God of War: Ghost of Sparta
Encyclopedia
God of War: Ghost of Sparta is an action-adventure game
developed by Ready at Dawn
and SCE Santa Monica Studio
and released by Sony Computer Entertainment
for the PlayStation Portable
(released as the sixth God of War game and the second for the PSP) in November 2010.
Loosely based on Greek mythology
and focused on protagonist Kratos
, the game forms part of a saga (chronologically the third chapter in the God of War
series) with vengeance as a central theme.
Kratos, now the God of War, is haunted by the visions of his mortal past and decides to explore his origins.
, containing quick time events
, box-based puzzles and boss fights. The game features new weapons, magical powers and navigational abilities not present in previous games, and has been cited as featuring 25 percent more gameplay than its PSP predecessor Chains of Olympus.
Kratos' arsenal includes the "Blades of Athena" and the "Arms of Sparta" (a spear and shield). Kratos also gains the ability "Thera's Bane" (infuses the Blades of Athena with fire) and in this game acts as the "Rage" feature. As with the Items used in God of War III, this ability automatically replenishes itself. Both Arms of Sparta and Thera's Bane are used to overcome environmental obstacles.
The combat system has been updated to allow Kratos to "pummel enemies to the ground as well as throw them", and perform air-to-air attacks. An "augmented death system" is also being used.
Magical abilities include the "Eye of Atlantis", "Scourge of Erinys", and the "Horn of Boreas". The relic "Poseidon's Trident" is retained (God of War).
As with previous games, chests found throughout the game contain orbs and are marked with a corresponding color for the orbs (green, blue, and red). Green Orbs replenish health, blue orbs replenish magic and red orbs provide experience, which in turn allows the upgrading of magical abilities and weapons.
Health and Magic upgrades—Gorgon Eyes and Phoenix Feathers respectively—reappear and can be found in chests, with five items needed for an upgrade. Minotaur Horns also reappear (from God of War III) and upgrade the Fire meter for Thera's Bane.
As with previous installments, a challenge mode ("Challenge of the Gods": five "Challenges of Ares" and another eight "Challenges of Athena" that can be unlocked) is included. Another mode has been added ("The Temple of Zeus") and allows players to sacrifice collected red orbs (both in-game and Challenge) to unlock additional features, such as the "Challenges of Athena", costumes and bonus videos. A Combat Arena (similar to the version in God of War III) allows players to pick adversaries and adjust the level of difficulty.
would come not by the revenge of the great Titans
, who had been imprisoned after the Great War
, but by a marked warrior. The Olympians
Zeus
and Ares
believed this warrior to be Deimos, the brother of Kratos, due to his strange birthmarks. Ares interrupts the childhood training of Kratos and Deimos (with Athena
watching) and kidnaps Deimos. Kratos attempts to stop Ares, but is swept aside and scarred (across his right eye) by the Olympian. Ares attempts to kill him, but Athena stops him, knowing Kratos' destiny. Taken to Death's Domain, Deimos is imprisoned and tortured by the god of death, Thanatos
.
Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta, has taken Ares' place as the new God of War on Mount Olympus
. Still haunted by visions of his mortal past, Kratos decides- against the advice of the goddess, Athena -to explore his past and travels to the Temple of Poseidon, located within the city of Atlantis
. The sea monster, Scylla
, attacks and destroys Kratos' vessel off the coast of Atlantis, although the Spartan drives the beast off. After a series of skirmishes across the city, Kratos eventually kills Scylla.
Kratos also locates his ailing mother, Callisto, who attempts to reveal the identity of his father. When Callisto is suddenly transformed into a hideous beast, Kratos is forced to battle her, and before dying, Callisto thanks Kratos and beseeches him to seek out his brother Deimos in Sparta. Before departing from Atlantis, Kratos encounters and frees the trapped Titan, Thera, which causes the eruption of an underground volcano
, and subsequently destroys the city. During Kratos' escape he has another encounter
with the enigmatic Grave Digger, who warns of the consequences of alienating the gods.
After a battle with Erinys
, the daughter of Thanatos, Kratos arrives in Sparta and witnesses a group of Spartans tearing down a statue of Ares, intent on replacing it with an image of Kratos. After killing the Piraeus Lion
and a dissenter
in the Spartan Jails and an encounter with the spirit
of his child self in the Temple of Ares, Kratos learns he must return to the now sunken Atlantis and locate the Domain of Death. Before leaving, a loyal Spartan provides Kratos with his former weapons- used during Kratos' days as a Captain of the Spartan army -the Arms of Sparta.
Entering the Domain of Death, Kratos eventually locates his imprisoned brother Deimos and frees him. Enraged that Kratos failed to rescue him sooner and stating he will never forgive Kratos, Deimos attacks Kratos, but the god Thanatos- responsible for Deimos' torture -intervenes. Thanatos takes Deimos against his will to Suicide Bluffs (the site of Kratos' suicide attempt), where Kratos saves Deimos from falling to his death. A grateful Deimos then aids Kratos in battling the god. Thanatos kills Deimos but is destroyed, in turn, by Kratos. Kratos, remarking that his brother is finally free, places Deimos in his grave (leaving the Arms of Sparta as a grave marker), and is warned by the enigmatic Grave Digger who once aided him not to alienate the gods, stating Kratos has become "Death...the Destroyer of Worlds."
