The PlayStation Card: Maximize Your Gameplay and Points-Earning Power

We’ve been hard at work with our colleagues over at Capital One to create a credit card with rewards designed with PlayStation fans in mind. That’s why I’m excited to officially introduce the PlayStation Card to you today!

The PlayStation Card lets you earn points on all of your purchases, including 10X points on every purchase you make on PlayStation Network. That means you can earn 10X points on each of your game-related PSN purchases as well as PSN movie or TV episode purchases and rentals. EVERY purchase you make using this card lets you rack up points you can redeem for PlayStation games, accessories, and PlayStation Network content – along with other great products from Sony.
In addition to earning 10X the points on all PSN purchases, cardholders will receive the following additional purchase rewards:

• 3X points on ALL PlayStation and Sony purchases at Sony stores and Sony.com
• 3X points at quick service restaurants, at movie theaters, and on your mobile phone bill
• 1X points on ALL other purchases

You can also earn a $50 PlayStation Network code after your first purchase with the PlayStation Card. Additional details on the $50 PSN code offer can be found here.
It’s a great opportunity for any gamer looking to earn rewards just by purchasing the items you already enjoy. To learn more about the PlayStation Card and to apply today, click here. Happy shopping!

God of War: Origins Collection Trailer

God of War® official merchandise

Show your respect for the mighty Kratos with God of War official merchandise.

Always be under the watchful eye of Kratos as he takes his revenge on the gods, with official God of War merchandise.
Merchandise includes posters of the Spartan warrior in action, which are available for you to display everywhere.
See Kratos take on some of his deadliest enemies and witness his attack on those who betrayed him in this range of iconic images.
Get your God of War official merchandise now, available from all good retailers.




Visit the official site

Demo Guide : God of War Collection Volume II

Discover how to display some godlike skills in the free PlayStation Store demo of God of War Collection Volume II.

The wrath of the gods has been unleashed in God of War Collection Volume II on PlayStation 3 - and you have the chance to experience the thrilling adventure that awaits. Get a taste of this incredible journey through Kratos's past with the demo, downloadable now from PlayStation Store.
Check out these top tips to help you smash your foes in true Spartan style in the demo, which features the opening level from God of War: Ghost of Sparta - one of two epic games found in God of War Collection Volume II. You can also play this demo in amazing stereoscopic 3D if you have a TV that supports stereoscopic 3D display and 3D compatible glasses.




Stay fresh to stay alive

Even in this early section of God of War: Ghost of Sparta, Kratos has a range of attacks that would make any deity green with envy. This is why you should get used to trying different attacks when you can, putting you in good stead for the full game.
Defence is key
While it's tempting to wade into battle using the powerful Blades of Athena, make sure you're also comfortable with blocking and evading. Enemies can be surprisingly quick even at this early stage in the game, so master Kratos's defensive moves to keep the angry Spartan from a grisly doom.
Stay as sharp as the Blades of Athena

Even the boat journey to the lost city of Atlantis is treacherous. You would be wise to pay attention all the time, as you never know where the next threat lurks. Along with deadly enemies looking to turn you into fish food, there are also a few on-screen button pressing mini-games you'll need to master to defeat the gigantic, fabled sea monster Scylla.



Scylla thriller

The monstrous sea-dwelling horror, Scylla, may seem intimidating due to her size and ferocity - however, a clear and careful mind can tame her with ease. When you face off for a battle on the shores of Atlantis, avoid her lashing tentacles and then hit her with jumping attacks. Scylla's crushing claw swipes can be blocked or parried with good timing, leaving her open for a counter with the Blades of Athena.
With the tide of battle turning, your colossal foe will retreat and spawn her spider-like brood on you. They're easily dispatched with throws and any regular attacks you unleash can also hit Scylla as a bonus, so show no mercy. Defeated brood reward you with energy orbs, preparing you for the final stages of this confrontation...




Make sure your Spartan skills are up to scratch by the time God of War Collection Volume II launches on PlayStation 3 on 16 September 2011 - download the demo from PlayStation Store now.

