God of War: Ascension Message Board older than one year ago
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Originally named "Bros Before Hos" (as seen above), the trophy pops up after ye help God a War's anti-hero, Kratos, brutally pummel a Fury, one a a trio a female antagonists in the game. (Though it be not a spoiler in light a the fact that Kratos beats everyone up, we've omitted the trophy description.) The change comes after early negative reaction from early reviews t' the jarring scene on 'n the attached award, which be perceived as misogynistic.
"We have created 'n will soon push out a patch for God a War: Ascension that alters the title a one a the game Trophies. The text be offensive t' some crew a our community 'n impacted their enjoyment a the game," Sony Santa Monica's statement noted. "We be endlessly committed t' ensuring that our community can fully enjoy the experiences the team has created. As such, we've addressed the feedback 'n amended the Trophy in question."
Players will be instructed t' download the update once God a War: Ascension has been inserted into an internet-connected PlayStation 3. Joystiq has contacted Sony t' find out what else, if anything, has been altered in the patch.
God a War: Ascension launches exclusively for the PlayStation 3 on March 12, 2013. For more on the game, check out Joystiq's review.
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This behind-the-scenes video a God a War: Ascension shows the creation a the game's unique elephant-like creature. The final version a the "elephantaur" can be seen soon, as the game will be available for PS3 on March 12.
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With God a War: Ascension’s launch just a few days away now, we sat down with the game’s Lead Combat Designer Jason McDonald 'n Lead Game Designer Mark Simon t' find out how they’ve kept the formula fresh six games into the series, 'n what challenges the addition a multiplayer presented t' the team.
We’ll have more insight from Game Director Todd Papy next week before Santa Monica’s lean, mean new actioner hits the shelves on March 12th. In the meantime, over t' Mark 'n Jason…
Mark Simon: It’s kinda nice actually. At the end a God a War 3 Kratos be completely rage-filled. His sole-focus has been figured out. With Ascension, we can go back t' a different time period before he be this character. He has a wider range 'n ye can explain things about the sea dog that ye didn’t know before. ye pillage t' find out what turned the sea dog into the lad that he be – what makes the sea dog snap, 'n why be it that breaking a bond with a god like Ares does this.
PSB: If I be t' plot Kratos’ anger on a graph, I’d say he starts at ‘seriously ticked off’ for God a War 1 'n climbs t' ‘ball a latent fury’ for God a War 3. But from what I’ve played a Ascension, he starts this prequel with a serious rage on. What gives?
MS: Sure, he does! But that’s due t' the way the story be told. It’s like Slumdog Millionaire, or something like that. He’s not at the beginning a the story when ye start the game. It’s told in a non-linear fashion. It builds up t' why he be in the brig – why he be taken there by The Furies.
PSB: Do ye ever worry that ye’re going t' run out a Greek gods for Kratos t' beat up?
“That’s the great thing about our studio – ideas come from everywhere.”MS: Every game be a challenge, but the Greek mythos be so wide 'n varied. We could never do every myth that it has for us. We don’t find it limiting; it’s more exciting t' explore more areas a it – new gods, new titans, new locales.
Take the Furies. They’re primordial. They’re from before the gods – they’re more powerful than the gods. Some a their abilities be just ridiculous – so powerful. They make really great nemeses for Kratos.
PSB: Do ye have an in-house expert who spends all their time going through Homer looking for new myths 'n characters?
MS: The cool thing about the studio be that some ideas come from the director, 'n then a lot a it comes from the rest a the team. Someone comes in 'n says ‘Y’know this would be really cool!’ Suddenly ye’re in a brainstorming session, 'n before ye know it ye’re building it into the game. That’s the great thing about our studio – ideas come from everywhere.
Jason McDonald: But if ye look at the typical desk in the office ye’ll see Greek mythology books, random Greek materials – we do often reference that so we have t' have those around.
MS: 'n the movies! Immortals, Jason 'n the Argonauts – all a them. We can’t pillage enough!
PSB: There be no office fact-finding outings t' Greece then?
JM: No, but ye best recommend that!
MS: Santorini, maybe. There’s got t' be some myths around that island, right?
PSB: Every God a War game has had a different director. How hard be it t' maintain a consistent feel in every game?