Athena begs for forgiveness (offering full godhood and even acknowledging Kratos as her brother) for not revealing the truth, but Kratos ignores her, returning to Olympus promising that "the gods will pay for this."
In a post credits scene, the Grave Digger places Callisto in a grave near Deimos (with an empty third grave nearby) and states "Now...only one remains." The final scene is a brooding Kratos sitting on his throne on Mount Olympus.
, while adding more enemies on screen and a greater number of boss encounters. According to Ready At Dawn, development of Ghost of Sparta began in September 2008.
At Comic-Con 2010
, Game Director Dana Jan (previously Lead Level Designer on Chains of Olympus) noted that when development began in 2008, the goal was to make the game "bigger" than Chains of Olympus, which had apparently "pushed" the PSP to its functional limits. Jan stated that Ghost of Sparta has taken the PSP to its "absolute capacity", with one additional feature being more on-screen foes. On June 15th, 2010, Sony displayed a cinematic teaser trailer narrated by Linda Hunt
during their E3 2010 Press Conference.
The game concept was originally used as a teaser for players who obtained the platinum trophy from God of War III
. The trophy revealed a site called spartansstandtall.com - initially featured a simple animation of torrential rain falling into a body of water and a Spartan shield encompassed by a meter on the screen. The meter is speculated to have been filled by players achieving the trophy and reaching the site.
On May 4, 2010, the meter reached maximum and the site was updated for a final time, revealing an image of Kratos standing above the reflection and the logo for God of War: Ghost of Sparta, now being the official site.
. The sequence also features Kratos using new weapon "Arms of Sparta" (a spear and shield) and the magical attack "Eye of Atlantis. "
On September 3, 2010, Ready at Dawn emailed registrants of GodofWar.com and SpartansStandTall.com a voucher for the demo and on September 7, 2010, PlayStation Plus members received early access to the demo. On September 28, 2010, the demo was made available to all PlayStation Network members to download from the PlayStation Store.
and New Zealand
on November 4, 2010 and in the United Kingdom
and Ireland
on November 5, 2010.
Together with God of War: Chains of Olympus
, the game was released as part of the God of War: Origins Collection on September 13, 2011 in North America and September 16, 2011 in Europe. The collection is a remastered port of both games to the PlayStation 3
, with features including high-definition
resolution, stereoscopic 3D, anti-aliased
graphics locked in at 60 frames per second, DualShock 3 vibration function and Trophies.
, Cory Barlog
, Stig Asmussen
, Ru Weerasuiya, and Dana Jan. PSPgo owners had to purchase the game between November 2 and 23, 2010 in order to receive the pre-order items.
GameStop
also offered an exclusive Challenge arena, "The Forest of the Forgotten", in addition to the other bonues.
For a limited time, specially marked boxes of God of War: Ghost of Sparta included an exclusive voucher enabling a download of the "Deimos Skin" for use in God of War III. The Deimos Skin was also available in the PSP bundle pack, with PSPgo owners able to receive the bonus skin via the pre-order item system.
The game was also available in a special limited edition PSP bundle pack, which included the game, a voucher to download God of War: Chains of Olympus
, a UMD of the 2010 film Kick-Ass
, a 2GB Memory Stick Pro Duo, and a special black and red two-toned PSP-3000.
IGN
(9.5/10) stated graphics are "better than a big chunk of PS2 games" and that it is the "best-looking game on the PSP thus far." In terms of gameplay, "there's nothing unique here, but that's not a bad thing."
PlayStation: The Official Magazine
(10/10) stated "[Ghost of] Sparta offers an immersive experience on par with many of the best PS3 games".
1UP
(A-) claims the game is "a more personal story than the other GOW games, but one that still features the series' signature trademarks", with the sex mini-game "arguably the most over-the-top of the bunch".
Eurogamer
(7/10) states the "game's primary problem...is in its in-built focus." The God of War series...is principally concerned with endlessly upping the ante. The battle system is strong, but nothing without the world and set-pieces it drives. There is a sense that Ghost of Sparta is a step back for the series if you've played the PlayStation 3 game. The set-pieces, while incredible within the context of this handheld platform, seem tired when set against, for example, the opening scenes of God of War III. And when you take away the sense of wonder in a God of War game, the remaining components struggle to carry the experience." Eurogamer also states the game is "best enjoyed by newcomers" or "those yet to play" God of War III.
Joystiq
(4.5/5) stated that Ghost of Sparta is "a game that upholds the standard of quality in gameplay, storytelling and sheer wow factor of the series, while also -- like Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
before it -- blurring the lines between portable and console experiences with its amazing presentation." The reviewer also stated that the scope of the game seems like it "was planned for release on consoles" and that "if you were hoping for something really innovative, you're out of luck."
Game Informer
(9.5) stated that in terms of gameplay, "the other core fighting mechanics are familiar, but the tweaks go a long way toward improving gameplay". They also stated that "Ghost of Sparta doesn’t have any mind-blowing moments" but "this isn’t an optional side-story; Ghost of Sparta is a must-play for God of War fans."
PlayStation: The Official Magazine, (10/10) awarded Ghost of Sparta with the "Gold Award". Kotaku
awarded the game with the Editor's Choice stating "God of War: Ghost of Sparta is a palm-sized epic video game."
