God of War III
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Annotated God of War III trailer reveals new info
There were so many things going on in the last God of War III trailer that we're certain you might have missed some of the more subtle, yet crucial, details. Take, for example, the scar across Kratos' abdomen; did you notice that the first time around? Yeah, we didn't either, not until this annotated version of the trailer popped up and pointed things out.Other annotated info includes notes on real-time weapon swapping, the 50-enemy on-screen capacity and Kratos' high polygon count. Also, the fact that this game-rendered trailer was significantly toned down for the ESRB is news to us; the final game is said to be even more violent. Check out the trailer after the break to see what else you might have missed.
God of War III concept art reveals Fire Titan
We're always appreciative when concept artists release their work for the world at large to see. Most remains unseen due to legal hurdles, or is later monetized in the form of art books. The above God of War III image, however, was found on concept artist Cecil Kim's website and reveals the "Fire Titan." which, according to the blurb, "battles against Zeus and his allies." MTV Multiplayer proposes that this may be one of God of War III's bosses but, if the trailer is anything to go by, this massive walking volcano is much more likely to be one of the game's levels. If you're hungry for more God of War III concept art, be sure to make your way to concept artist Andy Park's website. He recently put up a load of artwork from the game, including enemy concepts and environment paintings that look to have heavily inspired the recent trailer.Source - "Fire Titan" @ Cecil Kim's personal portfolioSource - "God of War 3!" @ Andy Park's blog[Via MTV Multiplayer]
Calendar clarification: God of War 3, MAG before March 2010
Had your hopes up that God of War III and Zipper Interactive's "massive action game," MAG, would be all up in your PS3 before January 1, Ought-10 rolled around? Better let them down ... gently. Following two disparate announcements -- one saying both games (among others) would hit within calendar 2009; the other citing fiscal 2009 -- Sony has confirmed to Joystiq that the release window is, in fact, the latter: before March 1, 2010. Two other games listed in the original press release are pretty much locked for release within the year, though. Heavy Rain, Quantic Dreams' dreamy-looking adventure game, was confirmed for calendar '09 release last August. The Sucker Punch developed action-platformer, inFamous, is coming "this spring," according to a packaging insert going out with tomorrow's major release, Killzone 2.
Sony: God of War III, MAG coming within the year
A triumphant Sony press release which heralded next week's arrival of Killzone 2 and, effectively, the kick-off for its 2009 line-up, contained a tentative list of the games that will likely cause PS3 owners to foam at the mouth with anticipation over the coming months. The list contained two mammoths in particular -- according to Sony, both God of War III and Zipper Interactive's MAG: Massive Action Game will be among the "blockbuster exclusives" which will land on the console "throughout the year." The imminent launch window for the two titles (which were mentioned alongside inFamous, Heavy Rain, MLB 09: The Show and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves) is just a bit surprising -- though we suppose Sony's selective wording ("throughout the year") could mean that the listed titles will be dropping by this time in 2010. Still, barring any delays, 2009's shaping up to be a heck of a year for the enthusiastic supporters of Sony's monolithic home console.
