II, I found myself timing my attacks in a sequence that lead me to plunge my sword in his eye.  Very satisfying.

New packaging, same great gameplay. Kratos is back. In 60 frames per second, with anti-aliased graphics and not to mention the spectacular soundtrack you’ll feel like the God of War himself. Ok, I know, kinda corny but seriously it’s truly amazing. For owners of the original God of War and God of War II, you MUST get this Collection set. For newcomers into the God of War and God of War II series, you MUST get this collection set. Did I make myself clear? The PS2 classic that has received some prestigious awards is now available on the PS3 and it’s got the PS3 Trophy’s to prove it.  Bundled on one Blu-ray disc, you’ll get GoW I, GoW II, and bonus footage of GoW II.  You’ll also receive a demo voucher for GoW III.

Blades of Chaos. There’s no question that the God of War series is a hack-n-slash action game. But God of War is the best at it. Without a long explanation, there’s something I call Fight feedback. It’s when you attack and can visually see and hear when your weapon makes contact with the enemy. Kratos wields the Blades of Chaos which are connected to his arms by chains.  You swing these blades with light attacks (square), heavy attacks (triangle) and grapple opponents in between (circle).

Cut-scenes of epic proportions. Most cut-scenes have been remastered in 720p HD quality, however I found some to be a port over from the PS2 version.  You can see evidence of the unmastered version in the first cut-scene on the stern of the boat, as the skeleton ship guards try to break through the hatch in the floor.  Not sure why Bluepoint Games left some scenes in non-HD quality but it will not ruin your gameplay experience, I promise you.   God of War II upscale is by far superior and it clearly shows.  Nearly all the cut-scenes and gameplay graphics look better than some PlayStation 3 games now available.

Greek Gods in War. You’ll encounter many of the Greek Gods and enemies you all grew up learning in Mythology class.  Athena, Atlas, Perseus and Ares will all be seen in the “Collection.”  You’ll ride Pegasus, battle with Minotaurs and remove eye’s from Cyclops.  Did I miss anyone?  Oh yeah, Medusa.  That snake head is frightening.  Alright alright, Zeus makes an authoritative appearance as well.

Level-up your weapons. Throughout the campaign, you’ll notice three bars in the upper left hand corner.  Green is your health.  Blue is your Magic. And Red is your orb meter.  First two are self explanatory and after you collect enough Red orbs by defeating enemies and breaking anything and everything possible, you’ll use these to upgrade your various weapons including your Blades of Chaos,  Poseidon’s Rage, Medusa’s Gaze to name a few.

Casting made easy. Kratos is played none other than TC Carson from the TV show ‘Living Single’.  Michael Clarke Duncan is the deep voiced Atlas and is very fitting.  The principal from ‘Kindergarten Cop’ stars, Linda Hunt, as she voices Gaia and Narrates the series in both GoW’s.  For fans of the movie Clash of The Titans, Harry Hamlin once played Perseus and now voices the same part.

Pros:
Engaging Storyline
Gameplay mechanics
Epic Boss Fights
Greek Mythology characters
Amazing Audio/Visual

Cons:
Quality of certain cut-scenes
No option to switch in between GoW’s

Final Thoughts: Take away my minor complaint about God of War I having visual deficiencies at times, and we have another reason why God of War Collection should be in your PS3.  The amazing symphonic soundtrack, the gameplay mechanics and engaging entertaining storylines all blend together like a V-8… Fusion that is!  Come on, who wouldn’t want to hack-n-slash or rip-n-tear double-crossing Gods in 720p.  Pffft, Zeus…  It doesn’t get any better!  Don’t defy the Gods and don’t piss off Kratos.  Get it.

9.5/10

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We saw.  We played.  We were impressed.  Very impressed!  I can tell you right now, God of War III will be a MUST HAVE game in March 2010.  Kratos as we know him is back, with the scars to prove it running down his stomach.  The opening menu shows off Kratos in fantastic graphics.  Starting the story mode is very graphically satisfying.  I’ve always loved the God of War series for getting right to it.  No explanation, no reason, just straight up killing from the get go and God of War III is no different.  You’re not given any story line nor have any idea what your main objective is.  Except to kill those who are put in your way.

