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{{Short description|2008 video game}}
{{featured article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2012}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2012}}
{{Infobox video game {{Infobox video game
|title = God of War: Chains of Olympus | title = God of War: Chains of Olympus
|image = ] | image = God of War Chains of Olympus NA version front cover.jpg
|caption= North American box art | caption = North American box art
| developer = ]{{efn|Additional work by ].}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://sms.dev.realpie.com/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus/ |title=Santa Monica Studios (SMS) - God of War: Chains of Olympus Game &#124; PSP, PS3, PS Vita Game |access-date=October 28, 2019 |archive-date=October 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028234526/http://sms.dev.realpie.com/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|developer = ]<br>]
|publisher = ] {{vgrelease|JP=]}} | publisher = ]
|director = Ru Weerasuriya | director = Ru Weerasuriya
| writer = {{plainlist|
|writer = Marianne Krawczyk<br />Ru Weerasuriya<br />Cory Barlog
*]
|programmer =
*Ru Weerasuriya
|designer =
*Marc Turndorf
|series = '']''
*]}}
|engine = Proprietary "Ready At Dawn Engine" 2.0<ref name="ign_futurepsp">{{cite web|url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/772/772154p1.html|author=Marc Nix|title=The Future of PSP -- Ready At Dawn|accessdate=2007-10-02|publisher=]}}</ref>
| composer = ]
|released = '''PlayStation Portable'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA=March 4, 2008|EU=March 28, 2008|AUS=April 27, 2008}}{{vgrelease|JP=July 10, 2008}}'''''God of War: Origins Collection''''' {{vgrelease|NA=September 13, 2011|EU=September 16, 2011|AUS=September 29, 2011}}{{vgrelease|JP=October 6, 2011}}
| programmer =
|genre = ], ]
| designer =
|modes = ]
| series = '']''
|ratings = {{vgratings|BBFC=18<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/website/Classified.nsf/0/3B7BB9ED0E30CB6A802573EF003F4758?OpenDocument|title=GOD OF WAR: CHAINS OF OLYMPUS rated 18 by the BBFC|accessdate=2008-03-15|publisher=]}}</ref>|ESRB=M|PEGI=18+<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pegi.info/en/index/global_id/23/?searchString=chains+of+olympus&submit=Search|title=PEGI Search a game|accessdate=2008-03-15|publisher=]}}</ref>|ACB=MA15+|CERO=D}}
| engine =
|platforms = ], ] <small>(''God of War: Origins Collection'')</small>
| platforms = ], ]
|media = ], ] (PSP)<br />], ] <small>(''God of War: Origins Collection'')<small />
| released = {{Video game release|NA|March 4, 2008|AUS|March 27, 2008|EU|March 28, 2008}}
| genre = ], ]
| modes = ]
}} }}


'''''God of War: Chains of Olympus''''' is a ] ] ] developed by ] and ]. Published by ], it was first released for the ] ] on March 4, 2008. The game is the fourth installment in the ] and a prequel to the original '']''. The game is the first installment released on the platform, and Ready at Dawn's second project. With over 3.2 million copies sold worldwide as of June 2012, ''Chains of Olympus'', along with '']'', were remastered and released on September 13, 2011 as part of the '']'' for the ] ]. '''''God of War: Chains of Olympus''''' is a 2008 ] ] ] developed by ] and published by ] for the ]. It is the fourth installment in the ], the second chronologically, and a prequel to the original '']''. It is loosely based on ] and set in ], with vengeance as its central motif. The player controls ], a ]n warrior who serves the ]. Kratos is guided by the goddess ], who instructs him to find the Sun God ], as the Dream God ] has caused many of the gods to slumber in Helios' absence. With the power of the Sun and the aid of the ] ], Morpheus and the Queen of the ] ] intend to destroy the Pillar of the World and in turn ].


The gameplay is similar to the previous installments, with a focus on ]-based combat, achieved through the player's main weapon—the Blades of Chaos—and secondary weapons acquired throughout the game. It features ]s that require the player to complete game controller actions in a timed sequence to defeat stronger enemies and ]. The player can use up to three magical attacks as alternative combat options. The game also features ] and ] elements. The series' control scheme was reconfigured to compensate for the smaller number of buttons on the PSP compared to the ]'s ]; Ready at Dawn's solutions for the controls were praised by critics.
Protagonist ] is a ] warrior in the service of the ]. Guided by the goddess ], Kratos is instructed to find the Sun God ], who is missing. Helios' absence hides the Sun, allowing the Dream God ], to force the remaining gods to slumber. The Queen of the ], ], allies with Morpheus and enlists the aid of the ] ] to use Helios' power to destroy the Pillar of the World, and as a result, ]. ''God of War: Chains of Olympus'' is chronologically the second chapter in the series, and forms part of a ], with vengeance as a central theme.


Debuting at fifth place on the North American charts, ''Chains of Olympus'' achieved the highest composite score for a PlayStation Portable title. ] stated that the game is "a technical showpiece for Sony, and arguably the best-looking game on the system." The game has won various awards, including Best PSP Action Game, Best Graphics Technology, and Best Use of Sound. In September 2010, ] named ''Chains of Olympus'' the best PSP game. ''Chains of Olympus'' was acclaimed by critics, becoming the highest-rated PSP title on ] and ].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/score/metascore/all/psp/filtered | title=Best PSP Video Games of All Time | website=] }}</ref> The game's graphics were particularly praised, with '']'' declaring the game was "a technical showpiece for Sony, and arguably the best-looking game on the system."<ref name="1up_review"/> It won several awards, including "Best PSP Action Game", "Best Graphics Technology", and "Best Use of Sound". As of June 2012, the game has sold 3.2 million copies worldwide, making it the ]. Together with 2010's '']'', ''Chains of Olympus'' was remastered and released on September 13, 2011, as part of the '']'' for the ]. The remastered version was included in the '']'' released on August 28, 2012, also for PlayStation 3.


== Gameplay == ==Gameplay==
{{Further|Common gameplay elements in the God of War series}}
''God of War: Chains of Olympus'' features the same gameplay mechanics as previous installments in the series. A ], ], ] camera game, the player controls the character ] in a combination of combat, both ] and ], with ] and ] elements. The player typically has to navigate Kratos through a long series of tests, trials and mazes to achieve goals.<ref name="europebooklet">{{cite book|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus |type= ]|publisher=]|date=March 28, 2008|id=UCES-00842/P}}</ref><ref name=IGNguide>{{cite web|url=http://ie.guides.ign.com/guides/886122/page_3.html|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus Guide/Walkthrough|publisher=]|accessdate=2012-02-13|author=Mark Ryan Sallee}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|year=2008|editor=]|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus Instruction Manual, page 4, 10, 11, & 12|publisher=]}}</ref>
''God of War: Chains of Olympus'' is a ] ] viewed from a ] perspective. The player controls the character Kratos in ], ], and ] elements, and battles foes who primarily stem from ], including ], ], ]s, ], ]s, ]s, and ]es. Morpheus beasts, shades, ]s, fire guards, fire sentries, hyperion guards, and death knights were created specifically for the game. Platforming elements require the player to climb walls, jump across chasms, swing on ropes, and balance across ] to proceed through sections of the game. Some puzzles are simple, such as moving a box so that the player can use it as a jumping-off point to access a pathway unreachable with normal jumping, but others are more complex, such as finding several items across different areas of the game to unlock one door.<ref name="mahalo"/><ref>{{Harvnb|Ready at Dawn, ed.|(2008)|pp=4, 10, 11, 12|ref=manual}}</ref>
] battles the ].]]


===Combat===
Kratos' main weapons are the "Blades of Chaos," a pair of double-chained blades, with additional weapons, the "Sun Shield" and "Gauntlet of ]," acquired throughout the game. A relic called Triton's Lance is also available (allows Kratos to breathe underwater).<ref name="europebooklet"/><ref name=IGNguide/><ref name=IGNguidebasics>{{cite web|url=http://ie.guides.ign.com/guides/886122/page_2.html|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus Guide/Basics|publisher=]|accessdate=2012-02-13|author=Mark Ryan Sallee}}</ref> ] is also used, with new abilities including the use of an "]", the "Light of Dawn", and "]'s Wrath", all of which are obtained from allies and opponents in the game.<ref name=IGNguide/><ref>{{cite book|year=2008|editor=]|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus Instruction Manual, page 12|publisher=]}}</ref> Combat includes a quick-time feature, which is initiated when the player has weakened a stronger foe and an icon appears above them (corresponding to the circle button on the controller). The player then presses the corresponding button commands appearing on screen, with success ending the battle, and failure usually resulting in damage.<ref name="europebooklet"/><ref>{{cite book|year=2008|editor=]|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus Instruction Manual, page 10|publisher=]}}</ref> A "grab" maneuver is also available for use on minor foes that yields a higher proportion of experience points in the form of red orbs.<ref name=IGNguide/>
Kratos' main weapon is the Blades of Chaos: a pair of ]s attached to ] that are wrapped around the character's wrists and forearms. In gameplay, the blades can be swung offensively in various maneuvers. As the game progresses, Kratos acquires new weapons—the Sun Shield and Gauntlet of ]—offering alternative combat options.<ref name="mahalo"/> Kratos only learns three ] abilities, as opposed to four in previous installments, including the ], the Light of Dawn, and ]'s Wrath, giving him a variety of ways to attack and kill enemies. He acquires the relic Triton's Lance—similar to ]'s Trident in ''God of War''— which allows him to breathe underwater; a necessary ability as parts of the game require long periods of time there.<ref name="mahalo"/><ref>{{Harvnb|Ready at Dawn, ed.|(2008)|p=12|ref=manual}}</ref>


