God of War: Chains of Olympus

G4 TV

The PSP hasn’t yet seen a game with this much polish, this much visual punch, or this much bloody satisfaction. Everything feels meaty, be it the clash of weapon on flesh or the substantial amount of gameplay depth and environmental design. Not only is Chains of Olympus a worthy addition to the God of War franchise, it also stands on its own as a triple-A title in the PSP library.

Gaming Age

An incredible portable achievement and one that handily puts many current generation console titles to shame. Get ready for a blood-soaked and brutal ride that doesn't let up until the closing credits.

Pocket Gamer UK

Ultimately it's a testament to the game that the campaign's short length can't keep us from exalting Chains of Olympus's exceptional virtues. It's just too unbelievably polished, engaging, and entertaining a title to miss. Kratos may have wet our palate, but like every magnificent gaming experience ever made, we're already thirsty for more.

Modojo

Overall, you'd be a damn idiot if you didn't pick up God of War: Chains of Olympus.

Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)

If you're a fan of the God of War universe, of action-adventure titles, or of the PSP, you must pick up Chains of Olympus. [Apr 2008, p.68]

Playstation Official Magazine UK

Massively replayable. [Apr 2008, p.92]

GameShark

Sometimes, the simplest description of something is also the most apt. God of War: Chains of Olympus is God of War on a handheld. Every amazing combo, bloody finishing move, larger than life boss battle and sweeping environment is present here, just smaller but no less impressive.

GotNext

Ultimately, God of War: Chains of Olympus is a supremely impressive game that just might be the best title yet for the PSP.

Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK

An unmissable, epic adventure that's as dramatic as any of Kratos' full-sized games. [Apr 2008, p.106]

AceGamez

God of War: Chains of Olympus takes almost everything that's awesome about its older siblings, including the sex scene mini-game, which has become a series standard, and miniaturized it to fit on the PSP.

Game Chronicles

In many ways it plays better than the console version when it comes to controls, and the visuals and sound certainly won’t disappoint even the most jaded of gamers.

PSX Extreme

Arguably the best PlayStation Portable game to date. There is simply nothing on the console that comes close to its polish, gameplay, and production values. To have a game as epic as God of War in the palm of your hands is absolute bliss. This game alone makes purchasing a PSP worthy.

Kombo

Without a shadow of a doubt, this is the finest PSP game ever crafted and consequently set the bar for future games on top of Mount Olympus.

Game Over Online

The controls are perfect, the visuals are stunning and the action is just as thrilling as its PS2 brethren.

NZGamer

The engaging atmosphere, excellent gameplay and replay value make this one of the best titles to hit the PSP in not only recent times, but in the entire PSP catalogue.

PTGamers

Chains of Olympus marks another triumph in conversions of big names to the PSP. It's one of the best games on the platform, absolutely essential. Technically flawless, its only failing is being somewhat short-lived.

PGNx Media

God of War: Chains of Olympus is one of the few PSP games that deliver a console experience while tweaking the formula for the PSP.

GamePro

The best PSP title I've ever played.

1UP

As a God of War game, Chains of Olympus is slightly lacking, but as a PSP game it's fantastic, and as a technological achievement it's off-the-charts phenomenal. If this game had shipped a couple of years ago, I think people would perceive the PSP a lot differently today.

GameZone

The story will lure you in, the lack of load times will make the adventure seem seamless and the visual and aural treat will keep you in the game until you get to the very end.

GamerNode

Is it as good as the two PS2 God of War games? Not quite, but it's close. The fact that a PSP port of God of War can be this close to the legendary originals is amazing.

TotalPlayStation

It really can't be overstated how much of a technical accomplishment this really is.

Gaming Target

For those eight hours, as long as you haven’t tired of playing as the Ghost of Sparta on your last-gen PS2, you’re going to entertained by this handheld epic and you’re going to really enjoy seeing what’s on the back cover of the game manual.

Armchair Empire

Simply put, God of War: Chains of Olympus is an amazing title.

Play.tm

While a seven-hour freestanding Kratos adventure might be considered a little short by some gaming standards, God of War: Chains of Olympus is quite simply the finest slice of action to grace the PSP since launch and is an essential purchase on every level.

Da Gameboyz

Overall the game is really an impressive feat for the PSP, with outstanding visuals coupled with an amazing soundtrack and a storyline that leaves you wanting more.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Everything included has been executed so ridiculously well that it's easy to forget this is a PSP game and think you're back swinging your blades on PS2. [Apr 2008, p.84]

IGN

A stellar achievement on the PSP. It plays perfectly into the franchise's storyline and offers up the same level of intense action as its console counterparts. It's also the best looking title on the system, without question. Engaging from start to finish.

