God of War: Ghost of Sparta
God of War: Ghost of Sparta | ||
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Composer(s) | ||
Series | God of War | |
Platform(s) | PlayStation Portable | |
Release | ||
Genre(s) | Action-adventure, hack and slash | |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
God of War: Ghost of Sparta is an
The gameplay is similar to that of the previous installments, and focuses on
Ghost of Sparta received positive reviews from critics for its story, cinematographic cutscenes, and graphical illustration, though criticism was given for the general lack of gameplay innovation from its predecessor, Chains of Olympus. Several critics consider it to be the best-looking game on the PSP. Others have compared the overall game to those on the
Gameplay
The gameplay of God of War: Ghost of Sparta resembles that of the previous installments. It is a
Combat
Kratos' main weapon is the Blades of Athena, a pair of
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 used, featuring specific weapon and magic death animations.[6] This game's challenge mode is called the Challenge of the Gods, which features five Challenges of Ares, with an additional eight Challenges of Athena that can be unlocked. The challenge mode requires players to complete a series of specific tasks (e.g., kill all enemies without being attacked). A new mode exclusive to this game has been added called The Temple of Zeus, which allows players to sacrifice collected red orbs (from both in-game and the challenge mode) to unlock additional features, such as the Challenges of Athena, bonus costumes for Kratos, behind-the-scenes videos, and concept art of the characters and environments. Completing each difficulty level unlocks additional rewards. A Combat Arena (similar to the version in God of War III) allows players to pick adversaries and adjust the level of difficulty to improve their skills.[7]
Synopsis
Setting
As with previous games in the
Characters
The protagonist of the game is
Plot
A series of flashbacks reveals that the oracle had foretold that the demise of Olympus would come not by the revenge of the Titans, who had been imprisoned after the Great War, but by a mortal, a marked warrior. The Olympians Zeus and Ares believed this warrior to be Deimos,[N 1] the brother of Kratos, due to his strange birthmarks. Ares interrupted the childhood training of Kratos and Deimos, with Athena on hand, and kidnapped Deimos. Kratos attempted to stop Ares, but was swept aside and subsequently scarred across his right eye by the Olympian. Athena stopped Ares from killing Kratos, knowing his eventual destiny. Taken to Death's Domain, Deimos was imprisoned and tortured by Thanatos. In honor of his sibling, Kratos marked himself with a red tattoo, identical to his brother's birthmark.
Years later, when the game begins, Kratos has taken Ares' place as the new God of War on Mount Olympus. Still haunted by visions of his mortal past, Kratos decides against Athena's advice 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, though the Spartan drives the beast off. After a series of skirmishes across the city, he eventually kills Scylla.
Reaching the temple, Kratos locates his 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 him and beseeches him to seek out Deimos in Sparta. Prior to departure, Kratos encounters and frees the trapped Titan, Thera, which causes the eruption of the Methana Volcano, and subsequently destroys Atlantis. During his escape, he has another encounter[N 2] with the enigmatic gravedigger, who warns him of the consequences of alienating the gods.
Seeking clues about his brother Deimos, Kratos decides to reach his hometown Sparta. While traveling through the Aronian Pass, Kratos meets the goddess Erinys, daughter of Thanatos, who was searching for Kratos since the destruction of Atlantis. After a vicious battle, Kratos brutally kills Erinys and reaches Sparta, where he witnesses a group of Spartans tearing down a statue of Ares, intent on replacing it with one of Kratos. Kratos then chases a dissenter loyal to Ares into the Spartan Jails, who attempts to kill Kratos by releasing the Piraeus Lion. Defeating both foes, Kratos journeys to the Temple of Ares, where he encounters the spirit of his child self and learns that he must return to the now sunken Atlantis and locate the Domain of Death. Before leaving, a loyal Spartan provides him with his former weapons—used during Kratos' days as a Captain of the Spartan army—the Arms of Sparta. After returning to the sunken Atlantis, Kratos receives great resentment from Poseidon for sinking his beloved city.
Entering the Domain of Death, the Spartan frees his imprisoned brother. Enraged that Kratos had failed to rescue him sooner and stating he will never forgive him, Deimos attacks and overpowers Kratos. However, Thanatos, seeking revenge for Erinys' death at Kratos' hands, intervenes and takes a protesting Deimos to Suicide Bluffs (the site of Kratos' suicide attempt), where Kratos saves Deimos from falling to his death. A grateful Deimos then aids his brother in battling the god with the Arms of Sparta. At this point, Thanatos realizes Ares chose the wrong Spartan; it was Kratos who should have been taken, the "mark" being his red tattoo and the white ashes of his wife and child bound to his skin. Thanatos, however, kills Deimos, causing Kratos to fly into an uncontrollable rage out of grief and unleash his true power on Thanatos, allowing Kratos to finally destroy him. Remarking that his brother is finally free, Kratos places Deimos in his grave (leaving the Arms of Sparta as a grave marker), while the gravedigger states that Kratos has become "Death... the Destroyer of Worlds."[9] Athena appears, begs for forgiveness, and offers full godhood for not revealing the truth, but Kratos ignores her and returns to Olympus, promising that "the gods will pay for this."[10] As Kratos is seen leaving, Athena looks apologetically at Kratos and whispers out of his earshot, "Forgive me... brother."[N 3][11]
In a post-credits scene, the gravedigger places Callisto in a grave by Deimos (with an empty third grave nearby) and states "Now... only one remains."[12] The final scene is a brooding Kratos sitting on his throne on Mount Olympus in his Olympian armor.
