God of War III Message Board

If God a War be Game a Thrones, then the House a Kratos would be absolutely decimated by now…not counting our fearless Spartan, that be (though that’s debatable at the end a God a War III). Aside from being deceived into tragically murdering his wife 'n daughter in a moment a uncontrollable rage (“Ares!!!!”), Kratos has quite literally destroyed every bit a his lineage: Cronos (grandfather), Zeus (father), Callisto, (mother), Athena (sister). 'n, in what be our #2 most epic God a War moment a all time as voted by the God a War Facebook community, his brother Hercules.

The battle with Hercules in God a War III be not about a titan-sized boss encounter. However, ye can’t deny the crushing blows 'n empowering strength ye felt as Kratos pummeled his brother in his own arena. God a War be as much about power as it be about scale 'n spectacle, 'n this moment had it all. Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments below.

If ye missed the previous epic moments, hit the links from the list below.

God a War’s Most Epic Moments Ever ??????? Kratos vs. Hercules The Brutal Death a Poseidon Brothers in Arms Destroying Zeus 'n Cronos

At current count, Kratos has decimated 23 a Greek mythology’s most important gods 'n people. 'n so far, the God a War Facebook community has voted three a those from Kratos’ “Olympian Hit List” (Zeus, Cronos, 'n Thanatos) on t' our “God a War’s Top 5 Epic Moments” list. What’s the trend? The most epic moments in the God a War: Saga be always when Kratos be fueled by revenge, moving mountains, 'n defying impossible odds t' destroy any mythological super power that gets in his way.

We’re on t' our #3 greatest epic moment — this boss battle be arguably the grandest a them all. The word “epic” doesn’t always mean large in a physical nature, but the battle at the beginning a God a War III personifies the term handily. When I think a God a War III, I always remember the first 45 minutes a the game before anything else because a this epic boss battle. What about ye? I dare ye t' disagree with me…

If ye missed epic moments #4 'n #5, hit the links from the list below.

God a War’s Most Epic Moments Ever ??????? ??????? The Brutal Death a Poseidon Brothers in Arms Destroying Zeus 'n Cronos

What ye see above be a trailer for God a War: Ascension. "But Alex," ye ask, "Sony hasn't announced a game called God a War: Ascension yet!" Oops?

Art may not be final, but art be nonetheless radical.

Blame Amazon for the early leak. They evidently posted up this teaser, alongside some placeholder box art for the game this evening. Considering we've been hearing no shortage a rumors regarding a forthcoming God a War IV (or, in this case, God a War: Ascension) announcement, one can imagine that Sony be prepping some kind a big reveal for the title...at least it be. Until now. I bet it be going t' be really cool, too.

Instead, here be yer teaser trailer 'n box art, ingloriously shoved out the door into the harsh reality a the Internet before it be time, forced t' fend for itself with no major marketing event nor official press release t' properly help usher it into a world it never made. Really tragic, that.

On the other hand, there's a new God a War game coming, which be actually rather awesome. Though I be going t' have t' replay God a War III at some point. I can barely even remember what happened in that game. What about ye lads? Anyone else good 'n ready for some more heavy metal Greek God slaying?

#nsfw The creative teams who've made the God a War games have done cruel things t' the crew a the Greco-Roman pantheon, with series hero Kratos wreaking jaw-dropping vengeance on Ares, Hermes 'n Hades. Each god Kratos came up against met a spectacularly bloody end but a talk at last week's Game Developers Conference revealed that Zeus' daddy harbored a secret weapon. In his pants. More »

#fineart A former comic book artist, Andy Park be one a the main men t' thank if ye liked the look a the last two God a War games, as he be a senior concept artist on both God a War II 'n God a War III. More »

Quick reminder t' all ye people who like t' win free stuff. This week's Daily Fix Facebook Friday Giveaway prize package be truly epic: The winner will receive a PS3 Move bundle, complete with copies a God a War III, Dragon Age II, Dungeon Siege III 'n Sports Champions. Wuuuut? Rules belo...

