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Design Your Ultimate God of War Monster

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When developing God of War III, a ton of effort went into bringing the dark and twisted world of ancient Greek mythology onto the PS3; something that couldn’t have been done without the talent and hard work of the amazing art team here at Santa Monica Studio who spent hours dreaming of new creatures for Kratos to destroy and new places for him to do it in.

Thankfully, the awesome people at Ballistic Publishing created the beautiful ‘The Art of God of War III’ book so that we could share all our creations from concept to completion.

The Art of God of War III cover

To celebrate God of War III joining the PS3 Greatest Hits library we wanted to give you, the loyal Spartan Army, a chance to win an exclusive signed copy of one of these fantastic books by showing the God of War team what your ultimate monster would look like!

Starting Friday, March 4th through April 1st, visit GodofWar.com, fill out the required entry form and upload your submission. At the end of the contest, the development team will judge and select the top three submissions. Prizing for the contest is as follows:

  • 1st Prize: Signed Limited Folio Edition “The Art of God of War III” Ballistic art book
  • 2nd Prize: Signed Special Edition “The Art of God of War III” Ballistic art book
  • 3rd Prize: Signed Paperback “The Art of God of War III” Ballistic art book

Stay tuned to the GodofWar.com community forums as the winners to the contest will be announced a week after the contest ends.

The following promotion is intended for viewing in the 50 United States and the District of Columbia only and will be construed and evaluated according to United States law. Do not enter this contest if you are not a legal resident of, and located in, the 50 United States or the District of Columbia at the time of entry.

OFFICIAL RULES & RELEASE FOR DESIGN YOUR ULTIMATE GOD OF WAR® MONSTER CONTEST

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN
Void outside the 50 United States and District of Columbia and where prohibited.

1. Eligibility. The Design Your Ultimate God of War® Monster Contest (“Promotion”) is open to only legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, who are at least 18 or older at the time of entry with a valid PlayStation®Network ID. (individually “Entrant”, collectively “Entrants”). Employees of Sponsor and its parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, and related companies, agencies, and the judging panel (collectively, the “Sponsor”) and immediate families (defined as parents, children, siblings and spouse and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) and those living in the same household, whether or not related, are not eligible to enter, win or vote. Void in Puerto Rico, all U.S. territories and possessions and overseas military installations and where prohibited or restricted by law.

2. Sponsor. Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC, 919 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404 (“Sponsor”).

3. Timing. The Promotion begins on March 4, 2011 at 12:00 P.M. Pacific Standard Time (“PST”) and ends on April 1, 2011 at 11:59P.M. PST (the “Promotion Period”).

4. How to Enter. Internet access and a PlayStation Network account are required to enter this Promotion. To enter go to www.godofwar.com, sign in with your PlayStation Network ID and fill out an entry form. You must provide your name, date of birth, email address, physical address (No P.O. Boxes) and telephone number. Attach your created image and Click on the “Sign Up” button to upload your artwork (hereinafter “Submission”). The Submission must be an original design based on your version of the ultimate God of War Monster. Your entry must be submitted by 11:59:59 P.M. PST on April 1, 2011.

5. Judging Criteria. All entries received will be judged based on 70% Creativity and 30% on Layout (“Judging Criteria”) by a panel of judges composed of members of the God of War Development Team and Marketing.