The challenge mode in this game is called the Challenge of Hades (five trials), and requires players to complete a series of specific tasks (e.g., Burn 50 soldiers with the Efreet). It is unlocked by completing the game. The player may ] bonus costumes for Kratos, behind-the-scenes videos, and ] of the characters and environments, as rewards. Completion of each of the game's difficulty levels unlocks additional rewards.<ref>{{Harvnb|Ready at Dawn, ed.|(2008)|p=5|ref=manual}}</ref>
As with other installments, ] containing ] can be found during the game. Each chest is marked with a corresponding color: green, blue, and red. Green Orbs replenish ], blue orbs replenish ], and red orbs provide ] for upgrading weapons and magic (e.g. new and more powerful attacks).<ref name="europebooklet"/> Health and Magic increases&nbsp;– ] Eyes and ] Feathers respectively&nbsp;– can be found in plain, non-colored chests.<ref name=IGNguide/><ref name="europebooklet"/> Five of each are required to increase the Health and Magic bars respectively. Red orbs may also be collected by killing foes and destroying certain inanimate objects.<ref name=IGNguidebasics/><ref name="europebooklet"/><ref>{{cite book|year=2008|editor=]|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus Instruction Manual, page 8|publisher=]}}</ref>


==Synopsis==
Completing the game unlocks the "Challenge of ]", which pits players to complete a series of trials. As certain conditions are met, bonus costumes, behind-the-scenes videos and art galleries may be ] as a reward.<ref name=IGNguidesecrets>{{cite web|url=http://ie.guides.ign.com/guides/886122/page_4.html|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus Guide/Secrets|publisher=]|accessdate=2012-02-13|author=Mark Ryan Sallee}}</ref> Completing each difficulty level unlocks bonus content.<ref>{{cite book|year=2008|editor=]|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus Instruction Manual, page 5|publisher=]}}</ref> The sex mini-game first used in '']'' also returns (an encounter with two women).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus Review|date=2008-03-05|author=Greg_Damiano|publisher=]|accessdate=2012-07-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maxim.com/gaming/the-10-most-important-sex-scenes-recent-video-games|title=The 10 Most Important Sex Scenes in Recent Video Games|last=Gaudiosi|first=John|publisher=]|accessdate=2012-07-18}}</ref>


== Plot == ===Setting===
As with the previous games in the '']'' franchise, ''God of War: Chains of Olympus'' is set in an alternate version of ], populated by the ], ], and other beings of ]. With the exception of ], the events are set between those of the games '']'' (2013) and '']'' (2005). Several locations are explored, including the real-world locations of the ancient cities of ] and ], the latter including fictional settings of the Temple of ] and the Caves of ], and several other fictional locations, including the ], which features scenes at the ], ], the Fields of ], and the Temple of ].


Attica is a war-torn city under assault by the ] and their pet ] and is the site of ]' last battle. The city of Marathon is covered in the black fog of the Dream God, ]. Just beyond the city is the Temple of Helios, which sits atop the Sun Chariot, which has plummeted to Earth in Helios' absence. ], ], ], and ], the gods of the ], ], ], and ] winds, respectively, reside in the temple and guide the chariot. The Caves of Olympus is a cavern below Mount Olympus and houses the dawn-goddess ], the Primordial Fires, and a statue of ]. The Underworld is the underground realm of the dead and is host to the River Styx and the ferryman of the dead, ]. Tartarus is the prison of the dead and the Titans where the massive Titan ] is chained. The Fields of Elysium are home to deserving souls that roam peacefully and are overlooked by the Temple of Persephone.
=== Setting ===
As with other games in the '']'' franchise, the ''God of War: Chains of Olympus'' is set in an alternate version of ] populated by the gods, monsters and other beings prevalent in ]. Initially set in the ancient city of ], the story moves to the Underworld as protagonist Kratos attempts to locate missing Sun God Helios and determine the motives of the Dream God Morpheus.


=== Characters === ===Characters===
{{main|List of God of War characters}} {{main|Characters of God of War}}
The principal character is ], a former Captain of ]'s Army, and once a servant to the God of War, ]. He now serves the other ] and wishes to be free of the nightmares that haunt him. All other characters appear in a supporting role, including ], goddess of Wisdom, and Kratos' mentor and ally; ], goddess of Dawn and the sister of Helios; ], the Queen of the Underworld and main antagonist; and ], a four-armed Titan imprisoned in ] after the ]. Kratos' deceased daughter Calliope briefly reunites with her father in the Fields of ]. ] continues in her role as the Narrator. The protagonist of the game is ] (voiced by ]), a former Captain of ]'s Army, and once servant to the God of War, ]. He now serves the other Olympian gods in hopes that they will free him of his nightmares. Other characters include Kratos' mentor and ally ] (Erin Torpey), the Goddess of Wisdom; Eos (Erin Torpey), the Goddess of Dawn and sister of Helios; Persephone (Marina Gordon), the Queen of the Underworld and the main antagonist; and ] (]), a four-armed Titan imprisoned in Tartarus after the ]. Kratos' deceased daughter Calliope (]) briefly reunites with him in the Fields of Elysium and his wife Lysandra appears in a flashback. Minor characters include Helios (]), the captured Sun God; Charon (Dwight Schultz), the ferryman of the Underworld; and the ] (Fred Tatasciore), leader of the Persian forces attacking Attica.<ref name="characters"/> The Dream God Morpheus is an ] that affects the plot.<ref name="mahalo">{{cite web |url=http://www.mahalo.com/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus-walkthrough/ |title=God of War Chains of Olympus Walkthrough |author=Mahalo Video Games |publisher=] |access-date=August 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608072206/http://www.mahalo.com/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus-walkthrough/ |archive-date=June 8, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref>


=== Story === ===Plot===
] battles the ] in the city of Attica.<ref name="mahalo"/>]]
During Kratos' ten years of service to the ], he is sent to the city of ] to help defend it from the invading ] army.<ref name="europebooklet"/> After successfully killing the Persian ], decimating his army and their pet monster the ], Kratos observes the ] fall from the sky plunging the world into darkness. As he fights his way through the city of ], the Spartan witnesses the black fog of the ] ] cover the land. He also hears a haunting flute melody which he eventually recognizes as a melody once played by his now deceased daughter Calliope. Finding the Temple of ], Kratos is tasked by the goddess ] to find the missing sun god as in the absence of light, Morpheus has caused the remaining gods to fall into a deep slumber. Eventually locating ] (the sister of Helios), the goddess advises that the ] ] has abducted her brother. Also learning of the Primordial Fires, Kratos retrieves them and awakens the fire ] of Helios, who take the Spartan to the Underworld, where he has two encounters with ] at the ]. Although Charon initially defeats Kratos and banishes him to ], the Spartan returns and destroys the ferryman.<ref name=IGNguide/>
About halfway through Kratos' ten years of service to the Olympian gods, he is sent to the city of Attica to help defend it from the invading Persian army. After successfully killing the Persian king, decimating his army, and slaying their pet basilisk, Kratos observes the Sun fall from the sky, plunging the world into darkness. As he fights his way through the city of Marathon, the Spartan witnesses the black fog of Morpheus covering the land. He hears a haunting flute melody, which he recognizes as a melody once played by his deceased daughter Calliope. Finding the Temple of Helios, Kratos learns from Athena that Morpheus has caused many of the gods to fall into a deep slumber due to the absence of light. Before she succumbs to slumber, Athena tasks Kratos to find Helios, return him to the sky, and break Morpheus’ grasp on the world. The Spartan eventually locates Helios' sister, Eos, who tells Kratos that the Titan Atlas has abducted her brother. Eos advises Kratos to seek the Primordial Fires, which he uses to awaken the fire steeds of Helios. The steeds take the Spartan to the Underworld, where he has two encounters with Charon at the River Styx. Although Charon initially defeats Kratos and banishes him to Tartarus, the Spartan returns with the Gauntlet of Zeus and destroys the ferryman.<ref name="mahalo"/>


After eventually locating the Temple of ] and confronting the Queen of the Underworld, Kratos is given a choice: renounce his power and be with his deceased daughter (at a cost to mankind) or proceed with his mission. Kratos sacrifices his weapons and power to be reunited with his daughter, but discovers Persephone is bitter at being betrayed by ] and being forced to remain in the underworld with her husband ]. While he was distracted by his reunion with Calliope, Persephone's ally Atlas was using the power of the kidnapped Helios to destroy the Pillar of the World which would also end ]. Choosing to abandon Calliope forever, Kratos takes back his power and binds Atlas to the Pillar of the World he sought to destroy forcing the Titan to now hold the weight of the world on his shoulders and then battles Persephone to the death. Although victorious, he is warned by a dying Persephone that his suffering will never end. Atlas also warns Kratos that he will eventually regret helping the gods and that they will ]. Riding Helios' chariot back into the sky and seeing the return of the sun, Kratos loses consciousness from the exertion and plummets to the ground. He is saved, however, by Athena and Helios, who then return to Olympus.<ref name=IGNguide/> Kratos soon spots Calliope and chases after her. After locating the Temple of Persephone and confronting the Queen of the Underworld, Kratos is given a choice: renounce his power and be with his deceased daughter (at a cost to mankind) or proceed with his mission. Kratos sacrifices his weapons and power to be reunited with his daughter but discovers that Persephone is embittered by Zeus' betrayal and her imprisonment in the Underworld with her husband ], whom she did not love. While he was distracted by his reunion with Calliope, Persephone's ally Atlas was using the power of the kidnapped Helios to destroy the Pillar of the World, which would also end Olympus. As the resulting destruction of the Pillar will also cause the souls of the Underworld, including Calliope, to be lost, Kratos reluctantly abandons his daughter forever in order to save her life. Taking back his power, Kratos battles Persephone and Atlas, binding the Titan to the Pillar before slaying the goddess. Although victorious, he is warned by a dying Persephone that his suffering will never end. Atlas, forced to hold the weight of the world on his shoulders for eternity, also warns Kratos that he will eventually regret helping the gods and that he and Atlas will meet again.{{refn|name=Timeline1|group=N|As depicted in '']''.}} Kratos then rides the Sun Chariot back to the mortal world and into the sky as Morpheus retreats.<ref name="mahalo"/>


