God of War III
You had me at Helios.
We've all pulled the heads off things before, of course. Pretty much all videogames include pulling the heads off things (with the possible exception of Imagine Babies). But no other example springs to mind just now, because the only one worth remembering is Kratos' angry, barehanded decapitation of poor old chariot-riding Helios in God of War III. Helios is a fiery, antagonistic little pretty-boy, but once you've watched his skin stretched taught into tendrils and torn, like so much plasticine flesh in a George Romero movie, you can't help feel sorry for him.
His actual death is relatively insignificant to the God of War III demo we're playing at this week's Eurogamer Expo, but his head's quite useful - it can be used to shine light on secrets and startle skeletal enemies in dark caves. But even this is just one of many potentially throwaway ideas in a teaser rich with interactive possibility - whether it's in the timed trebuchet takedown of Helios' chariot, which originally set him up to lose his head, or using Harpies as movable platforms, or riding a Cyclops around battering the phalanx of guards protecting a wounded Titan.
Like its predecessors, God of War III injects so much spectacle into each slick confrontation that even the simplest skirmish lingers in the memory. Sony Santa Monica wields quick-time events with particular relish. Apart from pulling off Helios's head, Kratos scoops the eye out of a Cyclops and wrenches it free by a fistful of nerve endings; he topples a Centaur and spills its considerable guts all over the flagstones; and in a multi-part battle with a Chimera he first removes its tail, then gouges its bowels, and ultimately rips off a horn for the killing blow, thrust through the side of the mighty beast's dazzled head. Tap, tap, tap you go on the DualShock 3; were it any more involved, of course, you wouldn't get to stare at the grisly details.

Perhaps if he wore the red make-up on the other side of his head the scar wouldn't be so obvious.
Far from divorcing you from the action by stressing the superficial, however, there's a strong connection between player and spectacle. Before you've even begun the demo, Sony is simultaneously showing off and drawing you into the action: as you stare at Kratos' grumpy face on the ludicrously detailed title screen and hit the Start button, the camera merely pulls back and gives you control. Skeleton warriors round the bend on the mountain path that overlooks a war-ravaged cityscape, and you start hacking and slashing.
Next to the grander confrontations, and in the shadow of the massive, volcanic Titan clambering all over the city, you might imagine the core combat struggles for relevance, but hopefully it will be here that God of War III excels in depth. The Eurogamer Expo demo, which was first playable at the E3 trade show this summer, is a promising indicator: Kratos can switch between the Blades of Athena and the Cestus (giant slicey gauntlets) using d-pad directions, while the new fire bow is deployed with a shoulder button. Along with special moves through a bumper-button modifier, it's a good starter mix, allowing you to handle both individuals and groups at close quarters and distance, while there's clear scope for air combos too.
Sony hasn't spoken in huge depth about other tools, but by triple-jumping it's possible to deploy Icarus' wings from the game's predecessor, and the Golden Fleece is evident in screenshots. Given that previous games could only handle around 15 enemies on-screen and God of War III can manage 50, we can also speculate on attacks that accommodate larger parties - although some of the initial special attacks already go some way towards this, like a heavy special with the Cestus which spreads the gauntlets wide on chains and then brings them together in a devastating clap.
Weaker in execution are the platform and puzzle elements, which are neither that exotic to look at nor to navigate. Helios' head is used to locate a secret door, but it's the only bare surface within range anyway, and leaping to handholds, sidling along narrow ledges and waiting for repeating bursts of fire to subside so you don't get torched are all a bit - for want of a better phrase - last gen. No doubt we can expect more from GOWIII in these areas than we're seeing in this brief demo, but considering Sony Santa Monica's close relationship with Uncharted 2 developer Naughty Dog, it's surprising to see anything this basic make it anywhere near the game, let alone into such an otherwise-accomplished demo.
Whether the God of War studio matches the efforts of its illustrious counterparts in the technical department, meanwhile, is probably best left to our own illustrious counterparts at Digital Foundry to assess (DF's E3 analysis is a good starting point), but there's no question that the gameworld is slick, the frame-rate consistent and the sense of scale occasionally outstanding. The final ascent through an Icarus vent, climaxing in a mouth-watering head-to-head with the lava Titan that remains unsettled as the demo ends, hints at what Sony has in store, and like Uncharted 2 there's a self-conscious attention to detail, keeping the visual surprises in direct line with the gameplay to stress the absence of recorded cut sequences, that momentarily paralyses your critical faculties.

Kratos' new water pistol goes down well with the locals.