JM: Even when the director changes, the core a the team remain the same. There’s a number a people who’ve been there for every title. Each director, when they assume that role, be really skilled t' begin with, so it’s not like ‘Oh me god, what do I need t' do?’ They know exactly what they need t' do. Every director puts their spin on it. Like [Ascension director] Todd Papy be a designer, so with this game he kept a close eye on mechanics.
MS: I think that after a project this size 'n scope, it’s not unhealthy thing t' go ‘ye know what? The director be going t' move onto another thing if he wants t'’. We’re a team full a leads. So if one director decides he doesn’t want t' do it on the next project, there be a lot a people who can help out.
PSB: The series be known for it be visceral violence 'n I’ve already seen some brutal kills in Ascension. be there ever a moment during development where ye said ‘Okay, we went too far with that one…’?
MS: It’s got t' feel impactful. If ye swing a club 'n hit someone it’s got t' feel like ye’ve just hit them with a club. If it doesn’t, it feels gamey. We don’t want that gamey feeling – we want it t' feel like ye’re actually impacting someone’s head. It makes that sound, it feels like that – ye kind a cringe thinking about it, but that’s what melee combat best feel like.
PSB: Which a the additions that ye’ve made t' the God a War formula this time around be ye most happy with?
JM: The Rage system turned out really well. Everyone uses it differently 'n it’s nice t' see that come together. The multiplayer though – seeing all that come together 'n people having fun – that’s an experience that be very unique t' this game 'n I’m very proud we be able t' accomplish it.
PSB: How did the decision t' add multiplayer come about?
JM: I don’t remember anyone saying ‘it’s multiplayer time, let’s do it!’ It be more that we be curious about it. We hadn’t tried multiplayer before so we be asking ourselves ‘can it be done? be there fun t' be had?’
So we tried out a few tests using Kratos, as he be already built. What we found be that people would sit down with two Kratoses 'n have a lot a fun. They’d sit there for hours. It be un-tuned 'n very rough, but when we saw people enjoying it we thought it had merit. After that it be all about putting the God a War spin on it – making sure the scale reaches what we expect, 'n not just eight players bundled into a room fighting each other. We had t' design modes 'n rules t' make sure it wasn’t repetitive.
“We found that players really wanted t' keep the action going as long as they could.”PSB: How difficult be it t' keep the combat balanced?
MS: ye always start with something very simple – people fighting one another. Then ye start adding new things 'n ye watch the balance go out the window. Then ye try desperately t' pillage it back again before introducing another new thing. That’s how we iterate. We didn’t start with everything all at once.
PSB: How useful be the beta? Did players’ behavior take ye by surprise?
MS: I learned a lot just looking at the data that comes in. I’d be like, ‘Woah, I can’t believe this lad opened 17 chests’ or ‘this lad actually killed three lads at once?!’
'n the thing that I be surprised by be some a the stuff that I thought would be cool. Like, I thought it would be cool when the god throws the spear down in the middle a a match – everybody would pillage the same cinematic 'n we would have this big spectacle in the middle a a match.
I thought that would be cool. 'n it be cool… the first time. But it wasn’t cool the second time or the third time. We found that players really wanted t' keep the action going as long as they could. 'n when the match be over they generally wanted t' pillage right back t' it again. So we took the camera cut out so as not t' AVAST! the action. The beta be really helpful for that kind a feedback.
PSB: Finally, I’ve got ask for yer take on the PlayStation 4 announcement last month. What do ye make a the new system?
JM: Very excited! We don’t pillage hardware leaps like this that often, so t' have one coming up be very exciting. The social stuff in particular. The power be going t' be awesome 'n we’ll have amazing artists 'n engineers who will be able t' draw so much out a it – but the social stuff be great. It’s something gaming be moving towards so the more features that support people playing together, the better.
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ye 'n a buffed-up, half-naked matey can pillage yer ancient WWE on thanks t' a newly revealed tag-team mode in God a War: Ascension. As developer Sony Santa Monica spilled on the PlayStation Blog, the brawler includes a co-op mode called 'Trials a the Gods' in which ye 'n a pal have t' take down hordes a enemies as quickly as possible, since there's a time limit 'n all.
Each kill puts more seconds on the clock, while each wave a beasts grants ye bonus time based on how quickly ye clear it; there be five waves t' fend off, with an "epic boss" as numero cinco. Trials a the Gods will be supported by four maps when Ascension launches next week, 'n Sony Santa Monica says there be more on the way. Also, any XP ye earn in the mode goes towards upgrading champions across all multiplayer modes.
