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God of War may be the last PSP game from Ready at Dawn
Expectations are high for the upcoming God of War game on PSP. The development team behind the critically acclaimed Daxter found themselves enthralled with God of War on PS2 during development of the PSP game and made an easy pitch to SCEA to make their own GoW game. "The first meeting just went like 'we should make a God of War PSP game' and they were like 'yeah you should.' And that was pretty much it." Unfortunately, it looks like Chains of Olympus will be the last PSP game from the talented team at Ready at Dawn. "This team is ready to move onto something pretty big, and we've be planning it for quite a while, and this team needs to show what they're capable of doing on next-gen or current-gen." While we'd love to see the team continue their magic on PSP, it will be interesting to see what Ready at Dawn will be able to produce on even more powerful tech. For the complete interview (with new screenshots!) visit 1UP.
God of War: 222MHz versus 333MHz
A few months ago, Sony finally unlocked the PSP's full processing capabilities. It was always locked to 222MHz, but since firmware 3.50, developers had access to 50 percent more megahertz of power. Ready at Dawn, developers of God of War: Chains of Olympus, found themselves relieved by the removal of the processor restriction. They were already hard at work on the game, optimizing for the lower clock speed -- but when they had access to the full power of the PSP, things got really interesting. This video demonstrates the differences between a months-old version of the game, running at 222MHz and a newer build, running at 333. The differences are subtle at first. The game was never a graphical slouch, and would've been beautiful even with a restricted clock speed. However, you'll notice better lighting, more particles, and a few minor differences in the newer builds. Every minute difference adds up to create an experience that will be unparalleled on PSP for quite some time.
New God of War screenshots will stab you in the eye
Click for full-resolution image. Your mouth would also be hanging wide open if Kratos jumped on your face and was going to deliver some serious stabbing to it. These brand new screenshots of God of War: Chains of Olympus certainly don't disappoint, delivering the same visceral, violent feel of the PS2 originals. If you were in the same position as this goliath, what would your final thoughts be? %Gallery-3212%
Can we see your combos, Kratos?
Remember God of War: Chains of Olympus? It's a small indie game that's coming out for PSP. You may not have heard of it, but it involves this guy named Kratos running around killing things. We think it's pretty cool. Here's a brand new video of the game in motion, just to remind you that March is very, very far away.
Introducing JAWA: The Mammoth and the Mysterious Scan
Here's a game we hope comes to the world outside of Japan. Called JAWA: The Mammoth and the Mysterious Stone, the game is an action-adventure title set in the prehistoric times. There will be plenty of NPCs to interact with in the village and areas to explore outside. There, you'll find lots of different enemies (up to 270), including dinosaurs (natch). Many of the GAFfers are commenting that the title looks a lot like Tail of the Sun, which we can't say we've ever tried. Still, from the scan past the break, we like the art direction and the promised content.
Tomb Raider: Anniversary now on Xbox Live Marketplace
Lara Croft's superb re-quel, Tomb Raider: Anniversary, has finally clambered onto the Xbox Live Marketplace after being unearthed in June and delayed from an initial September release. If you missed it on the PlayStation 2, the PSP, the PC or even the Xbox 360 (in ancient disc format), now's your chance to relive the iconic grave robber's best adventure in the form of two downloadable chunks. The catch, of course, is that it functions as Tomb Raider: Legend DLC and will require you to have that disc handy. Each half of the game will set you back roughly 1.5GB in bandwidth and 1,200 MS Points ($15) -- in combination, that puts it on par with the PS2 version and $10 beneath the disc-based Xbox 360 version. If this still isn't the opportune moment to explore Lara's treasure-laden crevices, you still have the hands-on Wii version to try out (it's out in the UK too this December).
Welcome to Helios: a new God of War level
What is Helios? No, it's not a cell phone. It's a new level in God of War: Chains of Olympus. These brand new screenshots (12 in all) showcase Kratos' carnage once again. Just like Tartarus and Attica before it, these shots look absolutely stunning. In one of the screens, we see Kratos charging the spell acquired from the CoD demo. The lighting and particle effects look stunning, and we're certain that it'll look even better in motion. There's still a long while before we'll see more of Kratos' new PSP adventure. Until then, check out these new screens: %Gallery-3212%
Retailers list 360's Tomb Raider Anniversary for Oct. 23 release
If numerous online retailers are to be believed, the Xbox 360 version of Tomb Raider: Anniversary is set to arrive in the US next week on October 23rd. "But wait," you rudely interject, "wasn't there another version for that console?" Indeed, you quite clearly recall that Eidos announced its intention to digitally distribute Lara Croft assets -- that would be the game split into five separate episodes -- on the Xbox Live marketplace. The online chunks, functioning as add-ons to Tomb Raider: Legend, would amount to 2400 MS Points ($30) in total, a good $10 cheaper than the price retailers are currently appending to the standalone disc. As the online episodes were initially scheduled for release in September, it inescapably follows that they've been delayed. The question is, "Until when?" While Eidos assures us that they're still in the pipeline, it's "still confirming dates for both versions and will release information on this asap." We'll keep you informed if and when we receive this mysterious asap containing the information.