God of War III official site is now live
The God of War III official website is now up and running. While at first glance it looks like the site doesn't offer anything new, it does feature downloadable HD versions (720p, 1080p) of the trailer revealed just last week and the one from last year's E3. So much for waiting on the PSN to host it this Thursday [Update: Okay, so it's already out on the PSN]. Go grab it now and watch the carnage in glorious 1080p!Also, may we remind you of our massive GoW III coverage blowout? That includes impressions on Kratos' last adventure and two brand-new interviews. [Via PlayStation Lifestyle]
Joystiq interview: God of War 3's Ken Feldman, art director
Ken Feldman was one of the original three people who came up with the God of War concept and worked as a lead environment designer on the first game. David Jaffe and Tim Moss were the other members of that trinity. During the sequel's development, Feldman worked behind the scenes on future technology and is currently the art director of God of War III.We chatted with Ken at the God of War III preview event in Los Angeles this week, where he detailed the overhauled game engine, Kratos' new PS2-busting polygon count, and inspiration for the God of War style.%Gallery-44594%
Joystiq interview: God of War 3 director Stig Asmussen
After working on games like Dr. Muto and Gauntlet: Dark Legacy, Stig Asmussen worked as lead environmental artist on God of War before moving on to God of War II, where he was promoted to art director. He's now game director for God of War III, which means he's reached the pinnacle of Mount Olympus, so to speak. Despite shouldering an Altas-like workload, including organizing a team of more than 100 employees, Asmussen was in high spirits when we sat down with him this week at the God of War III preview event.Continue on to learn more about PlayStation Home and DLC plans, the handling of motion controls, and how the team's bringing newcomers up to speed on the story -- plus many more previously unknown details!%Gallery-44594%
The Titan-ic new God of War 3 trailer
Sony released this new God of War III trailer today, to go alongside our brand new preview. It's an extended version of the one shown during the VGAs in December and features some of Kratos' new abilities and the game's god-sized scale -- the ending camera shot turns Kratos into a flea! The video was rendered in-game, so cross your blades that it keeps on looking this good -- and angry -- as development continues. Okay, we'll stop writing now, so you can get to watching the darned thing already! Download God of War 3 Trailer 1080p HD (235 MB)
Joystiq impressions: God of War 3
click to Titan-size! Hold on to your loincloths, because we spent two hours with God of War III earlier this week and now – with the embargo's arms ripped clean off – we're finally allowed to tell you about it. Maybe we should be more specific: we spent two hours watching someone else play the game while we took notes, geeked out, and did our best to not shout out gameplay suggestions. Instead, game director Stig Asmussen took us through the major goals they've hit so far in the development process, while design director Todd Papy took the controls for the demo.Something to note: they did make a big point of telling us they would not be discussing a release date. They said they'd be announcing that at E3, which leads us to assume that they still have hurdles to overcome and aren't clear how those will affect their schedule. So will this game be out by the end of 2009? We doubt it. There were plenty of holes in what we were shown, including some fundamental gameplay/story ideas that weren't hammered down yet.However, what we were able to see looks like it could be worth the wait for PS3 owners. It's basically God of War II on steroids which, considering the popularity – and quality! – of the first two titles, isn't necessarily a bad thing. Read on for our impressions, chock full of tidbits and new info about everyone's favorite angry bald Greek guy. %Gallery-44594%
God of War 3 Game Informer cover story leaked
Game Informer's March 2009 effort is quite an issue: Resident Evil 5, GTA IV: The Lost and Damned, Brütal Legend, and, of course, God of War 3. Did you hear? (Spoiler alert!) It's kinda like the first two, only bigger, badder and more badass -- er, wait, maybe that's the description for the other G-to-the-W sequel ...But we digress, as is fated any juicy magazine preview, Game Informer's God of War 3 cover story has been scanned and posted in its digitized entirety; this time, on the PS3Chat.com forums (and elsewhere, we assume). If you want to dig through such compelling reveals as game director Stig Asmussen's progress report on God of War 3's obligatory sex minigame, then you're just a few clicks away. (Side note: has anyone else noticed that the designers' names get more ridiculous as this series progresses?) But, a word of advice, if we may: These are dire times for print, and, if you appreciate the work that Game Informer has put in for the new issue, then don't forget to show your support (read: buy the crinkly thing).<shameless plug> Besides, Joystiq will publish our "online-only" God of War 3 preview in just two days! (That's, uh, this Friday, by the way.) </shameless plug>[Thanks, Chris]
Cory Barlog penning a script for Sony
Did you know Cory Barlog has an awesome name? That's not actually what this post is about, but we spend hours wondering why the ex-God of War II director doesn't just go the whole hog and get those R and L letters swapped round. Anyway, in a recent interview with 1UP, Barlog reveals that he's working on a script for Sony. It's unclear what this script is for, whether it's for a game or some other project. A movie perhaps? Whatever it is, Barlog says that it'll be "something that everyone's fairly familiar with." A God of War movie script then, maybe? We know a movie is in development and who better to write the script than someone who has worked so closely with the franchise? It's all speculation at this point, but we're certainly intrigued to find out more. Hopefully soon.
