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God of War: Ascension multiplayer DLC gets primordial
God of War: Ascension has two new pieces of multiplayer DLC, with the Typhoon Armor and Mercenary Sword available on the PS Store now for $2.99 each, Multiplayer deities should prepare to feel the wrath of Sony Santa Monica via some new maps, coming "soon."
Metareview: God of War: Ascension
God of War: Now With Multiplayer is what Ascension could have been called. Much like our review, other outlets found the single-player campaign satisfactory. It's in the multiplayer portion of Ascension where opinions begin to differ and scores diverge based on how much importance was placed on this evolution of the franchise. Destructoid (90/100): "God of War has never looked or played better than this. Kratos has never been as deep or interesting as this. They've set the bar so high that I have no idea how they'll be able to follow this one up. Sony Santa Monica should be proud. Series fans should be proud." Gamespot (80/100): "The single-player is where you should spend your time. No, it doesn't quite reach the audacious and rage-filled moments of God of War: Ascension's predecessors, nor does it move the series forward in any way, but it's skilfully put together, and wonderfully satisfying to play." GamesRadar (70/100): "Also somewhat disappointing are the newly added multiplayer features, which are held up by clever level design and strong game modes, but smacked down by uninteresting gameplay. It sounds great in theory, but in practice it turns out there's nothing less fun than being beat up by someone as powerful as Kratos." VideoGamer (70/100): "The multiplayer component is as fresh as the single-player is familiar. Ask yourself what you're after from a God of War game: if you desire only to step into the boots of gaming's most brutish, then you may find Ascension wanting. If, however, you're open to the idea of taking on the mantle of another Spartan hero, you'll find it a limb-lopping, head-popping delight. Just don't tell Kratos, eh?" Edge (70/100): "Consider our expectations defied: this is the star of the show. While this series' singleplayer template is showing its age, there's plenty in Ascension's multiplayer that deserves to survive the transition to PS4."
Controversial God of War: Ascension trophy altered in upcoming patch
In a statement sent to Joystiq, developer Sony Santa Monica has confirmed it will change the name of a controversial God of War: Ascension trophy in a patch that should be available alongside the game on Tuesday. Once the patch is applied, the name of the trophy will be "Bros Before Foes."Originally named "Bros Before Hos" (as seen above), the trophy pops up soon after you help God of War's anti-hero, Kratos, brutally pummel a Fury, one of a trio of female antagonists in the game. (Though it's not a spoiler in light of the fact that Kratos beats everyone up, we've omitted the trophy description.) The change comes after negative reaction from early reviews to the jarring scene on and the attached award, which is perceived as misogynistic."We have created and will soon push out a patch for God of War: Ascension that alters the title of one of the game Trophies. The text was offensive to some members of our community and impacted their enjoyment of the game," Sony Santa Monica's statement noted. "We are endlessly committed to ensuring that our community can fully enjoy the experiences the team has created. As such, we've addressed the feedback and amended the Trophy in question."Players will be instructed to download the update once God of War: Ascension has been inserted into an internet-connected PlayStation 3. No other aspect of the game is affected by the patch.God of War: Ascension launches exclusively for the PlayStation 3 on March 12, 2013. For more on the game, check out Joystiq's review.
God of War: Ascension review: Spectacle slipstream
In the race for spectacle, Sony Santa Monica's God of War franchise is constantly attempting to lap itself. From striking down a god to tearing down giants, it would seem there are few bodies – human, mythical being, god or behemoth – left for Kratos to shatter. In response to the angry protagonist's bloody evolution, Santa Monica has ventured to the only place left for Kratos to wage war: the past.God of War: Ascension tells the story of Kratos before the events of his all-out war against Ares, the Greek God of War. But the narrative fabric woven throughout the franchise has begun to split, and Ascension's thinly constructed premise does little to enhance its characters in any meaningful way.Its narrative issues aside, Ascension provides the distinct God of War flair required to eradicate all that stands in Kratos' way. Wielding a familiar set of chained blades, the popular anti-hero fluidly works his murder-pinwheel magic to perfection. The combat system, however, is less complicated than before, abandoning an arsenal of collected weaponry in favor of sticking with Kratos' trusty, sharp sidekicks. It's Kratos at his least materialistic, eschewing the pack-rat mentality of previous entries in favor of simplicity. %Gallery-181288%
GameStop adds All-Stars pre-order perk for God of War: Ascension
God of War: Ascension adds a voucher for two PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale characters with pre-orders from GameStop. The dueling duo is Zeus from the God of War series and Isaac Clarke of Dead Space fame, both of whom we met in February for PS All-Stars. The characters will unlock on March 19.This DLC joins the previous Ascension pre-order perk at GameStop, the Champions Pack that includes a skin of King Leonidas from 300, a 48-hour multiplayer XP boost and the Mythological Heroes Multiplayer Pack. The Champions Pack also includes a poster, but that's less "DLC" and more "reality."[Thanks, Bradley!]