Tartarus featured in new God of War screenshots
The God of War madness will not stop! Sony's released yet another batch of screenshots from its upcoming Chains of Olympus, this time focusing on Tartarus. There isn't much more to say: these pictures show off Kratos doing what he does best. %Gallery-3212%
Sample the God of War soundtrack
There's more to God of War: Chains of Olympus than good looks. In fact, it sounds amazing as well. Check out the background music of the Battle of Attica. To download directly to your PSP, why not visit our mobile site at m.pspfanboy.com using your PSP system? Download MP3
Joystiq hands-on: Tomb Raider Anniversary (Wii)
Some things are obvious about Lara Croft. But Crystal Dynamics's Morgan Gray wants you to focus on Lara's more subtle assets, like her intelligence. The late-coming Wii version of Tomb Raider Anniversary focuses on Lara's actual career: babe, er, 'archaeologist'. There's "over three hours" of Wii-specific content promised, and the majority of it comes in the form of motion-sensitive mini-games. There's Lara with a pick axe unearthing clues; Lara digging for buried treasures; and Lara taking charcoal rubbings for her journal. All use the Wiimote's pointer, mimicking what you'd normally find in a DS game (think: psuedo-archeology game Spectrobes). It's gimmicky, yes -- but there are times where the physicality adds an appreciable amount of depth to the experience. In one segment of the game, we had to uncover symbols, hidden away under some dust. With those symbols in mind, we had to draw them in sand to unlock a door. Drawing with the Wiimote added a whole new layer to what was originally a very simple puzzle. Thankfully, the system is forgiving enough to recognize even the shakiest of gestures. Not only has Lara's "intelligence" been expanded upon for Wii, combat has received a major overhaul as well. For the first time in the franchise, players will aim and shoot freely while moving. Players will have to use the pointer to manually aim at the various enemies on the screen while performing Lara's signature dodges. It can be awkward at first, but Crystal Dynamics is so confident in their battle system that they won't give players the option to switch to more traditional controls. "All or nothing," as we were told by Gray. To ease away potential frustrations, there is an overly generous hit detection system that requires only a marginal amount of accuracy. Harder difficulties, we're told, will require a much steadier shot. %Gallery-8119%
PSP Fanboy hands-on: God of War demo disc
Wait, that's it? Even though the demo goes far beyond what we've played of the game so far, we can't help but want more. But that's a good thing: it shows how compelling God of War: Chains of Olympus is. It's easily a system-seller, and will probably become the best title in the entire system's library when it releases next March. What makes it so compelling? Everything that you know and love about God of War is here on the handheld. The battle system is perfect for hardcore and casual players alike. Button mashing will work in the game, especially in the demo, but there's an appreciable amount of depth to the system. Dodges are activated by holding both shoulder buttons, and blocking is triggered with a single shoulder button. There's a slight pause when you block, akin to God of War 2, which has us thinking a counter system will be implemented later in the game. Each battle is fun, and within no time, you'll be ripping people in half, doing combos, and juggling enemies in the air. It's absolutely accessible and instantly rewarding: ideal for a handheld game. The UMD demo begins as all Chains of Olympus demos have: with the battle of Attica. After the now-familiar battle with a dragon-esque beast, the demo continues to unfamiliar territory. Yet another boss battle, one with the Persian king Efrit. He utilizes a magic attack that attacks the immediate area around him. While it's easy to get around his wide-sweeping sword, players will have to dodge quickly to avoid the long reach of the magic spell. Once again, we get to see Kratos' brutality at play, and a hint of the story that's about to unfold. The Persian king offers money in exchange for his life, but Kratos won't have any of it. Once again, quick button pressing events are scattered throughout the battles, and the incredibly visceral animations that occur make them still feel as fresh as ever. Kratos' bravado makes him a compelling character still, and seeing him literally make the boss' head explode is gratifying. %Gallery-3212%
It's here: the God of War demo disc