In a ], Kratos is still riding Helios' chariot back into the sky and after seeing the return of the Sun, Kratos loses consciousness from the exertion and plummets to the ground. At the last moment, Kratos is saved by Athena and Helios, and Athena tells Helios that "He will live."<ref name="mahalo"/>
== Development ==
] of '']'' with a one-page teaser for ''Chains of Olympus''.]]
] pitched the idea of a ''God of War'' game for the PlayStation Portable to SCEA's Santa Monica Studios.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=4&cId=3159438|author=Matt Leone|title=Previews: God of War PSP (Page 5 of 6)|publisher=]}}</ref> In February 2007, Ready At Dawn posted a teaser for an upcoming handheld ''God of War'' title (featured "PSP" in the Omega symbol with the words "Coming Soon" in the ''God of War'' font).<ref name="joystiq_gow_font">{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/god-of-war-font-used-to-tease-unannounced-psp-title/|author=James Ransom-Wiley|title=God of War font used to tease 'unannounced psp title'|date=2007-02-16|accessdate=2008-03-06|publisher=]}}</ref> An editor from ] also obtained an early copy of '']'' and posted the game's instruction manual (featuring a one-page teaser with "Coming 2007") on the internet.<ref name="joystiq_gow2_booklet">{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/05/god-of-war-psp-revealed-on-back-of-god-of-war-ii-booklet/|author=James Ransom-Wiley|title=God of War PSP revealed on back of God of War II booklet|publisher=]}}</ref> On March 13, 2007 '']'' was launched at the ], with game director ] officially confirmed the existence of ''Chains of Olympus'' in development: "It is its own story that connects to the overall story. ''God of War'', ''God of War II'', and then if all the stars align '']'' will be the telling of a trilogy. This PSP story will be a further fleshing out."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=7951988&publicUserId=5380373|title=God of War II launch event/PSP coming out party? Liveblog!|author=Matt Leone|date=2007-03-13|accessdate=2008-03-06|publisher=]}}</ref> An initial teaser trailer for ''Chains of Olympus'' was released on April 25, 2007 coinciding with the announcement of a UMD demo.<ref name="pspfanboy_trailer">{{cite web|url=http://www.pspfanboy.com/2007/04/25/free-god-of-war-chains-of-olympus-umd-demo/|author=Andrew Yoon|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus - first trailer & UMD demo|accessdate=2007-10-02|publisher=]}}</ref> The trailer depicts Kratos in the city of Attica, with a narrative provided by voice actress ].<ref name="pspfanboy_chatsnippets">{{cite web|url=http://www.pspfanboy.com/2007/08/03/chains-of-olympus-will-change-the-course-of-the-gow-mythology/|author=Andrew Yoon|title=Chains of Olympus will "change the course of the GoW mythology"|accessdate=2007-10-02|publisher=]}}</ref>


==Development==
''God of War: Chains of Olympus'' uses a proprietary, in-house engine referred to as the Ready at Dawn engine (the work expanded on the engine created for '']'' and included a fluid and cloth simulator).<ref name="nextgen_interview" /> The ] was modified to cater to the fixed cinematic camera for ''God of War'' gameplay,<ref name="nextgen_interview" /> and the lighting system was reworked to aid in presenting realistic graphics.<ref name="gdc08">{{cite web|url=http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-god-of-war-developer-goes-behind-the-scenes/|title=GDC08: God of War developer goes behind-the-scenes|accessdate=2008-03-15|date=2008-02-20|publisher=]}}</ref> The game was originally designed for the PlayStation Portable system's restricted 222&nbsp;MHz processor. Ready at Dawn repeatedly contacted Sony regarding increasing the ] of the PSP on account of the difference to the game and had actually developed a version of the game with the improved speed.<ref name="1up_preview">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3164808|title=1UP Previews: God of War PSP|publisher=]|accessdate=2008-03-27|date=2007-12-10|author=Matt Leone|quote="We had 222, and we went, 'We found this 333 mode -- we can overclock the processor, it's all supported, everything's nice, it doesn't break down the PSP at all...this is what the game could be'," says Ready At Dawn programming director Garret Foster. "And we just kept asking and asking and asking, actually crying, begging on knees, to try to get it." So when the PSP 3.50 firmware came around in late May and opened up the option for developers to run games at 333MHz, it was a big win for the team. "That was kind of the -- I hate to say it -- icing on the cake," says Foster.}}</ref> During game development Sony released ] that allowed games to use the full 333&nbsp;MHz processor on the system. Improvements with the faster processor allowed for more realistic blood effects, lighting effects and shadows as well as improved enemy intelligence. The battery life, however, is noticeably decreased due to the higher clock speed required to operate the game.<ref name="1up_preview"/><ref>{{cite video|url=http://www.gamevideos.com/video/id/16611|title=222Mhz vs 333&nbsp;MHz Chains of Olympus|accessdate=2008-03-08|date=2007-12-11|publisher=]}}</ref> After the game's completion, director Ru Weerasuriya stated multi-player options, other puzzles, characters and dialogue had to be removed due to time constraints.<ref name="nextgen_interview">{{cite web|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/features/interview-taking-god-war-psp|title=INTERVIEW: Taking God of War to PSP|accessdate=2008-03-08|date=2008-03-04|publisher=]}}</ref>
Game developer ] pitched the idea of a ''God of War'' game for the PlayStation Portable to ] soon after the original ''God of War'' launched. It is the first installment in the series to not be developed primarily by Santa Monica Studio, who nevertheless assisted on development.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=4&cId=3159438 |date=May 11, 2007 |last=Leone |first=Matt |title=Previews: God of War PSP |page=5 |publisher=] |work=] |access-date=October 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017050731/http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=4&cId=3159438 |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In February 2007, Ready at Dawn posted a teaser featuring "Coming Soon" in the ''God of War'' font.<ref name="joystiq_gow_font">{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/god-of-war-font-used-to-tease-unannounced-psp-title/ |first=James |last=Ransom-Wiley |title=God of War font used to tease 'unannounced psp title' |date=February 16, 2007 |access-date=March 6, 2008 |publisher=] |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018125842/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/god-of-war-font-used-to-tease-unannounced-psp-title/ |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> An editor from '']'' obtained an early copy of ''God of War II'' and posted the game's instruction manual, featuring a one-page teaser with "PSP" in the Omega symbol and stating "Coming 2007".<ref name="joystiq_gow2_booklet">{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/05/god-of-war-psp-revealed-on-back-of-god-of-war-ii-booklet/ |first=James |last=Ransom-Wiley |title=God of War PSP revealed on back of God of War II booklet |publisher=] |work=] |date=March 5, 2007 |access-date=October 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018125851/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/05/god-of-war-psp-revealed-on-back-of-god-of-war-ii-booklet/ |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> On March 12, 2007, ''God of War II'' was launched at the ]: ''God of War II'' Game Director ] officially confirmed the development of ''Chains of Olympus'', stating "It is its own story that connects to the overall story. ''God of War'', ''God of War II'', and then if all the stars align ''God of War III'' will be the telling of a trilogy. This PSP story will be a further fleshing out."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=7951988&publicUserId=5380373 |title=God of War II launch event/PSP coming out party? Liveblog! |first=Matt |last=Leone |date=March 12, 2007 |access-date=March 6, 2008 |publisher=] |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017051109/http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=7951988&publicUserId=5380373 |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> An initial trailer for ''Chains of Olympus'' was released on April 25, 2007, coinciding with the announcement of a demo on ]—the ] medium for the PSP.<ref name="pspfanboy_trailer">{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/free-god-of-war-chains-of-olympus-umd-demo/ |first=Andrew |last=Yoon |title=God of War: Chains of Olympus&nbsp;– first trailer & UMD demo |date=April 25, 2007 |access-date=October 2, 2007 |publisher=] |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921230955/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/25/free-god-of-war-chains-of-olympus-umd-demo/ |archive-date=September 21, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> The trailer is narrated by voice actress ].<ref name="pspfanboy_chatsnippets">{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/chains-of-olympus-will-change-the-course-of-the-gow-mythology/ |first=Andrew |last=Yoon |title=Chains of Olympus will "change the course of the GoW mythology" |date=August 3, 2007 |access-date=October 2, 2007 |publisher=] |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921230948/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/chains-of-olympus-will-change-the-course-of-the-gow-mythology/ |archive-date=September 21, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref>