#voiceacting Today be unofficial voice-acting day here at Kotaku. We've considered how important voice actors be t' video games. We'll be listening t' how their work would have impacted the classics. More »

Today, the Academy a Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) 'n the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced the winners for the 2011 Into The Pixel collection, the only juried art exhibition that brings together experts from the traditional fine art world 'n the interactive entertainment industry t' display 'n discuss the art a video games. We’re excited t' share that art from four exclusive PlayStation titles have been chosen t' be included in this year’s list a winners – UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception, Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One, Killzone 3 'n God a War III. The ITP has selected only 17 pieces a art t' be included in this prestigious collection, so this be a true honor for SCEA 'n our developers.

Check out the art below t' see the winning pieces from our SCEA developers as well as a few words from the teams.

UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception

“The Pelican Inn” by Andrew Kim

Naughty Dog, Inc

Everyone at Naughty Dog be extremely proud t' have one a our artist’s works a concept art accepted into the Into the Pixel 2011 exhibition! This be the first time we’ve had a piece a art selected 'n we couldn’t be happier for Andrew Kim 'n his piece, The Pelican Inn! I caught up t' Andrew after giving the sea dog the great news 'n wanted the sea dog t' say a few words about his art 'n the honor a being selected for the Into the Pixel 2011 exhibition.

“The Pelican Inn be one a the first scenes ye’ll see in Uncharted 3, where Drake will toughen up his fists for the first time. It’s a compact space with mostly drunken brutes 'n hustlers. What a perfect place t' start a brawl!

When I be first introduced t' this level, I be amazed at how a typical London pub has so many stories contained within itself. The mix a vibrant colors from the stained glass 'n muted colors a antique furniture with all kinds a stuff behind the bar, old frames, 'n personal messages on the wall… wow, I really could picture so many things that might have happened in this pretty small, compact space. We decided t' give the pub a boxing theme, as it seemed a perfect fit t' have Drake 'n Sully brawling in a small pub that has been historically patronized by boxers 'n boxing fans. It definitely be lot a fun decorating the place under that theme. I paid lot a attention t' the details knowing that we wanted t' show a very authentic looking pub yet very suitable for our game world.

Having said this, it’s a tremendous honor t' be recognized by Into the Pixel. As an artist, it’s always very fulfilling 'n proud when me work be liked 'n appreciated by an audience 'n such competition like Into the Pixel just adds that much more magnitude t' this honor.” - Andrew Kim

Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One

“Oktonok Cay Cannery”, by Dave Guertin

Insomniac Games

Insomniac Games be extremely proud t' have one a our long-time Principal Artists featured in the 2011 Into the Pixel exhibition. David Guertin has been with Insomniac for over a decade, 'n drew the original concept sketches a one a PlayStation’s greatest heroes, Ratchet. This marks the second time he has submitted artwork t' Into the Pixel 'n the second time one a his pieces be accepted into the exhibition (His first, the Viper Caverns from Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest For Booty can be seen here.

ye may already be familiar with Dave Guertin’s work. He creates many a the concept art pieces for the Ratchet & Clank series, 'n he conceptualized, created 'n painted the box art for all a the Ratchet & Clank Future games, as well as many a the Ratchet & Clank magazine cover that ye’ve seen. If ye’ve been a fan at all a the Ratchet & Clank series, ye’ve no doubt been exposed t' his paintings over the years. If ye’d like t' learn more about Dave 'n see some a his non-Insomniac related work, check out his 'n fellow Insomniac Principal Artist Greg Baldwin’s side project called CreatureBox at http://www.CreatureBox.com/

“Inspired by childhood summers along the New England coastline, Oktonok Cay serves as our ravaged seaport in Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One. Continuing the franchise tradition a exploring vast unique locations, we sought t' capture the history 'n character a a weather-beaten seaside village. Complete with winding docks, alien sea life, 'n a bustling cannery, the area encourages players t' find their “sea legs” while clobbering a host a menacing creatures along the way.