We check our mail and find the God of War: Chains of Olympus demo disc staring back at us. As you read this, we're already playing the game, preparing our impressions. Until then, you'll just have to gawk at these pictures (taken with a camera phone, sorry!). And don't worry, when we're done with the demo, we'll be giving it away. (Oh, and did we mention that we have three copies to share?) %Gallery-8040%
TGS hands-on: Final Fantasy Ring of Fates multiplayer
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles for the Gamecube was a bit of a hit-and-miss title. Touted as a multiplayer roleplaying experience, the game required you to have access to four Gameboy Advances (and three friends) to fully enjoy. The lackluster single player mode meant many were put off before they even started calling through their little black books looking for GBA owning friends.The franchise has survived, however, and has moved onto the Nintendo DS in the form of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates. We took advantage of the strangely short line (the game being out in Japan might have something to do with it) and played a 4-player multiplayer game with the Square Enix booth attendants. Multiplayer seems to consist of co-operative dungeon crawler, with no sign of story or non-battle gameplay. Players can choose their character class, which affects their base attack style. Magic can be used by all players by picking up giant materia orbs, just like in the original. The action all takes place on the top screen while the bottom screen contains your stats. The bottom screen also shows how many of each materia you have and allows you to change between the different magics by tapping the desired orb on the screen.
Uncut footage of Kratos fighting a boss
God of War needs no fancy trailers. It doesn't need clever editing to make it look cool. No, all you need from the franchise is good, uninterrupted gameplay footage. And that's what we have here today. Watch Kratos go mano-a-mano against this Chains of Olympus boss. It doesn't appear to be direct-feed, but it should give a good idea of the kind of fun you can expect from the upcoming UMD demo. (Oh, and because the finale of this video is pretty brutal, you must be 17 years or older to watch it. See it after the cut.) [Thanks, Hashbrown_Hunter!]
It was inevitable: GoW demo strikes eBay
When you attach words like "not for resale" and "limited edition" to something, you know it's going to end up on eBay. Already, one overzealous eBay seller has placed his demo disc up for auction. For a free disc, it's getting a pretty penny: 1,150 of them, to be precise. The seller says "allow 2-3 weeks for delivery." Why? Because it's obvious that they don't have the disc yet. Hopefully, lostmyheadnmind, the high bidder, doesn't mind. [Thanks, Michael!]
God of War: Chains of Olympus demo disc finally gets shipped
That took long enough. The God of War: Chains of Olympus Special Edition: Battle of Attica demo disc (also lovingly abbreviated as GOW: COO –SE:BoADD) is going to make its September release date, with only a few days to spare. This demo is quite possibly the most anticipated demo in recent memory, with forums constantly abuzz about its ever-shifting release date. Considering the limited number of copies being printed, it might actually end up being a collector's item (let's see how much it goes for on eBay). We're eagerly awaiting our demo discs, just like you, and we can't wait to share our impressions of Kratos' upcoming PSP adventure with you. [Thanks, kspraydad!]
PS3 Fanboy review: Heavenly Sword
Sony has recently started up their holiday blitz by releasing three highly anticipated games for the PlayStation 3; Warhawk, Lair, and Heavenly Sword. While Warhawk was released to almost universal praise, Lair was largely met with torches and pitchforks. So where does Heavenly Sword fall? Does it achieve the soaring greatness of Warhawk or is it doomed to languish in the used sales bin at your local videogame store like Lair? %Gallery-4886%
God of War's Tartarus, revealed
See new screenshots in our updated gallery. This is Tartarus!!!!! Kratos' upcoming PSP adventure, Chains of Olympus, will go through the depths of Tartarus -- and we have the latest screenshots. Check out Kratos doing what he does best: killing lots of big things. In addition, check out some of the meticulous art that the team at Ready at Dawn is preparing for its AAA PSP game. There's no shortcuts here folks -- they're putting a lot of effort into this one. %Gallery-7757%
Three new videos of God of War: Chains of Olympus
Sometimes the simplest headlines work the best. God of War: Chains of Olympus may be the most anticipated title on the platform, and seeing new footage of never-before-seen levels is certainly a feast for the eyes. How Ready at Dawn managed to squeeze so much tech into such a small platform we'll never really understand, but we're glad they can do it. Check out the rest of the videos after the break.