At the 2010 Spike Video Game Awards, God of War: Ghost of Sparta was awarded "Best Handheld Game".
and Mike Reagan
- was released as downloadable content (41 minutes and 8 seconds in length) by SCEI
via the God of War: Ghost of Sparta pre-order package. It includes three bonus tracks that are from God of War: Chains of Olympus.
Action-adventure game
An action-adventure game is a video game that combines elements of the adventure game genre with various action game elements. It is perhaps the broadest and most diverse genre in gaming, and can include many games which might better be categorized under narrow genres...
developed by Ready at Dawn
Ready at Dawn
Ready at Dawn Studios LLC is a video game developer located in Irvine, California and is composed of some former members of Naughty Dog and Blizzard Entertainment...
and SCE Santa Monica Studio
SCE Santa Monica Studio
Santa Monica Studio is a video game developer, part of SCE Worldwide Studios which is owned by Sony Computer Entertainment. As implied by its name, it is based in Santa Monica, California and was established in 1999. It is mostly responsible for the development on the God of War series...
and released by Sony Computer Entertainment
Sony Computer Entertainment
Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. is a major video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry, and is a wholly owned subsidiary and part of the Consumer Products & Services Group of Sony...
for the PlayStation Portable
PlayStation Portable
The is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Corporation Development of the console was announced during E3 2003, and it was unveiled on , 2004, at a Sony press conference before E3 2004...
(released as the sixth God of War game and the second for the PSP) in November 2010.
Loosely based on Greek mythology
Greek mythology
Greek mythology is the body of myths and legends belonging to the ancient Greeks, concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. They were a part of religion in ancient Greece...
and focused on protagonist Kratos
Kratos (God of War)
Kratos is a video game character from Sony Computer Entertainment'sGod of War series, which is loosely based on Greek mythology. Kratos first appeared in the highly successful video game God of War , which led to the development of five additional games featuring the character as the protagonist...
, the game forms part of a saga (chronologically the third chapter in the God of War
God of War (series)
God of War is a series of action-adventure video games based on Greek mythology.The main trilogy—God of War I, II, & III—in the series were developed by Sony Computer Entertainment's Santa Monica division , with Ready at Dawn Studios developing the PSP and Javaground the mobile phone installment...
series) with vengeance as a central theme.
Kratos, now the God of War, is haunted by the visions of his mortal past and decides to explore his origins.
Gameplay
The game features gameplay similar to previous installments in the series. It is a third-person action adventure game, where the player controls KratosKratos (God of War)
Kratos is a video game character from Sony Computer Entertainment'sGod of War series, which is loosely based on Greek mythology. Kratos first appeared in the highly successful video game God of War , which led to the development of five additional games featuring the character as the protagonist...
, containing quick time events
Quick Time Event
In video games, a Quick Time Event is a method of context-sensitive gameplay in which the player performs actions on the control device shortly after the appearance of an on-screen prompt. It allows for limited control of the game character during cut scenes or cinematic sequences in the game...
, box-based puzzles and boss fights. The game features new weapons, magical powers and navigational abilities not present in previous games, and has been cited as featuring 25 percent more gameplay than its PSP predecessor Chains of Olympus.
Kratos' arsenal includes the "Blades of Athena" and the "Arms of Sparta" (a spear and shield). Kratos also gains the ability "Thera's Bane" (infuses the Blades of Athena with fire) and in this game acts as the "Rage" feature. As with the Items used in God of War III, this ability automatically replenishes itself. Both Arms of Sparta and Thera's Bane are used to overcome environmental obstacles.
The combat system has been updated to allow Kratos to "pummel enemies to the ground as well as throw them", and perform air-to-air attacks. An "augmented death system" is also being used.
Magical abilities include the "Eye of Atlantis", "Scourge of Erinys", and the "Horn of Boreas". The relic "Poseidon's Trident" is retained (God of War).
As with previous games, chests found throughout the game contain orbs and are marked with a corresponding color for the orbs (green, blue, and red). Green Orbs replenish health, blue orbs replenish magic and red orbs provide experience, which in turn allows the upgrading of magical abilities and weapons.
Health and Magic upgrades—Gorgon Eyes and Phoenix Feathers respectively—reappear and can be found in chests, with five items needed for an upgrade. Minotaur Horns also reappear (from God of War III) and upgrade the Fire meter for Thera's Bane.
As with previous installments, a challenge mode ("Challenge of the Gods": five "Challenges of Ares" and another eight "Challenges of Athena" that can be unlocked) is included. Another mode has been added ("The Temple of Zeus") and allows players to sacrifice collected red orbs (both in-game and Challenge) to unlock additional features, such as the "Challenges of Athena", costumes and bonus videos. A Combat Arena (similar to the version in God of War III) allows players to pick adversaries and adjust the level of difficulty.
Plot
An oracle foretold that the demise of OlympusMount Olympus
Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece, located on the border between Thessaly and Macedonia, about 100 kilometres away from Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city. Mount Olympus has 52 peaks. The highest peak Mytikas, meaning "nose", rises to 2,917 metres...
would come not by the revenge of the great Titans
Titan (mythology)
In Greek mythology, the Titans were a race of powerful deities, descendants of Gaia and Uranus, that ruled during the legendary Golden Age....
