god of war
Latest
God of War II's director says PSP version "definitely a possibility"
Cory Barlog, director of the upcoming God of War II recently spoke with GameDaily BIZ, waxing on about the future of the franchise. When asked if the franchise would ever jump ship to the PSP he had a few interesting things to say: "That would be awesome. I mean, I've been a big proponent of that concept for quite a while. I want it on every possible system you could put it on. I think it's definitely a possibility. It's not something we haven't discussed but it's not something we're actively discussing right now."But does this mean that the Ready at Dawn slip-up was just a mistake? It sounds like Barlog is denying that God of War is currently in development for the our system. We keep on hearing conflicting reports of GoW on the PSP, but hopefully, we'll see what's going on with this hotly anticipated title at next week's GDC.
God of War nearly confirmed
Does that font look familiar? It sure does, doesn't it? It's the God of War font, and it can be found plastered on Ready at Dawn's webpage. We've heard the rumors, and even received a few "insider" hints about God of War for PSP. This looks to be the last step before an official confirmation, no?[Thanks, Mike!]
All Games Interactive aftermath
I previously let everyone know that I'd be interviewed on All Games Interactive. Many thanks to anyone who listened. To those that had better things to do on a Friday night than listen to me talk about PSP, you can make up for that missed opportunity by checking out the show's archives. You can listen to the entirety of episode 251's six hour show, or if you specifically want to check out my portion of the show. You can download part B and my interview starts nine minutes and twelve seconds in. Scot and crew ask me about the failings of the PSP, the possibility of a God of War for PSP and how I landed a fiancee who is a hardcore gamer. I tried to keep the talk as interesting as possible and the professionalism of the AGI staff certainly helped me feel comfortable and have plenty to say. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Saturday PSP Background Explosion
It's Saturday PSP Backgrounds Live! Want to be a background whore like me, but don't want to put in the effort? That's why I'm here every Saturday to give PSP Fanboy readers new backgrounds. This week we have a background about super powered aliens, one that features a savior of men and another that takes the lives of men. And one of them is our first fan made background! You know you want one of these on your PSP! Backgrounds after the jump ...
Rumor: Ready at Dawn working on God of War
It's one of our most wanted Dream Games on the system: God of War. But is it actually happening? According to a Spanish website, MeriStation, Ready At Dawn may be working on a portable continuation of the revered franchise. Ready At Dawn is famous for their work on Daxter, which is still one of the system's most technically impressive games.While this would be exciting, take it with a grain of salt. However, to add fuel to the debate, I'll reveal that a few weeks ago, I too received a tip about God of War on PSP. Is it really coming?[Via GAF]
Becoming a god of war in 300 [Update 1]
One of our Dream Games was God of War: a mythological beat-em-up that took was rooted in psuedo Greek mythology. Looks like 300 is going to attempt to fill that role for PSP gamers. The game is based on the trials of 300 Spartans that must go against a million Persians. Considering how you'll have to fight to the death, I think it's safe to say that we can expect a lot of killing. As Yahoo! Games explains, "There are showers of red blood and flying body parts."Besides the gore, the game promises to deliver an action experience tailor-made for the PSP. The camera will be automatic, akin to God of War. By using "horde technology," the game will continue to shower you with enemies, although only about six will be on screen at all times. The developers intend to have their battle system have depth as well: "Enemies have conditions to beat and we give you the tools to do it. Then, the player needs to make choices on whom to attack first, what they want to do to the enemy, and then, pile on some other choices regarding health management and your rage. So, very quickly, you find that all your choices are meaningful."300: March to Glory will release February 27th, exclusively for the PSP. Until then, feel free to check out some interesting cinematics from the game.[Update 1: Corrected linkage. Hopefully, the armies of Sparta will spare my life for this error.]
God of War II nears completion
Sleep deprived and rambling a bit, God of War II director Cory Barlog updates us on the status of Sony's sequel. Yesterday, Barlog blogged, "it is safe to say that all of the primary work for God of War 2 has been completed." What's left is the final QA testing, suggesting that Kratos is on schedule for his projected March return -- what's being billed as PlayStation 2's swan song.Barlog also spends a few words defending God of War II's quick weapon-switch, which has apparently been targeted by Devil May Cry faithful. "Some call it stealing; I call it realizing when something works," argues Barlog. Hey, if it ain't patented, trademarked, or copyrighted, it's fair game.