Jaffe: God of War 3 'looks 25-30% better' than VGA trailer
Commenting on the 40-odd seconds of God of War III shown during last night's VGAs, series creator David Jaffe says that it looked good, but not as impressive as the game does in its most current form. You may recall that Jaffe had heaped some extremely high praise on the game's visuals after he recently saw it in action.Last night's footage is only part of what he saw during an internal SCEA meeting, Jaffe revealed on his blog. "The stuff I saw that I raved about was probably finished 1-2 days before I got to the studios. The Spike stuff I saw had aleady been turned into Spike so it was 100% older," he explained. "To give you an idea, the stuff I saw that I raved about looked about 25-30% better [than the HD footage Spike broadcast]," he said of the closed meeting footage, adding, "It happened to blow me away and remains the best looking console game I've ever seen ... beyond Gears 2 which so far is the best looking console game ever released." As for what Jaffe had to say to those who questioned his likening of GOW3 to a painting, well, you'll have to hit his blog to read that colorful prose (and watch a video of his thoughts on video game awards shows).
Sony: God of War 3 will be the 'last installment'
Kratos will be hanging up his swords after God of War III, though we hope he does something about those chains first. Sony has revealed that the upcoming sequel will be "the last installment" in the series, leaving the Ghost of Sparta to find creative ways to make beheadings and impalement look good on his resume.According to Sony, the game will also boast four times the texture resolution seen in God of War II, as well as dynamic lighting and more on-screen enemies than before, which goes a long way explaining why David Jaffe's jaw is still on the floor. Do something about that, will you?
Jaffe admits 'meh' GOW3 debut, promises game looks much better
Some of you were underwhelmed by God of War III's VGA debut ... including franchise creator David Jaffe. The outspoken developer did a little rant on his blog, indicating a small amount of disappointment in the presentation. "The footage aired on Spike looked meh. It was dark and grainy and I was watching on a SD television." However, he does promise things will look up. "The stuff I saw that I raved about was probably finished 1-2 days before I got to the studios. The Spike stuff I saw had aleady been turned into Spike so it was 100% older. Not that I thought it was bad- again- just I can see how the new stuff I saw looked further along, for sure. And to give you an idea, the stuff I saw that I raved about looked about 25-30% better than what you see in this thread." Looks like the game may have been shown off a bit too early. Rest assured, though. Jaffe reassures us that the upcoming PS3 God of War game will be "the best looking console game" besting his current fave, Gears of War 2. We'll hold you on that sentiment, Mr. Jaffe. The new game director of the God of War franchise has a lot of work on his hands, especially considering this will be the "last installment" of the franchise. "We have large shoes to fill following the success of the previously released God of War titles," said Stig Asmussen . "But with refined gameplay and jaw-dropping visuals, I guarantee that God of War will give fans what they have been eagerly waiting for, and much more." [Via Joystiq]
VGA 2008: See God of War 3, Brtal Legend, Uncharted 2 & Lost and Damned
If you missed the VGAs last night, you needn't worry, we've prepared the full virtual experience for you this morning. First, go read our liveblog of the event. Then, watch the delightful batch of trailers we've got for you after the break. Finally, imagine Jack Black is yelling at you in his underwear. You are there!Enjoy this first crop of media from Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned, God of War 3, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves and Brütal Legend. We'll have the rest of the media for you in a bit.