, who had been imprisoned after the Great War
Titanomachy
In Greek mythology, the Titanomachy or War of the Titans , was the ten-year series of battles fought in Thessaly between the two camps of deities long before the existence of mankind: the Titans, based on Mount Othrys, and the Olympians, who would come to reign on Mount Olympus...
, but by a marked warrior. The Olympians
Twelve Olympians
The Twelve Olympians, also known as the Dodekatheon , in Greek mythology, were the principal deities of the Greek pantheon, residing atop Mount Olympus. Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Hestia, and Hades were siblings. Ares, Hermes, Hephaestus, Athena, Apollo, and Artemis were children of Zeus...
Zeus
Zeus
In the ancient Greek religion, Zeus was the "Father of Gods and men" who ruled the Olympians of Mount Olympus as a father ruled the family. He was the god of sky and thunder in Greek mythology. His Roman counterpart is Jupiter and his Etruscan counterpart is Tinia.Zeus was the child of Cronus...
and Ares
Ares
Ares is the Greek god of war. He is one of the Twelve Olympians, and the son of Zeus and Hera. In Greek literature, he often represents the physical or violent aspect of war, in contrast to the armored Athena, whose functions as a goddess of intelligence include military strategy and...
believed this warrior to be Deimos, the brother of Kratos, due to his strange birthmarks. Ares interrupts the childhood training of Kratos and Deimos (with Athena
Athena
In Greek mythology, Athena, Athenê, or Athene , also referred to as Pallas Athena/Athene , is the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, warfare, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, justice, and skill. Minerva, Athena's Roman incarnation, embodies similar attributes. Athena is...
watching) and kidnaps Deimos. Kratos attempts to stop Ares, but is swept aside and scarred (across his right eye) by the Olympian. Ares attempts to kill him, but Athena stops him, knowing Kratos' destiny. Taken to Death's Domain, Deimos is imprisoned and tortured by the god of death, Thanatos
Thanatos
In Greek mythology, Thanatos was the daemon personification of death. He was a minor figure in Greek mythology, often referred to but rarely appearing in person...
.
Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta, has taken Ares' place as the new God of War on Mount Olympus
Mount Olympus
Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece, located on the border between Thessaly and Macedonia, about 100 kilometres away from Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city. Mount Olympus has 52 peaks. The highest peak Mytikas, meaning "nose", rises to 2,917 metres...
. Still haunted by visions of his mortal past, Kratos decides- against the advice of the goddess, Athena -to explore his past and travels to the Temple of Poseidon, located within the city of Atlantis
Atlantis
Atlantis is a legendary island first mentioned in Plato's dialogues Timaeus and Critias, written about 360 BC....
. The sea monster, Scylla
Scylla
In Greek mythology, Scylla was a monster that lived on one side of a narrow channel of water, opposite its counterpart Charybdis. The two sides of the strait were within an arrow's range of each other—so close that sailors attempting to avoid Charybdis would pass too close to Scylla and vice...
, attacks and destroys Kratos' vessel off the coast of Atlantis, although the Spartan drives the beast off. After a series of skirmishes across the city, Kratos eventually kills Scylla.
Kratos also locates his ailing mother, Callisto, who attempts to reveal the identity of his father. When Callisto is suddenly transformed into a hideous beast, Kratos is forced to battle her, and before dying, Callisto thanks Kratos and beseeches him to seek out his brother Deimos in Sparta. Before departing from Atlantis, Kratos encounters and frees the trapped Titan, Thera, which causes the eruption of an underground volcano
Volcano
2. Bedrock3. Conduit 4. Base5. Sill6. Dike7. Layers of ash emitted by the volcano8. Flank| 9. Layers of lava emitted by the volcano10. Throat11. Parasitic cone12. Lava flow13. Vent14. Crater15...
, and subsequently destroys the city. During Kratos' escape he has another encounter
God of War (video game)
God of War is an action adventure video game for the PlayStation 2 first released by Sony Computer Entertainment's Santa Monica division in March 2005...
with the enigmatic Grave Digger, who warns of the consequences of alienating the gods.
After a battle with Erinys
Erinyes
In Greek mythology the Erinyes from Greek ἐρίνειν " pursue, persecute"--sometimes referred to as "infernal goddesses" -- were female chthonic deities of vengeance. A formulaic oath in the Iliad invokes them as "those who beneath the earth punish whosoever has sworn a false oath"...
, the daughter of Thanatos, Kratos arrives in Sparta and witnesses a group of Spartans tearing down a statue of Ares, intent on replacing it with an image of Kratos. After killing the Piraeus Lion
Piraeus Lion
The Piraeus Lion is one of four lion statues on display at the Venetian Arsenal, where it was displayed as a symbol of Venice's patron saint, Saint Mark. It was originally located in Piraeus, the ancient harbour of Athens...
and a dissenter
Dissenter
The term dissenter , labels one who disagrees in matters of opinion, belief, etc. In the social and religious history of England and Wales, however, it refers particularly to a member of a religious body who has, for one reason or another, separated from the Established Church.Originally, the term...
in the Spartan Jails and an encounter with the spirit
Spirit
The English word spirit has many differing meanings and connotations, most of them relating to a non-corporeal substance contrasted with the material body.The spirit of a living thing usually refers to or explains its consciousness.The notions of a person's "spirit" and "soul" often also overlap,...
of his child self in the Temple of Ares, Kratos learns he must return to the now sunken Atlantis and locate the Domain of Death. Before leaving, a loyal Spartan provides Kratos with his former weapons- used during Kratos' days as a Captain of the Spartan army -the Arms of Sparta.