The button sequence has changed a slight bit, but easier for those who haven’t memorized the button locations yet.  For those who’ve played God of War 1 or 2, you were given button times events which would allow Kratos to perform special attacks on bosses.  Now the buttons are located on the left (square), right (circle), top (triangle) and bottom (X) of your screen.  When your attacking the boss, press those corresponding buttons to perform critical attacks.

You begin the demo with two of your four weapons already equipped.  The chaos blades is your primary weapon and the …. is the weapon you equip to break your opponents block and is much stronger.  The dimension in GOW3 in tremendous.  Pay attention to the back and foreground scenery or you’ll miss out on some great action.  At one point, you mount a cyclops and attack him which causes him to attack the smaller enemies closer to the ground in light attacks (swings his club) or stronger attacks (falls ontop of them).

The Fire Titan is swatting away Helios, and your mission is to knock him off course with an arrow courtesy of a slingshot.  Helios is thrown off his chariot, caught by the Fire Titan and thrown across the ruins.  For fans of free roam, you’ll be a bit disappointed since GOW3 is mainly camera driven.  Which means, what the developers want you to see is your view.  This is mainly due to the R3 button being used as a directional dodge stick.

As you fly your way through openings in the ceiling, you’ll have large rocks and other objects on fire hurling towards you.  The Demo wraps up by showing the Fire Titan in the distance as Kratos approaches him.  In 720p and 5.1 Surround Sound you’ll see and hear the title screen of God of War III to which I applauded like I was at E3 seeing this for the first time.  Very Geeky.

A no doubter for Game of The Year award for 2010, I can tell you that God of War III will be an epic conclusion to the best series on the PlayStation platform.  We’ll be replaying this until the God of War Collection is released Nov 17.  Until then, stay posted here for more GOW3 news!

Images [source]

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Gone Gold are the two best words a gamer can hear.  What it means.  In simple terms (are there harder terms) it’s been finalized and the stamp (gold) is now turned to mass produce the finished product.  The God of War Collection will hit store shelves officially on November 17th.  For those who contemplated on “why” to get the GOW: Collection if you have the PS2 versions, can I say “PS3 Trophies”!  Or maybe 720p Blood slashing Kratos cut-scenes.  Or finally the PS3 Demo for the upcoming title God of War III.

Can’t wait?  Well the trophies have been released for God of War and God of War II by the good folks over at Sony and we got them listed below.  By the way, I’ve always enjoyed the comedic twist for Trophy names.  1.21 Gigawatts… classic!

GOD OF WAR

Bronze

• 1.21 Gigawatts - Acquire Poseidon’s Rage
• Rocking Out - Acquire Medusa’s Gaze
• Bolt Action - Acquire Zeus’ Fury
• Sword Man - Acquire Blade of Artemis
• Soul Search - Acquire Army of Hades
• Matador - Win the first Minotaur fight
• Scape Goat - Win the first Satyr fight
• Roll Over … and Die - Win the first Cerberus fight
• Don’t They Ever Shut Up! - Defeat the Desert Sirens
• Beat a Dead Horse - Complete the Centaur sacrifice to Hades
• Kickboxer - Complete the Spike Room Box Puzzle
• Rockin’ the Boat - Complete the Sex Mini-Game
• Don’t Leave Her Hanging - Rescue the Oracle with 10 seconds to spare
• Get the Ball Rolling - Complete the Challenge of Atlas
• Totally Baked - Complete the Human sacrifice
• Splash - Kiss the Nyad
• Get Me a Beer Kid - Free yourself from the depths of Hades
• Zero Health = Bronze Trophy - Open a Health Chest when your health meter is already full
• Hitman - Get a 100 Hits Combo
• Getting My Ass Kicked - Die enough times to get offered Easy Mode