Development
God of War: Ghost of Sparta was announced on May 4, 2010, on
Dana Jan stated the reason they chose to have the game take place between God of War and God of War II was because "It seemed to make a lot of sense to fill in that void." Jan said with some scenes, "the team wasn't sure how gamers would react" because "God of War usually doesn't slow...down" and the team "worried if these scenes would be captivating enough to keep player interested and still feel like God of War." For puzzles, Jan stated that they tried to make the outcomes unexpected because players assume that they will have to "push something, carry a body or smash something with [the] blades." Hinting at a possible future installment from Ready at Dawn, Jan stated that he is "intrigued" by the flashbacks in God of War and God of War II and that "There's definitely a back story to Kratos that nobody's touched on." For the character Deimos, Jan stated that the first reference was actually in the Chains of Olympus finale. In the game, Helios states "Do you think that they'll survive?" and Athena says "They must." Jan said that this line was "purposefully put" in that game and that there are also references to Deimos in God of War III. He confirmed that Kratos and Deimos are not twins and that while Kratos' father is Zeus, "Deimos' father is more of a mystery." He confirmed that a character named Dominus appears in the game (Kratos' original name) and "the scene featuring a soldier named Dominus was a nod to that." He also stated that he does not know where God of War: Betrayal fits chronologically in the series.[14]
Several voice actors returned to reprise their roles from previous installments, including Terrence C. Carson, Erin Torpey, Gideon Emery, Steven Blum, Paul Eiding, and Linda Hunt, who voiced Kratos, Athena, Poseidon, Ares, the gravedigger, and the narrator, respectively. Actors Mark Deklin, Deanne Hurstold, and Arthur Burghardt voiced the characters of Deimos, Callisto and Thanatos, respectively. During flashbacks to Kratos' childhood,
Release
The
The game was released in North America on November 2, 2010,
Marketing
As a pre-order bonus at select retailers, players received exclusive
Ghost of Sparta was also available in a special limited edition PSP bundle pack, which included the game, a voucher to download Chains of Olympus, a
Soundtrack
God of War: Ghost of Sparta – Original Soundtrack from the Video Game | |
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Sony Computer Entertainment |
God of War: Ghost of Sparta – Original Soundtrack from the Video Game—composed by Gerard K. Marino and Mike Reagan—was released on iTunes on October 18, 2010, by Sony Computer Entertainment and includes three bonus tracks from Chains of Olympus.[35] It was also included as downloadable content in the Ghost of Sparta pre-order package.[36] Square Enix Music Online (8/10) stated that several tracks were intended for purely contextual purposes, with the remainder of the soundtrack rating well in comparison to the soundtracks of the main installments in the series.[37]
No. | Title | Music | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "Atlantis" | Mike Reagan | 3:09 |
2. | "Deimos" | Gerard Marino | 2:05 |
3. | "The Caldera" | Reagan | 3:17 |
4. | "Battle with the Scylla" | Reagan | 1:34 |
5. | "City of Ashes" | Marino | 2:44 |
6. | "Aroania Mountains" | Reagan | 3:09 |
7. | "Daughter of Death" | Marino | 1:44 |
8. | "Ghost of Sparta" | Reagan | 3:00 |
9. | "The Brother" | Marino | 1:54 |
10. | "Canyons of Sorrow" | Marino | 3:10 |
11. | "The Fallen Brother" | Marino | 2:49 |
12. | "Death's Domain" | Reagan | 3:21 |
13. | "Deimos' Revenge" | Marino | 1:36 |
14. | "Brothers in Arms" | Marino | 1:21 |
15. | "Calliope" (Bonus Track) | Marino | 2:53 |
16. | "The Wrath of Charon" (Bonus Track) | Marino | 1:57 |
17. | "Persian Combat" (Bonus Track) | Marino | 1:37 |
Total length: | 41:08 |
Reception
Aggregator | Score |
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1Up.com | A−[39] |
Eurogamer | 7/10[40] |
Game Informer | 9.5[41] |
GameTrailers | 9.4/10[42] |
IGN | 9.5[43] |
Joystiq | 4.5/5[44] |
PlayStation: The Official Magazine | 10/10[45] |
God of War: Ghost of Sparta received "generally favourable reviews", according to
Praising its story, Pereira claimed that it is "a more personal story than the other GOW games, but one that still features the series' signature trademarks", and also said that the sex mini-game is "arguably the most over-the-top of the bunch".[39] Nelson stated that it 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."[44] Juba said that it "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."[41] GameTrailers said it has a "pretty cool story" that will "definitely feel familiar".[42] Parkin, however, stated the "game's primary problem...is in its in-built focus" and that the series "is principally concerned with endlessly upping the ante." He also claimed that the developers have "[taken] away the sense of wonder" that is expected of a God of War game and stated "the remaining components struggle to carry the experience."[40]
In terms of visuals, Tanner stated that the graphics are "better than a big chunk of PS2 games" and that it is the "best-looking game on the PSP thus far."[43] Pereira said that it looks as good if not better than other handheld games available.[39] Nelson said the graphics are "the best you've ever seen on a handheld." He also said that it makes the first two God of War games on the PlayStation 2 look dated.[44] GameTrailers said "you'll be treated to the very best visuals the PSP has to offer".[42] Parkin described the set-pieces as "incredible" for a handheld platform, however, he stated they "seem tired" in comparison to the opening scenes of God of War III.[40]
Awards and accolades
At E3 2010, Ghost of Sparta received nine awards, including "Best Handheld Game", "Best PSP Game", and "PSP Game of Show" from several media outlets, as well as three nominations.