Entering the Domain of Death, Kratos eventually locates his imprisoned brother Deimos and frees him. Enraged that Kratos failed to rescue him sooner and stating he will never forgive Kratos, Deimos attacks Kratos, but the god Thanatos- responsible for Deimos' torture -intervenes. Thanatos takes Deimos against his will to Suicide Bluffs (the site of Kratos' suicide attempt), where Kratos saves Deimos from falling to his death. A grateful Deimos then aids Kratos in battling the god. Thanatos kills Deimos but is destroyed, in turn, by Kratos. Kratos, remarking that his brother is finally free, places Deimos in his grave (leaving the Arms of Sparta as a grave marker), and is warned by the enigmatic Grave Digger who once aided him not to alienate the gods, stating Kratos has become "Death...the Destroyer of Worlds."
Athena begs for forgiveness (offering full godhood and even acknowledging Kratos as her brother) for not revealing the truth, but Kratos ignores her, returning to Olympus promising that "the gods will pay for this."
In a post credits scene, the Grave Digger places Callisto in a grave near Deimos (with an empty third grave nearby) and states "Now...only one remains." The final scene is a brooding Kratos sitting on his throne on Mount Olympus.
Characters
- TC CarsonTerrence C. CarsonTerrence C. Carson is an American singer and stage, film, and television actor. He is best known for portraying Kyle Barker on the FOX sitcom Living Single and Star Wars: The Clone Wars as the voice double for Samuel L. Jackson. He is also well known for voicing Kratos in the God of War series...
as KratosKratos (God of War)Kratos is a video game character from Sony Computer Entertainment'sGod of War series, which is loosely based on Greek mythology. Kratos first appeared in the highly successful video game God of War , which led to the development of five additional games featuring the character as the protagonist...
(Antony Del Rio as Young Kratos): The protagonist. A former Captain in SpartaSpartaSparta or Lacedaemon, was a prominent city-state in ancient Greece, situated on the banks of the River Eurotas in Laconia, in south-eastern Peloponnese. It emerged as a political entity around the 10th century BC, when the invading Dorians subjugated the local, non-Dorian population. From c...
's Army, a former servant to the gods of Olympus, and the God of War after killing the Olympian AresAresAres is the Greek god of war. He is one of the Twelve Olympians, and the son of Zeus and Hera. In Greek literature, he often represents the physical or violent aspect of war, in contrast to the armored Athena, whose functions as a goddess of intelligence include military strategy and...
. Still haunted by visions of his mortal past, Kratos leaves Olympus to explore his past.
- Erin TorpeyErin TorpeyErin Catherine Torpey is an American actress and singer. She best known for her role of Jessica Buchanan & Megan Buchanan Rappaport as well as the new character Erin on One Life to Live .-Career:...
as AthenaAthenaIn Greek mythology, Athena, Athenê, or Athene , also referred to as Pallas Athena/Athene , is the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, warfare, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, justice, and skill. Minerva, Athena's Roman incarnation, embodies similar attributes. Athena is...
: The Goddess of Wisdom and Kratos' ally and mentor. Athena warns Kratos of the dangers of exploring his past.
- Mark DeklinMark DeklinMark Deklin is an American stage, television, and film actor and fight director.-Films:*A Little Cloud*Riverworld*Herbie: Fully Loaded*Phantom Below*Blackpool...
as Deimos (Bridger Zadina as Young Deimos): The brother of Kratos. The victim of a prophecy that actually referred to Kratos (due to an unusual birthmark), Deimos initially resents Kratos for not rescuing him after a period of torture in the Domain of Death, but eventually aids his brother against Thanatos.
- Deanna Hurstold as Callisto (Jennifer HaleJennifer HaleJennifer Hale is a Canadian-born American actress and singer best known for her voice over work in video games like Grandia II, the Mass Effect trilogy, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Tales of Symphonia, the Metroid Prime trilogy, the Metal Gear Solid games, Brütal Legend, and Disney's...
as younger Callisto): The mother of Kratos and Deimos, who despite the consequences, attempts to reveal the identity of their father to Kratos.
- Dee Dee RescherDee Dee RescherDee Dee Rescher is an American actress known for her voice-over work, and small roles in both TV and film. She is the daughter of cinematographer Gayne Rescher and actress Jean Tolley.-Filmography:*Good Luck Charlie … Shirley...
as Thera: A lava-based Titan (created for the game) imprisoned in a volcano beneath the city of Atlantis. Atlantis is destroyed when Kratos releases Thera from her torment.
- Fred TatascioreFred TatascioreFrederick "Fred" Tatasciore is an American voice actor who portrays secondary characters as well as monstrous-looking types...
as Lanaeus: A minion of Poseidon who has two encounters with Kratos in Atlantis.
- Fred TatascioreFred TatascioreFrederick "Fred" Tatasciore is an American voice actor who portrays secondary characters as well as monstrous-looking types...
as King MidasMidasFor the legend of Gordias, a person who was taken by the people and made King, in obedience to the command of the oracle, see Gordias.Midas or King Midas is popularly remembered in Greek mythology for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold. This was called the Golden touch, or the...
