Here to walk you through each of the skins is the Game Director of God of War: Ghost of Sparta, Dana Jan.

Kratos

Just for comparison, I thought I would throw in Kratos in his standard gear for a direct comparison. Some interesting notes about the default model: We reworked it and improved a lot of things including better textures, specular shine on the metal (belt, shin guard, weapons), his goatee was fixed (Chains of Olympus didn’t have an alpha channel on it), his face I more expressive due to new facial rig, and subtle improvements like the red tattoo having a softened edge so it looks better up close. The blades were all remodeled to match the Blades of Athena as seen in God of War II as well.

Ghost of Sparta

Throughout the game, Kratos sees visions of his past. We came up with a ‘look’ or visual style for these sequences that helped clearly set them apart from what was happening in present time. Everything and everyone in these visions/flashbacks has a vapor-like effect emitting from them. We took almost all of the color out of the imagery making it fairly monochromatic with the exception of the color red which is associated with Deimos’ birthmark, the fires that burned Sparta the day his brother was taken, and also the blood that stains his memories. Choose the Ghost of Sparta costume and you will take twice the damage from enemies, but your rewarded by inflicting quadruple fire damage with Thera’s Bane. The Ghost costume is also able to regenerate the fire meter four times as fast as the default Kratos costume.

God Armor

One of the first bonus costumes we decided to include with the game was the God Armor. Fans will recognize the armor from the beginning of God of War II where Kratos is wearing it in Rhodes as he battles the Colossus. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say that somewhere in Ghost of Sparta you will see Kratos in this armor. Another interesting bit of information about this armor is that Deimos’ armor features some striking similarities. Compare them and see for yourself. This costume decreases the amount of damage Kratos receives from enemies, doubles the damage he deals with Thera’s Bane, and increases the fire meter regen time. Finally, it also causes enemies to drop Red Orbs as Kratos hits them with attacks

Robotos

There has to be a funny costume in every God of War game. We had several on the comic-relief side in Chains of Olympus, but I don’t think any were as good as this. This has to be my favorite of all time. We went back and forth on what kind of robot we wanted to make for this costume. Finally, it seemed like the funniest looking version was robot costume made out of cardboard boxes, metal ventilation hose, and duct tape. Polish it off with some permanent markers to draw the details on the cardboard, and you get Robotos. I’m sure someone is making this costume to wear at a con as we speak. Robotos has the ability to generate massive combos by increasing the amount of time allowed between hits to increment the combo meter. His damage dealt with the Blades of Athena and Arms of Sparta have been decreased along with magic costing him twice as many Blue Orbs to use. He’s still my favorite costume in the game.

Deimos

When we designed Deimos, one of the biggest tasks was trying to create a character that looked like he could stand next to Kratos and be equally as strong and interesting. While they share the similar iconic “mark” as a story point, they needed to be very different people. The years of captivity in the Domain of Death drove Deimos to a very dark place. His birth mark now glows as the flesh sears with rage. When picking the attributes for this costume, we thought it would be cool to make him more proficient with the Arms of Sparta (spear and shield) since he trained with Kratos and is a Spartan after all. Additional adjustments include more damage taken by enemy attacks, and less damage done when using the Blades of Athena.

Legionnaire

(Pre-Order Bundle Exclusive)

This is one over-the-top set of armor, even for Kratos. The idea for this costume started after we learned about the God of War fans known as the Spartan Army. We thought it would be cool to do a costume that would go with the Arms of Sparta (spear and shield) and form a cohesive set of gear. The helmet design is loosely based on that of a Spartan soldier and the chest plate has elements like the Cerberus silhouettes found on Kratos armor from the God of War flashbacks. We also wanted to carry the crimson elements of Kratos’ tattoo and cloth skirt into this costume to keep his palette familiar. This costume gives you the ability to collect double Orbs of all types, and using magic will cost half the amount of Blue Orbs. If that weren’t good enough, the Legionnaire resists enemy damage four times as much as normal and deals double damage with the Arms of Sparta.

Deimos for God of War III

(Available only through purchase of God of War: Ghost of Sparta)

During the production of Ghost of Sparta, we discussed the idea of making Deimos an unlockable costume to be used in God of War 3 on the PS3. We wanted to give players who had both games (and systems) some content that crossed platforms. We provided the team at Sony Santa Monica Studio our assets used on the PSP, and we are really pleased with how Deimos looks in God of War 3. I’m particularly happy with the way his glowing “mark” looks on his body. I’m looking forward to playing through the game again and seeing Deimos tear through some of my favorite moments.

Qore subscribers were invited to the PS3 game Beta last year, and starting on April 22, you’ll also get a chance to play the upcoming PSP demo version. Visit the Download Center in the April episode of Qore after this week’s PlayStation Store Update for early access to the ModNation Racers PSP demo, which lets you test drive two full tracks from the game and give the track creator a spin.