It's a heck of a marker, in fact, reminiscent of the colossus demo that preceded the generation-topping God of War II for the last PlayStation console. It's a bit early in PS3's projected 10-year lifecycle to be talking about topping anything, of course (Helios excepted), but in the increasingly fierce battle for multi-platform dollars, we'd be excited if we had Kratos in our corner - and if this demo, which has been showcased to the press since as early as April in a less polished format, is what Sony Santa Monica is happy to wear on its sleeve, it certainly bodes well for what it still has left up it. Expect it to turn heads at the Expo this week, whenever it's not tearing them off.
God of War III is due out exclusively for PlayStation 3 in March 2010.
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Comments (105) Latest comment 2 years ago
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First time this site's made me laugh out loud in ages.
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I tried GoW2 nevertheless to see what all the fuz was about, I came away mightily impressed and had a ton of fun playing it. Looking forward to this one then...
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WANT!
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Whats important is that if its a hack and slash, will it be better than others of the same. 50 enemies, great graphics, animations, sounds promising for hack and slash lovers...
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This game'll be great, no doubt about it! Any game directed by a guy with the name of Stig will be really great
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Yeah, 'cos it can't possibly be the readers...
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on a different matter: donnie, you're so full of shit that i'm almost looking forward to your nonsensical comments in every single ps3 thread
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Last decent hack and slash was Wolverine, but was tainted by unreal engine gloss and graphics...so would be good to have another....
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March 2010 cannot come soon enough. It's a shame it didn't make 2009 as it would have been the creme de la creme of what has turned out to be an exceptional year for games on the PS3.
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Note how the opening of the article pre-empts the QTE whineage.
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lol what a cnt... lol
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Being a fanboy of a particular console is the consumer equivalent of noshing down on the relevant CEO's membrum virile.
That is all.
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We've had Donne and penhalion not liking the look of this PS3 exclusive. Just gotta wait for Calgon and Xerx3s to confirm that the game is going to be absolute crap.
Liking the look of it myself mind.
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As for Uncharted 2, it is very much a game made to the strengths of the PS3 and comparing it to Tomb Raider on the 360 seems a bit too much like fan baiting to me considering Underworld is also available on the PS3 as well.
Finally, you admit to owning a PS3 but cannot stand playing games on it? Why do you have one then; why not sell it if you're so unhappy with it?
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Oh, and shut-up Donnie.
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And its the only game I see doing QTE mostly okay. For a 'bigger' baddie, you know the QTE is coming up so its not totally random and you get to watch some creative carnage (its also the opposite of the preceeding button mash). I've hated QTEs since I saw them in Space Ace on the Atari ST, basically watching a game play itself there. If theres too many or, god forbid, they are random I 100% switch off. But in GoW i feel its mostly different...
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and not unlike Halo or Gears or Forza or L2D or...
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Some seem to think this happens more the other way around...
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Do you like anything. I have most games for Ps3 or Xbox (have 2 of each) and there is a place for mindless hack and slash games, and GOW is the best of that Genre, so why the hate ?
Actually looking at some of youir hate even on Halo ODST comments, I surmise you just enjoy taking the P##' , fair enough.
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Being a fanboy of a particular console is the consumer equivalent of noshing down on the relevant CEO's membrum virile.
That is all. "
Yeah except you can't say anything anti-sony without being a fanboy, even if it's your actual measured opinion and not ignorance.
Anyway, game looks like more of the same crap, i couldn't even finish GoW2, it's a friggin hack n slash fgs. Grip get. (Disclaimer: I would think GoW was just as boring if it was on Xbox 360)
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GLOLZ ROFLCOPPER! That's the best joke EVER!
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He's harmless because he isn't subtle
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can't wait for this one!
this and bioshock 2 are must-buys for next year!
but as far as bioshock 2 I will wait to see where it runs better 360 or ps3
hope ps3 is better than last time...
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actually, GoW 1 was one of the very few games that had a proper storyline. it's a tragedy about a man hellbent on vengeance, who loses everything because of it, and it's not very far away from the kind of stories that you find in greek mythology.
also, in terms of 3rd person hack'n'slash gameplay, GoW is probably the best gaming has to offer.
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i'm one of those, and i still prefer kratos
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Totally agree, the first God of War doesn't get enough credit for this. It really does feel like you're playing in a Greek myth, or at the very least a hollywood version of one. Still to this day it's one of the most cinematic games I've played.
The second one does go a bit OTT, and plays to the stereotypes the first was unfairly accused of.
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So a game who's entire theme is based on ancient greece gets props for having a story that plays like an ancient greek tragedy? What's next? Praising Modern Warfare for having a storyline that touches upon the all to current subject of war?