''God of War: Chains of Olympus'' uses a proprietary, in-house engine referred to as the Ready at Dawn engine, which expanded on the engine created for their previous game, '']'' (2006), to include a fluid and cloth simulator.<ref name="nextgen_interview" /><ref name="ign_futurepsp">{{cite web |url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/772/772154p1.html |last=Roper |first=Chris |title=God of War for PSP Confirmed |date=March 12, 2007 |access-date=October 2, 2007 |publisher=] |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026112419/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/12/god-of-war-for-psp-confirmed |archive-date=October 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> The ] was modified to cater to the fixed cinematic camera for ''God of War'' gameplay,<ref name="nextgen_interview" /> and the lighting system was reworked to aid in presenting realistic graphics.<ref name="gdc08">{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-god-of-war-developer-goes-behind-the-scenes/ |title=GDC08: God of War developer goes behind-the-scenes |access-date=March 15, 2008 |date=February 20, 2008 |publisher=] |work=] |last=Yoon |first=Andrew |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921231000/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-god-of-war-developer-goes-behind-the-scenes/ |archive-date=September 21, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> The game was originally designed for the PlayStation Portable's restricted 222&nbsp;] (MHz) processor. Ready at Dawn repeatedly contacted Sony regarding increasing the ] of the PSP on account of the difference to the game and had developed a version of the game with higher speed.<ref name="1up_preview">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3164808 |title=1UP Previews: God of War PSP |publisher=] |work=] |access-date=March 27, 2008 |date=December 10, 2007 |first=Matt |last=Leone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107022254/http://www.1up.com/previews/god-war-psp_3 |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> Sony released ] that allowed games to use the full 333&nbsp;MHz processor. The faster processor allowed for more realistic blood effects, lighting effects, and shadows as well as improved enemy intelligence. The upgrade, however, noticeably decreased battery life.<ref name="1up_preview"/><ref>{{cite video |url=http://www.gamevideos.com/video/id/16611 |title=God of War: Chains of Olympus 'Comparison' |access-date=March 8, 2008 |date=December 11, 2007 |author=doublespy |publisher=] |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313233615/http://gamevideos.1up.com/video/id/16611 |archive-date=March 13, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> After the game's completion, Game Director Ru Weerasuriya stated multiplayer options and other puzzles, characters, and dialogue had to be removed due to time constraints.<ref name="nextgen_interview">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/interview-taking-god-war-psp |title=Interview: Taking God of War to PSP |access-date=March 8, 2008 |date=March 4, 2008 |publisher=] |magazine=] |author=Edge Staff |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404155512/http://www.edge-online.com/features/interview-taking-god-war-psp/ |archive-date=April 4, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref>
The demo disc, officially titled ''God of War: Chains of Olympus – Special Edition: Battle of Attica'', was released on September 27, 2007. In the demo, Kratos battles a number of Persian soldiers and a giant ]. The demo progresses through the city of Attica as Kratos chases down the Basilisk, ending with Kratos fighting the ] King. The disc also included a developer video that commentated on a play and a ] in the shape of the Greek letter ].<ref name="gametrailer_walkthru">{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/player/25829.html|author=GameTrailers|title=God of War (PSP) Developer Walkthrough|accessdate=2007-10-02|publisher=]}}</ref> Since the UMD demo's release, a downloadable version of the demo was made available through the ] in North American and European regions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/365609/download-the-god-of-war-chains-of-olympus-demo|title=Download the God of War: Chains of Olympus Demo|publisher=]|first=Brian|last=Crecente|date=2008-03-09|accessdate=2012-03-13}}</ref> The game was scheduled to be released during the fourth quarter of 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/48843|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus Delayed, Dated|author=Carlos Bergfeld|accessdate=2007-10-16|date=2007-09-07|publisher=]}}</ref> but the release date was then rescheduled for March 4, 2008.<ref name="gowpsp_delayed">{{cite web|author=GameSpot|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6178390.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=newstop&tag=newstop;title;1|title=Chains of Olympus breaking March 4|publisher=]}}</ref> Due to the delay Ready At Dawn Studios offered a "special edition" version of the demo to pre-order customers,<ref name="gowpsp_delayed" /> with one Ready at Dawn developer stating that preparation of the special demo disc took up to 40% of the team's production time.<ref name="gdc08" /> After the release of the demo, the company also offered pre-order customers a song on disc titled, ''Battle of Attica''. ] ] has stated that this was the first cue written for the game basing it on ] and ] of the game.<ref name="pspvault_mp3">{{cite web|url=http://www.psp-vault.com/Article1221.psp|title=God of War team offers "Battle of Attica" music|accessdate=2007-10-17|date=2007-10-06|publisher=PSP Vault}}</ref>

{{-}}
===Audio===
Two of the voice actors returned from the previous installments to reprise their roles, which were Terrence C. Carson and Linda Hunt, who voiced Kratos and the narrator respectively. Erin Torpey adopted the dual roles of Athena and Eos. Fred Tatasciore, who voiced different characters in previous installments, returned, and in this game, voiced both Atlas and the Persian King. ] and ] did not return to reprise their roles, which were Athena and Atlas respectively. Voice actor Dwight Schultz voiced both Charon and Helios; Debi Derryberry voiced Calliope and continued this role in a later installment; and Marina Gordon provided the voice of Persephone. ], ], and Andrew Wheeler provided the voices of several minor characters and ] was the Voice Director.<ref name="characters" />

The soundtrack was composed by ], but was never commercially released.<ref name="characters">{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=52152&tab=credits|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus&nbsp;– Credits|publisher=]. ]|access-date=November 5, 2010|archive-date=December 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211092705/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=52152&tab=credits|url-status=live}}</ref> After the release of the demo disc, Ready at Dawn offered pre-order customers a music track on disc titled "Battle of Attica". ] Gerard Marino stated that it was the first cue written for the game, based on concept art and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.qj.net/psp/news/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus-battle-of-attica-soundtrack-available-for-download.html |title=God of War: Chains of Olympus Battle of Attica soundtrack available for download |author=OJ Staff |access-date=August 2, 2012 |date=October 4, 2007 |publisher=Caputo Media |work=Quick Jump Gaming Network |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100415185718/http://www.qj.net/psp/news/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus-battle-of-attica-soundtrack-available-for-download.html |archive-date=April 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> Marino composed roughly thirteen minutes of music for the game and re-worked other music from the previous titles. Three tracks from the soundtrack are included as bonus tracks on the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/09/23/reason-2-to-pre-order-god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta-official-soundtrack-revealed/ |title=Reason #2 to Pre-Order God of War: Ghost of Sparta&nbsp;– Official Soundtrack Revealed |last=Chan |first=Ken |date=September 23, 2010 |publisher=] |work=] |access-date=April 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003102114/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/09/23/reason-2-to-pre-order-god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta-official-soundtrack-revealed/ |archive-date=October 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref>


==Release== ==Release==
The ] disc, officially titled ''God of War: Chains of Olympus&nbsp;– Special Edition: Battle of Attica'', was released on September 27, 2007. In the demo, Kratos battles Persian soldiers and a giant basilisk. The demo progresses through the city of Attica as Kratos chases the basilisk, culminating with Kratos fighting the ]n King. The disc also included a developer video and a ] in the shape of the Greek letter ].<ref name="gametrailer_walkthru">{{cite web |url=http://www.spike.com/video-clips/5h82an/god-of-war-psp-developer-walkthrough |title=God of War (PSP) Developer Walkthrough |date=December 4, 2007 |access-date=August 3, 2012 |publisher=] |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225021730/http://www.spike.com/video-clips/5h82an/god-of-war-psp-developer-walkthrough |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> Following the demo's release, a downloadable version was made available through the ] in North American and European regions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/365609/download-the-god-of-war-chains-of-olympus-demo |title=Download the God of War: Chains of Olympus Demo |publisher=] |work=] |first=Brian |last=Crecente |date=March 9, 2008 |access-date=March 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826062840/http://kotaku.com/365609/download-the-god-of-war-chains-of-olympus-demo |archive-date=August 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> Due to the delay of the game, Ready at Dawn offered a "special edition" version of the demo to pre-order customers,<ref name="gowpsp_delayed" /> with one Ready at Dawn developer stating that preparation of the special demo disc took up to 40% of the team's production time.<ref name="gdc08" />
]
''God of War: Chains of Olympus'' was released on March 4, 2008 in North America,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/games/god-of-war-origins/psp-886122|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus - PlayStation Portable|publisher=]|accessdate=2012-07-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=God of War: Chains of Olympus|url=http://psp.ign.com/objects/886/886122.html|author=IGN|accessdate=2007-10-02|publisher=]}}</ref> March 28, 2008 in Europe, and April 27, 2008 in Australia.<ref name="PSPReleaseSummary">{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus/related/release/platform/psp/|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus Related Games|accessdate=2012-02-13 |publisher=]}}</ref> The game was also released in Japan on July 10, 2008 by ].<ref name="PSPReleaseSummary"/> The game was re-released in Europe on October 17, 2008 as part of Sony's ]; and in Japan and North America in April 2009, under Capcom's Best Price and Sony's ] labels respectively.<ref name="PSPReleaseSummary"/> It became available for download from the ] on September 30, 2009 in North America, October 1, 2009 in Europe, and November 11, 2010 in Japan.<ref name="PSPReleaseSummary"/>


''God of War: Chains of Olympus'' was originally scheduled to be released during the fourth quarter of 2007,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/48843 |title=God of War: Chains of Olympus Delayed, Dated |first=Carlos |last=Bergfeld |access-date=October 16, 2007 |date=September 7, 2007 |publisher=] |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918025735/http://www.shacknews.com/article/48843/god-of-war-chains-of |archive-date=September 18, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> but it was rescheduled<ref name="gowpsp_delayed">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6178390.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=newstop&tag=newstop;title;1 |title=Chains of Olympus breaking March 4 |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |publisher=] |work=] |date=September 7, 2007 |access-date=July 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108055555/http://www.gamespot.com/news/chains-of-olympus-breaking-march-4-6178390 |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> and released on March 4, 2008, in North America,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/games/god-of-war-origins/psp-886122 |title=God of War: Chains of Olympus&nbsp;– PlayStation Portable |publisher=] |work=] |access-date=July 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109050303/http://www.ign.com/games/god-of-war-origins/psp-886122 |archive-date=January 9, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> March 27 in Australia, March 28 in Europe,<ref name="PSPReleaseSummary">{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus/related/release/platform/psp/ |title=God of War: Chains of Olympus Related Games |access-date=February 13, 2012 |publisher=] |work=] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124014021/http://uk.gamespot.com/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus/related/release/platform/psp/ |archive-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> and July 10 in Japan, where it was published by ].<ref name="PSPReleaseSummary"/> The game was a commercial success, debuting at No. 5 on the North American charts with 340,500 copies sold in the first month.<ref name="5th">{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/march-npd-wii-smash-bros-on-top-software-sales-surge/ |title=March NPD: Wii, Smash Bros. on top, software sales surge |access-date=April 18, 2008 |date=April 17, 2008 |publisher=] |work=] |first=Kyle |last=Orland |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018125857/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/march-npd-wii-smash-bros-on-top-software-sales-surge/ |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> The game was re-released in Europe on October 17, 2008, as part of Sony's ] and was also re-released in Japan and North America in April 2009 under Capcom's Best Price and Sony's ] labels, respectively.<ref name="PSPReleaseSummary"/> It became available for download from the PlayStation Store on September 30, 2009, in North America, October 1 in Europe, and November 11, 2010, in Japan.<ref name="PSPReleaseSummary"/> Sony released a limited-edition bundle pack only in North America, on June 3, 2008. The pack included the game, a UMD of the 2007 film '']'', a voucher for the PSP title '']'', and a red edition of the console imprinted with an image of Kratos' face on the rear.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/878/878728p1.html |title=God of War PSP Pack Now Available |date=June 3, 2008 |publisher=] |work=] |access-date=November 5, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026110037/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/03/god-of-war-psp-pack-now-available |archive-date=October 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> As of June 2012, ''Chains of Olympus'' has sold more than 3.2 million copies worldwide.<ref name="SalesJune2012">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-06-05-god-of-war-series-has-sold-over-21-million-copies |title=God of War series has sold over 21 million copies |date=June 5, 2012 |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |access-date=June 5, 2012 |publisher=Eurogamer Network |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108044426/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-06-05-god-of-war-series-has-sold-over-21-million-copies |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref>
On June 3, 2008, Sony released a limited-edition bundle pack for ''God of War: Chains of Olympus'', which was only available in North America. The pack included the game, a UMD of the 2007 film '']'', a voucher for the PSP title '']'' and a red ''God of War'' edition of the console imprinted with an image of Kratos' face on the rear.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/878/878728p1.html|title=God of War PSP Pack Now Available|date=6-3-2008|publisher=]|accessdate=2009-11-5}}</ref>