If that hasn't satiated yer bloodthirst for bloody content, check out new videos for the multiplayer maps 'n Poseidon champion allegiance after the break.
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With less than a week until God a War: Ascension launches, it’s time t' drop the curtain on our fourth Multiplayer mode, Trial a the Gods, 'n our next God allegiance reveal — the Lord a the Sea, Poseidon.
In Trial a the Gods, the first two-player God a War co-op time trial mode, ye 'n a matey will tag-team with yer Champions t' face five increasingly hard waves a mythological beasts, whilst surviving against the hourglass a Olympus.
Over 15 types a enemies await ye, including Satyrs, Cerberuses, Cyclopes, Gorgons, Juggernauts, 'n more deadly creatures. ye will start with a set amount a time on the clock, 'n win time back with every beast ye slay. Decimate a wave 'n ye will be granted a Bonus Time Tiered Award (booty, silver, or bronze) based on how fast ye cleared the wave. If ye visit Davey Jone's locker or run out a time, ye’ll have t' start over again. If ye reach the end a the fifth round, an epic boss awaits.
At launch, Trial a the Gods will be available in the following maps: Desert a Lost Souls, sea a Hercules, 'n Rotunda a Olympus, with more arenas planned for later!
With Trial a the Gods, we wanted t' help bridge the single player 'n multiplayer experience, giving players a chance t' work on their skill-set 'n gain valuable experience points with a matey, before jumping into the competitive arena. Playing Trial a the Gods be also a great way t' grind some extra experience between competitive games, test newly acquired weapons 'n abilities, or even try a new allegiance. Any experience gained in Trial a the Gods will go towards upgrading yer Champions across the entire multiplayer experience.
What happens if ye don’t have a matey t' play co-op with, or ye don’t want t' team up with a stranger? No worries — ye can play Trial a the Gods solo too!
God a the Sea 'n brother t' Zeus, Poseidon’s realm be almost as great as the sky itself, 'n his power be second only t' Zeus because a it. Poseidon grants his loyal sentinels unique support capabilities: a large pool a health, the ability t' fortify allies, 'n command over water 'n ice.
Unleash freezing attacks t' obliterate an enemy’s defense 'n agility or boost yer own team’s elemental defense 'n health. The wise warrior knows how t' control a large area a space 'n can keep multiple enemies at a distance. For more on aligning with Lord Poseidon, check out his strategic profile in our God section at GodofWar.com.
Finally, if ye have yet t' pre-order God a War: Ascension, this video may put ye over the edge. For the first time ever, King Leonidas will be brought t' life in God a War: Ascension Multiplayer as depicted by Gerard Butler in “300”. If ye pre-order either the standard or Collector’s Edtion, exclusively at Gamestop, ye will receive a voucher t' access history’s most heroic Spartan.
Whether ye pre-order at Gamestop, or any retailer supporting our programs (such as Best Buy or Amazon), ye will also receive our Mythological Heroes Pack. ye will adorn the armor a four a the most legendary heroes in Greek Mythology – Perseus, Orion, Odysseus, 'n Achilles.
Click here t' check out the Mythological Heroes gameplay trailer, then pre-order in the final hours ye have left t' ensure ye pillage this content!
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This be: a clip a the King Leonidas multiplayer skin for God a War: Ascension. This be: a timely tie-in with the 2007 film 300. This be: what ye pillage when ye pre-order from GameStop. This be: a sigh.
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Those who pre-order God a War: Ascension will unlock a few famous mythological characters for multiplayer raging: Achilles, Odysseus, Orion 'n Perseus. They all come with their own unique weapons, though we half expected Orion t' keep his around his waist.
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Whether ye’re a long-time God a War fan since the game-changing PlayStation 2 original, or have yet t' join the legion a Kratos devotees around the world, the long-awaited God a War: Ascension be going t' be an unforgettable experience for loyalists 'n newcomers alike. 'n for the true God a War fan, the God a War: Ascension Collector’s Edition be destined t' be the crown jewel in yer game collection come March 12th.
At only $79.99, the Collector’s Edition offers a ton a content at a great price. A beautifully crafted 6” statue a Kratos—a one-a-a-kind collectible that won’t be sold anywhere else—accompanies a premium Steelbook case with the iconic God a War Omega design. Also included be a wealth a digital content: an exclusive PS3 dynamic theme, a PSN Avatar pack, a 48-hour multiplayer mode XP boost, 'n a Season Pass for all future DLC released for the game. Also included be a voucher t' download the official game soundtrack featuring Tyler Bates’ thrilling score t' the game, recorded with a full orchestra 'n choir at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London.