Silver

• Kratos’ Marble Collection - Collect all the Gorgon Eyes
• Stick it in Your Cap! - Collect all the Phoenix Feathers
• It’s the HUGE One - Retrieve the Captain’s Key
• Take the Bull by the Horns - Defeat Pandora’s Guardian
• God Killer - Kill Ares
• Head Hunter - Obtain the head of the Architect’s wife
• The Power to Kill a God - Retrieve Pandora’s Box
• Hitman 2 - Get a 200 Hits Combo
• Legend of the Twins - Watch the ‘Birth of the Beast’ Treasure
• Seeing Red - Max out all Weapons and Magic

Gold

• Prepare to be a God - Beat the Game on any Difficulty
• You Got the Touch! - Climb the Spiked Column in Hades without taking damage
• I’ll Take the Physical Challenge - Complete the Challenge of the Gods
• Speed of Jason McDonald - Beat the game in under 5 hours on any Difficulty
• Key to Success - Collect all of the Muse Keys

Platinum

• Trophy of Zeus - Unlock all God of War Trophies

GOD OF WAR II

Bronze

• Breaking Wind - Acquire Typhon’s Bane
• Big, Tuff, Buff and Rough - Acquire Rage of the Titans
• Blue Balls - Acquire Cronos’ Rage
• Shiner - Acquire the Golden Fleece
• Rock their World - Acquire the Head of Euryale
• Learning to Fly - Acquire the Icarus Wings
• Shaky Ground - Acquire Atlas Quake
• Death from Above 2009 - Defeat the Dark Rider for the first time
• Resurrection - Climb from the pit of Hades
• Rock Hard - Defeat the Titan Minotaur inside Atlas
• Pick’n on the Little Guy - Win the battle outside of the Palace of the Fates
• Watcha Got on the Hot Plate? - Solve the riddle of the Fire Phoenix Statue
• Whip it Good - Whip the Steeds of Time
• Lift with Your Knees - Topple the Temple in the Bog of the Forgotten
• Swinger - Cross the collapsing Grapple Bridge
• Stoner - Stone and Shatter 30 Enemies
• Super Sized - Get a 500 Hits Combo
• Hitting Your Stride - Power up any item

Silver

• Eye Can’t Believe it - Collect all the Gorgon Eyes
• Go Make a Pillow! - Collect all the Phoenix Feathers
• Eye Sore - Collect 20 Cyclops Eyes
• Boss Batch 1 - Kill the Colossus of Rhodes, the Dark Rider, and Theseus
• Boss Batch 2 - Kill the Barbarian King, Euryale, and Perseus
• Boss Batch 3 - Kill the Kraken and all three Sisters of Fate
• Daddy Issues - Defeat Zeus
• Rise and SHINE - Awaken the Phoenix
• Spread ‘Em - Open the wings of the Temple of the Fates
• Shine King - Open the door to the Temple of Euryale
• Blowin’ Your Wad - Max out all Weapons and Magic

Gold

• The End Begins - Beat the Game on any Difficulty
• Feel the Urn - Collect and use at least 2 Urns of Power
• Bleeding Thumbs - Beat the Challenge of the Titans
• 15 Min Fight Scene - Battle your way to the Loom Chamber in under 10 minutes
• You Know the Germans Make Good Stuff… - Collect all Uber Chests

Platinum

• Trophy of Gaia - Unlock all God of War II Trophies

source

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There can only be one GOW. But which is it?  Gears of War or God of War?  Let Halloween be the fate.  Halloween masks have been around since Jason made the Hockey mask famous.  These two Halloween masks have PlayStation and Xbox gamers making a decision of who to dress up as this Halloween season.

Kratos in God of War shows power, intensity and a passion to kill.  There’s no question that compared to Markus, he is the stronger being.

With Markus Fenix, you know you get a fearless human being.  No gods watching over him so his kick-ass approach to get the job done wheteher it kills him, makes him a tough character.

So who is the better GOW Mask?  I’ll leave it up to you, but remember… you’ll have to go shirtless with one of these costumes.  So unless you’re in tip top shape, stick with your non-movie quality Chewbacca mask.  Everyone loves chewy!