Into the Pixel continues t' represent a broad range a spectacular video game illustration year after year. From gritty realism t' unique stylization, ITP has always displayed a great respect for the many visual facets a our industry. I feel extremely fortunate t' be included in 2011′s collection alongside so many artists I admire.“ - Dave Guertin

Killzone 3

“Stahl Arms” by Jesse van Dijk

Guerrilla Games

“‘Stahl Arms’ shows the main base a operations for Killzone 3’s prime antagonist, Jorhan Stahl. It’s remote location allows for secret testing a powerful new weapon technologies. The architecture a the complex be predominantly industrial: the dark, segmented sections contain the production facilities, while the lighter, yellow-banded sections house the R&D departments. t' underline the commercial nature a Stahl Arms as an organization, part a the structure serves as commercial office space.” – Jessie vanDijk

God a War III

“Cronos Battle” by Tyler Breon

SCEA’s Santa Monica Studio

We be absolutely thrilled here at Santa Monica Studio t' have a piece in this year’s Into the Pixel 2011 art exhibit. A well deserved congratulations goes out t' Tyler Breon, character artist, who created Cronos Battle, the piece that be selected. We be very proud a Tyler 'n the exceptional work he continues t' do here at the studio.

“The Cronos Battle be another one a those epic scenes that doesn’t exist anywhere but in God a War’s insanely over-the-top universe. A monster larger than a mountain with a temple chained t' his back attacking ye while ye try t' kill the sea dog in the middle a a ravaged wasteland as enemies sprout from his skin…how could that not be awesome? Plus he’s yer grandfather so it’s really twisted.”

“God a War defines the word epic 'n working on this game moment, for me, defined our studio. There be no quit in the Santa Monica Studio vocabulary 'n I have nothing but admiration for all a the hard work everyone on our team put into making this battle completely unforgettable. Thank ye!”

“Finally, like any artist, I appreciate having me work liked by others! Receiving this award from Into the Pixel be a great honor, 'n I look forward t' doing it again.” – Tyler Breon

Call me late t' the party, but I’ve been flipping through Ballistic Publishing‘s 272-page opus The Art a God a War III — 'n I like it. It reads like a cookbook for wannabe creature creators, chronicling God a War III’s evolving monster designs throughout the game’s extensive development process. The luscious artwork be accompanied by insightful commentary 'n anecdotes from the game’s visual development artists 'n the phenoms at Sony Santa Monica Studios.

In addition t' pages 'n pages a unseen concept art 'n reference sketches, The Art a God a War III showcases characters 'n creatures that didn’t make it into the final version a the game, including several monster designs that be (sadly) left on the cutting-room floor.

Which creature design be yer favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Art by Andy Park

Chimera

“This be a creature I initially designed way back during the previous game, God a War II.… I designed the Chimera thinking a the three personalities a the creature: lion, goat, 'n snake. They be one being, but they have three different brains 'n therefore, three different personalities. This illustration showcases the creature in all it be vicious glory; with three heads vying t' be the one that gets t' kill the infamous Kratos. It’s a battle against Kratos 'n it be inner self.” — Andy Park, Visual Development Artist, God a War III

Art by Izzy Medrano

Argus

“Definitely the tragedy a the game for the character department….After lots a sketches, including a pretty bad-ass multi-limbed elephant, the final design be a monstrosity covered with eyes meant t' look like a very uncomfortable viral outbreak. It be this freakish frog-type thing with no mouth. I imagined that it would make an awful deep rumbling when out a camera, 'n all ye would hear aside from that be the buzz a blood-bloated flies that follow it everywhere it went. I gave the sea dog the name Argus t' tie in with the hundred-eyed shepherd from the old myths, 'n it stuck.