Creating God of War: Ascension's 'elephantaur'
This behind-the-scenes video of God of War: Ascension shows the creation of the game's unique elephant-like creature. The final version of the "elephantaur" can be seen soon, as the game will be available for PS3 on March 12.
God of War: Ascension 'Trials of the Gods' co-op time trial mode revealed
You and a buffed-up, half-naked friend can get your ancient WWE on thanks to a newly revealed co-op mode in God of War: Ascension. As developer Sony Santa Monica spilled on the PlayStation Blog, the brawler includes a mode called 'Trials of the Gods' in which you and a pal have to take down hordes of enemies as quickly as possible, since there's a time limit and all.Each kill puts more seconds on the clock, while each wave of beasts grants you bonus time based on how quickly you clear it; there are five waves to fend off, with an "epic boss" as numero cinco. Trials of the Gods will be supported by four maps when Ascension launches next week, and Sony Santa Monica says there are more on the way. Also, any XP you earn in the mode goes towards upgrading champions across all multiplayer modes.If that hasn't satiated your bloodthirst for bloody content, check out new videos for the multiplayer maps and Poseidon champion allegiance after the break.
God of War: Ascension includes King Leonidas DLC with GameStop pre-order
This is: a clip of the King Leonidas multiplayer skin for God of War: Ascension. This is: a timely tie-in with the 2007 film 300. This is: what you get when you pre-order from GameStop. This is: a sigh.
God of War: Ascension 'Mythological Heroes' DLC gets real in this trailer
Those who pre-order God of War: Ascension will unlock a few famous mythological characters for multiplayer raging: Achilles, Odysseus, Orion and Perseus. They all come with their own unique weapons, though we half expected Orion to keep his around his waist.
God of War: Ascension showcases Empusa
"Izzy concepts some of the best boobs in the industry." And that's certainly a prominent feature of the Empusa, one of Kratos' speed-bumps to vengeance in God of War: Ascension. Now, please pardon us while we scrub the sex minigame portion of this video from our minds.
God of War: Ascension demo hits PSN alongside new trailer
The single-player demo for God of War: Ascension is available now for all users on the PlayStation Network. There's also a launch trailer out for the game, as seen above. Turns out the pre-divine Kratos is just as popular with the ladies as the fully-powered one was. Oh, and he's plenty angry, too.
Join God of War: Ascension social challenge, get the single player demo early
While we knew a single player demo for God of War: Ascension was coming in late February, we didn't know that February 26 would be the exact date of its arrival. What's more, those that participate in the Rise of the Warrior "social challenge" have the opportunity to gain early access to that demo on February 20.The social challenge has players picking sides between the Spartans and Trojans, teaming up to net 10 million points first as a team when perusing through an online graphic novel that details the events leading up to the game's story. By completing the riddles contained in the challenge, players also unlock weapon and armor DLC for the game. God of War: Ascension will launch March 12 on PS3.
God of War: Ascension Best Buy pre-order bonus is a big 'ol hammer
Those who pre-order God of War: Ascension through Best Buy will be able to wield the mythical hammer, Mjölnir, during multiplayer matches. On top of the hammer, Best Buy pre-orders also net the Mythological Heroes multiplayer DLC pack, a series of characters available for use in multiplayer.Last month Sony announced a 500GB special edition console bundle with God of War: Ascension, available for $349 on March 12 alongside the launch of Ascension. The bundle also includes every other God of War game ever (minus the mobile game) and a 30-day subscription to Sony's premium PlayStation Plus service.