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God of War: Collection will hit shelves in November.  Excited?  By the Gods, YES!  Well we’ve got the first look trailer thanks to the US Sony Blog.  For the first time, God of War and God of War II will be available with anti-aliased graphics running at 60 frames per second for an ultra smooth gameplay experience on the PS3. Also, for the first time for the God of War series, PlayStation Network Trophies will be enabled. What this means to you, is simple. Buy this Collection. These 2 games easily make up my Top 10 PS2 games of all time.

Also, the God of War Collection will also include a PSN voucher code for the God of War III E3 2009 Demo. So don’t miss your chance to check out God of War III before it hits store shelves in March 2010.

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Come November, when it’s time to pick up your remastered God of War Collection disc on Blu-Ray you won’t have a hard time finding it on the shelves.  It seems like Sony want to make sure you know what you’re buying with the God of War logo plastered 4 times on a 4×6 cover art photo.  God of War Collection, God of War I, God of War II, and God of War I & II.  We get it!

They must have figured, God of War I and II have memorable covers so they didn’t want a new cover for an old remastered game.  Kratos on Blu-Ray visually sounds awesome doesn’t it?

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Sony announced today they will be bringing both God of War & God of War II to the PS3.  The compilation, which will be called “God of War Collection”, will bring Kratos to the HD era.

God of War collection will have graphics supporting 720p, smoother animations, and the game will run at a consistent 60fps.  The Blu-Ray disc will also have complete trophy support and will retail for $39.99.

“We are excited today to announce God of War Collection,” said Scott Rohde, vice president, Worldwide Studios America. “Our fans spoke and we listened; thanks to our partnership with Bluepoint Games, fans and newcomers to the series can experience the epic God of War and God of War II saga in stunning 720p on PS3. This Blu-ray Disc compilation brings Kratos to PS3 even earlier than expected.”

This past spring, Sony was taking surveys as to what kind of special edition bonus should be included with God of War III when it’s released in March 2010.  One of the suggestions was to include God of War & God of War II in the box set, making the God of War III special edition the ultimate version.  With this latest news, I’m assuming the popularity of that particular suggestion gave Sony the idea to offer both titles as a standalone product.

Either way, I’m sure we’re all going to buy it anyways.

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God of War 3 is probably one of, if not, THE most anticipated title to be released this year.  After the jaw-dropping gameplay demo that was shown at this year’s E3, fans of the series were rightfully crying out for more God of War 3 goodness.

That’s where our friends at G4TV come in.  Just like you, they wanted to see more of God of War 3, and they got exactly what they wanted.  In fact, they recorded 13 minutes of gameplay footage directly from the game.  If you thought Kratos was bad-ass in the the E3 demo, then you might want to have a change of underwear ready after you see this new video clip.

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God of War III will be an amazing game.  We know this from gameplay footage to screenshots we’ve seen over the past couple of days.  So why not know the man behind the voice.  We all know Kratoss’ voice is an unforgettable one once heard but I was as surprised as you all will be by the following video.  God of War III star, Kratos, is voiced by someone you may know.  I’ll give you all a hint.  He’s “Living Single”.

The Answer… It’s TC Carson from the TV series “Living Single”.  Hah, the hint was the answer but it probably left you confused.  Whatever… The video did give me a chill on my arms once I heard the actor quoting the famous lines, that I’m only used to hearing from the CGI version of Kratos.

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All 2’s (sequels) on the last day of E3. The final day of E3 is approaching.  While E3 will be coming to a close today the games that were announced, demo’d and trailer’d will continue in development until their release date.  But let’s not allow the conclusion of E3 affect our heads that much.  There are some great games worth checking out today and we have today’s and previous day’s schedule below.

Microsoft Monday Schedule

Nintendo and Sony Due up

God of War III and Left 4 Dead 2 Showcased

We’ll hopefully get to see more of Shepard in Mass Effect 2 in BioWare’s presentation.  More Modern Warfare 2 footage is always good.  Although I’m having a hard time seeing Soap as higher ranked soldier now.

And the Heavy Rain images and trailers have looked amazing thus far.  Will the in-game footage hold up?

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