Together with '']'', the game was released for the ] as part of the '']'' (called ''God of War Collection – Volume II'' in Europe) on September 13, 2011 in North America, September 16, 2011 in Europe, September 29, 2011 in Australia, and October 6, 2011 in Japan.<ref name="PS3ReleaseSummary">{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/god-of-war-origins-collection/related/release/platform/ps3/|title=God of War Collection Volume II Related Games|accessdate=2012-02-13 |publisher=]}}</ref> The collection is a remastered port of both games to the PS3 hardware, with features including ] resolution, ], ] graphics locked in at 60 frames per second, ] vibration function and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/06/07/god-of-war-origins-collection-coming-in-3d-watch-the-trailer/|title=God of War: Origins Collection Coming in 3D, Watch the Trailer|date=2011-06-07|last=Turndorf|first=Marc|publisher=]|accessdate=2011-06-09}}</ref> ''God of War: Origins Collection'' was also released to download on the PlayStation Store on September 13, 2011 in North America (including full game trials of both games). Together with '']'', the game was released for the ] as part of the '']'' (called ''God of War Collection&nbsp;– Volume II'' in Europe) on September 13, 2011, in North America, September 16 in Europe, September 29 in Australia, and October 6 in Japan.<ref name="PS3ReleaseSummary">{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/god-of-war-origins-collection/related/release/platform/ps3/ |title=God of War Collection Volume II Related Games |access-date=February 13, 2012 |publisher=] |work=] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124100854/http://uk.gamespot.com/god-of-war-origins-collection/related/release/platform/ps3/ |archive-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> The collection is a remastered ] of both games to the PS3 hardware, with features including ] resolution, ], ] graphics locked at 60 frames per second, ] vibration function, and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/06/07/god-of-war-origins-collection-coming-in-3d-watch-the-trailer/ |title=God of War: Origins Collection Coming in 3D, Watch the Trailer |date=June 7, 2011 |last=Turndorf |first=Marc |publisher=] |work=] |access-date=June 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121125065842/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/06/07/god-of-war-origins-collection-coming-in-3d-watch-the-trailer/ |archive-date=November 25, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> ''God of War: Origins Collection'' and full trials of its two games were also released for download on the PlayStation Store on September 13, 2011, in North America.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/09/13/playstation-store-update-204/ |title=PlayStation Store Update |last=Chen |first=Grace |date=September 13, 2011 |publisher=] |work=] |access-date=July 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012231943/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/09/13/playstation-store-update-204/ |archive-date=October 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> By June 2012, the collection had sold 711,737 copies worldwide.<ref name="SalesJune2012"/> On August 28, 2012, '']'', ''God of War III'', and ''Origins Collection'' were released as part of the '']'' under Sony's line of PlayStation Collections for the PlayStation 3 in North America.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/08/06/never-stop-playing-with-playstation-collections/ |title=Never Stop Playing With PlayStation Collections |date=August 6, 2012 |last=Cardona |first=Christian |publisher=] |work=] |access-date=August 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105062450/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2012/08/06/never-stop-playing-with-playstation-collections/ |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref>
{{clear}}


== Reception == ==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
{{VG Reviews
| MC = 91/100<ref name="mc"/>
<!-- Aggregators -->
|MC = 91/100<ref name="mc"/> | 1UP = A<ref name="1up_review"/>
|GR = 91.21%<ref name="gr"/> | EuroG = 8/10<ref name=euro/>
| G4 = 5/5<ref name=g4/>
<!-- Reviewers -->
|GamePro = 4.75/5<ref name="gamepro_review"/> | GamePro = 4.75/5<ref name="gamepro_review"/>
|IGN = 9.4/10<ref name="ign_review"/> | GSpot = 8.5/10<ref name="gs_review"/>
|G4 = 5/5<ref name=g4/> | GT = 9.3/10<ref name=gt/>
|1UP = A<ref name="1up_review"/> | IGN = 9.4/10<ref name="ign_review"/>
| rev1 = Modojo
|GT = 9.3/10<ref name=gt/>
|GSpot = 8.5/10<ref name="gs_review"/> | rev1Score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="modojo"/>
|EuroG = 8/10<ref name=euro/>
}} }}


''God of War: Chains of Olympus'' received "universal acclaim", according to ] ],<ref name="mc">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus/critic-reviews/?platform=psp|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus (psp: 2008): Reviews|access-date=May 29, 2008|publisher=]|work=]|archive-date=August 16, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100816133448/http://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus|url-status=live}}</ref> achieving the highest composite score for a PlayStation Portable title. The game was praised for its graphics and presentation. Matt Leone of ''1UP'' claimed ''Chains of Olympus'' is "a technical showpiece for Sony, and arguably the best-looking game on the system."<ref name="1up_review"/> Robert Falcon of ''Modojo.com'' similarly praised the presentation, calling it "an absolute stunner, the pinnacle of PSP development". He also praised the visuals as "absolutely breathtaking," and that the "game moves beautifully throughout, with very little loss in detail or speed."<ref name="modojo">{{cite web |url=http://www.modojo.com/reviews/psp/god_of_war_chains_of_olympus/ |title=God of War: Chains of Olympus (PSP) Review |date=March 6, 2008 |last=Falcon |first=Robert |publisher=Modojo.com |access-date=August 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202192701/http://www.modojo.com/reviews/psp/god_of_war_chains_of_olympus/ |archive-date=February 2, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> However, ]'s Jonathan Hunt said that it "occasionally suffers from screen tearing and framerate drops."<ref name=g4/>
''God of War: Chains of Olympus'' was a commercial success, debuting at fifth place in the North American charts, with 340,500 copies sold in the first month.<ref name="5th">{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/march-npd-wii-smash-bros-on-top-software-sales-surge/|title=March NPD: Wii, Smash Bros. on top, software sales surge|accessdate=2008-04-18|date=2008-04-17|publisher=]|author=Kyle Orland}}</ref> Ready at Dawn reported shipping 1 million units of ''Chains of Olympus'' prior to release,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.readyatdawn.com/chainsofolympus.html|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus|publisher=]|accessdate=2009-07-30}}</ref> and as of June 2012, it has sold more than 3.2 million copies worldwide, in addition to 711,737 copies as part of the '']''.<ref name="SalesJune2012">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-06-05-god-of-war-series-has-sold-over-21-million-copies|title=God of War series has sold over 21 million copies &bull; News &bull; PlayStation 3 &bull; Eurogamer.net|date=2012-06-05|accessdate=2012-06-05|work=Eurogamer}}</ref> ''Chains of Olympus'' also gained universal critical acclaim from reviewers and achieved the highest composite score for a PlayStation Portable title, holding an average score of 91 out of 100 at ] based on 79 reviews,<ref name="mc">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus (psp: 2008): Reviews|accessdate=2008-05-29|publisher=]}}</ref> and 91 percent at ] based on 81 reviews.<ref name="gr">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/psp/938607-god-of-war-chains-of-olympus/index.html|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus Reviews|accessdate=2008-05-29|publisher=]}}</ref> ] praised the game's "fantastic" graphics and "tight and responsive" controls.<ref name="gamepro_review">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/psp/games/reviews/162468.shtml|title=Review: God of War: Chains of Olympus for PSP on GamePro.com.|accessdate=2008-02-21|date=2008-02-20|publisher=]|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080225123920/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/psp/games/reviews/162468.shtml|archivedate=2008-02-25}}</ref> ]'s Chris Roper noted that the developer "has done a stellar job of keeping Kratos' move set intact".<ref name="ign_review">{{cite web|url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/852/852821p1.html|title=IGN: God of War: Chains of Olympus Review|accessdate=2008-02-21|date=2008-02-18|publisher=]|first=Chris |last=Roper}}</ref> Matt Leone of ] claimed ''Chains of Olympus'' is "a technical showpiece for Sony, and arguably the best-looking game on the system."<ref name="1up_review">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3166395|title=Reviews: God of War PSP|date=2008-02-19|accessdate=2008-02-21|publisher=]|first=Matt|last=Leone}}</ref> GameTrailers praised the replay value: "thank Zeus himself, when you replay the game you can bring your powered-up methods of destruction with you."<ref name=gt>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-god-of-war/31398|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus|date=Mar 3, 2008|accessdate=2012-02-13|publisher=]}}</ref>