God of War 3 Helios Death Scene

God of War iPhone Wallpapers

The Art of God of War™ III Special Edition

	Fans of art and fans of games will enjoy great rewards poring over The Art of God of War™ III Special Edition. The collector's edition features a black suede leather-bound cover, with silver-embossed title and glossy art tip-on art. Treasure The Art of God of War III Special Edition as a visual history of the great game.

Job ad suggests multiplayer God of War

A new job advertisement posted by Sony Santa Monica suggests a multiplayer future for the God of War series.




Sony's PlayStation 3 exclusive gore-em-up has always been single-player only.
According to the ad, posted on Gamasutra, Sony's after a senior online programmer to handle "designing and implementing systems and tools to support networking needs (such as in-game communication, client-server, match-making, leaderboards)".





Is Sony Santa Monica plotting competitive or cooperative multiplayer?
God of War III launched early last year as a visual showcase for the PlayStation 3.
It enjoyed a 9/10 in Eurogamer's God of War III review, in which Christian Donlan wrote: "There are no branching paths, no complex decisions, and no multiplayer modes, but this particular game is all the better for it, since the results are rich and focused rather than drawn-out and a little ragged."

New God of War Game Revealed by Job Listing

Sony Santa Monica has begun work on the next God of War project. This is according to a recent job listing posted by the studio early this month.




Santa Monica is currently looking to fill a Senior Staff Concept Artist position for a project only called “God of War”.

Requirements for the position in question include “previous or next-gen video game platform experience (e.g. PS2, PS3, X-box, X-box 360 etc.)” which could indicate that the next God of War installment is PS3 bound and not for the Vita.

God of War: The story so far

With God of War Collection Volume II on PS3 available to buy in shops and on PlayStation Store, take a look back at Kratos's vengeance fuelled journey on PlayStation.

In the beginning

Set halfway through Kratos's ten years of service to the gods, we start the mighty Spartan's journey in God of War: Chains of Olympus, available on PSP and also in God of War Collection Volume II on PlayStation 3. In this bloodstained beginning, Kratos seeks absolution from the sins of his past after being deceived into murdering his wife and child by Ares. Now, a champion to the gods, he must embark on brutal crusades that have become the stories of legend in the ancient world.



However, when the world is plunged into eternal darkness and the gods are rendered powerless after the sun god, Helios, disappears, Kratos is tasked with retrieving him in a bid to break Morpheus's stranglehold over the other gods and Earth itself. Along the way he journeys to lands no mortal has ever walked upon and, before he reaches the end of his task, he must choose between personal redemption and saving the world from obliteration.
In Chains of Olympus, Kratos will have to face all manner of foes including the Persian King, a hulking foe leading his army of warriors into battle against the city of Attica; Charon, the ferryman of the underworld and the Basilisk, a gargantuan lizard-like monster summoned by the Persians to conquer Greece.
Start at the beginning with God of War: Chains of Olympus, available on PSP and in God of War Collection Volume II on PS3.
At war with the God of War

Opening on the highest cliff top in Greece, God of War originally released on PlayStation 2 is told through a series of flashbacks. It's here in God of War that we discover the origins of Kratos' unstoppable arsenal, the Blades of Chaos; mighty weapons forged in the pits of Hades and handed to him by Ares in a bid to carry out his orders of destruction.
The story begins in Athens where Kratos battles the three-headed monster, Hydra, before embarking on a bloody mission for Athena who wants him to stop Ares and save her city from defeat. In order to do this Kratos must set out on a journey to track down Pandora's Box, which grants any mortal who possesses it, the power to defeat a god. Unfortunately, the box has been locked deep within Pandora's Temple located on the back of the Titan, Cronos, who has been cursed by Zeus to wander the Desert of Lost Souls for all eternity.