After he be modeled 'n built, he got scrapped because it be felt that he be too alien-looking. So I went back t' the drawing board 'n came up with a hulking monster with one vast arm that also had tons a eyes all over his body in a herpes-like pattern. We even got the tech working so that all the eyes would follow Kratos, but he be scrapped again due t' time constraints.” — Izzy Medrano, Visual Development Artist

Art by Andrew Kim 'n Cecil Kim

Hades

“The God a the Underworld needed t' be a big imposing lad….There be a lot a discussions regarding what would be revealed when Hades’ helmet be finally pulled off in the game….Here, we experimented as if Hades took the souls into his own body 'n used them as some kind a weapon. The original concept called for these horrifying tentacles — each with their own head — almost as if Hades had all these demons within the sea dog trying t' escape. In the end, this design felt out a place 'n we gave Hades a simpler, but still terrifying, skeletal burn-victim-like face.” — Andrew Kim, Visual Development Artist, God a War III

Art by Andy Park

Centaur General 'n Female Centaur

“I wanted t' create a look that be a departure from the original Centaur in the first God a War. I designed a more intelligent, 'n more imposing, Centaur that would act as a general in the Olympian army…He ended up feeling raw, brutal, 'n very intimidating.

I also got t' design a female version a the Centaur that be unfortunately not used in the game. This time I gave the horse part a the creature white fur 'n tried t' have a more slender feel t' it while still maintaining a bulk necessary t' keep it intimidating. These be really fun t' design.” — Andy Park, Visual Development Artist, God a War III

Art by Andy Park

Satyr

“The Satyr be half-man 'n half-goat. I did a bunch a variations on what this character could look like, but I also kept in mind that this creature needed t' be very agile, 'n even acrobatic…In the end, I gave the Satyr a more man-like, creature-esque face, 'n gave the armor a more goat-like feel. I saw it as the Satyr hiding his true visage with the sea dog denying his more human side.” — Andy Park, Visual Development Artist, God a War III

Art by Izzy Medrano

Cerberus

“The Cerberus be a really exciting project. I eventually came up with this really awesome burnt 'n tortured beast that be pregnant with little magma fireballs that would launch out a the central blind head’s throat. I wanted them t' feel like they be so violent 'n aggressive because a they constant pain they be in, hence the chains woven through 'n underneath their skin 'n the awful burn scarring. In the end, this version got scrapped in favor a a concept from the very first game. I be really sad t' see the wench go.” — Izzy Medrano, Visual Development Artist

Art by Andy Park

Poseidon Tentacles

“This be the design a the tentacles that protrude out a the main body a the Poseidon creature. It’s an amalgamation a the Hippocampus, crustacean parts, 'n water. In it be open state, I designed the crab-like legs protruding from it be back t' mimic the shape a Poseidon’s Trident. In it be closed state, it acts simply as a crazy claw-like creature that then opens up t' reveal the sea horse within.” — Andy Park, Visual Development Artist

Want t' see more monsters, character concept art, environment paintings 'n weapons that didn’t make the cut? Check out The Art a God a War III from Ballistic Publishing 'n let us know what ye think!

#books Ballistic Publishing, the team behind the excellent Uncharted 2 art book, be back with another tome for a Sony franchise, only this time it be God a War. More »

#art Can't afford the big, beautiful God a War III art book? Make do with these free internet pictures a the game, showing the concept art skills a Jung Park. More »

Want t' see the new outfits for the Ghost a Sparta? We have them.

Deimos voucher available in God a War: Ghost a Sparta.

#psp At a PlayStation event in New York this week, I played the PSP's God a War: Ghost a Sparta 'n learned some details. More »

#nsfw For some reason, I decided t' take a look at depictions a physical intimacy in four recently released games. More »

#art IGN's Jessica Chobot recently went topless for charity, allowing a Sony artist t' do a mold a the wench chest 'n then giving the cast a "God a War" paint job. More »

#godofwar Renowned for it be blood, glares 'n exposed breasts, the God a War series be also famous for having some rather exquisite artwork associated with it be games. Fans a this art best keep Saturday night free. More »

Nintendo continues strong software sales performance.