GameTrailers

If you’re looking for "God of War 3," you’ll be disappointed, but everyone else should be happy to be playing one of the best looking, playing, and designed handheld games ever. This is the top shelf of gaming on the go.

GamingTrend

There are titles for every console that truly define the platform, and God of War: Chains of Olympus is one of those titles. Stunning graphics the likes of which we’ve never seen, an incredible soundtrack that rivals PS3/Xbox 360 titles, standout voice work, and gameplay that is on-par with the two previous PS2 titles makes this a must-own for any fan of the series.

Cheat Code Central

This prequel has everything you've come to expect from God of War, just in a little disc and on a smaller screen.

ZTGameDomain

My only gripe about GOW: COO is that is just too short. I completed the game on the normal difficulty in less than 5 hours on my first play through.

Jolt Online Gaming UK

The beautiful animation, the brutal, unforgiving and incessant combat and the raw badass-ness of Kratos are things we just can’t get enough of, and to have it all on the PSP gives us more reason to love Sony’s widescreen brick even more.

Game Revolution

Ready at Dawn has brought this titan down to UMD-size and triumphed. Chains of Olympus is as faithful a version and as clean an action game as you might want on the PSP. The structure is there, the polish is there, and the simple pleasure of slinging chain-swords around is an absolute joy.

Extreme Gamer

God of War: Chains of Olympus is as epic and fun as the first two God of War games.

Gamer 2.0

Chains of Olympus has been the most anticipated PSP title for quite a while now and while it feels like God of War-lite, who cares? No handheld adventure will ever compare to that of a console, but the PSP-adaptation is still pretty damn sweet.

GameDaily

The gameplay works wonderfully, even with the limited PSP control set-up. Executing Kratos' vicious attacks and other special moves are easy and enjoyable to perform. Best of all, it's just fun to play, as long as you don't mind the carnage.

Destructoid

Ready at Dawn have done an admirable job of mimicking everything that made the action of the series so great.

Game Informer

Chains of Olympus has vicious combat, mythological figures, and awesome moments that will be burned into your mind for years...This is one of the few must-play titles for the PSP. [Mar 2008, p.104]

Gaming Nexus

Chains of Olympus is one of the best games for the PSP and another great addition to the God of War series.

Games Radar (in-house)

Chains is short for a GoW title, taking us about six and a half hours to complete on normal difficulty. True, the unlockable difficulty levels, challenge modes and goofy bonus costumes give it more longevity than that, but another level or two wouldn't have hurt. That said, Chains is still an impressive piece of work.

GameSpy

Chains of Olympus is more than another console game grafted to PSP; it's a pint-sized triumph for the platform.

GameTap

I’m pretty calloused when it comes to videogame stories—they’re usually too overwrought and overly complicated and repetitious to actually be good--but Chains of Olympus does have one of the more heart-wrenching moments I’ve seen in a game. I didn’t tear up, but I did feel a little twinge where my heart would be if I had one.

Gameplanet

Kratos has made the transition to the small screen with godly grace. We're barely out of the first quarter, but if you treat yourself to only one action title this year, make it this one.

Kikizo

Chains of Olympus ticks all the checkboxes a God of War fan could want and constantly manages to surprise you.

Pelit (Finland)

Quotation forthcoming. [Apr 2008]

Thunderbolt

With an engaging story, outstanding visuals, and remarkable sound, Chains succeeds on so many levels.

Gameplayer

A PSP game you simply can’t live without.

The New York Times

It is remarkable how much Chains plays like its big-console forebears.

DarkStation

Fans of God of War are going to eat this game up. It really is the complete package just on a smaller screen.

DailyGame

Chains of Olympus is both a worthy entry in the God of War series and a hands-down favorite for "best PSP game released yet."

Video Game Talk

Chains of Olympus is a game of mythical proportions. The God of War franchise is rock solid to begin with but considering how well Ready at Dawn brought it to the PSP, I must admit that I'm stunned.

Play Magazine

There is not a moment in the presentation of Chains of Olympus that disappoints, there is maybe no better tech on the PSP. [Apr 2008, p.67]

Total Video Games

Ready at Dawn has translated this epic feel of the series seamlessly onto Sony's tiny PSP and, apart from the game's short lifespan, Chains of Olympus is a thoroughly welcome new addition to the God of War family.