As he battle minions and faces some of the most enormous bosses ever conjured on PlayStation, Kratos uncovers mysteries surrounding his true origins and eventually comes face to face with Ares in a bloody battle to the death before being crowned the new God of War by Athena.
Download God of War from PlayStation Store now.
Blood brothers

Playable on PSP and in God of War Collection Volume II on PS3, God of War: Ghost of Sparta is the next brutal chapter in the epic saga. Set after the events of the blockbuster God of War on PlayStation 2, Kratos has taken his place amongst the Olympians as the God of War. Ares has been crushed, Olympus beckons but Kratos finds himself still haunted by the visions of his mortal past. However, as images of his brother Deimos and mother Callisto flash vividly before his eyes, Kratos feels that these are more than just visions. After all, with the gods, nothing is ever as it seems.
Setting out on a journey to the city of Atlantis in search of the Temple of Poseidon, Kratos encounters the monstrous sea creature Scylla. Having battled the beast, he eventually reaches his mother, lying on a bed, weakened and close to death. It is here at this moment in time that Kratos finally discovers his father's true identity and begins his bloody quest to find his long-lost brother, Deimos.
Uncover the true story behind Kratos's tragic past and his meteoric rise to a seat on Mount Olympus in God of War: Ghost of Sparta - available on PSP and in God of War Collection Volume II on PS3.



Defy the Gods and alter the past

In God of War Kratos was but a mortal warrior who set out on a quest to dethrone Ares. Succeeding, he was handed the mantle of God of War by Athena, but his journey didn't end there. In God of War II released on PlayStation 2, Kratos sits atop his throne on Olympus, raging battles with far more brutality than that of his predecessor. Opening on a huge scale battle in Rhodes in which he battles the Colossus of Rhodes, Kratos is stripped of his powers by Zeus because he fears he may suffer the very same fate as Ares.



Slain and cast down to an eternity of torment in Hades Kratos is rescued by Gaia, the mother of the Titans, who offers him a deal. Help the Titans destroy the gods by locating the Sisters of Fate on the Island of Creation to alter his past and crush Zeus. As Kratos embarks on this perilous journey through mythical lands he will come face to face with ancient legends including the magical horse, Pegasus, the Titan Typhon and Prometheus and Atlas, a Titan he'll meet for the second time after his brief appearance in God of War: Chains of Olympus on PSP.
At the end of his journey he will not only alter the course of history and strike fear into the hearts of gods, but also bring forth the Titans from the Great War - where they suffered an agonising defeat - through the power of the Loom of Fate, a device which allows him to travel back in time. And when this tale comes to an end at the base of Mount Olympus another shall begin...
Download God of War II from PlayStation Store today.



The beginning of the end

God of War III on PlayStation 3 sees the Spartan warrior, Kratos, embark on the final chapter of his journey to wreak vengeance on Mount Olympus - the legendary home of the Greek gods.
With a little help from Gaia, the mother of the Titans, Kratos lays siege to Zeus' temple and destroys everything in his path. Together with an impressive army of imposing Titans, his goal is simple - scale the vast mountain, battle Zeus' army of the undead and crush the gods once and for all.
Unleash your vengeance now with God of War III on PlayStation 3.

New God of War in Development and It's... a "Military Combat" Game?

If there's one word that could never be used in conjunction with any of the God of War games, it's "military." While the ancient Greeks certainly had an army, even the most primitive guns weren't invented for many hundreds of years after the series takes place.
But an official job posting reveals that the next God of War title is being described by Sony as "Military / Combat."
The opening in the God of War team is for a Senior Staff Concept Artist, whose job duties include "conceptual development" and "llustration," in an effort to "define and achieve a product's visual style or encourage artistic evolution within the studio."




Is this just a poor descriptor, or is God of War IV actually going to take place in a more modern-day setting?
A modern-day God of War and a new protagonist, however, were hinted at previously. In an unlockable video titled "Fate of the Titan"(watch it below), helicopters and a military jeep are shown, along with the words "soon, as with all great myths, a new hero will emerge."

God of War HD (PS3) VS SD (PSP) Comparison

This God of War HD vs God of War SD PS3 vs PSP Comparison shows you how God of War Origins Collection has improved the PlayStation Portable God of War games in their transition to current-generation console graphics on the PlayStation 3.
This second volume of the God of War Collection (the first set gave us God of War I & God of War II remastered for PS3, they were originally PS2 titles) takes the original PSP games and greatly improves them with high-definition graphics.
The remastering includes up-rezing the PSP engine from the PSP’s 480 x 272 resolution and 30 frames per second to 1920 x 1080p at a steady 60 fps on the PS3. Which was a daunting task for the developers, who had to painstakingly re-code the PSP engine for PS3. In addition, all of the art assets had to be up-rezed and re-painted, tripling the polygon count and giving every texture a 4x resolution for all characters and environments!



