Yesterday was the worldwide release for God of War 3, one of the most anticipated games exclusive for the Playstation 3. I was lucky to get a copy thanks to my officemate, Paul, who rushed to Glorietta and had a reservation. Boy, ’twas a great week for gaming with almost simultaneous releases for both GoW 3 and FF 13.

I still have to get myself a copy of FF 13, though…

God of War 3 Unboxing

Here are a few more pics of the God of War 3 packaging. They also have a massive Ultimate Edition collector’s item too with a Pandora’s box packaging and lots of freebies!

Storyline

Before I go with my initial impressions, allow me to refresh you on Kratos’ life for God of War 1 and God of War 2 (both games for the PS2)

God of War Storyline

Set in the dark world of ancient Greek mythology, players take on the role of Kratos, a Spartan warrior. Plagued by the nightmares of his past, the ash covered warrior would do anything to be free of his debt to the Gods and the memories that haunt him. For ten years he has labored for Olympus, now on the verge of losing all hope, the Gods have given him one last task. Destroy Ares, the God of War. Armed with the deadly chained Blades of Chaos, Kratos will have to overcome armies of mythological monsters, legions of undead soldiers, and amazingly dangerous and brutal landscapes.

God of War II Storyline

God of War saw Kratos, a mortal warrior, set upon an epic quest to dethrone a God. But his journey did not end there. In God of War II, Kratos sits atop his Olympus throne, as the new God of War – far more ruthless than Ares ever was. To end his continued torment, Kratos must journey to the far reaches of the earth and defeat untold horrors and alter that which no mortal, or god has ever changed… his fate. God of War sets an epic stage for a devastating mythological war to end all wars.

And the ending of God of War 2 is where GoW 3 begins. Kratos rushing to Mount Olympus with Gaiea and other collosi

Initial Impressions

• Graphics – superb! This game truly tested the limits of the PS3 system. Shadows, facial expression, lighting were all superbly detailed and rendered. Actions and movement were both fluid and wonderful and you can see the skin pores on the characters. You SHOULD play this on an HD screen. Good thing my 37″ was true-HD and up to the challenge.
• Opening Scene – Uber epic in scale! The battle at Mount Olympus sets the tone immediately. The controls were all so familiar to any GoW player. Violence and gore multiplied to the extreme! It’s one great experience
• Fight Scenes - (spoiler alert) I enjoyed the scene where Kratos beats the shit out of Poseidon. With the camera going to the first-person view (of Poeidon), you’ll feel sorry for the god. Tsk tsk! You meddled with Kratos, bitch!
• Level Detail – There are new takes to level design. Especially now that Kratos has the Wings of Icarus, it literally adds a new dimension to the game. I expect more flying in the next episodes.

So there you go! My initial notes on God of War 3.

So far, the experience is great! I’m loving every minute of it. God of War 3 was worth the wait and I’m glad I got a PS3 since I was really looking forward to playing this game.

How will it compare to past versions? I hope that after sacrificng sleep and social life after 10-20 hours, this game will do justice to its predecessors.

If you’re on PSN, add me gmtristan. Thanks!

Gotta run!

This weekend, Zeus will die!