: A king capable of turning anything touched to gold. Grief-stricken when he accidentally transforms his daughter into gold.
- Fred TatascioreFred TatascioreFrederick "Fred" Tatasciore is an American voice actor who portrays secondary characters as well as monstrous-looking types...
as ZeusZeusIn the ancient Greek religion, Zeus was the "Father of Gods and men" who ruled the Olympians of Mount Olympus as a father ruled the family. He was the god of sky and thunder in Greek mythology. His Roman counterpart is Jupiter and his Etruscan counterpart is Tinia.Zeus was the child of Cronus...
: King of Olympus (only appears in the after-game Combat Arena after selecting The Grave Digger).
- Paul EidingPaul EidingPaul Eiding is an American voice actor, voice instructor, and actor, perhaps best known as the voice actor behind Perceptor in the original Transformers cartoon, Roy Campbell in the Metal Gear series, the narrator in Diablo, Judicator Aldaris in StarCraft, and Max Tennyson in Ben 10, Ben 10: Alien...
as The Grave Digger: A former ally of Kratos, he warns Kratos not to alienate the gods.
- Gideon EmeryGideon EmeryGideon Emery is an English actor and voice actor, known for his stage work in South Africa and for providing voices in video games. He lives in Los Angeles.-Early life:...
as PoseidonPoseidonPoseidon was the god of the sea, and, as "Earth-Shaker," of the earthquakes in Greek mythology. The name of the sea-god Nethuns in Etruscan was adopted in Latin for Neptune in Roman mythology: both were sea gods analogous to Poseidon...
: The God of the Seas.
- Gideon EmeryGideon EmeryGideon Emery is an English actor and voice actor, known for his stage work in South Africa and for providing voices in video games. He lives in Los Angeles.-Early life:...
as The Last Spartan: A loyal servant of Kratos.
- Jennifer HaleJennifer HaleJennifer Hale is a Canadian-born American actress and singer best known for her voice over work in video games like Grandia II, the Mass Effect trilogy, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Tales of Symphonia, the Metroid Prime trilogy, the Metal Gear Solid games, Brütal Legend, and Disney's...
and Erin TorpeyErin TorpeyErin Catherine Torpey is an American actress and singer. She best known for her role of Jessica Buchanan & Megan Buchanan Rappaport as well as the new character Erin on One Life to Live .-Career:...
as ErinysErinyesIn Greek mythology the Erinyes from Greek ἐρίνειν " pursue, persecute"--sometimes referred to as "infernal goddesses" -- were female chthonic deities of vengeance. A formulaic oath in the Iliad invokes them as "those who beneath the earth punish whosoever has sworn a false oath"...
: The daughter of Thanatos.
- Arthur BurghardtArthur BurghardtArthur Burghardt is an American actor known for portraying Dr. Jack Scott on the soap opera One Life to Live.His first movie appearance was as the Great Ahmed Kahn in Network . A prolific voice actor during the 1980s, his most celebrated roles were Destro in the animated series G.I. Joe and...
as ThanatosThanatosIn Greek mythology, Thanatos was the daemon personification of death. He was a minor figure in Greek mythology, often referred to but rarely appearing in person...
: The God of Death and father of Erinys. Ruler of the Domain of Death and responsible for imprisoning and torturing Deimos.
- Linda HuntLinda HuntLinda Hunt is an American film, stage and television actress. After making her film debut playing Mrs. Oxheart in Popeye , Hunt portrayed Billy Kwan, her breakthrough performance in The Year of Living Dangerously...
as the Narrator.
Development
The game was announced on May 4, 2010 on the PlayStation Blog. According to Sony, Ready At Dawn will utilize "state-of-the-art visual technologies" that will allow "higher quality environments and characters." Ghost of Sparta will apparently offer "over 25% more gameplay" than its PSP predecessor, Chains of OlympusGod of War: Chains of Olympus
God of War: Chains of Olympus is an action-adventure game developed by Ready at Dawn and released by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation Portable in March 2008....
, while adding more enemies on screen and a greater number of boss encounters. According to Ready At Dawn, development of Ghost of Sparta began in September 2008.
At Comic-Con 2010
Comic-Con
Comic-Con, Comic Con or ComiCon may refer to any of the following Comic book conventions, none of them affiliated to any other:*San Diego Comic-Con International, annual fan convention in San Diego held since 1970, also known as Comic-Con or San Diego Comic-Con*Dallas Comic Con, annual fan...
, Game Director Dana Jan (previously Lead Level Designer on Chains of Olympus) noted that when development began in 2008, the goal was to make the game "bigger" than Chains of Olympus, which had apparently "pushed" the PSP to its functional limits. Jan stated that Ghost of Sparta has taken the PSP to its "absolute capacity", with one additional feature being more on-screen foes. On June 15th, 2010, Sony displayed a cinematic teaser trailer narrated by Linda Hunt
Linda Hunt
Linda Hunt is an American film, stage and television actress. After making her film debut playing Mrs. Oxheart in Popeye , Hunt portrayed Billy Kwan, her breakthrough performance in The Year of Living Dangerously...
during their E3 2010 Press Conference.
