It’s hard to believe that, technically, this is the sixth God of War game. And whilst recent games have focused on lead Kratos once he’s become the eponymous God, Ghost of Sparta aims to take things back to their roots and reveal the origins of the character. Of course, this doesn’t mean there’s going to be any deviation from the series’ core principles and mechanics – Ghost of Sparta is still a third person adventure with lots of fighting and quick time events, but at least we’re seeing some love for the PSP.
Taking, we assume, much of the technology behind Chains of Olympus, this second PSP game builds on the first one both in terms of gameplay (Ghost is supposed to be 25% bigger) and visually, with some nicely updated graphics on show (and some lovely filmic motion blur effects) and, of course, bigger and badder bosses. The area we played is based on the city of Atlantis (mentioned in God of War III by Poseidon and a familiar Greek legend) and whilst starts on familiar ground (a boat) soon moves onto the pavements of the famed city.
Naturally, this isn’t before being introduced to one of the series’ key elements: a massive boss – Scylla. We don’t get to meet Scylla’s counterpart, Charybdis, but we’re assuming that Kratos won’t be skimping on the double act and hopefully, if our encounter with the former is anything to go by, battling both sea creatures at once could be a real treat. As with previous games in the God of War lineage, this boss pops up several times over the course of the level until the climax, an angry (and conclusive) leap from Kratos towards her, cuts off our demo abruptly.
The improvements, such as the new weapon (in addition to the Blades of Athena) with its shield and spear toggles with the trigger, seem to offer deeper combat ideas and will prove essential on the harder difficulties which is a refreshing notion at this point. There’s a couple of other moves open to Kratos too and the magic item on show in the level we played, the Eye of Atlantis, is both dramatic and powerful, making us wish we could have seen more of what this brand new PSP game has to offer. Still, it’s left us wanting more – and soon.
I’m a big fan of the God of War series, and whilst it’s clear that Ready at Dawn are masters of the PSP’s tech (there’s practically no load times, the visuals are incredible and the game plays perfectly) I’m wondering just how much life there is left in the old black box. At least sales of the recent God of War Collection have shown that the series is still incredibly popular so we’re hoping that, whilst this is unlikely to be a system seller, anyone with a PSP and a passing interest in the games will be picking this one up on day one.
beeje13
downloaded the demo a week ago, still not ported it to the psp yet, this hands on makes me wanna do it right now, good one nofi.
FoxHoundGabe
I love GOW and own all of them, but isnt it starting to get a bit repetitive? ill certainly get this one, but i dont think the series can take another “main” title following the SAME pattern.
They really should bring new ideas appart from bigger enemies and blodier gameplay.
ultimatepunchrod
i think that sony santa monica said they were done with console iterations and they wanted to start something new.
Foxhound_Solid
Got em all, love em all!
I am getting this day one fo sho!!
Bang Bang – The PSP gets another boomer!
Peace Walker is allkinds of awesome!
superjag86
I think this hands on is based on the demo which is absolutely fantastic.
Just a couple of things nofi, how is this the sixth game again? And I’m pretty sure the new weapon isn’t the Blades of Athena but the Spear of Sparta or something similar as the Blades are his default weapon.
nofi
There’s a mobile game too.
Weapon line edited for clarity, sorry about that.
mrfodder
Played the demo and absolutely loved it. Day one, definitely.
TSBonyman
I thought the demo was fine but i prefer to play it on a big screen… and my psp1000 has had motion blur since day one ;)
citizeninsane45
Them screenshots look delightful
DeathByNumbers
I got the code but no-longer have a PSP so if anyone wants to sample it let me know.
slates16
I’ll get in on that if its still going
DeathByNumbers
Yes I’ll send it to you now.
shields_t
Cool, I’ve been meaning to download the demo, looks like I’ll be doing that tonight now!
skibadee
I have a code if any one wants it.
kivi95
Can i have it please, REALLY WANT THIS DEMO so you can pm me the code here or on my ps3 account:kivi95
skibadee
will sort it for you now.