6. Entry Conditions and Release. Limit one entry per registered PSN account for the duration of the Promotion Period. Subsequent entries will be disqualified. The Submission must be the original and unpublished creation of the Entrant. Your Submission must be a wholly original work and created entirely by you to qualify as a submission to the Promotion. The Submission should be in png, jpg or pdf format(s) and the maximum file size is 5 MB. Entrant waives any claims against Sponsor, and its affiliates concerning his/her rights in the Submission submitted under this Agreement. (i) must be in keeping with the Sponsor’s image (as Sponsor determines in its sole discretion), (ii) may not be inappropriate, offensive, libelous or defamatory, pornographic, sexually explicit, contain nudity, unlawful or plagiarized, (iii) must not be harassing, abusive, threatening, harmful, vulgar, profane, obscene, excessively violent, racially, ethnically or otherwise objectionable or offensive in any way, (iv) may not violate or encourage others to violate any law, statute, ordinance or regulation, (v) may not defame or invade publicity rights or privacy of any person, living or deceased, or otherwise infringe upon any person’s personal or property right or any other third party right, (vi) may not contain commercial or corporate advertising, including display of corporate logos, brand names and slogans, other than those relating to Sponsor, (vii) must not include visual references to alcoholic beverages, tobacco, drug paraphernalia, firearms or any depiction or representation thereof and (viii) may not include any virus, worm, corrupt file, Trojan horse or other forms of corruptive code or content that may harm or compromise the Site or the proper conduct of the Promotion. Sponsor has the right in its sole discretion to determine if any Submission is not appropriate for publication on the Site or for any other public release and if the Submission is in compliance with these Official Rules. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify a Submission for any reason. Sponsor’s decisions are final and binding with respect to all matters relating to this Promotion.

7. Winner Selection. Winner will be selected based on the Judging Criteria from valid Entries received during the Promotion Period. Sponsor’s decisions will be final and binding. Each winning Entrant will be notified via email. The potential winning Entrant must respond to Sponsor’s prize notification email within 2 business days from that date and time of the Sponsor’s prize notification email. In the event that the potential winning Entrant does not respond to Sponsor’s prize notification email within the specified time or the prize notification email is returned as undeliverable, a new winner will be chosen based on the Judging Criteria. Alternate winners will be contacted via email and must respond to the Sponsor’s prize notification email within 2 business days from that date and time of the Sponsor’s prize notification email.

8. Prizes. There will be three (3) prizes awarded. One (1) First Prize winner will receive a Signed Limited Folio Edition of the “The Art of God of War III” Ballistic Artbook with an Approximate Retail Value (ARV) of $300.00). One (1) Second Prize winner will receive a signed Special Edition “The Art of God of War III” Ballistic Artbook with an ARV $129 and one (1) Third Prize winner will receive a signed paperback book “The Art of God of War III” Ballistic Artbook with an ARV of $65. Prize fulfillment is based on availability. Sponsor has the sole and absolute discretion to substitute a prize of equal or greater value if a prize is unavailable. If a prize is returned to Sponsor as undeliverable, Sponsor has the sole and absolute discretion to disqualify a winning Entrant and select an alternate winner based on the stated Judging Criteria. Prizes are non-transferable, and Sponsor need not substitute a prize based on winner’s request. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of the prize.

9. Release and Grant of Rights. Entrants are solely responsible for their Submission and the consequences of posting or publishing it. In connection with the Submission, Entrant affirms, represents, and warrants that: (i) Entrant owns or has the necessary licenses, rights, consents and permissions to use the Submission in the manner contemplated by the Sponsor; and (ii) Entrant has the written consent, release and permission of each and every identifiable individual person in the Submission to use the name or likeness of those persons to enable inclusion and use of the Submission in the manner contemplated by the Sponsor. By submitting the Submission to Sponsor, Entrant hereby grants to Sponsor a perpetual, fully paid, irrevocable, non-exclusive license to reproduce, prepare derivative works of, distribute, display, transmit, and permit others to use and perform throughout the universe the Submission, his/her likeness and performance and every identifiable individual person’s likeness and performance in the Submission in any media. Entrant hereby releases Sponsor and its parent and sister companies, and their officers, directors, employees and agents from any and all claims, demands, actions or causes of action of any kind, nature or description, which you or any of your successors, or, assigns, may now, or at any time, have or claim to have any reason of, arising out of, relating to or in any way connected with the rights granted above.