And, look for more exclusive downloads in next month’s May episode of Qore, featuring Prince of Persia: Forgotten Sands, UFC Undisputed 2010 with Jens Pulver, and an insider’s look at upcoming additions to PlayStation Home.

Look for Episode 24 to hit the PlayStation Store on May 11.

What Inspired you to write “Even Gods Cry”?

Noah Belson: What inspired DaVinci to paint The Last Supper? Or Mike Angelo to take brush to the Sistine Chapel? No one knows where inspiration comes from, but in the case of “Even Gods Cry,” it’s as though some divine force placed the seed of an idea in my head, then poured thought juice on that seed and then that seed grew into a mighty oak, inside my head.

Matthew Cappiello: Also, someone said we could make $100 off this and that’s pretty decent walkin’ around money. If you think about it, that’s probably why DaVinci painted. I mean the guy had to eat, right?

How do you think you are most like Kratos?

NB: Kratos and 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 and they’ll probably go “and how!” So there is a little Kratos in me, yes. But you know, another trait the K man and I share is vulnerability. The big guy may be tough as nails but inside he’s hurting and I know what it is it to hurt. But I also know that ripping the heads off monsters (literally or figuratively) isn’t the way to deal with that hurt, so that’s where Kratos and I part ways. Frankly I think if Kratos were around today, he’d benefit from calming influences such as yoga, pilates and maybe even a course of hug therapy. You don’t need a prescription, you just need arms, and heck you can even hug someone if they don’t have arms.

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

Why do you think this song has such universal appeal?

MC: We write songs for the common man. When we ride in the Turtlecopter and point down at the tiny people below us, we point to them and say, “That guy. That’s who we’re writing this song for.” and I think it shows in our music.

NB: But in this song we did something different. This song was written for the gods. We wanted this to be the kind of song that when people heard it for the first time they would finally understand what ears are for. We wanted lovers to kiss harder after hearing it. We wanted mothers to weep for the joys their children will know. Flowers to bloom brighter. Cotton to feel softer. This song has universal appeal because the universe needed this song, just like the universe needs the Turtlenecks.

By now, many of you have unleashed chaos on all of Olympus in God of War III. As you look back upon your adventure of carnage and glory, you’re probably wondering: how did Sony’s Santa Monica Studio create this experience? Veronica Belmont interviews game director Stig Asmussen and lead combat designer Adam Poole about the entire process, from developing Kratos’ character model and enlivening the Gods to creating the scale of the epic Titan battles. This is a fascinating look back from their perspective now that many of us have enjoyed the game. And, if you haven’t played it yet, don’t worry! The feature is spoiler-free—just gorgeous video and insights from Stig and Adam. After delving into the making of the game, you can also test your reflexes in our God of War III interactive quick-time event challenge.

Driving has been incorporated in so many non-racing titles—from Red Faction: Guerrilla to The Saboteur—that some gamers have questioned if the racing genre has any life of its own left in it. According to Disney’s Black Rock Studios, the answer is a resounding yes! Set in the world of reality TV high-stakes racing, their upcoming game, Split/Second, aims to bring the thrill back to the genre with insanely over-the-top environmental events that can alter the track with each lap.

Remember the ‘80’s? Leg warmers. Ray-Bans. Parachute pants. Ferris Bueller. And 8-bit games! Jump back to the future with the totally rad 3D Dot Game Heroes which returns ordinary people to their classic gaming roots. Enhanced by the PlayStation 3’s ability to provide all the right moves, this gem is sure to make a sudden impact especially when you see the character creator that is sure to remind many of us that it’s hip to be square There’s also a 3D Dot Game Heroes “old school” quiz to measure if you’ve still got the hunger for the 80’s.

With so much news this year about new 3D TV technology coming to your PS3, the Qore team talked to the experts at SCEA and Blitz Games about how the technology actually works and how best to develop for this dimension. This is one feature that’s got the complete picture.

All purchasers also receive a free 3D Dot Game Heroes theme, and as usual, don’t miss Audrey Cleo’s preview of the newest Blu-ray releases for April 2010.

Look for Episode 23 tomorrow.

The wait is finally over! CHAOS has been unleashed nationwide as the highly anticipated God of War III releases on store shelves today. If you didn’t make it to the midnight launch events last night, make sure to call your store and get your copy fast. God of War III is set to take to the stage as the biggest entertainment launch event in PlayStation 3 history and will be remembered as one of the best action adventure titles of 2010. Now is your chance to take down the Gods of Olympus by wreaking havoc and spreading chaos through all of civilization. I’d like to especially thank our Santa Monica Studios for all their time, hard work, and energy in delivering this award winning video game. I’d also like to give a big thank you to all the fans who have stayed loyal throughout Kratos’ journey and continued to support all things God of War.