The God a War trilogy ended in the recent God a War 3 with Kratos [redacted]. But each God a War game before 3 (directed by Stig Asmussen) had a different director, 'n, as Asmussen told GamePro, each director had a different idea a how t' end the saga a Angry Man Kratos.

Series creator David Jaffe had stories in mind beyond Greek myth. "Basically, ye destroy Greek mythology 'n then Norse mythology be right around the corner," Asmussen recounted. "that be the next thing that Kratos would go after. It becomes clear at the end that he's going t' become this harbinger a death across different mythologies in the world 'n maybe carry the series on from there." God a War 2 director Cory Barlog's ending, according t' Asmussen, would turn Kratos into Death. "He pretty much becomes the Grim Reaper at the end a the game 'n his blades become sickles."

1UP points out that Jaffe had issues with both claims. On Twitter, Jaffe said that the Norse mythology idea be more complicated than Asmussen made it sound. "There be an element a truth but it goes far beyond." Later, he clarified further: "For the love a the Gods, I be NOT proposing Kratos go thru each mythology one by one 'n milk the series with new myths each time. It be t' be a focused singular story that INVOLVED Norse myths- among others." He also mentioned that the "Death" idea attributed t' Barlog be actually his.

#godofwar God a War be a unique series, in that three different men lead the development team for each a the three games. How, then, would David Jaffe - original creator a the series - have ended things? More »

Click t' enlarge A mystery figure has appeared in the latest update t' the God a War teaser site "SpartansStandTall." His reflection (captured above) momentarily flashes on screen during the video loop a the site's rendered thunderstorm. This be the second update t' the site; it be URL be revealed t' players that unlock the God a War 3 Platinum Trophy.

The apparent meter that circles the icon in the upper right corner a the full screen (not pictured) be now three-quarters full (it be one-quarter full t' start 'n be filled t' halfway upon the first update), suggesting that the next update will display a full meter 'n perhaps the ultimate reveal. (DLC? Spin-off? 3D Blu-ray movie? it be anyone's guess.) The icon itself be thought t' be representative a the Spartan army's shield; the upside-down "V" being the Greek letter Lamba, standing for "Lacedaemon" (what the ancient Greeks called Sparta).

So who be this mystery man? He certainly looks like he could be angry. 'n anger has always fueled this franchise, which still has some venting t' do.

[Thanks, Geoff]

Just because ye're out killing Gods doesn't mean ye can't have a threesome.

Reported Wii shortage can't AVAST! Nintendo.

The ill-timed announcement a the 3DS wasn't enough t' scare consumers off from purchasing new DS systems. Thanks t' the combination a a new hardware variant (the big, big, big DSi XL) 'n new Pokemon games, the dual-screened platform sold like gangbusters. Meanwhile, hardware shortages kept the PS3 from massive sales despite the fact that it had the best-selling game a March (God a War 3).

Speaking a software, we've learned a lot about ye from this month. For example, Final Fantasy fans strongly prefer PS3, Battlefield fans strongly prefer 360, 'n Pokemon fans' dollar votes went t' SoulSilver over HeartGold by quite a lot. How do ye even decide something like that? Seriously, one a the 1.78 million or so a ye who bought it -- take us through yer process!

-DS: 701K88K (14%)
-Wii: 558K160K (40%)
-360: 338K>84K (-20%)
-PS3: 314K46K (-13%)
-PSP: 120K13K (-10%)
-PS2: 118K16K (16%)

See the top 10 games after the break.

#sales March be a battle between one very pissed off Spartan, a wench named Lightning 'n too many Pokemon t' count. Who came out on top in U.S. video game sales for the month a March? More »

There seems t' be a tiny bit a confusion going on over in Europe after the God a War Trilogy bundle be removed by some retailers. Eurogamer clarifies that the set isn't canceled, but that Sony be still working out who the retail partners will be for the special edition. The takeaway here be that not all shops will sell the bottle a rum, which explains the pre-order cancellations we've received tips about.