10. Limitations on Liability. Sponsor and its respective affiliates, subsidiaries, parent corporations, advertising and promotional agencies, and all of their officers, directors, shareholders, employees, and agents are not responsible for: any incorrect or inaccurate Entry information; human errors; technical malfunctions; failures, omissions, interruptions, deletions, or defects of any telephone network, computer online system, computer equipment, servers, providers, or software, including any injury or damage to Entrant’s or any other person’s computer relating to participation or inability to participate in the Promotion; inability to access the Site or upload information or data; theft, tampering, destruction, or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, Entries; data that is processed late or incorrectly or is incomplete or lost due to telephone, computer, or electronic malfunction or traffic congestion on telephone lines or the Internet or any website (including the Site) or for any other reason whatsoever; printing or other errors; or any combination thereof. Proof of uploading information or data or entering information at the Site is not considered proof of delivery or receipt. Illegible, duplicate and incomplete Entries will be disqualified. False, fraudulent, or deceptive Entries or acts shall render Entrants ineligible and all associated Entries or Votes will be void.

11. Indemnity. Entrant shall indemnify and defend Sponsor, its parent companies, each of Sponsor’s advertising agencies, and the officers, directors, employees, and agents of all of the foregoing and the successors and assigns of each of them, from and against actions, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses, including reasonable counsel fees related to (i) Entrant’s use of any prize, (ii) the Sponsor’s use of any of the materials submitted by Entrant in connection with this Promotion or (iii) any intentional misconduct or negligence by Entrant in connection with this Promotion.

12. Releases. As a condition of participating in the Promotion, Entrants release Sponsor and its parent, subsidiaries, agencies, divisions and affiliates from liability, for loss, harm, damage, injury, cost or expense whatsoever including property damage, personal injury and death that may occur in connection with, preparation for, travel to, or participation in the Promotion, or possession, acceptance or use of prize or participation in any Promotion-related activities and claims based on publicity rights, copyright or trademark infringement, defamation or invasion of privacy and merchandise delivery.

13. General Conditions. Potential winning Entrants are subject to Sponsor’s verification. Sponsor’s decisions are final and binding in all matters related to the Promotion. Potential winners must comply with the Official Rules, and receipt of prizes is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. Sponsor is not responsible for technical, hardware or software failures, malfunctions, lost or unavailable network connections or failed, incomplete, garbled or delayed computer transmissions or unforeseen schedule changes that may limit an Entrant’s ability to participate in the Promotion, even if caused by Sponsor’s negligence. Sponsor has the sole discretion to modify, cancel or suspend this Promotion should viruses, bugs, unauthorized human intervention or other causes beyond Sponsor’s control affect the administration, security or proper play of the Promotion or Sponsor otherwise becomes incapable of running the Promotion as planned. Sponsor is not responsible for changes to Entrant’s contact information. Sponsor has the sole discretion to disqualify Entrants who violate these Official Rules, tamper with the operation of the Promotion or engage in any conduct that is detrimental or unfair to Sponsor, the Promotion or any other Entrant.

14. Promotion Results. To obtain a winners’ list by mail, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to “Design Your Ultimate God of War® Monster Contest”, Attn: Promotions, 919 E. Hillsdale Blvd. 2nd Floor, Foster City, CA 94404. Sponsor will send requested winners’ lists within 4-6 weeks after it awards prizes. Requests for the winner’s list must be received by May 31, 2011.

15. Collection of Information. The information necessary to operate the Promotion is collected by Sponsor at the time of Entry submission, and without limiting Sponsor’s rights under its Privacy Policy with regards to its use of the information; the information collected will be used to contact you specifically for operation of the Promotion. Information collected in connection with the Promotion will be collected in accordance with Sponsor’s privacy policy, available at http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/PrivacyPolicy. By participating in the Promotion, each Entrant agrees to the terms of Sponsor’s Privacy Policy. Entry information collected from Entrants will be used only in a manner consistent with Entrants’ consent and with these Official Rules.

16. Restrictions. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

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God of War Collection: Lost Atlantis Level Revealed

With the recent release of God of War: Ghost of Sparta, players now have the opportunity to explore Atlantis on the PSP. But this isn’t the first time Atlantis was going to be featured in a God of War game. Back in 2005, Senior Level Designer Jonathan Hawkins was given his first assignment on God of War II – create an epic experience set in the fabled lost city of Atlantis. Unfortunately, after months of work, Jonathan’s designs had to be cut from the game due to some high-level changes. Afterwards, he went on to create some of the more memorable moments and puzzles in God of War II, such as the heart pounding Grapple Bridge sequence.