Not only that, but God of War Origins Collection was then converted to support stereoscopic 3D! They also had to re-render every cinematic scene, effectively having to remake it since up-rezing didn’t give them the quality they wanted for the cinematics. And between the two PSP titles (God of War: Chains of Olympus and God of War: Ghost of Sparda) there is over an hour of computer-generated movie scenes!
You can see the final result for yourself in this God of War HD (PS3) vs God of War SD (PSP) Comparison video! Don’t forget to increase the resolution of the video to 720p and watch in fullscreen!

God of War 4 listed for 2012 release again

Long-running New Zealand-based online retailer Mighty Ape has listed God of War 4 for release in 2012.

Mighty Ape's listing is the second this year to suggest a new entry in Sony's blockbuster action franchise is coming next year. In March, a CV belonging to an animator appeared online referencing a "God of War 4 cinematic test". However, the animator in question quickly claimed this he had nothing to do with Sony's flagship series.
PSM3 magazine later heard from a source that "works closely with the God of War universe" that a fourth entry in the series is set for release around September 2012.
The rumours were then strengthened by Official PlayStation Magazine, which backed up PSM3's report and also suggested God of War 4 will feature an online component.

God of War Posters

Cover up your walls with Chaos with these two brutal God of War III posters available now.

Dimensions-
22 x 34 inches
Where you can find them-
US:
AAFES – Army and Airforce Exchanges
All Posters.com
Hastings Books and Music
Newbury Comics
Transworld Entertainment Stores (FYE, etc.)



CAN:
Giant Tiger
HMV
WalMart CAN

Get a constant reminder of Kratos’s fury when you hang these up in your home, room, or even workplace.

David Jaffe's Vision Of God Of War

David Jaffe always has something on his mind, and on his blog he recently mused what it would it be like if he ever made another God of War.
Jaffe was pretty explicit in regards to his vision of another God of War with him at the helm – hypothetically, of course – since he hasn't been asked.

A lot of people ask me if I'd ever make another GOD OF WAR (assuming that opportunity was offered) and I always say the same thing: if it were GOD OF WAR meets something like ZELDA (formula wise), then yes (aka Darksiders, right?)…But if it were GOD OF WAR using the current formula, I would not. For me- and this is just me PERSONALLY (I get and respect not everyone shares this same thinking)- directing GOD OF WAR made me realize that as a game designer (and certainly as game director) I want our games to serve the gods of GAMEPLAY first and foremost. My and then team's desire to tell a story/make a movie may or may not get to be fulfilled (depending on the game) but if we do tell a story, it will never come at the expense of the gameplay (the thing that makes our medium matter and special). Games can have story (and many should, such as God of War) and most games- even pure play games- should have strong world and IP. But working on God of War made it clear that- for me- if we have to cut a set piece or bit of spectacle because of our desire to put play first, then so be it. Ideally, the BEST games are those that do both.

God of War PSP Games heading for PS3

Many people will love this idea, since not everyone has played these titles on the PSP while they wait for God of War 4 to be officially announced, not to mention trophies and other achievements being ported as well. BT games have this GoW PSP Collection available for preorder, which is an indication that the story is actually true.
We know that some fans believe the franchise is being milked too much so we appreciate your thoughs on this, stay tuned for more GoW News.

God of War 4 Release Date

The expected God of War 4 release date is yet unknown, but we do have proofs that gow IV will definitely be an online multiplayer experience. UPDATE: PSM3 has received some serious information from an unnamed source which claims GOW IV is coming September 2012.




We can rest assure there’s a God of War 4 on the works, and it seems that at least part of it will be an online multiplayer experience. This notice, posted in the site gamasutra reveals the Sony Santa Monica studios is indeed hiring a Senior Online Programmer to join their Join the God of War team. We highly expect to receive a god of war 4 release date soon, as the game starts being developed. The rumoured year of release is 2012.

God of War 4 Multiplayer is now an Official Rumor

Ever wanted to play Kratos along other people?. The God of War 4 rumor has always been attached to an important new feature to the franchise, the online multiplayer option (some say it’s probably co-op, others says a versus/competitive style would fit better), but now that rumor has become a bit serious since the official Play Station UK magazine has been extremely spefic about Krato’s comeback.