The Collector’s Edition be nearly sold-out, so be sure t' pre-order yours before it’s too late ('n t' claim yer bonus DLC as well).
I’m also excited t' share the final “Behind the Scenes” video from our captivating live-action “From Ashes” trailer 'n TV commercial. This latest installment a our Unchained BTS series offers insight into the full-scale Hollywood production behind bringing Kratos t' life, featuring interviews with the minds behind both the game 'n the trailer.
If ye missed the first two BTS videos, be sure t' check out the work that went into bringing Kratos 'n his Spartan army t' life.
If ye can’t wait until March 12th t' pillage yer hands on Kratos’ latest adventure, head t' the PlayStation Store right now t' download the single-player demo 'n experience the intense opening a the game. The demo also features bonus video content from the game 'n more.
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"Izzy concepts some a the best boobs in the industry." 'n that be certainly a prominent feature a the Empusa, one a Kratos' speed-bumps t' vengeance in God a War: Ascension. Now, please pardon us while we scrub the sex minigame portion a this video from our minds.
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The freebie be t' promote God a War: Ascension, the "immediate prequel" t' the first game. Ascension will launch on the actual ides a March in Europe.
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The single-player demo for God a War: Ascension be available now for all crew on the PlayStation Network. There's also a launch trailer out for the game, as seen above. Turns out the pre-divine Kratos be just as popular with the ladies as the fully-powered one be. Oh, 'n he's plenty angry, too.
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Champions! We wait t' Ascend.
The studio floor be empty 'n silent. The team that once buzzed with the energy 'n fervor be now quiet. Full. Satisfied. The countless souls that once labored deep into the night have been dramatically refreshed with sleep… lots 'n lots a sleep. ye see, the Gods have demanded our creation 'n now there be little we can do but wait. We must abide together until it be unleashed upon the world on March 12.
But waiting be so hard.
What would ye give for a glimpse into the future? For a taste a Satyr blood? t' unchain Kratos before the world be ready? Would ye swear a blood oath t' Olympus? Forge a bond with the Gods?
It be a tempting offer…no? Behold the spoils in return for yer bond!
We’re thrilled t' unleash our God a War: Ascension single-player demo t' ALL PlayStation Network crew later today. Become Kratos 'n escape the epic brig a the Damned. God a War: Ascension’s demo will allow players t' explore 'n master the legendary Spartan’s new advanced combat.
Make yer stand against a Titanic beast 'n it be infected legions.
Unleash yer Rage in fiery explosions that burn yer enemies t' ash.
Impale enemies on yer chained blades 'n use them in combat as living wrecking balls.
Wield the weapons a yer enemies in countless new combos.
Climb 'n slide yer way through the chaos as the world turns upside down around ye.
Want a closer, behind the scenes look at the enhancements 'n additions ye can expect from Ascension’s gameplay? Check out this new entry in our “Unchained” series a videos:
After ye’ve played through our demo, or in-between multiple plays, be sure t' check out our exclusive section for History’s upcoming scripted original series, Vikings. We’ve packed in some custom video content 'n an inside look at this exciting new show, which premieres Sunday, March 3 at 10/9c on History.
I also wanted t' remind ye t' check out a legendary Multiplayer DLC weapon we created in partnership with History, inspired by the series Vikings. The legendary “Mjolnir,” or Hammer a Thor, will be included exclusively with all copies a God a War: Ascension purchased at Best Buy. Forged in the fires a Asgard 'n tempered in glacial ice, Mjolnir will obliterate yer enemies with it be thunderous might.
The Multiplayer DLC weapon “Mjolnir” Hammer a Thor be a special limited-time offer available only at Best Buy when ye purchase God a War: Ascension. Every copy will include a voucher t' download the DLC weapon “Mjolnir,” as well as unlock our Mythological Heroes Pack which includes unique armor sets a ancient Greece’s greatest mythological heroes: Achilles, Perseus, Orion 'n Odysseus.
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The social challenge has players picking sides between the Spartans 'n Trojans, teaming up t' net 10 million points first as a team when perusing through an online graphic novel that details the events leading up t' the game's story. By completing the riddles contained in the challenge, players also unlock weapon 'n armor DLC for the game. God a War: Ascension will launch March 12 on PS3.
