GOW: Chains of Olympus

My review is coming a little late this time, but I figure better late than never...

By now, we all know the tales of Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta. After being deceived into ending the lives of his wife and daughter, Kratos vowed revenge and denounced his service to Ares. But long before his battle with Ares, Kratos sought absolution from his past sins by pledging himself as a champion to the Gods. These brutal crusades in the name of Olympus became legendary, and it is this 10 years of servitude that is recounted in his first handheld appearance called "God of War: Chains of Olympus." In his plunge into darkness, Kratos must face the most feared creatures of Greek Mythology and forced to choose between his own personal redemption and saving the ancient world from certain destruction.

With two absolutely all-around spectacular GOW games, it was hard to fathom a smooth console to handheld transition at a quality level we've experienced thus far, but Ready at Dawn proved they had the chops to kick it out of the ball park. They deliver with uber perfection. The most obvious feature of the game is its outstanding technical and artistic visuals and combat. At a visual standpoint, this has got to be the best PSP game in existence. Without a doubt, I can think of no other game that matches the true visual potential of the PSP system. As far as combat goes and very impressive enough, almost no difference exists between the PS2 and PSP versions. Once you pick up the PSP, you're hands will immediately adjust and you'll feel as though you're playing on the PS2. Tight control and nice combos make up for lack of various weapons. Sound quality is sensational -- headphones are a MUST!!

The only cons I would bring up is its short gameplay -- a mere seven or eight hours worth. Though nothing new was brought to the table, "Chains of Olympus" fits perfectly snug in the GOW franchise. Fewer weapons, puzzles, and boss fights, but more action, blood, and gore. With absolutely no hesitation, this is one title that should be in everyone's library. Instantly thrown into battle, "Chains of Olympus" keeps the adrenaline pumping and gameplay moving.