The game concept was originally used as a teaser for players who obtained the platinum trophy from God of War III
God of War III
God of War III is an action-adventure video game released by Sony Computer Entertainment's Santa Monica division for the PlayStation 3 in March 2010...
. The trophy revealed a site called spartansstandtall.com - initially featured a simple animation of torrential rain falling into a body of water and a Spartan shield encompassed by a meter on the screen. The meter is speculated to have been filled by players achieving the trophy and reaching the site.
On May 4, 2010, the meter reached maximum and the site was updated for a final time, revealing an image of Kratos standing above the reflection and the logo for God of War: Ghost of Sparta, now being the official site.
Demo
The first demo for God of War: Ghost of Sparta was available for play at Sony's E3 2010 booth by attendees of the event. Approximately 15 minutes long, the sequence pits Kratos against a variety of foes on both sea and land, with the main opponent being the sea monster ScyllaScylla
In Greek mythology, Scylla was a monster that lived on one side of a narrow channel of water, opposite its counterpart Charybdis. The two sides of the strait were within an arrow's range of each other—so close that sailors attempting to avoid Charybdis would pass too close to Scylla and vice...
. The sequence also features Kratos using new weapon "Arms of Sparta" (a spear and shield) and the magical attack "Eye of Atlantis. "
On September 3, 2010, Ready at Dawn emailed registrants of GodofWar.com and SpartansStandTall.com a voucher for the demo and on September 7, 2010, PlayStation Plus members received early access to the demo. On September 28, 2010, the demo was made available to all PlayStation Network members to download from the PlayStation Store.
Release
The game was released in North America on November 2, 2010, Europe on November 3, 2010, in AustraliaAustralia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
and New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
on November 4, 2010 and in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
and Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
on November 5, 2010.
Together with God of War: Chains of Olympus
God of War: Chains of Olympus
God of War: Chains of Olympus is an action-adventure game developed by Ready at Dawn and released by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation Portable in March 2008....
, the game was released as part of the God of War: Origins Collection on September 13, 2011 in North America and September 16, 2011 in Europe. The collection is a remastered port of both games to the PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
, with features including high-definition
High-definition video
High-definition video or HD video refers to any video system of higher resolution than standard-definition video, and most commonly involves display resolutions of 1,280×720 pixels or 1,920×1,080 pixels...
resolution, stereoscopic 3D, anti-aliased
Anti-aliasing
In digital signal processing, spatial anti-aliasing is the technique of minimizing the distortion artifacts known as aliasing when representing a high-resolution image at a lower resolution...
graphics locked in at 60 frames per second, DualShock 3 vibration function and Trophies.
Marketing
As a pre-order bonus at select retailers, players received the God of War: Ghost of Sparta original soundtrack, a Ghost of Sparta PSP theme and PS3 dynamic theme ("Palace of Hades"), a PlayStation Network Avatar, a Legionnaire Skin for use in-game, and an exclusive documentary, God of War - Game Directors Live; a game directors documentary featuring the game directors of the series, David JaffeDavid Jaffe
David Jaffe is a video game designer originally from Birmingham, Alabama and currently residing in San Diego, California. He is divorced and has two children. Jaffe graduated from Alabama's Mountain Brook High School, located in Mountain Brook, AL, a suburb of Birmingham. Jaffe then attended the...
, Cory Barlog
Cory Barlog
Cory Barlog is a video game developer who is best known for his work in on God of War and God of War II for SCE Studios Santa Monica. He previously worked on Backyard Wrestling: Don't Try This at Home and X-Men: Next Dimension....
, Stig Asmussen
Stig Asmussen
Stig Asmussen is a video game developer who is best known for his work on God of War, God of War II, and God of War III for SCE Studios Santa Monica....
, Ru Weerasuiya, and Dana Jan. PSPgo owners had to purchase the game between November 2 and 23, 2010 in order to receive the pre-order items.
GameStop
GameStop
GameStop Corporation is an American video game and entertainment software retailer. The company, whose headquarters is in Grapevine, Texas, United States, operates 6,500 retail stores throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New...
also offered an exclusive Challenge arena, "The Forest of the Forgotten", in addition to the other bonues.
For a limited time, specially marked boxes of God of War: Ghost of Sparta included an exclusive voucher enabling a download of the "Deimos Skin" for use in God of War III. The Deimos Skin was also available in the PSP bundle pack, with PSPgo owners able to receive the bonus skin via the pre-order item system.
The game was also available in a special limited edition PSP bundle pack, which included the game, a voucher to download God of War: Chains of Olympus
God of War: Chains of Olympus
God of War: Chains of Olympus is an action-adventure game developed by Ready at Dawn and released by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation Portable in March 2008....
, a UMD of the 2010 film Kick-Ass
Kick-Ass (film)
Kick-Ass is a 2010 superhero comedy film based on the comic book of the same name by Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr. The film was directed by Matthew Vaughn, who co-produced the film with actor Brad Pitt, and co-wrote the screenplay with Jane Goldman...
, a 2GB Memory Stick Pro Duo, and a special black and red two-toned PSP-3000.
Reception
God of War: Ghost of Sparta has received critical acclaim from various media outlets.IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
(9.5/10) stated graphics are "better than a big chunk of PS2 games" and that it is the "best-looking game on the PSP thus far." In terms of gameplay, "there's nothing unique here, but that's not a bad thing."