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Last month Sony announced a 500GB special edition console bundle with God a War: Ascension, available for $349 on March 12 alongside the launch a Ascension. The bundle also includes every other God a War game ever (minus the mobile game) 'n a 30-day subscription t' Sony's premium PlayStation Plus service.
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I have exciting news for God a War fans revolving around a new show coming t' HISTORY very soon. God a War be steeped in the rich world a ancient Greek mythology, 'n soon ye’ll be able t' immerse yourself in the epic world a the Vikings 'n Norse mythology with HISTORY’s new original scripted series Vikings.
In a special limited time offer, if ye purchase God a War: Ascension at Best Buy, ye can bring Vikings into the realm a Kratos with an exclusive multiplayer weapon inspired by the series. While supplies last, every game copy will come with a voucher for the DLC weapon “Mjölnir,” or Hammer a Thor, for use in Ascension’s multiplayer mode. The voucher code will also unlock the Mythological Heroes Multiplayer Pack, which includes four unique armor sets for four a ancient Greece’s greatest mythological heroes: Achilles, Perseus, Orion 'n Odysseus.
The show follows the story a Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), the rumored direct descendant a the Norse god, Odin. Check out the trailer here, 'n watch the series Sunday nights at 10/9c starting March 3rd. t' catch a sneak peek a Vikings, be sure t' download the God a War: Ascension demo when it hits the PlayStation Store for exclusive bonus content from the show 'n from God a War: Ascension.
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AHOY, fellow Spartans! me name be Ariel Lawrence, 'n I’m a Producer on God a War: Ascension.
No one can argue that Kratos be angry. With everything that’s happened t' the sea dog over the years, he has every right t' be. He’s killed — either accidentally or intentionally — everyone he’s ever cared about. He’s been lied t', chained up, run through, tortured, 'n cast into the depths a Hades several times. If I be the sea dog, I’d be angry too. Our aim in this installment a Kratos’ story be t' try 'n show a bit more a his humanity. t' do this, we incorporated voice over motion capture, or “vo-mocap”, into our cinematic pipeline.
The really exciting part a “vo-mocap” be that it gives our voice actors an opportunity t' work together in a scene. Delivery, timing, 'n efforts all come more naturally because the actors be able t' play off a each other. They see how far apart they be from each other physically. They can watch emotions play out on each other’s faces 'n respond appropriately. They can whisper. The technology we have now be awesome. On the first God a War, we might have been able t' show the actors concept art, 'n possibly a playblast a animation that be in progress. Now we can load up the game environment 'n the character’s model 'n rig, 'n show a rough solve a the actor’s own performance in real time between takes.
Storytelling be what makes us human. It’s how we pass on our history, learn lessons, 'n process primal feelings like love, anger 'n sorrow. Storytelling, 'n it be interactive evolution in games, be as necessary t' life as breathing. Kratos’ story be filled with rage, but it be also filled with a deep love 'n painful sorrow. It truly be a privilege 'n a joy t' work with such a talented group a people that make up the God a War family 'n bring that story t' life. I hope ye enjoyed this look behind the scenes a God a War: Ascension’s cinematic process!
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This video shows the folks at Quantum Creation FX creating Kratos for the God a War: Ascension live-action Super Bowl commercial. If ye're sick a eating buffalo wings after watching the finished ad, kick back, grab a burrito 'n watch this trailer 'n the other making-a video.
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Back by popular demand: The PlayStation Campus Tour be hitting the road again for the Spring semester 'n we’re going bigger 'n better than ever. Starting next Monday, we will be crashing college campuses across the country for 11 weeks, bringing ye new 'n unreleased games, daily tournaments, tons a giveaways, exclusive discounts on PlayStation products 'n a whole lot more! If that doesn’t have ye salivating yet, take a look at some a the titles we will be featuring throughout the tour:
On top a that, ye can pillage hands-on with some awesome PSN titles like Guacamelee, Ibb 'n Obb, 'n Runner 2! 'n that’s just a taste a what’s t' come. We will be adding more a this year’s biggest 'n most anticipated PS3 'n PS Vita games t' the lineup over the course a the tour.