Go behind the scenes of the God of War Super Bowl ad
This video shows the folks at Quantum Creation FX creating Kratos for the God of War: Ascension live-action Super Bowl commercial. If you're sick of eating buffalo wings after watching the finished ad, kick back, grab a burrito and watch this trailer and the other making-of video.
God of War: Ascension white PS3 bundle unveiled for UK
Sony announced a God of War: Ascension PS3 bundle for British would-be deities today, featuring the sparkling-white 500GB Super Slim PS3. Unlike us American prime movers , our friends across the ocean get a tailored gold controller in their GoW: Ascension bundle, along with the special edition of the game which features everything in the collector's edition minus the eight-inch Kratos statue and DLC pass.Sony didn't price the bundle in its announcement, but a search on Amazon UK suggests a tag of £249.99 (around $391). What is confirmed is when it's out, which, surprise-surprise, is the same as Ascension's launch date in the country: March 15.
Sony and Superbot part ways, Superbot 'excited' about its future
Sony and Superbot Entertainment, the developer behind PS3 and Vita brawler PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, are no longer an item. Sony confirms in a statement to Kotaku that its business relationship with Superbot is over:"Sony Computer Entertainment can confirm that the working agreement with developer Superbot Entertainment has amicably ended. We have had a positive working relationship with this talented studio, and wish them the best of success in their next endeavor. PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale and the title's forthcoming DLC releases will continue to be fully supported by Santa Monica Studio."Superbot's director of operations David Yang provides a statement on the split, noting that the studio doesn't have plans to reduce its staff now, but that could change soon. "It is unlikely we can continue with our current work force for an extended period of time," Yang says. "We are still working things out and hope to continue on with as many of us as possible."Superbot's complete statement reads as follows:"Superbot Entertainment can confirm that the relationship with SCEA has ended on good terms. We are extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to work on with Sony on Playstation All-Stars Battle Royale, and are extremely proud of the work we have done. Superbot Entertainment will continue working on projects that reflect our passion for games and our commitment to creating award winning titles. We are very excited about beginning the next chapter of our future and invite all of our fans and supporters to follow our journey."On January 25, Sony confirmed layoffs at Superbot and promised to support any future All-Stars DLC. A character pack for Battle Royale including Gravity Rush's Kat and Starhawk's Emmett Graves is due on February 12.
God of War's live-action Super Bowl ad
Sony will spend between $3.7 million and $3.8 million to air this God of War: Ascension ad during Super Bowl XLVII this Sunday. Watch it now with a serious lack of buffalo wings and jalapeno poppers digesting in your stomach. Mmm, buffalo wings.
God of War: Ascension single-player demo coming late February [Update: multiplayer beta open to all this weekend]
A "full-fledged" single-player demo for God of War: Ascension is coming in late February, according to a recent PlayStation blog. With the multiplayer beta scheduled to end next week, fans only have the above 30-second teaser trailer to watch for the next month in preparation for the game's March 12 release date.Unless you bought the Total Recall remake film on Blu-ray of course, which came with the E3 single-player demo that is exclusive through 3/8/13. While we'd assume those are two different demos by virtue of February and March being two different months, we've contacted Sony to be sure.Update: God of War: Ascension's closed multiplayer beta testing initiative is officially open to all PSN users for the duration of the holiday weekend, Sony has informed us. Get in on that action by clicking here.
God of War: Ascension dev diary goes online
God of War: Ascension's online component has one goal. Make it feel right to attack your friends – or attack with your friends. The latest dev diary explores how developers at Sony Santa Monica are making sure to hit the perfect balance of carnage and compassion.
God of War: Ascension's multiplayer trailer is straight-up gross
This God of War: Ascension multiplayer trailer and the ending of Apocalypse Now! have more in common than we'd generally like, except instead of a cow this has a beefy guy, and there's some Southern rock/railroad building blues playing in the background. Greece has a "South," right?