Seriously though, GOW1 does have a good storyline, and they've definitely put some effort in there. It's just too bad they chose not to explore that any further, and instead focus on pubescent boys and their demand for gore.
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I used to criticise the PS3 because I wanted Sony to know that the situation with the platform and the direction the platform
Eh? I hate to break it to you but SONY WEREN'T FUCKING LISTENING. IF YOU WANT TO SAY SOMETHING TO SONY, THEN EMAIL THEM! All you where doing was annoying people. And you've left us the legacy of this Donnie clown to annoy us now! who, I might add has started comparing himself to Nelson Mandela!
On topic, very, very much looking forward to this. Some things need a thorough reimagining for next gen consoles, but I don't think GOW is one of them.
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taut
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I dont think posting on a Eurogamer forums slating the PS3 was going to get Sony's attention at all... to be honest i dont think emailing them would make any difference either. Glad you have changed your direction in how you approach things, you are entitled to not liking the PS3 or its direction, ... I used to own a Ps1 and Ps2, but wasnt really that fussed about them (PC user)... now i buy most stuff on the PS3, so I cant say i care for the "What sony was before" argument.. Im more interested in what they can do for me now.
@Donnie, you remind me alot of that count Muppet guy that used to hang around the forums, posting crap all the time... you wouldnt be related to him would you?
@EvilBob_leeds, on the reimagining, I never heard of GOW before the PS3, and I wonder how many other people are the same... wonder if they do need to change the design that much or just make it graphically better? Its an interesting question.
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That's obviously why anyone who said they liked a game on the PS3 was called a "c*nt" by you then. Good way to let Sony know the situation.
GOW3 will definately appeal to fans of the series, not too sure about it's appeal to others though. Certainly isn't my cup of tea if I'm being honest and unless it reviews Uncharted 2 style I doubt I'll have much interest in it.
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i'll become an early adopter if that ever happens.
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Golly! That's a tough one! It would be nice if 90% of the games weren't sub-par ports which you can get superior versions of on a console that costs half the price and came out a year and a half earlier....
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What are you saying? The PS3 has a HD game? WooHoo, have yourself a party! It doesn't change the fact that if you measure a consoles worth by the games available on it, the 360 is in general the better system. I'd actually swap my PS3 for a Wii, that's how shit I think it is.
P.S. Donnie is a n00b just like you two, I'm one of the EG elite, I've been here since you were in nappies, I'm basically the mayor of gaming, the emperor of EG, the king of console knowledge...but you can call me Jesus.
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Better be solid 60fps or Bayonetta is going to eat you alive.
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Well, that depends on whether you're capable of having a reasoned conversation, or whether you and the people you choose to conversation with are teenage cretins to whom the word "debate" is a closed book in a foreign language in a locked room in a tall tower on a distant planet.
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...lulz
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Pure comedic brilliance! Guess donnie# isn't a 360 fanboy but just a troll with a sense of humour...
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Back on topic, i love God of War because it's so ridiculous. I don't think you can say that the violence is in poor taste as it's so over the top it's not actually offensive
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But do you really have to bother us with those ramblings? There's plenty of people for which the PS3 did and does deliver. I got mine at launch (first ever launch console) because it allowed me to play MLB The Show straight away (and because money isn't an issue anymore). Never been happier. Had it not been for that fact I probably would still be playing my PS2 as I don't care much for HD (and wouldn't at all had I not experienced it) or online.
IMHO poeple that get both a 360 and a PS3 are crazy/have too much spare time. There's plenty to play on both taking into account each platform's exclusives and the multi-plats.
"(just sick of the constant abuse)"
There's a very easy way to avoid that...
Back to GoW III. Loved the first game, haven't finished the second yet. Looking forward to part 3 though I probably will not get around to playing it for quite some time after its release.
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Sure there has been some lazy cross platform developed games (i'm looking at you half life!) but come on 90% are pretty much identical.
Honestly if there's anyone out there who gets all excited that they have a superior version of a cross platform game because on a computer analysed faceoff the other version drops 3 frames at a certain area or has slightly better more defined shadows underwater your very sad...and def need to have sex for the first time!
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Really? I guess I didn't get that particular memo. All I got was the red ring malfunction, a broken disk tray, a console so noisy it was impossible to watch movies on and a creeping realisation that I had been shafted...
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I dont play games online (which is where 360 excels i hear), i can play all the cross platform games i want, i can play the updates of sony exclusives that i had on my ps2 and i can still play dvd's so in my humble opinion the ps3 is a great successor to anyone who had a ps2 such as myself. Why is that a problem for you?!