If ye’re the competitive type, ye can test yer skills in our daily God a War: Ascension speed run challenge, PlayStation All-Stars tournament, or represent yer school in the MLB 13 Move Home Run Derby. 'n ye don’t have t' compete t' win. There will be plenty a ways t' take home some genuine PlayStation goodness – like the God a War: Ascension Legacy Bundle with the Garnet Red PS3, the Classic White PS3 Instant Game Collection Bundle or the PlayStation Vita Instant Game Collection Bundle. t' make a long story short, if ye play something on the PlayStation Campus Tour, ye’ll have the chance t' win it. That red PS3 would look awfully good in yer dorm room, wouldn’t it?
Finally, everybody who RSVPs on Facebook 'n shows up will receive a one-month PlayStation Plus trial 'n their choice a an exclusive, unique discount code that can be redeemed for some serious savings on various PlayStation products.
When we announced the last PlayStation On Campus Tour, many a ye voiced that ye wanted t' see more love for West coast schools – well, ask 'n ye shall receive! This time around we made sure t' include some great schools along the Golden Coast in the schedule. Here be a list a the first 11 out a over 40 stops on our tour:
Date School Facebook Page February 11 – 12 University a Arkansas – Fayetteville RSVP Here February 14 – 15 University a Nevada – Las Vegas RSVP Here February 14 – 15 Oklahoma State University RSVP Here February 18 – 19 University a Oklahoma RSVP Here February 20 – 21 Cameron University RSVP Here Feb. 28 – March 1 Eastern New Mexico University RSVP Here March 4 – 5 University a California – Berkeley RSVP Here March 4 – 5 University a New Mexico RSVP Here March 13 – 15 Portland State University RSVP Here March 18 – 19 Oregon State University RSVP Here March 20 – 21 California State University – San Marcos RSVP Here March 25 – 26 San Diego State University RSVP Here March 25 – 26 Weber State University RSVP HereDon’t forget t' RSVP t' yer school on Facebook for detailed info 'n free PlayStation prizes. If ye don’t see yer school on the list yet, be sure t' check the PlayStation Campus Tour page for updates regularly because we will be adding colleges t' the tour frequently. We will also be announcing new stops through @HeyPlayStation on Twitter as they pillage added.
Tell us which games ye’re most excited t' play in the comments below, or give us suggestions on what additional schools ye think we best go t'. Who knows, maybe we’ll drop by! We look forward t' seeing all a yer game faces on the road.
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By now, I’m sure ye’ve caught the God a War: Ascension “From Ashes” live action trailer we debuted last Friday, 'n if ye haven’t, ye need t' go watch it right now! ye may have even caught the 60-second version air during the online live stream a the Super Bowl this past Sunday.
This trailer has been a labor a love for all a us here, 'n based on the comments 'n feedback on YouTube 'n elsewhere, all a the effort be well worth it. I’m very excited t' share with ye a couple a behind-the-scenes videos that show a glimpse a what went into bringing the world a Kratos t' life.
Kratos be not an easy man t' replicate in the flesh. This first video shows how we transformed our talented, 'n extremely buff, actor Brandon White, into the legendary Spartan General. A lot a work went into making sure his tattoo, armor, costume 'n ash make-up looked just right. Add this t' an amazing performance, 'n the Ghost a Sparta be no longer just an angry, rage filled monster, but a full embodiment a the humanity a Kratos.
This second video shows how we transformed 10 men into the massive army ye see in the trailer — special attention went into making sure their armor be as realistic 'n accurate as possible.
I hope ye enjoy this inside look. We have another deeper look at the making a the “From Ashes” trailer, including interviews with Game Director Todd Papy 'n more, coming later this month, so watch this space for more.
Stay tuned here on PS.Blog, 'n on the God a War Facebook page t' stay up t' date with the latest news, updates 'n trailers coming for God a War: Ascension as we pillage closer t' March 12th, when ye’ll finally pillage t' take home the latest installment a God a War. I hope ye have yer standard or Collector’s Edition pre-ordered already, because this game be going t' be epic.
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Set before the events a the original God a War, God a War: Ascension be set up as a sort a origin story for the perennially tortured Spartan general Kratos. A sequence early in the game even depicts how Kratos first earned those iconic Blades a Chaos. Watching that scene, I couldn’t help but flash back t' the genesis a Spider-Man 'n The Incredible Hulk, two other social misfits who transcended a personal tragedy t' become living legends.