In honor of God of War Collection being release in HD on the PSN, we have delved into the Santa Monica Studio archives and found the never-before-seen layouts and sketches of this lost level. In the video above, Jonathan walks us through his designs and the heartbreak of having it cut from the game.

Atlantis_WaterZiplineConcept Atlantis_UpperTower

We hope you enjoy this exclusive behind the scenes look and enjoy playing God of War Collection even more.

In addition to the behind-the-scenes, be sure to visit the PlayStation Store to check out God of War Anthology, where you will find not only the digital version of God of War Collection, but also all the various add-on, video, and other titles that featured our Spartan Warrior, Kratos.

God of War Anthology - PlayStation Storefront

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God of War: Collection on the PlayStation Store 11/2

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In 2009, our Spartan Army asked for the God of War and God of War II experience to be brought forth on a single Blu-ray disc for the PlayStation 3. Almost two years later, we are bringing the same great Epic Adventures of Conquest, Destiny and Revenge directly to you through the PlayStation Store.

For those that need a refresher, God of War: Collection was the first to introduce the God of War and God of War II experience in true 720p HD form. Both titles were remastered with anti-aliased graphics, running at 60 frames per second for a smooth gameplay experience, only on the PlayStation 3 system. Additionally, it also introduced PSN Trophy support to the franchise for the very first time.

Be sure to keep your eyes glued to the PlayStation Store update on 11/2 as both the God of War: Collection and God of War: Ghost of Sparta experience will be available through the PlayStation Store for the first very time.

*God of War: Collection, God of War HD and God of War II HD PSN versions will not contain bonus material and extras from the Blu-ray. Game only.

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God of War Live is Today: Got Prizes?

The big day has finally arrived! If you haven’t already signed up, the God of War: Game Directors Live is hours away, and our Facebook Fan Page is filling up with respondents.

That said, be sure to show up early as seating is first come, first served, and there’s only a total of 150 seats available.

This will be your last reminder. Be sure to RSVP!

Date: September 1st, 2010 (aka, “today”)
Time: 4-7pm
Location: El Portal Theater (5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601)

You must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by a parent. ID will be checked!

Now… what’s a God of War event without prizes? Here’s a sneak peek at some of prizes we’ll be giving away at the event:

God of War: Ghost of Sparta Entertainment Pack on 11/2/10

PSP3000 God of War GoS

Available at launch on November 2nd, this limited two-tone, black-and-red PSP Entertainment will be signed by all five game directors.

God of War Franchise Bundle

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Receive the entire God of War franchise signed by each of the five game directors. Includes the God of War Collection (God of War, God of War II), God of War III, God of War: Chains of Olympus, and God of War: Ghost of Sparta (on 11/02/10).

And ONE God of War exclusive premium item to be announced and given out at the event! You’ll have to attend to find out what it is…

Additionally, all God of War Live attendees will walk away with a limited edition God of War OMEGA PSP strap and a voucher to download the God of War: Ghost of Sparta Demo!

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Every End Must First Begin…

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God of War – Game Directors Live in LA!

Spartan Army Members! The time has come…

Earlier this month, we announced through the PlayStation.Blog that the God of War: Ghost of Sparta six-item pre-order bundle will include an EXCLUSIVE Game Directors Documentary. What we didn’t mention however, is the open invitation to our loyal God of War fans to take part in the actual filming of the documentary in front of a live studio audience.

On Wednesday, September 1st from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, we’re taking over the El Portal Theater in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, and bringing together, for the first time in history, the entire cast of God of War Game Directors for a roundtable discussion filmed in front of a live studio audience, including: David Jaffe, Cory Barlog, Stig Asmussen, Ru Weerasuiya, and Dana Jan.

As with all epic events, we’ll have gifts and prizes for all in attendance, but be sure to get there early! Seating is first come, first serve, and there’s only a total of 150 seats available.