PlayStation: The Official Magazine
PlayStation: The Official Magazine
PlayStation: The Official Magazine is a magazine originally known as PlayStation Magazine . After Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine was canceled, Sony Computer Entertainment announced on October 1, 2007 that PSM would become "PlayStation: The Official Magazine"...
(10/10) stated "[Ghost of] Sparta offers an immersive experience on par with many of the best PS3 games".
1UP
1UP.com
1UP.com is a video game website owned by IGN Entertainment, a division of News Corporation. Previously, the site was owned by Ziff Davis before being sold to UGO Entertainment in 2009....
(A-) claims the game is "a more personal story than the other GOW games, but one that still features the series' signature trademarks", with the sex mini-game "arguably the most over-the-top of the bunch".
Eurogamer
Eurogamer
Eurogamer is a Brighton-based website focused on video games news, reviews, previews and interviews. It is operated by Eurogamer Network Ltd., which was formed in 1999 by brothers Rupert and Nick Loman. Eurogamer has grown to become one of the most important European-based websites focused on...
(7/10) states the "game's primary problem...is in its in-built focus." The God of War series...is principally concerned with endlessly upping the ante. The battle system is strong, but nothing without the world and set-pieces it drives. There is a sense that Ghost of Sparta is a step back for the series if you've played the PlayStation 3 game. The set-pieces, while incredible within the context of this handheld platform, seem tired when set against, for example, the opening scenes of God of War III. And when you take away the sense of wonder in a God of War game, the remaining components struggle to carry the experience." Eurogamer also states the game is "best enjoyed by newcomers" or "those yet to play" God of War III.
Joystiq
Joystiq
Joystiq is a video gaming blog founded in June 2004 that has since become one of the most successful sites within the Weblogs, Inc. family of weblogs. It is the centerpiece of WIN's own network of video gaming blogs, which also includes a blog dealing specifically with the popular MMORPG World of...
(4.5/5) stated that Ghost of Sparta is "a game that upholds the standard of quality in gameplay, storytelling and sheer wow factor of the series, while also -- like Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
is a video game produced by Konami and Kojima Productions that was released for the PlayStation Portable in 2010. Peace Walker is the fourth Metal Gear title for the PSP, although it is only the second to be considered part of the series' main canon, following Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops...
before it -- blurring the lines between portable and console experiences with its amazing presentation." The reviewer also stated that the scope of the game seems like it "was planned for release on consoles" and that "if you were hoping for something really innovative, you're out of luck."
Game Informer
Game Informer
Game Informer is an American-based monthly magazine featuring articles, news, strategy, and reviews of popular video games and associated consoles. It was formed in August 1991, when FuncoLand started publishing a six-page magazine, free in all its retail locations...
(9.5) stated that in terms of gameplay, "the other core fighting mechanics are familiar, but the tweaks go a long way toward improving gameplay". They also stated that "Ghost of Sparta doesn’t have any mind-blowing moments" but "this isn’t an optional side-story; Ghost of Sparta is a must-play for God of War fans."
Awards
At E3 2010, God of War: Ghost of Sparta received nine awards, including "Best Handheld Game", "Best PSP Game", and "PSP Game of Show" from various media outlets. The game also received three nominations.PlayStation: The Official Magazine, (10/10) awarded Ghost of Sparta with the "Gold Award". Kotaku
Kotaku
Kotaku is a video games-focused blog. It is part of Gawker Media's "Gawker" network of sites, which also includes Gizmodo, Deadspin, Lifehacker, io9 and Jezebel. Named to CNET News' Blog 100, Kotaku is consistently listed in the top 40 of Technorati's Top 100...
awarded the game with the Editor's Choice stating "God of War: Ghost of Sparta is a palm-sized epic video game."
At the 2010 Spike Video Game Awards, God of War: Ghost of Sparta was awarded "Best Handheld Game".
Soundtrack
On November 2, 2010, God of War: Ghost of Sparta - Original Soundtrack from the Video Game - composed by Gerard K. MarinoGerard Marino
Gerard K. Marino is a film and video game score composer, most notably contributing heavily to the God of War series. He is featured prominently on the soundtracks for the original God of War and its sequel God of War II for which he was nominated for a BAFTA Award. He also worked on Activision...
and Mike Reagan
Mike Reagan
Mike Reagan is a composer, songwriter and music producer whose music has been featured in multiple videogames, TV commercials, and various film projects, including Any Given Sunday, and Elmo in Grouchland, which garnered a Grammy Award for Best Children’s Soundtrack.He is most recognized for his...
- was released as downloadable content (41 minutes and 8 seconds in length) by SCEI
Sony Computer Entertainment
Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. is a major video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry, and is a wholly owned subsidiary and part of the Consumer Products & Services Group of Sony...
via the God of War: Ghost of Sparta pre-order package. It includes three bonus tracks that are from God of War: Chains of Olympus.
External links
- Official Site
- God of War: Ghost of Sparta at Internet Movie DatabaseInternet Movie DatabaseInternet Movie Database is an online database of information related to movies, television shows, actors, production crew personnel, video games and fictional characters featured in visual entertainment media. It is one of the most popular online entertainment destinations, with over 100 million...