In celebration of today’s launch, I’d like to share with you our new trailer called “Chaos,” featuring kick-ass footage from the game.

In the End, There Will Be Only Chaos….

And you East-coasters that have been asking and asking for us to come to you…well, it’s official. The PlayStation.Blog is coming to New York City and Boston (PAX East) next week! Specific details coming soon.

As for San Francisco, it was a day-long celebration of God of War III. Several of you lined up as early as 5am to secure a spot in our massive tent. (Check out ALL the pictures of our God of War III GDC 2010 Meetup on Flickr!)

At around noon, we unleashed the burrito truck upon the line! Now that spells CHAOS!

Shortly after, we opened the tent “doors” to the masses. Everyone was greeted inside by PlayStation 3s loaded up with God of War Collection, and a special challenged awaited. The test? Complete the God of War II Challenge of the Titans “Blind Fury” the fastest…in one try. You die, you’re out. And the winner would lock down a God of War III Ultimate Edition!

We thought we’d see plenty of quick deaths, but in fact, many of you utterly blitzed this challenge. But only one came through with a time that could arguably last through the ages. 16 seconds! 16 freakin’ seconds! Here’s your winner:

Throughout the day, we raffled off TONS of games, posters and other unique PlayStation goodies. Anyone who brought a PSP took home God of War: Chains of Olympus, but we also gave away MLB 10: The Show PSP, Heavy Rain, Fireteam Bravo 3, Killzone 2 and much more.

The highlight of the meetup was definitely the presence of Stig and the Sony Santa Monica Studio team who stopped by to sign autographs for everyone who came! All attendees also scored a limited-edition God of War III art book!

And finally, there was the chance to take your picture and create a personalized God of War III cover! There are some truly great shots in Flickr, so flip through ‘em!

The day you’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived. At 12:00 a.m. tonight, Kratos will be invading a retailer near you as the widely anticipated God of War III will be hitting store shelves! For those looking to channel your inner Spartan warrior, check out GTTV Presents God of War III: Last Titan Standing on SPIKE TV at 11:38 p.m. In this 30 minute special, action adventure comes to life as 10 of the biggest God of War fans in America get pushed to the limits, both mentally and physically.

These die-hard disciples of Kratos must shave their heads on the spot to show their allegiance, climb out of the underworld, and know their God of War trivia, as asked by game director Stig Asmussen. And, above all else, prove their physical strength across epic challenges and gameplay ability in a battle against Hades from God of War III. In the end, only one titan will be left standing – the one who best embodies the characteristics of Kratos, the God of War.

Here’s a look at the promo…

Here’s a look at the custom Kratos PS3 that the winner will be receiving…not bad!

And for those of you looking to be the first to get your hands on a copy of God of War III, we’ve teamed up with GameStop to host Midnight Launch Events at locations all around the country. Tonight, more than 3,500 stores nationwide will be welcoming Kratos faithful with various contests, challenges, and giveaways. Most participating GameStop locations will open at 10:00 p.m. local time, however, consumers should contact their local store to confirm the exact time of the event as they may vary by location.

GameCrazy and Best Buy are also holding midnight launch events. Click the corresponding links to find the nearest location.

Below are store GameStop addresses in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York to get you started. To learn more about events near you, visit a local GameStop store or go to www.gamestop.com/kratos.

In the End, There Will Be Only Chaos….

Los Angeles
GameStop
7100 SANTA MONICA BLVD
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90046
(323) 845-9685

San Francisco
GameStop
151 POWELL STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102
(415) 362-7601

New York City
GameStop
1282 BROADWAY
NEW YORK, NY 10001
(212) 967-9070

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• Reminder: God of War III GDC San Francisco Meetup is Tomorrow! — Our biggest meetup yet! Honestly, this was one of the most rewarding, successful gatherings we’ve had yet, and I want to personally thank each and every one of you that showed up. Hopefully you had a great time.
• Qore Episode 22 – Featuring Final Fantasy XIII, Dead to Rights: Retribution, Lost Planet 2 and the God of War Graphic Novel — Qore Ep 22 kicked off on Thursday featuring (of course) FFXIII, the GoW Graphic Novel and a lot more. Check out the post for the preview video.
• PlayStation Home 1.35 Launching Tomorrow — Home Director Jack Buser explains exactly what’s in the newest version of Home.
• FINAL FANTASY XIII Comes to PlayStation Home + Sodium Updates, Indiana Jones Items & a Huge Sale! — Lots of Final Fantasy this week, and where else would you expect additional FF content but in Home!
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• PlayStation Comics Store Update — The amount of digital comics piling up in the PlayStation Store is impressive to say the least. Comic-heads, get in there!
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• PlayStation Network Video Content Update — Get a deal on the Bro Code Six Pack, a selection of How I Met Your Mother episodes!
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Courtesy of Jeremy Dunham

• Patch Alert: MAG v1.04 and Bonus Armor – New fixes for your favorite 256-player shooter and a special surprise!