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I dont play games online (which is where 360 excels i hear), i can play all the cross platform games i want, i can play the updates of sony exclusives that i had on my ps2 and i can still play dvd's so in my humble opinion the ps3 is a great successor to anyone who had a ps2 such as myself. Why is that a problem for you?!
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360 was rushed to market, ill-engineered, low on features _and_ you end up paying more for the console with its Live service - the only reason why I respect the machine, the irony. according to me the 360 is for fans of "extreme gaming" (i.e. blood, guts, fps, macho marines), who _think_ they have a cheaper machine to boot.
donnie, so because Halo sells more, it does not fit your "acquired taste" category? To me it enforces it. Halo is a system seller, but I have the impression that all Halo fans already have 360 - its sales did not peak with the very well received ODST release, coupled with a price-drop (!). You're sick of waiting for 5 years for games and blame Sony for it, but use Alan Wake in the same breath? Oh dear...
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CAN ALL PERSONS WHO DON'T REALLY LIKE PS3 OR ITS GAMES, AND / OR HAVE NO INTEREST IN IT, PLEASE VISIT ANOTHER THREAD? THIS ONE IS / SHOULD BE ABOUT A PS3 EXCLUSIVE!
kthx. don't let the door hit you on your way out.
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Whine all you like, the fact still remains that 90% of the PS3's software library are inferior ports of 360 games. kthx.
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Even though I fear the humour is non-intentional...
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If the developer is only offering the same sequence for your 'hands on', then save some embarrassment (and probably money) and don't bother writing about it.
Seriously, any one of us could have written this two months ago and sent it in.
For those commenters saying 'it sounds for of the same' perhaps it's because your brain is telling you, you've all seen this when it was first released to the public.
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Which raises the question why you are owning a PS3 in the first place, as you so boldly claim -- unless, of course, you are talking out of your arse as you usually do.
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Its going to be an even better year for gamers than 2007.
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This is the typical Sony apologist attitude, so the PS3 has 3 available games that perform well, that's great for a system that's been out for 3 years isn't it, what about the other 5-6 hundred? I'll tell you shall I? OK, well out of that 5-6 hundred, 400(ish) are multi-platform titles of which 99% are superior on the 360. While I agree some of these games aren't that much worse on the PS3, some like Ghostbusters and many others were definitely noticeably inferior and to a degree that it does impact on ones enjoyment of the game. This is all moot though as the point is basically the PS3 delivers worse versions of games, doesn't matter how much worse, the fact is you're still paying more for an inferior experience, if you as a gamer are happy with that then so be it..
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http://www.blu-r ay.com/news/?id=3615
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However, the build I played was jaggy and was struggling to run at 30fps.....just round the corner I played demos of both Bayonetta (360) and Dante Inferno (pS3) both of which were graphically superior, less jaggy and crucially for thsi type of game - locked at 60fps
Here's hoping they can squeeze some more horsepower out of this engine before it goes gold
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"Game will never be considered a serious artform if we keep praising stuff like this as the best gaming has to offer"
There are movies like Transformers, Indiana Jones (and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull), Bad Boys, 300, etc. which would never be considered "art" in the way that movies like Gandhi, Schindler's List, Patton, Requiem for a Dream, Pi, etc are. That doesn't mean that some of these "popcorn" movies are any less interesting for all the crap they shove in there, are they?
Just as Movies and Books are different media, and some differences are necessary for approaching either, don't you think Games should receive the same benefit of doubt as well? Sure, the GOW series may be no Oscar-winning eyebrow-raising critic-favorite, but it doesn't need to be. It does what it does quite well, and in my opinion, that is what it should be measured against. Not every game can be as entertaining as a major Hollywood blockbuster like Uncharted 2 can.
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"By the way, "Kryon", if you have to describe yourself as "Elite", you really don't understand the term. "
He probably means he "owns" an Elite
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Check Dante's Inferno is looking awesome
[link url=http://www .youtube.com/watch?v=hKZHAmhY_tw
]http://www .youtube.com/watch?v=hKZHAmhY_tw
[/link]
Also check Darksiders - this is looking more my sort of action game (needs a bit of rpg,adv,puzzles)
http://www .youtube.com/watch?v=lzLph6mxNUA
Both games are interesting me more then GoW III (I prefer less button mashing hack and slash, but, more strategy and adventure - Darksiders and Dante's Inferno look more my sort of action game...Darkstriders seems to remind mer of a faster version of Demon's Souls (my fav game PS3 game).
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