Unearthed: Neversoft's lost Ghost Rider game
Long before they dominated the world with the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series and even before they proved that games based on comic books didn't have to suck something awful with Spider-Man, Neversoft toiled away at an adaptation of Ghost Rider. While the game never saw release, much less got into its first, legitimate step in development, Playstation Museum has received an ancient demo of the game. The results? A shame to behold.While 2K Game's Ghost Rider movie tie-in effort looks to be a God of War clone, Neversoft's take was a 2-D platformer in the vein of Castlevania. Presumably canned for being so, would-be publisher Crystal Dynamics passed it up for not sporting that extra third dimension. Judging from the recorded footage (embedded after the break), it only needed more in the way of time than anything else.
Ghost Rider, the flaming skull guy previewed
Could Ghost Rider be God of War with a comic license pasted on top? It's unlikely, but it sure would be amazing if Ghost Rider had even half the game of Kratos. While IGN's current preview does go over some of the game's features, it gives very little opinion on the title's quality. Here are some tidbits from the preview for those interested in Ghost Rider: Ghost Rider has light or heavy attacks he can use to create combos Once an enemy is injured enough, a variety of finishing moves can be used to defeat them Some levels involve riding the Hell Cycle The game has five chapters Between chapters there will be comic book style cut-scenes There will be cameos from other Marvel characters like Lilith and Scarecrow PSP owners will of course get exclusive content like multiplayer via adhoc for up to 4 players To read the preview in full, check out IGN.
Toying with God of War figures
With the God of War sequel arriving in mere months, now is the perfect time to unveil a pair of Kratos action figures. Neca plans to release these 7-inch-tall collectibles in March, coinciding with the debut of God of War II (March 13). One figure features Kratos in his snuggly Golden Fleece outfit (pictured above), and the other, sans Fleece. With a nod to Mr. Potato Head, the figures' heads, hands, and weapons will be interchangeable. You can pre-order the set from Corner Store Comics for $22.99.Neca has also hinted at the possibility of a towering 13-inch Kratos doll arriving this summer -- with push-button talkie-talkie action. And, not stopping there, Neca is considering a Kratos figure, decked out in full Ares' Armor, along with other figures from the game world, for release this fall.
Dream Games: God of War
Dream Games is a new weekly column where we explore a game we'd love to see on the PSP. Feel free to check in, and comment, every Tuesday Wednesday.God of WarDavid Jaffe may have given up on his PSP ambitions through the cancellation of Heartland, but that doesn't mean that he should avoid the platform altogether. Considering how the original God of War is considered to be one of the best action games ever created, we'd love to see a PSP version of this bloody beat-em-up. I'd love either a port of the original (or the upcoming God of War II) or an entirely original game. <spoiler> A side-story could focus on Kratos' life before he was ever afflicted with the curse that covered his skin in ashes.</spoiler>Why PSP?God of War is easily one of Sony's most popular franchises right now (and I say this before God of War II even comes out!). It's clear that God of War III will most likely head towards the PLAYSTATION 3, but there's no reason to avoid a PSP version. The game doesn't require a second analog stick, and the intelligent camera of the first will make it accessible for the portable. Make the levels smaller and shorter, and the game's great combat system will translate quite well for gamers on the go. If God of War made it on the PSP, it will certainly be one of the goriest portable games ever made: and doesn't the PSP deserve that?Is it possible?God of War pushed the PS2's graphical abilities quite far. However, reduced detail would work perfectly fine on the handheld. Even with a lower poly-count and worse textures, God of War will still be fun. Considering how this is a popular Sony-owned property, God of War PSP is not only possible ... but likely.