We’ll have more information on the gifts and prizing leading up the event, but for the time being, make sure to mark your calendars (and our Facebook Fanpage) as this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to take part in this Olympic-size event with all five God of War Game Directors.

Alright, now to the important details:

Date: September 1st, 2010
Time: 4-7pm
Location: El Portal Theater (5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601)

You must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by a parent – ID will be checked!

RSVP to the event invite on our Facebook Fanpage.

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God of War: Ghost of Sparta Official Release Date and Pre-Order Pack

God of War: Ghost of Sparta logo

Spartan Army! Prepare to embark on a journey of lost worlds and discover the origins of Kratos as Ready At Dawn in conjunction with our Santa Monica Studio are thrilled to announce that the eagerly anticipated PSP experience God of War: Ghost of Sparta will hit store shelves on Tuesday, November 2nd, just in time for the holidays!

After walking away from E3 with 10 “Best of ..” awards, and the incredible first gameplay look of King Midas at the recent “The World That is God of War” discussion panel at Comic-Con, we felt that it was only proper that we offer a pre-order package that is fitting to the gods.

Starting today, pre-order God of War: Ghost of Sparta at any of our participating retailers and receive the ultimate DLC pack at launch.

The God of War: Ghost of Sparta pre-order package includes ALL of the following:

  • Ghost of Sparta Original Soundtrack – Be part of the legacy, and relive the emotional soundscape of defiance and rage through the original soundtrack.
  • PSP Theme – Are you the ultimate God of War fan? Prove it with the God of War: Ghost of Sparta theme.
  • PS3 Dynamic Theme – Fully animated in constant motion, personalize your PS3 system with the official God of War Dynamic Theme.
  • PlayStation Network Avatar – Be one of the few to own the exclusive Kratos Avatar only available through this pre-order.
  • Legionnaire Skin – Discover the origins of the Spartan warrior as you experience God of War: Ghost of Sparta as Legionnaire Kratos.
  • EXCLUSIVE Game Directors Documentary – A full length featured video roundtable with all of the past and present Game Directors for the God of War franchise in front of a live studio audience, including: David Jaffe, Cory Barlog, Stig Asmussen, Ru Weerasuiya and Dana Jan.

Sounds like a lot? Here’s a cheat sheet for the entire DLC pre-order pack.

God of War: Ghost of Sparta details

Update: For those that have the PSP Go, have no fear! The same pre-order bundle will be offered to those who purchase the digital download version of God of War: Ghost of Sparta through the PlayStation Store from November 2, 2010 to November 9, 2010.

Additionally, fans can pre-order the ultimate PSP bundle in the form of the God of War: Ghost of Sparta Entertainment Pack beginning today as well. It will be available at all participating retailers for $199.99 MSRP.

Contents include:

  • Black and Red Two-Toned PSP-3000
  • God of War: Ghost of Sparta UMD Game– After God of War concludes, Ghost of Sparta begins with the story of Kratos’ ascension to power as the God of War.
  • God of War: Chains of Olympus PlayStation Network Downloadable Game Voucher – Before the events of God of War, experience Kratos’ journey during the 10-years of servitude to the Gods of Olympus in one of the most highly acclaimed action titles of all time!
  • Kick Ass – UMD Movie
  • 2 GB Memory Stick Pro Duo

Every End Must First Begin …

For more details on today’s announcement, visit godofwar.com or spartansstandtall.com.

God of War: Ghost of Sparta PSP

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God of War: Ghost of Sparta Picks Up 9 Awards, 4 Nominations at E3

Fellow Spartans –

With E3 behind us, I’d like to take a minute to recap the great feedback we’ve received about Kratos’ newest adventure on PSP and PSPgo. I’m thrilled to report that God of War: Ghost of Sparta has received nine “Best of E3…” awards, along with 3 nominations. Thanks again to our friends in the media for all of your support. We’re extremely appreciative and are looking forward to showing you more of this epic journey as we move closer to our release.

Here’s a quick list of our E3 accolades…

Awards:

Nominations:

For those who haven’t seen our E3 teaser trailer yet, give it watch. And for those who have, here’s a clip of gameplay footage we showed at E3 to give you a taste of the action.