Several reviewers praised Ready at Dawn's solution for the controls and gameplay. Because the ] (PS2) controller has two analog sticks and the PSP only has one, '']'' stated "the lack of a second analog stick could have been problematic but it's not."<ref name="gamepro_review">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/psp/games/reviews/162468.shtml|title=Review: God of War: Chains of Olympus for PSP on GamePro.com|access-date=February 21, 2008|date=February 20, 2008|last=Kim|first=Tae K.|magazine=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225123920/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/psp/games/reviews/162468.shtml|archive-date=February 25, 2008}}</ref> Modojo.com similarly stated that despite the lack of a second analog stick, "Kratos handles superbly on the PSP" and that the weapon and magic attacks are "mapped out perfectly around the PSP's control set-up."<ref name="modojo"/> '']''{{'}}s Chris Roper even claimed the control scheme "works better than on the PS2." Roper further claimed that Ready at Dawn "has done a stellar job of keeping Kratos' move set intact," stating that "combat is extremely responsive."<ref name="ign_review">{{cite web |url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/852/852821p1.html |title=IGN: God of War: Chains of Olympus Review |access-date=February 21, 2008 |date=February 18, 2008 |publisher=] |work=] |first=Chris |last=Roper |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021064300/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/02/18/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus-review |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> Matt Leone of ''1UP'' similarly praised developers solution for the control scheme as well as the game's "fantastic" pacing.<ref name="1up_review">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3166395 |title=Reviews: God of War PSP |date=February 19, 2008 |access-date=February 21, 2008 |publisher=] |work=] |first=Matt |last=Leone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107022303/http://www.1up.com/reviews/god-war-psp |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> However, ''GamePro'' criticized the relative lack of variety in enemies.<ref name="gamepro_review"/> The puzzles were criticized, and G4 claimed that some "are so maddeningly difficult to solve",<ref name=g4>{{cite web |access-date=February 13, 2012 |url=http://www.g4tv.com/games/psp/44693/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus/review/ |title=God of War: Chains of Olympus |publisher=] |work=] |date=February 26, 2008 |first=Jonathan |last=Hunt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016131302/http://www.g4tv.com/games/psp/44693/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus/ |archive-date=October 16, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> while '']''{{'}}s Aaron Thomas noted the lack of puzzles, claiming that it "could have used more".<ref name="gs_review">{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/god-of-war/reviews/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus-review-6187153/ |title=God of War: Chains of Olympus Review |access-date=February 13, 2012 |date=March 4, 2008 |publisher=] |work=] |first=Aaron |last=Thomas |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124022316/http://uk.gamespot.com/god-of-war/reviews/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus-review-6187153/ |archive-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> ''GamePro'' also criticized the fact that "You still have to lug boxes around to solve environmental puzzles".<ref name="gamepro_review"/> Kristan Reed of '']'' also criticized Ready at Dawn for cutting some puzzles, as well as cutting co-op play, multiplayer, dialogue, and characters.<ref name=euro>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus-review |title=God of War: Chains of Olympus Review |date=March 11, 2008 |access-date=February 13, 2012 |first=Kristan |last=Reed |publisher=Eurogamer Network |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129193448/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus-review |archive-date=January 29, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref>
''Chains of Olympus'' has been also subject to criticism. ]'s Jonathan Hunt said that game "occasionally suffers from screen tearing and framerate drops", while noted that some of the puzzles "are so maddeningly difficult to solve".<ref name=g4>{{cite web|accessdate=2012-02-13|url=http://www.g4tv.com/games/psp/44693/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus/review/|title= God of War: Chains of Olympus |publisher=]|date=2008-02-26|first=Jonathan |last=Hunt }}</ref> GamePro criticized the game's relative lack of variety in enemies and the fact that "You still have to lug boxes around to solve environmental puzzles".<ref name="gamepro_review"/> Chris Roper criticized the length as "relatively short".<ref name="ign_review"/> ]'s Aaron Thomas agreed that the game can "easily be beaten in less than seven hours" and also claimed that it "could have used more puzzles, platforming segments, and bosses".<ref name="gs_review">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/god-of-war/reviews/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus-review-6187153/|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus Review|accessdate=2012-02-13|date=2008-03-05|publisher=]|work=]|first=Aaron |last=Thomas}}</ref> Kristan Reed of ] wrote that "Ready At Dawn, for whatever reason, had to cut co-op play, multiplayer, some of the puzzles, dialogue and characters, is a shame."<ref name=euro>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus-review|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus Review |date=11 March, 2008 |accessdate=2012-02-13|first=Kristan|last=Reed|publisher=]}}</ref> In September 2010, ''God of War: Chains of Olympus'' was listed number one on ]'s "The 10 Best PSP Games" list.<ref name="GP">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/106330/the-10-best-psp-games/|title=The 10 Best PSP Games|date=2010-09-23|last=Noble|first=McKinley|publisher=]|accessdate=2010-09-28|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20101001080907/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/106330/the-10-best-psp-games/?|archivedate=2010-10-01}}</ref>


''GameSpot''<ref name="gs_review"/> and ''IGN''<ref name="ign_review"/> criticized the short length and minimal boss fights, although ''GamePro'' stated that it has "the same epic feel" as the previous installments and claimed that if it was the only ''God of War'' title, "it would still stand on its own merits."<ref name="gamepro_review"/> ''GameTrailers'' went on to praise the replay value for being able to "bring your powered-up methods of destruction with you."<ref name=gt>{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/3yt8g7/god-of-war--chains-of-olympus-review |title=God of War: Chains of Olympus |date=March 3, 2008 |access-date=October 16, 2012 |publisher=] |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131045138/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/3yt8g7/god-of-war--chains-of-olympus-review |archive-date=January 31, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref>
===Awards===
In IGN's Best of 2008 Awards, the game received the awards for Best PSP Action Game,<ref name="bestof1">{{cite web|date=2008|url=http://ie.bestof.ign.com/2008/psp/1.html|title=IGN Best of 2008: Best Action Game (PSP)| publisher=]|accessdate=2012-02-13}}</ref> Best Graphics Technology,<ref name="bestof2">{{cite web|date=2008|url=http://ie.bestof.ign.com/2008/psp/8.html|title=IGN Best of 2008: Best Graphics Technology (PSP)| publisher=]|accessdate=2012-02-13}}</ref> and Best Use of Sound.<ref name="bestof3">{{cite web|date=2008|url=http://ie.bestof.ign.com/2008/psp/11.html|title=IGN Best of 2008: Best Use of Sound (PSP)| publisher=]|accessdate=2012-02-13}}</ref> In GameSpot's Best Games of 2008, the game received the Readers' Choice Award.<ref>{{cite web|date=2008|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/best-of-2008/platform-awards/index.html?page=6|title=GameSpot's Best Games of 2008 - Best PSP Games| publisher=]|accessdate=2012-02-13}}</ref> ] awarded the game ''Best PSP Game'' for 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://diehardgamefan.com/2009/01/07/diehard-gamefans-2008-gaming-awards/|title=Dieheard GameFAN's 2008 Gaming Awards|accessdate=2012-02-13|date=2009-01-07|publisher=]}}</ref> At the 2008 ], the game was nominated for Best Handheld Game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/presenting-the-2008-spike-video-game-award-nominees/|title=Presenting the 2008 Spike Video Game Award nominees|date=2008-11-13|last=Kietzmann|first=Ludwig|publisher=]|accessdate=2012-07-08}}</ref>


===Awards and accolades===
==Soundtrack==
In ''IGN''{{'}}s Best of 2008 Awards, ''Chains of Olympus'' received the awards for "Best PSP Action Game",<ref name="bestof1">{{cite web |year=2008 |url=http://ie.bestof.ign.com/2008/psp/1.html |title=IGN Best of 2008: Best Action Game (PSP) |publisher=] |work=] |access-date=February 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120728204001/http://ie.bestof.ign.com/2008/psp/1.html |archive-date=July 28, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> "Best Graphics Technology",<ref name="bestof2">{{cite web |year=2008 |url=http://ie.bestof.ign.com/2008/psp/8.html |title=IGN Best of 2008: Best Graphics Technology (PSP) |publisher=] |work=] |access-date=July 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709234313/http://ie.bestof.ign.com/2008/psp/8.html |archive-date=July 9, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> and "Best Use of Sound".<ref name="bestof3">{{cite web |year=2008 |url=http://ie.bestof.ign.com/2008/psp/11.html |title=IGN Best of 2008: Best Use of Sound (PSP) |publisher=] |work=] |access-date=July 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715143111/http://ie.bestof.ign.com/2008/psp/11.html |archive-date=July 15, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> In GameSpot's Best Games of 2008, it received the "Readers' Choice Award".<ref>{{cite web|year=2008 |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/best-of-2008/platform-awards/index.html?page=6 |title=GameSpot's Best Games of 2008&nbsp;– Best PSP Games |publisher=] |work=] |access-date=February 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104121555/http://uk.gamespot.com/best-of-2008/platform-awards/index.html?page=6 |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> '']'' awarded it "Best PSP Game" for 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://diehardgamefan.com/2009/01/07/diehard-gamefans-2008-gaming-awards/ |title=Dieheard GameFAN's 2008 Gaming Awards |last=Lucard |first=Alex |access-date=February 13, 2012 |date=January 7, 2009 |publisher=Inside Pulse |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105071701/http://diehardgamefan.com/2009/01/07/diehard-gamefans-2008-gaming-awards/ |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> At the 2008 ], it was a nominee for "Best Handheld Game".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/presenting-the-2008-spike-video-game-award-nominees/ |title=Presenting the 2008 Spike Video Game Award nominees |date=November 13, 2008 |last=Kietzmann |first=Ludwig |publisher=] |work=] |access-date=July 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106050008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/presenting-the-2008-spike-video-game-award-nominees/ |archive-date=November 6, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> It was Metacritic's 2008 "PSP Game of the Year".<ref name="mc"/> During the ] in 2009, the ] awarded ''Chains of Olympus'' with "]", along with receiving a nomination for "]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2009&idGame=1040 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details God of War: Chains of Olympus |publisher=] |website=interactive.org |access-date=8 November 2023}}</ref> In September 2010, ''GamePro'' named ''God of War: Chains of Olympus'' the best PSP game.<ref name="GP">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/106330/the-10-best-psp-games/ |title=The 10 Best PSP Games |date=September 23, 2010 |last=Noble |first=McKinley |magazine=] |access-date=September 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001080907/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/106330/the-10-best-psp-games/ |archive-date=October 1, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
''God of War: Chains of Olympus&nbsp;– Original Soundtrack from the Video Game'' was composed by ] but to date has not been commercially released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=52152&tab=credits|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus - Credits|publisher=]|accessdate=2010-11-05}}</ref> Marino composed roughly thirteen minutes of new music for the game and re-worked other music from the previous titles. Three tracks from the soundtrack are included as bonus tracks on the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/09/23/reason-2-to-pre-order-god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta-official-soundtrack-revealed/|title=Reason #2 to Pre-Order God of War: Ghost of Sparta — Official Soundtrack Revealed|last=Chan|first=Ken|date=2010-09-23|publisher=]|accessdate=2012-04-27}}</ref>