God of War 2 demo soon
God of War 2 director Cory Barlog, using gentler language than tends his predecessor David Jaffe, has revealed that the game demo is nearly complete. "We are going to be breaking off the demo code pretty soon and tuning the final tuning pass on the demo level so that is pretty damn exciting. It means that those of you who emailed earlier about the demo will soon be holding your sweet copy of the God of War 2 Demo," Barlog wrote on his blog Wednesday.Barlog failed to cite an exact release date or means of distribution for the demo, which will feature a single level. By his own declaration, the entire game will be finished 60 days from now, suggesting a late-March to early-April release window for God of War 2. Our guess: demo in February. Will a version land on PlayStation 3's PlayStation Store?[Via 1UP]
David Jaffe admits drunkenly that his PSP game sucked
David Jaffe **BLEEP**ing talked to GameTrailers.com in the Playboy Mansion about developing on the PLAYSTATION 3 and PSP. He reveals that he'd love to make God of War III on the PLAYSTATION 3, if given the chance. He also makes note of the mistakes he's made. Firstly, he states that God of War's battle system is not as good as Devil May Cry's (agreed). And he also admits that his canceled PSP project, "Project HL," was really axed not because of the PS3, but because it wasn't progressing very well:"I just **BLEEP**ed up my game on the PSP, it wasn't any good! That's true! There wasn't a **BLEEP** rumor!"The full video interview is available, after the break. Obviously, if you didn't **BLEEP**ing notice, it features some profanity.[Via Joystiq]
Drunk David Jaffe desires God of War 3
At a party at the PlayBoy mansion, outspoken developer David Jaffe (Twisted Metal, God of War) gave GameTrailers one of the most entertaining interviews we've seen in awhile. Under the heavy influence of alcohol (his claim, not ours), Jaffe explains that he has started preliminary work on God of War 3 as of November 10. "We're dying to make a new one, we're dying to make one on PS3," he announces.Though Sony has not yet given Jaffe the greenlight to go ahead and work on a third iteration, he has already started figuring out how to progress the story and has started to fill up a notebook and peruse what we assume are texts on Greek Mythology. Standing to his side is Jeff Reese from Sony Marketing, who may also be as drunk as Jaffe. He chimes in to explain how he envisions God of War as a story that continues on all platforms, culminating as a "classic battle-rama on the PS3." We would love to see that descriptor on the back of the game box.Other tidbits from the interview: Jaffe, in response to EGM that his tearjerker PSP game was just a ruse while he tackled other projects, said "I just ***ed up my game on the PSP, it wasn't any good!" There are "a lot of ideas" on how to use the SIXAXIS' motion sensor controls "in every aspect of [God of War 3's] game design." Jaffe has some kind words to say about Microsoft's Xbox Live, noting that "we will always be thankful [for Xbox Live and Xbox Live Arcade]." He adds, "I'd like to think Sony is going to surpass on Xbox Live on all that they're doing, but I think there's room for all of us to play in that space" before making a Freudian slip with "Play Connected." In regards to online discussing that he has an ego problem, Jaffe admits that he is a B-level game designer ("C-level," Reese retorts). To prove his point, he negatively compares God of War's fighting system to that of Devil May Cry. Despite the frequent use of bleeps to cover up Jaffe's foul language, we're going to say this video is NSFW. For those of us with the maturity to handle such filthy language, this is a great video interview to watch. Continue reading for the embedded video.[Via Gamesblog]
David Jaffe, God of War 3, and other stuff too
Someone decided to interrupt David Jaffe, man behind classics like Twisted Metal and a little game called God of War, at the Playboy Mansion. They had the balls (pun definitely intended) to ask him about God of War 3, which is funny since the second game isn't even out yet. Expectedly, Jaffe said that he started scribbling down design notes four days ago -- no development, no decision to even create the game. All focus is still on number 2.Jaffe also takes a moment to call out EGM, who named Jaffe the "God of Bulls...tuff" because they thought his PSP game was a giant publicity rumor. Jaffe says he just fudged it up and cancelled it -- there was no rumor, it just ended up sucking. That's cool.A few more highlights before we tell you to watch the video yourself: narrative will be laced between all three games (if they decide to make it). Also, Jaffe would love to make this game on the PS3 -- he just needs the go-ahead from Sony and some cash money money. As for the SIXAXIS, he has some ideas for implementation but he doesn't go into too much detail. It's a very cool, informative, honest interview. Check it out.