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Ready at Dawn on God of War: Ghost of Sparta

God of War Ghost of Sparta 2

We are really excited to bring you the next installment of the God of War saga. It has been more than 2 years since Kratos made his first appearance on the PSP.

With the amazing feedback we got from Chains of Olympus, we thought it would be fitting to bring Kratos back to the platform once again in what will prove to be one of the most personal stories we have been able to tell in the franchise. With God of War: Ghost of Sparta we are pushing the PSP to its limits in terms of both graphics and gameplay. We believe this game will single handedly show the true power of the PSP and surpass expectations of what you believe is possible on the platform.

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Here’s a look at the God of War: Ghost of Sparta teaser trailer unveiled this week at Sony’s E3 press conference. Enjoy!

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Playtest God of War: Ghost of Sparta for PSP!

Hey everyone, Eric Koch from Santa Monica here with some awesome news for God of War fans. How would you like to be among the first to try the Kratos’s latest adventure on the PSP in the newly announced God of War: Ghost of Sparta!

God of War: Ghost of Sparta for PSP (wanna playtest?)

Response to the announcement for the new game was so great that we thought it would be cool to offer some of the most hardcore God of War fans a chance to come in and playtest the new game before anyone else.

We are looking for fans of the series to come in and give us an hour of their time and let us know what you think! We need participants this Thursday, May 27th from the following times:

  • Session 1: 11:00AM – 12:00PM
  • Session 2: 1:00PM – 2:00PM

Requirements for the Playtest are as follows:

  • Be at least 18 years or older.
  • Be willing to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement to keep what you see a secret until further notice.
  • Have played the God of War franchise and be familiar with its awesomeness.
  • Live in the LA area with reliable transportation to the playtest.

As a gift from the Gods, we will bestow upon some of our latest PSP titles for your time and effort.

If you are interested in this opportunity and meet the above requirements, please email us at gowlaplaytest@gmail.com with your name, address, contact phone number and your preference of which session you would like to join. If you do not have a session preference, please note in your email “any available session.”

If you have been selected, you will receive email confirmation with a location and time of check-in.

Space is extremely limited, so ACT FAST!

Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you, the fans!

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God of War: Ghost of Sparta Announced for PSP!

God of War fans –

I’m pleased to share some exciting news involving our favorite Spartan warrior. Fresh off his incredible run in God of War III, Kratos will be coming back to PSP and PSPgo in God of War: Ghost of Sparta!

The last time we saw Kratos on the portable platform was in God of War: Chains of Olympus, a game that coupled stunning visuals with stellar gameplay and is still the highest rated PSP title of all-time on Metacritic.com. So what can you expect this time?

First of all, it’s developed by Ready At Dawn Studios, in close collaboration with SCEA’s Santa Monica Studio, so we have the same talented team that brought you Chains of Olympus — they know the franchise and know what it takes to create an amazing game. I can also tell you from
first-hand experience that we are pushing the limits of what PSP can do with state-of-the-art visual technologies, higher resolution environments, and greater depths of scale. We’re also providing over 25% more gameplay, an improved weapon system, and new magical powers — all enjoyed anytime, anywhere.

Here are a few screens to give you a taste of the action…

God of War: Ghost of Sparta God of War: Ghost of Sparta

As for the storyline, this new adventure will serve as a prequel of sorts, picking up where God of War left off. Ghost of Sparta tells the story of Kratos’ ascension to power as the God of War. In his quest to rid the nightmares that haunt him, Kratos must face his dark past to prove his worthiness to the Gods — a journey that will reveal the origins of lost worlds and finally answer long-awaited questions about Kratos’ tattoo, scar, and family.

God of War: Ghost of Sparta God of War: Ghost of Sparta

Well, that’s all I can tell you right now, but we’ll have plenty more to share as we move closer to E3 and our release later this year, so stay tuned for more God of War: Ghost of Sparta news and be sure to keep an eye on SpartansStandTall.com and http://forums.godofwar.com for updates.

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