Spike VGA Trailersplosion: Kratos, Drake, Watchmen, Brutal Legend & Dante's Inferno
So you missed the Spike VGAs. You didn't miss much. Only the first footage of Uncharted 2, God of War III, Brutal Legend, Watchmen and Dante's Inferno (from the team behind Dead Space, don'tcha know). We've got your back, though. After the break you can watch all of the trailers from the show without having to sit through any of that boring "awards" stuff (GTA IV for GOTY? Really?) We're having trouble deciding which of these trailers is our favorite. Realistically it's probably Uncharted 2, because we love us some Nathan Drake. Then again, we have demon nuns, Kratos wielding massive gloves, Rorschach beating up bad guys and another interesting looking new IP from the Dead Space team. What's there not to like? 2009's looking great.
God of War III to make appearance at Spike VGAs
Oh really, Spike TV? You're really going out of your way to make sure we watch your Video Game Awards show this year. Not only are you debuting Uncharted 2, but you're also going to be giving us a look at God of War III? Really? The Gametrailers.com promo page for the VGAs lists Naughty Dog's upcoming sequel, Brutal Legend and the hotly anticipated GoW III. We can't wait.December 14th. 9PM. Mark it on your calendars.[Thanks, Hyams!]
David Jaffe impressed by God of War 3 ... we think?
Even though David Jaffe snuck off to create his own game development studio he's still regarded as Kratos' daddy, so it's no surprise that he's been given a sneak peak at the next chapter of the God of War series. It's also no surprise that he took the opportunity to post about it on his blog in order to let people know, in true Jaffe style, exactly what he thought of it. Cue the expletives."HOLY HOLY HOLY F***NG HELL!!!!" he begins. "I thought GEARS OF WARS 2 looked about as good as a next-gen game could look.... And unless I get blown away by POP or something else I missed, GEARS 2 is the S***....this year. Dudes and dudettes, f***ing WAIT till you see the amazing graphics..." We think this means he liked what he saw. Don't go mistaking him for a fanboy, though. He'll have some harsh words to say to you:"F*** YOU! I ain't no fan boy but this mother f***ing game looks like nothing you've ever played...and you can hold me to that when this thing hits and when they start showing gameplay footage. It looks like a painting come to life- it's THAT good looking." We thought we'd have to wait until at least 2009 started before the hype for God Of War III began to build. Apparently not.
Jaffe: God of War 3 looks 'like nothing you've ever played'
"I ain't no fan boy but this mother f***ing game looks like nothing you've ever played...and you can hold me to that when this thing hits and when they start showing gameplay footage."Well, it probably looks a little bit like God of War II, since we imagine it still features the antics of world's angriest breakfast cereal Kratos. However, outspoken designer David Jaffe, currently tinkering away at an unannounced project with Eat Sleep Play, insists that an early glimpse of Sony's God of War III left him reeling. To quoth: "HOLY HOLY HOLY F***ING HELL!!!!"As if to prematurely defuse any cries of, "Well, you did design the original game, you know!" Jaffe adds that his favorite game this year isn't even on the PlayStation 3. "And unless I get blown away by POP or something else I missed, GEARS 2 is the SHIT....this year," he noted. But does it look "like a painting come to life," as God of War III allegedly does? We'll let the forthcoming battle between the GoWs decide that.
Sony calls '2009 corporate plans' info leak a rumor
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe responded back to Eurogamer who got in touch regarding a certain D+Pad article which supposedly outlines SCEE's strategy for 2009. The company communicated that the information in the article was only "rumor and speculation." D+Pad's source claims to have attended a Sony Computer Entertainment Staff Annual Briefing which was held this past Saturday in London.The rumored content suggests that Sony is making plans for a PS3 price cut in March 2009. Also of note, PSP versions of key PS3 titles such as LittleBigPlanet and MotorStorm were said to be shown at the briefing. Even better still, Uncharted 2 and God of War III were also apparently shown with U2 looking much like the first Uncharted and GoW3 just amazing the Hades out of the informant. Noting that reliable David Jaffe also recently saw GoW3 footage and talked a bit about it, then perhaps there might be some merit to these rumors after all.