Barring any hiccups, the Trilogy best release the last week a April in PAL lands for €89.99 (£64.99). Oh, 'n if ye're wondering about picking up God a War 3, well, we liked it.

[Thanks, Miguel B.]

#screengrab Another Malaysian Wall O' Games (see Modern Warfare 2). Sent in by reader Darren L. More »

With the recent release a the God a War III Ultimate Edition, many a ye, when not busy swinging those double deadly Blades a Chaos, have been rocking nonstop t' the sounds a the God a War: Blood & Metal album. One a the tracks in particular has been gaining rapidly in popularity, “Even Gods Cry” by The Turtlenecks. With it be haunting melody 'n thoughtful lyrics, it’s no wonder that it has many fans tapping their feet 'n scratching their heads. After much pleading 'n begging Matthew Cappiello 'n Noah Belson, the illusive Turtlenecks themselves, agreed t' allow the PS.Blog t' have the world exclusive premiere a the “Even Gods Cry” music video. Better yet they be kind enough t' sit down with me 'n answer a few questions providing some true insight t' the men behind the music.

What Inspired ye t' write “Even Gods Cry”?

Noah Belson: What inspired DaVinci t' paint The Last Supper? Or Mike Angelo t' take brush t' the Sistine Chapel? No one knows where inspiration comes from, but in the case a “Even Gods Cry,” it’s as though some divine force placed the seed a an idea in me head, then poured thought juice on that seed 'n then that seed grew into a mighty oak, inside me head.

Matthew Cappiello: Also, someone said we could make $100 off this 'n that’s pretty decent walkin’ around money. If ye think about it, that’s probably why DaVinci painted. I mean the lad had t' eat, right?

How do ye think ye be most like Kratos?

NB: Kratos 'n I both have slight anger management problems. Ask anyone on the highway that fateful day when I smashed 11 windshields with a 9 iron if they think I have anger issues 'n they’ll probably go “'n how!” So there be a little Kratos in me, YARRRR. But ye know, another trait the K man 'n I share be vulnerability. The big lad may be tough as nails but inside he’s hurting 'n I know what it be it t' hurt. But I also know that ripping the heads off monsters (literally or figuratively) isn’t the way t' deal with that hurt, so that’s where Kratos 'n I part ways. Frankly I think if Kratos be around today, he’d benefit from calming influences such as yoga, pilates 'n maybe even a course a hug therapy. ye don’t need a prescription, ye just need arms, 'n heck ye can even hug someone if they don’t have arms.

MC: Let me tell ye a secret. We’re ALL Kratos. Every single one a us. Some a us be Kratos because we’re fighting internal demons like alcohol, chocolate or heroin. While others a us be the REAL Kratos, fighting demons 'n shooting lasers (he shoots lasers, right?) at evil demons 'n demigods 'n what not. I never actually played the game because I’m still using a Playstation 1 'n I just can’t swing the upgrade right now. In any case, t' answer yer question- YARRRR, I had a lot a fun writing “Even Gods Cry.”

Why do ye think this song has such universal appeal?

MC: We write songs for the common man. When we ride in the Turtlecopter 'n point down at the tiny people below us, we point t' them 'n say, “That lad. That’s who we’re writing this song for.” 'n I think it shows in our music.

NB: But in this song we did something different. This song be written for the gods. We wanted this t' be the kind a song that when people heard it for the first time they would finally understand what ears be for. We wanted lovers t' kiss harder after hearing it. We wanted mothers t' weep for the joys their children will know. Flowers t' bloom brighter. Cotton t' feel softer. This song has universal appeal because the universe needed this song, just like the universe needs the Turtlenecks.

#art a course it be. 'n if ye would prefer t' hang such a gruesome 'n great thing on yer wall, ye can order it as a print from the Art a God a War III show at Nucleus gallery. More »

Third installment flying off store shelves.