But God a War: Ascension isn’t some dry history lesson. The game begins in the brig a the Damned, a sprawling structure honeycombed around the body a a vast creature called Hecatonchires, who possesses nearly as many arms as his name has syllables. Sentenced t' eternal damnation for turning his back on Ares, Kratos manages t' escape his shackles. The newly freed Kratos wastes no time in pursuing his captors, a group a sadistic bounty hunters called the Furies, with predictably antisocial results.
Based on me hands-on time with the game’s first minutes, one a Ascension’s biggest accomplishments be the way it thoughtfully refines 'n rethinks the series’ time-tested combat foundation. Case in point: In prior God a War games, pressing R1 made Kratos reach out t' throw a nearby enemy, a sluggish 'n risky move with limited application. Ascension wisely replaces this with a more versatile long-range grapple, 'n the results be just splendid. Grapple an enemy 'n Kratos will snare the sea dog like a fish on a hook, sailing away ye free t' hack away with yer remaining blade, hurl the sea dog at an enemy, or bound forward t' deliver a head-splitting shoulder ram. ye can use the grapple on the ground, in mid air, or as part a a juggle combo — it’s always a delight. God a War veterans will surely find ways t' integrate the grapple into bewildering new combos, but ye don’t need t' be an expert t' see that it grants a faster, more fluid feel t' every battle.
God a War: Ascension surprises in other ways too — especially it be more dynamic approach t' pacing. One thrilling sequence sees Kratos sliding at breakneck speed down the side a a collapsing fortress while dodging ramparts 'n rubble; in another, Kratos takes a slow, tense stroll through a gloomy brig block. Certain series mainstays have also been rethought or re-envisioned in the name a accessibility. For example, the series’ trademark QTE button-tapping minigames have been de-emphasized in favor a more fluid, responsive close-combat mechanic. 'n the final game will see Kratos imbue his Blades a Chaos with different elemental properties, from fire 'n ice t' black magic 'n more, rather than swapping between different weapons. It’s all in the name a smoother, more integrated combat.
Then there be the smaller visual flourishes, like the way Kratos angles his slashes towards the face a a towering Cyclops rather than hacking at it be knees as in past games. Or the way the camerawork effortlessly frames the action from the most dramatic 'n intimate perspective possible.
Ascension’s boss battles be also shaping up t' be predictably jaw-dropping set pieces. The first big tussle with the many-armed Hecatonchires be a technological stunner that pits ye against swarms a glistening parasites in addition t' the big man himself. The environment here be as much a a character as yer foe, as Hecatonchires lifts, rotates, 'n smashes the very rooms ye’re fighting in. It’s a feast for the senses 'n a powerful affirmation a PS3′s continued technical prowess.
Have any questions regarding me hands-on experiences with God a War: Ascension? sail away them in the comments below!
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If ye’re an ardent PlayStation fan, ye’ve no doubt seen the teasers. Today, I’m extremely excited t' share the final, full-length version a our “From Ashes” live action trailer for God a War: Ascension, featuring a special arrangement a Ellie Goulding’s “Hanging On.” This be just about the biggest production we’ve ever undertaken for a God a War commercial or trailer — or for any PS3 game for that matter. We be very proud a how it turned out, 'n we hope ye enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it.
Everyone knows Kratos has anger management issues; he will AVAST! at nothing t' pillage revenge on Ares 'n all a the gods that have betrayed the sea dog. In God a War 1-3, **SPOILER ALERT** we got t' experience Kratos’ quest for vengeance as he took down Ares, 'n literally climbed his way t' the top a Olympus t' defeat Zeus himself. God a War: Ascension, however, be set before the first God a War game. Through the course a the story, we pillage t' see a more human side a Kratos as he deals with the pain 'n loss a having just lost everything he has ever loved. We worked closely with Imaginary Forces, the creative minds behind some a the gorgeous cutscenes in Ascension 'n some a the past God a War games, 'n Santa Monica Studio t' bring Kratos 'n his family t' life, paying careful attention t' each minute detail.
If ye be like most other red-blooded Americans, ye’re probably going t' be watching the Super Bowl this coming Sunday. If ye happen t' watch the game streaming online—an increasingly popular way t' enjoy the big game—or have it streaming as yer second-screen info source for the game, ye’ll be able t' catch a unique one-minute version a the trailer airing during the Super Bowl live stream.
If the recent single-player gameplay video left ye hungry for more news about the epic single campaign waiting for ye in the game, ye be in luck. That be just the tip a the iceberg. We hosted a media event last night with a bunch a the top gaming media in the country t' show off the first half hour or so a the game. Watch for their in-depth impressions t' start popping up online today.