References
- ^ First official appearance; Deimos was first referred to by Zeus as the "other one", and had a voice cameo in God of War III
- ^ As depicted in the first game
- ^ A foreshadowing of Kratos being revealed as a son of Zeus, as depicted in God of War II
- ^ "Santa Monica Studios (SMS) - God of War: Ghost of Sparta Game | PSP, PS3, PS Vita Game". Archived from the original on October 28, 2019. Retrieved October 28, 2019.
- ^ "God of War: Ghost of Sparta Detail". interactive.org. Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
- ^ Ready at Dawn 2010, pp. 2, 7
- ^ Crecente, Brian (May 4, 2010). "God of War Returns to the PSP". Kotaku. Gawker Media. Archived from the original on December 1, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2010.
- ^ Ready at Dawn 2010, p. 7
- ^ Bramwell, Tom (June 16, 2010). "God of War: Ghost of Sparta details". Eurogamer. Eurogamer Network. Archived from the original on October 3, 2012. Retrieved June 17, 2010.
- ^ Ready at Dawn 2010, p. 3
- ^ Sony Computer Entertainment. Scene: Credits.
- Sony Computer Entertainment.
Grave Digger: Death... the Destroyer of Worlds.
- Sony Computer Entertainment.
Kratos: ...the gods will pay for this.
- Sony Computer Entertainment.
Athena: Forgive me... brother.
- Sony Computer Entertainment.
Grave Digger: Now... only one remains.
- Sony Computer Entertainment America. Archived from the originalon February 17, 2015. Retrieved February 16, 2015.
- ^ MediaNews Group. Archived from the originalon December 27, 2010. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
- CBS Interactive. Archived from the originalon January 31, 2013. Retrieved July 25, 2010.
- ^ Totilo, Stephen (March 19, 2010). "God of War III Mystery Website Promises Nothing". Kotaku. Gawker Media. Archived from the original on October 13, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2010.
- IGN Entertainment. Archived from the originalon March 9, 2012. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
- ^ Evans, Shawn (June 21, 2010). "E3'10: God of War: Ghost of Sparta hands-on impressions – Kratos fanboys rejoice!". Gamer Limit. Archived from the original on January 24, 2013. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
- Sony Computer Entertainment America. Archived from the originalon October 19, 2012. Retrieved September 28, 2010.
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- Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Archived from the originalon September 15, 2012. Retrieved October 25, 2010.
- ^ a b Yin-Poole, Wesley (June 5, 2012). "God of War series has sold over 21 million copies". Eurogamer. Eurogamer Network. Archived from the original on November 8, 2012. Retrieved June 5, 2012.
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- ^ Fahey, Mike (August 2, 2010). "God of War: Ghost Of Sparta Walks The Earth This November". Kotaku. Gawker Media. Archived from the original on October 14, 2012. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
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- ^ "God of War: Ghost of Sparta (Original Soundtrack from the Video Game)". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. Archived from the original on March 12, 2016. Retrieved July 15, 2012.
- Sony Computer Entertainment America. Archived from the originalon October 3, 2012. Retrieved October 25, 2010.
- ^ Dave. "God of War Ghost of Sparta Original Soundtrack :: Review by Dave". SquareEnixMusic.com. Archived from the original on May 16, 2013. Retrieved July 15, 2012.
- ^ CBS Interactive. Archivedfrom the original on March 1, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2010.
- ^ Ziff Davis Media. Archived from the originalon November 7, 2012. Retrieved October 25, 2010.
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- ^ a b c Juba, Joe (October 25, 2010). "God of War: Ghost of Sparta". Game Informer. GameStop. Archived from the original on August 19, 2012. Retrieved October 26, 2010.
- ^ Viacom. Archived from the originalon October 12, 2012. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
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- ^ a b c d Nelson, Randy (October 25, 2010). "God of War: Ghost of Sparta review: This Spartan stands tall". Joystiq. AOL. Archived from the original on November 26, 2012. Retrieved October 26, 2010.
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Works cited
- Sony Computer Entertainment.