David Jaffe no longer wants to make you cry
David Jaffe, prominent game designer behind the smash God of War, was supposed to bring PSP owners a mysterious "Project HL." This maybe-episodic game was going to make you cry...Well, no more! The game's not coming out. No more PSP game. Boo!!!!! Like the Gran Turismo team, he now seems more interested in that shiny $600 box called the "PlayStation 3." Crazy.[Via 1UP]
Will Wright is a pr0n star, blogs lowly game designer
Derek Daniels, a low-ranking designer on the God of War team, recently broke the industry down like this:"In the videogame design world you have Miyamoto, Kojima, Will Wright, David Jaffe, and a handful of others that have risen to the top that have a little more control of their future. Then you have the other faceless designers that no one knows working on games doing some downright nasty things that I'm sure their mothers do not want to hear."Sounds like the porn industry, right? Well, that's Daniels' point at least. He reckons that videogame design is a young man's gamble, with a lifespan about as long as a girl doing porn. And when you finally burn out and leave the game behind, you're left with "a skillset that cannot be applied to anything else in life." [Thanks, Art]
David Jaffe despises action/adventure, Kratos cries
God of War director David Jaffe recently posted on his blog and 1up.com covered the important points for us. An interesting pair of quotes are where Jaffe says "I find myself enjoying single player action adventure games more than I have since I was a kid," but also says that after designing an action/adventure game with an epic story he has "lost interest in the genre of single player action/adventure games." He likes playin' 'em, but doesn't like makin' 'em. He doesn't want to tell stories with his games anymore?Jaffe believes, apparently, that most games today don't really feed on the raw emotions that a game could, and should, evoke from the player. What, then, will Project HL be? If he doesn't want to make a story, what could it be? A very hard, annoying puzzle game that makes us cry because it's so ridiculous? What about God of War 2, or God of War 3? Will the story taper off and the third try to evoke raw emotions from us with nothing other than blood and mayhem? This may worry some, but as 1up.com concluded, it does appear he is suffering from burnout due to rough development schedules. Buck up, Jaffe! We believe in you.
God of War 3 coming to PS3?
Check out what David Jaffe, creative force behind God of War said in an article over at Next Generation: "I am very confident of our chances to be able to complete the GOD OF WAR trilogy." Trilogy, eh? No statement about production or console was confirmed, but it wouldn't be too out of line to assume that if a third incarnation of Kratos' badassery stabbed its way to us, it would be on the PS3. With the second game coming out in 2007 on the PS2, after the launch of the PS3, it only seems logical to conclude the trilogy on the next-gen console.Another sequel for the Playstation 3? Sure, but it's God of War. It's fantastic. Sequels may be name or brand-recognition as selling points for consoles, but they're also sequels because people bought into the originals. They're good. Usually. In the movie business, though, sequels are usually shoddy and put out simply to drop a few coins in the creator's purses. For a few games, sure, making money is important, but we just like to see familiar faces doing familiar badass kills. Who wouldn't want to see a PS3 rendition of Kratos twisting the head off of a Medusa? Let's cross our fingers and hope this comes true!
Watch the entire God of War 2 E3 demo; get frustrated
GameVideos has a direct feed of the entire E3 God of War 2 demo being played through. Problem is, it's like watching your friends playing a video game; thankfully, the physical limitations of reality preclude us from reaching into the video and showing this nubcake how it's done. But if we could, dear reader, rest comfortable knowing it would take us far shorter than the twenty-four brutality-soaked minutes seen here.So, while you're exercising self control, sit back and drink in the beautiful scenery. Yup, this is the PS2 looking its finest, folks. For the SAT prep students in the house, God of War II:PS2::Resident Evil 4:Gamecube. Don't believe us? The entire video is embedded after the break, or download the enormous 430Mb .mov (or .wmv) file for filing away, right next to those Kratos-cosplay videos you've been hoarding. For shame!See also:PS2 impressions: God of War 2God of War 2 GDC video leaked onlineSony confirms God of War 2 worldwide Q1 2007