==See also== ==Notes==
{{Notelist}}
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==References== ==References==
{{reflist|30em}} {{reflist|group=N}}
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book|year=2008|editor=Ready at Dawn|editor-link=Ready at Dawn|title=God of War: Chains of Olympus|type=]|publisher=]|ref=manual}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
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* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323162807/http://www.godofwargame.com/ |date=March 23, 2010 }}
* at ]
* {{IMDb title|1064955}}
* {{dmoz|Games/Video_Games/Action-Adventure/God_of_War_Series/God_of_War_-_Chains_of_Olympus|''God of War: Chains of Olympus''}}


{{God of War}} {{God of War}}
{{Ready at Dawn}} {{Ready at Dawn}}
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Latest revision as of 16:03, 12 November 2024

2008 video game

2008 video game
God of War: Chains of Olympus
North American box art
Developer(s)Ready at Dawn
Publisher(s)Sony Computer Entertainment
Director(s)Ru Weerasuriya
Writer(s)
Composer(s)Gerard K. Marino
SeriesGod of War
Platform(s)PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3
Release
  • NA: March 4, 2008
  • AU: March 27, 2008
  • EU: March 28, 2008
Genre(s)Action-adventure, hack and slash
Mode(s)Single-player

God of War: Chains of Olympus is a 2008 action-adventure hack and slash video game developed by Ready at Dawn and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation Portable. It is the fourth installment in the God of War series, the second chronologically, and a prequel to the original God of War. It is loosely based on Greek mythology and set in ancient Greece, with vengeance as its central motif. The player controls Kratos, a Spartan warrior who serves the Olympian gods. Kratos is guided by the goddess Athena, who instructs him to find the Sun God Helios, as the Dream God Morpheus has caused many of the gods to slumber in Helios' absence. With the power of the Sun and the aid of the Titan Atlas, Morpheus and the Queen of the Underworld Persephone intend to destroy the Pillar of the World and in turn Olympus.

The gameplay is similar to the previous installments, with a focus on combo-based combat, achieved through the player's main weapon—the Blades of Chaos—and secondary weapons acquired throughout the game. It features quick time events that require the player to complete game controller actions in a timed sequence to defeat stronger enemies and bosses. The player can use up to three magical attacks as alternative combat options. The game also features puzzles and platforming elements. The series' control scheme was reconfigured to compensate for the smaller number of buttons on the PSP compared to the PlayStation 2's controller; Ready at Dawn's solutions for the controls were praised by critics.

Chains of Olympus was acclaimed by critics, becoming the highest-rated PSP title on Metacritic and GameRankings. The game's graphics were particularly praised, with 1UP declaring the game was "a technical showpiece for Sony, and arguably the best-looking game on the system." It won several awards, including "Best PSP Action Game", "Best Graphics Technology", and "Best Use of Sound". As of June 2012, the game has sold 3.2 million copies worldwide, making it the seventh best-selling PlayStation Portable game of all time. Together with 2010's God of War: Ghost of Sparta, Chains of Olympus was remastered and released on September 13, 2011, as part of the God of War: Origins Collection for the PlayStation 3. The remastered version was included in the God of War Saga released on August 28, 2012, also for PlayStation 3.

Gameplay

Further information: Common gameplay elements in the God of War series

God of War: Chains of Olympus is a third-person single-player video game viewed from a fixed camera perspective. The player controls the character Kratos in combo-based combat, platforming, and puzzle game elements, and battles foes who primarily stem from Greek mythology, including cyclopes, Gorgons, satyrs, harpies, minotaurs, hoplites, and sphinxes. Morpheus beasts, shades, banshees, fire guards, fire sentries, hyperion guards, and death knights were created specifically for the game. Platforming elements require the player to climb walls, jump across chasms, swing on ropes, and balance across beams to proceed through sections of the game. Some puzzles are simple, such as moving a box so that the player can use it as a jumping-off point to access a pathway unreachable with normal jumping, but others are more complex, such as finding several items across different areas of the game to unlock one door.

Combat

Kratos' main weapon is the Blades of Chaos: a pair of blades attached to chains that are wrapped around the character's wrists and forearms. In gameplay, the blades can be swung offensively in various maneuvers. As the game progresses, Kratos acquires new weapons—the Sun Shield and Gauntlet of Zeus—offering alternative combat options. Kratos only learns three magical abilities, as opposed to four in previous installments, including the Efreet, the Light of Dawn, and Charon's Wrath, giving him a variety of ways to attack and kill enemies. He acquires the relic Triton's Lance—similar to Poseidon's Trident in God of War— which allows him to breathe underwater; a necessary ability as parts of the game require long periods of time there.

The challenge mode in this game is called the Challenge of Hades (five trials), and requires players to complete a series of specific tasks (e.g., Burn 50 soldiers with the Efreet). It is unlocked by completing the game. The player may unlock bonus costumes for Kratos, behind-the-scenes videos, and concept art of the characters and environments, as rewards. Completion of each of the game's difficulty levels unlocks additional rewards.

Synopsis

Setting

As with the previous games in the God of War franchise, God of War: Chains of Olympus is set in an alternate version of ancient Greece, populated by the Olympian gods, Titans, and other beings of Greek mythology. With the exception of flashbacks, the events are set between those of the games Ascension (2013) and God of War (2005). Several locations are explored, including the real-world locations of the ancient cities of Attica and Marathon, the latter including fictional settings of the Temple of Helios and the Caves of Olympus, and several other fictional locations, including the Underworld, which features scenes at the River Styx, Tartarus, the Fields of Elysium, and the Temple of Persephone.

Attica is a war-torn city under assault by the Persian Empire and their pet basilisk and is the site of Eurybiades' last battle. The city of Marathon is covered in the black fog of the Dream God, Morpheus. Just beyond the city is the Temple of Helios, which sits atop the Sun Chariot, which has plummeted to Earth in Helios' absence. Boreas, Zephyros, Euros, and Notos, the gods of the north, west, east, and south winds, respectively, reside in the temple and guide the chariot. The Caves of Olympus is a cavern below Mount Olympus and houses the dawn-goddess Eos, the Primordial Fires, and a statue of Triton. The Underworld is the underground realm of the dead and is host to the River Styx and the ferryman of the dead, Charon. Tartarus is the prison of the dead and the Titans where the massive Titan Hyperion is chained. The Fields of Elysium are home to deserving souls that roam peacefully and are overlooked by the Temple of Persephone.

Characters

Main article: Characters of God of War

The protagonist of the game is Kratos (voiced by Terrence C. Carson), a former Captain of Sparta's Army, and once servant to the God of War, Ares. He now serves the other Olympian gods in hopes that they will free him of his nightmares. Other characters include Kratos' mentor and ally Athena (Erin Torpey), the Goddess of Wisdom; Eos (Erin Torpey), the Goddess of Dawn and sister of Helios; Persephone (Marina Gordon), the Queen of the Underworld and the main antagonist; and Atlas (Fred Tatasciore), a four-armed Titan imprisoned in Tartarus after the Great War. Kratos' deceased daughter Calliope (Debi Derryberry) briefly reunites with him in the Fields of Elysium and his wife Lysandra appears in a flashback. Minor characters include Helios (Dwight Schultz), the captured Sun God; Charon (Dwight Schultz), the ferryman of the Underworld; and the Persian king (Fred Tatasciore), leader of the Persian forces attacking Attica. The Dream God Morpheus is an unseen character that affects the plot.

Plot

Kratos battles the basilisk in the city of Attica.

About halfway through Kratos' ten years of service to the Olympian gods, he is sent to the city of Attica to help defend it from the invading Persian army. After successfully killing the Persian king, decimating his army, and slaying their pet basilisk, Kratos observes the Sun fall from the sky, plunging the world into darkness. As he fights his way through the city of Marathon, the Spartan witnesses the black fog of Morpheus covering the land. He hears a haunting flute melody, which he recognizes as a melody once played by his deceased daughter Calliope. Finding the Temple of Helios, Kratos learns from Athena that Morpheus has caused many of the gods to fall into a deep slumber due to the absence of light. Before she succumbs to slumber, Athena tasks Kratos to find Helios, return him to the sky, and break Morpheus’ grasp on the world. The Spartan eventually locates Helios' sister, Eos, who tells Kratos that the Titan Atlas has abducted her brother. Eos advises Kratos to seek the Primordial Fires, which he uses to awaken the fire steeds of Helios. The steeds take the Spartan to the Underworld, where he has two encounters with Charon at the River Styx. Although Charon initially defeats Kratos and banishes him to Tartarus, the Spartan returns with the Gauntlet of Zeus and destroys the ferryman.