PSW Magazine UK

Solid proof that the PSP is a hugely formidable force in the world of handheld gaming. Chains of Olympus is, without fail, the best PSP game out there on the market. You must own it!

Gamer.nl

God of War: Chains of Olympus will probably not bring much change to the franchise. This games reaches a high level when it comes to PSP standards. Although the game has a weak storyline and a few bugs, it feels glorious to play.

VideoGamer

Chains of Olympus is at its core a remarkably simple game, but it's presented so well and plays so smoothly that the end result is a must-own PSP title. It'll make you question the visuals of every other PSP game you play and have you longing for more.

Gamervision

Probably one of the best games ever made for the PSP. As a God of War title, it falls in third place, but that’s not a bad thing, those games are just really great.

Gamestyle

God of War: Chains of Olympus is a fantastic game and a worthy addition to any PSP owner’s collection.

Eurogamer Portugal

Its short duration (about six hours) aside, God of War: Chain of Olympus is the best we have seen on this platform, setting the bar for future efforts. One thing is for sure, we'll greatly anticipate Krato's next day out.

Gamers' Temple

God of War: Chains of Olympus is hands-down one of the best PSP games available.

AtomicGamer

Once you get an hour into God of War: Chains of Olympus, it's sometimes easy to forget that you're playing it on a portable system - it feels so similar in so many ways to the home console originals that you might be fooled for a little while at a time. From that perspective, well, I'm not sure there's a better endorsement for a handheld game.

MEGamers

A must have, not only because it’s extremely fun to play but also because it is a technical marvel and jaws will definitely drop.

PSM3 Magazine UK

Too slight to rank among PSP's elite, but Chains of Olympus is as sweet as it is short. Terrific. [May 2008, p.70]

Games Master UK

A technically jaw-dropping portable romp, even if it lacks the craft of its PS2 brethren. [May 2008, p.62]

Worth Playing

There is very little I didn't like about Chains of Olympus; I would've liked to have more camera control, and although I didn't care for the controlled Quick Time Event attacks, I'll readily admit that they offered a more cinematic experience when you're fighting the bosses.

PALGN

A great portable action game and a fine portable distraction until the real deal comes around.

Computer Games Online RO

All of these bittersweet features can be summed up like this: Chains of Olympus is just like the PlayStation Portable Lite and Slim – smaller, lighter, and makes the girls blush.

Maxi Consolas (Portugal)

Even though it’s short, Chains of Olympus is an awesome game that captures perfectly all of the God of War spirit. At the same time, it manages to offer some prodigious visuals that really raise the bar for the PSP. It’s the second lesson from Ready at Dawn on how to program for Sony’s portable machine. [Apr 2008]

Game Positive

The God of War franchise has a high pedigree as one of the most polished series on the PS2, so it's not unexpected that Chains of Olympus would be one of the best looking, sounding, and simply fun games ever presented on the PSP console.

GameSpot

Although it feels a bit like God of War: Lite, Chains of Olympus delivers a great, combat-heavy adventure with excellent production values.

Play UK

The most thrilling game we've played on the PSP, and it only feels like a moderate step down from the PS2 installments. [Issue#165, p.76]

The Onion (A.V. Club)

God Of War: Chains Of Olympus comes damn close to recreating the experience of playing an action game on your couch.

Game Almighty

Just a very safe outing for the series. There are no major chances taken and it shows.

Boomtown

Unfortunately, overall, it just falls short of the mark. Though you'll definitely be aware you're playing a God of War game – so much so that it's hard to write a review without an odd sense of Déjà vu – it makes itself apparent quite early on that it's a diet version.

Wired

Kratos' latest action-packed journey across the tales of Greek myth has lightning-fast pacing, designed to keep you addicted straight through to the end with tiny loading times in between. The problem is that you come upon the end of the game very quickly, way before you want it to be.

games(TM)

Chains Of Olympus carries all the hallmarks that make God Of War so great, but it still feels somewhat diluted. [May 2008, p.104]

Eurogamer

For all its faithfulness, though, it's not quite a full God of War game. It relies on short, sharp, repetitive combat encounters over and above exploration and puzzles, and there are far fewer enemies to fight or massive, screen-filling bosses to worry about. It feels lightweight next to the originals.

Edge Magazine

At the halfway mark, Chains is so tremendous, striking an almost perfect beat of difficulty spikes, weapon upgrades and stupendous visual reveals, that you have to question its endurance. And, sadly, it flounders right on cue. [Apr 2008, p.92]