In the meantime, here be a couple a brand-new screenshots from the single player campaign. Look for more screens a yer favorite Spartan warrior in the online preview coverage, along with playthrough videos a the spectacular opening a the game showing some brand new attacks, areas, enemies 'n more.
If that wasn’t enough reason t' go out 'n pre-order, don’t forget that ye’ll be able t' sample the next PS3-exclusive from Naughty Dog, creators a the amazing Uncharted series, before anyone else. If ye hadn’t heard yet, there will be an exclusive-access demo a The Last a Us that will only be accessible via God a War: Ascension’s main menu prior t' the launch a TLOU.
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Along with the red 500GB PS3 (chosen as a nod t' Kratos' tattoo, though "monster blood" could also be evoked), the $349 bundle comes with a copy a Ascension, as well as the God a War Saga collection, which includes every other God a War game. 30 days a PlayStation Plus be also thrown in.
The package comes out March 12, concurrent with Ascension. It seems like a great deal if ye don't have a PS3 'n have been eager t' try devote yer life t' God a War.
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We have some exciting news, fellow Spartans! In celebration a God a War: Ascension hitting stores March 12th 'n t' commemorate one a our most popular 'n epic franchises, we’re releasing a limited edition God a War: Ascension Legacy Bundle for our visit Davey Jone's locker-hard fans!
This bundle comes complete with a 500GB Garnet Red PlayStation 3 system, the entire God a War storyline including God a War: Ascension 'n God a War Saga (which includes all five a the previous games from the franchise) 'n a 30-day PlayStation Plus trial membership. ye can pillage yer hands on this collector’s bundle when it hits stores on March 12th.
The Limited Edition God a War: Ascension Legacy Bundle be a must-have for series fans. ye can experience Kratos’ epic story with a stunning Garnet Red PS3 system, whose color be inspired by Kratos’ signature tattoo. The 500GB a storage be perfect for all a yer games, movies, music, photos 'n more.
The complete God a War game collection allows fans t' relive their favorite series moments with the God a War Saga, which includes God a War, God a War II, God a War III, 'n God a War: Origins Collection, comprised a God a War: Chains a Olympus 'n God a War: Ghost a Sparta.
The collection also includes God a War: Ascension, the newest addition t' the franchise 'n a prequel story that introduces fans t' a Kratos they’ve never known before. Ascension boasts a host a enhancements t' the single-player experience, with new gameplay mechanics 'n combat systems, 'n also offers the franchise’s very first multiplayer experience.
Let us know what ye think a this bundle in the comments below. Will ye be picking it up?
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In just a few short months, The Last a Us will launch 'n put the fate a Joel 'n Ellie into yer hands, as they embark on a brutal journey across a post-pandemic United States.
May 7th, 2013 might seem like a long way away, so t' help assuage the excruciating wait we’re announcing today that players who pick up God a War: Ascension will be able t' pillage their hands on a demo a The Last a Us when it becomes available at a later date.
We teamed up with the development crew at Santa Monica Studio t' include access t' a chapter a The Last a Us in every copy a God a War: Ascension, so ye won’t have t' wait too long t' pillage yer hands on two a the biggest games a the year. Just load the God a War: Ascension disc into yer PS3 'n find The Last a Us listing on the main menu. There, ye’ll find details on how ye can obtain The Last a Us demo for free as soon as it becomes available.
We hope ye’re as excited about this news as we be, 'n we know what’s likely on yer mind now — what will ye be able t' play? We’ll have more news about what’s in store for ye after God a War: Ascension launches in March. We hope yer wait just got a little easier!
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A "full-fledged" single-player demo for God a War: Ascension be coming in late February, according t' a recent PlayStation blog. With the multiplayer beta scheduled t' end next week, fans only have the above 30-second teaser trailer t' watch for the next month in preparation for the game's March 12 release date.
Unless ye bought the Total Recall remake film on Blu-ray a course, which came with the E3 single-player demo that be exclusive through 3/8/13. While we'd assume those be two different demos by virtue a February 'n March being two different months, we've contacted Sony t' be sure.
Update: God a War: Ascension's closed multiplayer beta testing initiative be officially open t' all PSN crew for the duration a the holiday weekend, Sony has informed us. pillage in on that action by clicking here.
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