Yes, this time is not PSM3 mag making statements about a supposed release date. We can now say that this rumor is official a Multiplayer God of War is on the works. These exact words come from UK OPSM

Kratos is on his way back, with his next adventure set to feature multiplayer.

Many hard core fans will get really mad at this news of a possible GoW Online. However, it’s a pretty weird thing that such a huge popular franchise has remained offline so far. Our opinion is that as long as they don’t modify the fighting style/gameplay the Multiplayer sequel will be great. They could also add new classes, in the case of making it co-op, because it will feel weird to be surrounded by 10 more Kratos besides you. Who knows, maybe this will become the next WoW. Just imagine new scenarios, that work just like those of GoW 3, and new bosses (the main greek ones have been smashed by the way), a group of five online spartans heading into a dungeon, God of War Multiplayer is coming!.

God of War Movie

The first rumor about a possible director for a God of War film was Brett Ratner, and that rumor has been replaced since then. GoW 3 game director Stig Asmussen, didn’t deny or confirm a GoW script, he simply said in an interview that the studios don’t have control on the movie production itself.
John Hight, the God of War Team product development chief, stated that none movie studio has so far contacted them with updates on the movie script, this was in march 2010.
But what are the thoughts of GoW mentor, Davif Jaffe?. He said that is not Sony’s priority to go forward with the God of War movie. So far, there’d been 3 drafts from Mosaic Entertainment, the studios in charge for the film production, Jaffe believes that the people writing the scripts are actually awesome and they have worked on great scripts before.
Now, even after all the downsides and bad news, there’s an interview with Brett Ratner, who apparently confirms the making of the God of War film.

Our thoughts on this are the following: Since God of War 4 will probably be released next year, there wouldn’t be any better timing to finally produce the movie and launch it just a bit before the game itself. Movies like Braveheart, Gladiator and Troy have been incredibly successful, and GoW storyline does provide plenty of background to write a nice script, without making major changes to the original video game plot. Sony needs to be careful that the movie is not just made to make quickly millions of dollars, leaving aside the original storyline. They don’t need to add extra characters or scenery, since it’s all already there, the franchise does provide them already with the content. Science Fiction + Greek Mythology = Win.

A question that still remains among fans is, who could be the right person to impersonate Kratos?

God of War Origins Collection for PS3

After so much expectations, GoW 4 was not announced at the E3. However, the franchise did got some love from Sony. Both Ghost of Sparta and Chains of Olympus will be available for the PS3, in a remastered version called God of War Origins: Collection. Do not expect new levels, weapons or characters, the game is exactly the same as in the PSP. What changes though, is the screen resolution and frames, with 720p and 60 per second respectively. The controls have also been modify to that of the PS3, and trophy support will be included. Below is the trailer that was shown on E3, you would expect Sony to do a better job, or at least produce a new entire cinematic for the presentation since this one in particular looks really bad, the gameplay itself looks much better though. The game is already available for pre-order at Amazon. Perhaps the most unexpected feature for the collection is the 3D mode, we’ll have to wait and see how that works.

Reason #3 to Pre-Order God of War: Ghost of Sparta – PSP Theme

Spartan Army! For those that pre-ordered the Limited Edition God of War: Ghost of Sparta Entertainment Pack and looking to complete the Kratos portable experience, this update is for you!
Reason #3 to Pre-Order God of War: Ghost of Sparta – introducing the exclusive PSP Theme featuring our rage filled Kratos (outfitted within the sleek two-tone Limited Edition Ghost of Sparta PSP)

Just a friendly reminder, we’re only four short weeks away from the release date of November 2^nd, so if you’re looking to purchase the UMD version of Ghost of Sparta, be sure you do it soon. The exclusive DLC bundle is exclusive to the pre-order and won’t be available at retail after November 2^nd.
For our Canadian friends, please be sure to visit any of participating retailers for more information on the exclusive Ghost of Sparta DLC pack

DESIGN YOUR ULTIMATE GOD OF WAR MONSTER

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.

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 4^th through April 1^st, visit the GodofWar.com homepage, 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:


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