Kratos soon spots Calliope and chases after her. After locating the Temple of Persephone and confronting the Queen of the Underworld, Kratos is given a choice: renounce his power and be with his deceased daughter (at a cost to mankind) or proceed with his mission. Kratos sacrifices his weapons and power to be reunited with his daughter but discovers that Persephone is embittered by Zeus' betrayal and her imprisonment in the Underworld with her husband Hades, whom she did not love. While he was distracted by his reunion with Calliope, Persephone's ally Atlas was using the power of the kidnapped Helios to destroy the Pillar of the World, which would also end Olympus. As the resulting destruction of the Pillar will also cause the souls of the Underworld, including Calliope, to be lost, Kratos reluctantly abandons his daughter forever in order to save her life. Taking back his power, Kratos battles Persephone and Atlas, binding the Titan to the Pillar before slaying the goddess. Although victorious, he is warned by a dying Persephone that his suffering will never end. Atlas, forced to hold the weight of the world on his shoulders for eternity, also warns Kratos that he will eventually regret helping the gods and that he and Atlas will meet again. Kratos then rides the Sun Chariot back to the mortal world and into the sky as Morpheus retreats.

In a post-credits scene, Kratos is still riding Helios' chariot back into the sky and after seeing the return of the Sun, Kratos loses consciousness from the exertion and plummets to the ground. At the last moment, Kratos is saved by Athena and Helios, and Athena tells Helios that "He will live."

Development

Game developer Ready at Dawn pitched the idea of a God of War game for the PlayStation Portable to Santa Monica Studio soon after the original God of War launched. It is the first installment in the series to not be developed primarily by Santa Monica Studio, who nevertheless assisted on development. In February 2007, Ready at Dawn posted a teaser featuring "Coming Soon" in the God of War font. An editor from 1UP obtained an early copy of God of War II and posted the game's instruction manual, featuring a one-page teaser with "PSP" in the Omega symbol and stating "Coming 2007". On March 12, 2007, God of War II was launched at the Metreon: God of War II Game Director Cory Barlog officially confirmed the development of Chains of Olympus, stating "It is its own story that connects to the overall story. God of War, God of War II, and then if all the stars align God of War III will be the telling of a trilogy. This PSP story will be a further fleshing out." An initial trailer for Chains of Olympus was released on April 25, 2007, coinciding with the announcement of a demo on UMD—the optical disc medium for the PSP. The trailer is narrated by voice actress Linda Hunt.

God of War: Chains of Olympus uses a proprietary, in-house engine referred to as the Ready at Dawn engine, which expanded on the engine created for their previous game, Daxter (2006), to include a fluid and cloth simulator. The camera system was modified to cater to the fixed cinematic camera for God of War gameplay, and the lighting system was reworked to aid in presenting realistic graphics. The game was originally designed for the PlayStation Portable's restricted 222 megahertz (MHz) processor. Ready at Dawn repeatedly contacted Sony regarding increasing the clock speed of the PSP on account of the difference to the game and had developed a version of the game with higher speed. Sony released a firmware upgrade that allowed games to use the full 333 MHz processor. The faster processor allowed for more realistic blood effects, lighting effects, and shadows as well as improved enemy intelligence. The upgrade, however, noticeably decreased battery life. After the game's completion, Game Director Ru Weerasuriya stated multiplayer options and other puzzles, characters, and dialogue had to be removed due to time constraints.

Audio

Two of the voice actors returned from the previous installments to reprise their roles, which were Terrence C. Carson and Linda Hunt, who voiced Kratos and the narrator respectively. Erin Torpey adopted the dual roles of Athena and Eos. Fred Tatasciore, who voiced different characters in previous installments, returned, and in this game, voiced both Atlas and the Persian King. Carole Ruggier and Michael Clarke Duncan did not return to reprise their roles, which were Athena and Atlas respectively. Voice actor Dwight Schultz voiced both Charon and Helios; Debi Derryberry voiced Calliope and continued this role in a later installment; and Marina Gordon provided the voice of Persephone. Brian Kimmet, Don Luce, and Andrew Wheeler provided the voices of several minor characters and Keythe Farley was the Voice Director.

The soundtrack was composed by Gerard K. Marino, but was never commercially released. After the release of the demo disc, Ready at Dawn offered pre-order customers a music track on disc titled "Battle of Attica". Composer Gerard Marino stated that it was the first cue written for the game, based on concept art and screenshots. Marino composed roughly thirteen minutes of music for the game and re-worked other music from the previous titles. Three tracks from the soundtrack are included as bonus tracks on the God of War: Ghost of Sparta soundtrack.

Release

The demo disc, officially titled God of War: Chains of Olympus – Special Edition: Battle of Attica, was released on September 27, 2007. In the demo, Kratos battles Persian soldiers and a giant basilisk. The demo progresses through the city of Attica as Kratos chases the basilisk, culminating with Kratos fighting the Persian King. The disc also included a developer video and a lanyard in the shape of the Greek letter Omega. Following the demo's release, a downloadable version was made available through the PlayStation Store in North American and European regions. Due to the delay of the game, Ready at Dawn offered a "special edition" version of the demo to pre-order customers, with one Ready at Dawn developer stating that preparation of the special demo disc took up to 40% of the team's production time.

God of War: Chains of Olympus was originally scheduled to be released during the fourth quarter of 2007, but it was rescheduled and released on March 4, 2008, in North America, March 27 in Australia, March 28 in Europe, and July 10 in Japan, where it was published by Capcom. The game was a commercial success, debuting at No. 5 on the North American charts with 340,500 copies sold in the first month. The game was re-released in Europe on October 17, 2008, as part of Sony's Platinum Range and was also re-released in Japan and North America in April 2009 under Capcom's Best Price and Sony's Greatest Hits labels, respectively. It became available for download from the PlayStation Store on September 30, 2009, in North America, October 1 in Europe, and November 11, 2010, in Japan. Sony released a limited-edition bundle pack only in North America, on June 3, 2008. The pack included the game, a UMD of the 2007 film Superbad, a voucher for the PSP title Syphon Filter: Combat Ops, and a red edition of the console imprinted with an image of Kratos' face on the rear. As of June 2012, Chains of Olympus has sold more than 3.2 million copies worldwide.

Together with God of War: Ghost of Sparta, the game was released for the PlayStation 3 as part of the God of War: Origins Collection (called God of War Collection – Volume II in Europe) on September 13, 2011, in North America, September 16 in Europe, September 29 in Australia, and October 6 in Japan. The collection is a remastered port of both games to the PS3 hardware, with features including high-definition resolution, stereoscopic 3D, anti-aliased graphics locked at 60 frames per second, DualShock 3 vibration function, and PlayStation 3 Trophies. God of War: Origins Collection and full trials of its two games were also released for download on the PlayStation Store on September 13, 2011, in North America. By June 2012, the collection had sold 711,737 copies worldwide. On August 28, 2012, God of War Collection, God of War III, and Origins Collection were released as part of the God of War Saga under Sony's line of PlayStation Collections for the PlayStation 3 in North America.

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic91/100
Review scores
PublicationScore
1Up.comA
Eurogamer8/10
G45/5
GamePro4.75/5
GameSpot8.5/10
GameTrailers9.3/10
IGN9.4/10
Modojo

God of War: Chains of Olympus received "universal acclaim", according to review aggregator Metacritic, achieving the highest composite score for a PlayStation Portable title. The game was praised for its graphics and presentation. Matt Leone of 1UP claimed Chains of Olympus is "a technical showpiece for Sony, and arguably the best-looking game on the system." Robert Falcon of Modojo.com similarly praised the presentation, calling it "an absolute stunner, the pinnacle of PSP development". He also praised the visuals as "absolutely breathtaking," and that the "game moves beautifully throughout, with very little loss in detail or speed." However, G4's Jonathan Hunt said that it "occasionally suffers from screen tearing and framerate drops."

Several reviewers praised Ready at Dawn's solution for the controls and gameplay. Because the PlayStation 2 (PS2) controller has two analog sticks and the PSP only has one, GamePro stated "the lack of a second analog stick could have been problematic but it's not." Modojo.com similarly stated that despite the lack of a second analog stick, "Kratos handles superbly on the PSP" and that the weapon and magic attacks are "mapped out perfectly around the PSP's control set-up." IGN's Chris Roper even claimed the control scheme "works better than on the PS2." Roper further claimed that Ready at Dawn "has done a stellar job of keeping Kratos' move set intact," stating that "combat is extremely responsive." Matt Leone of 1UP similarly praised developers solution for the control scheme as well as the game's "fantastic" pacing. However, GamePro criticized the relative lack of variety in enemies. The puzzles were criticized, and G4 claimed that some "are so maddeningly difficult to solve", while GameSpot's Aaron Thomas noted the lack of puzzles, claiming that it "could have used more". GamePro also criticized the fact that "You still have to lug boxes around to solve environmental puzzles". Kristan Reed of Eurogamer also criticized Ready at Dawn for cutting some puzzles, as well as cutting co-op play, multiplayer, dialogue, and characters.

GameSpot and IGN criticized the short length and minimal boss fights, although GamePro stated that it has "the same epic feel" as the previous installments and claimed that if it was the only God of War title, "it would still stand on its own merits." GameTrailers went on to praise the replay value for being able to "bring your powered-up methods of destruction with you."

Awards and accolades

In IGN's Best of 2008 Awards, Chains of Olympus received the awards for "Best PSP Action Game", "Best Graphics Technology", and "Best Use of Sound". In GameSpot's Best Games of 2008, it received the "Readers' Choice Award". Diehard GameFAN awarded it "Best PSP Game" for 2008. At the 2008 Spike Video Game Awards, it was a nominee for "Best Handheld Game". It was Metacritic's 2008 "PSP Game of the Year". During the 12th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards in 2009, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences awarded Chains of Olympus with "Hand-Held Game of the Year", along with receiving a nomination for "Adventure Game of the Year". In September 2010, GamePro named God of War: Chains of Olympus the best PSP game.

Notes

  1. Additional work by Santa Monica Studio.

References

  1. As depicted in God of War II.
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  6. Ready at Dawn, ed. & (2008), p. 12
  7. Ready at Dawn, ed. & (2008), p. 5
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