• Hey, Why is the PlayStation.Blog White? — By now, you probably know why it’s white. But if you’re reading this and STILL can’t figure it out, well, you might have to see an eye doctor. Hope you like the new look!
• LittleBigPlanet: This Week in DLC — Get your Sackboy digitally smashed with the St. Patty’s Day costume. Plus, check out the other happenings in the world of LBP.
• God of War III Path To Olympus Experience Launches on GodofWar.com — God of War III is three days away. But it might have been a while since you’ve played I and II. Worry not, warriors. Path To Olympus will get your memory back in order to prep you for Tuesday.
• FINAL FANTASY XIII on Store Shelves Today, Includes PS3 Exclusive Bonus Offer for FINAL FANTASY XIV — Who picked up FFXIII on Tuesday? How far in are you?
• Hustle Kings Adding Video Chat, Voice Chat, Game Launching and More — Your comments never go wasted! Hustle Kings is adding video and voice chat, game launching and much more. See the full list inside the post.
• PlayStation Network First to Deliver HD Movies from All Six Major Movie Studios — That’s right. If you haven’t jumped on board the Video Store train, get on now. PSN is the first platform to host HD content from all six major studios.
• Yakuza 3 Hits Western Shores! — It may have taken some time, but Yakuza 3 is officially available here in the west on PS3. Anyone get it yet?
• It Only Does Epic Trilogies — Peter Dille kicks off the brand new Kevin Butler TV commercial (awesome!), plus a new 15-second TV trailer!
• Reminder: God of War III GDC San Francisco Meetup is Tomorrow! — Our biggest meetup yet! Honestly, this was one of the most rewarding, successful gatherings we’ve had yet, and I want to personally thank each and every one of you that showed up. Hopefully you had a great time.
• Qore Episode 22 – Featuring Final Fantasy XIII, Dead to Rights: Retribution, Lost Planet 2 and the God of War Graphic Novel — Qore Ep 22 kicked off on Thursday featuring (of course) FFXIII, the GoW Graphic Novel and a lot more. Check out the post for the preview video.
• PlayStation Home 1.35 Launching Tomorrow — Home Director Jack Buser explains exactly what’s in the newest version of Home.
• FINAL FANTASY XIII Comes to PlayStation Home + Sodium Updates, Indiana Jones Items & a Huge Sale! — Lots of Final Fantasy this week, and where else would you expect additional FF content but in Home!
• Live from GDC 2010! PlayStation Press Conference — “Live.” That’s a scary word. Hopefully you watched along with us, as me and Jeff tackled introducing the PlayStation Move at the PlayStation GDC Press Conference. If you missed it, watch the replay as we interview SCEA President and CEO Jack Tretton!
• THE EYE OF JUDGMENT LEGENDS Hits PSN Today — You may have played it on PS3, but pick up THE EYE OF JUDGMENT for PSP on PSN now!
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• MLB 10: The Show PS3 Demo Available Today! — You’ve been asking for a demo. We’re heard you loud and clear! Log on to PSN and get it today, for free!
• The Tester Episode 4 Available Today — Four episodes in, and now things are really heating up!
• PlayStation Comics Store Update — The amount of digital comics piling up in the PlayStation Store is impressive to say the least. Comic-heads, get in there!
• PlayStation Move Developer Diary #2 — You saw the press conference. Now see just how creative developers are getting with PlayStation Move!
• Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse Coming to PSN — Sam & Max hit the PlayStation 3 for the first time. See how you can get a discount on all episodes inside.
• PlayStation Store Update — Mega Man 10! Plus, your MLB 10: The Show demo, Qore Ep 22, Feeding Frenzy 2, lots of sales and more.
• PlayStation Network Video Content Update — Get a deal on the Bro Code Six Pack, a selection of How I Met Your Mother episodes!
• New Gran Turismo 5 Trailer: Night Racing — GT5 goes dark. See the newest trailer and a batch of new screenshots!
• God of War III’s Stig Asmussen: Your Questions Answered — We promised we’d get him. And we did! See Stig answer your questions 4 days before God of War III hits stores!

Courtesy of Jeremy Dunham

• Patch Alert: MAG v1.04 and Bonus Armor – New fixes for your favorite 256-player shooter and a special surprise!

Can you believe March 16 is just around the corner?