[Via PSPGadgetZ]
Classy God of War leather cases
[Via PSPGadgetZ]
Japan readies for God of War by throwing party

As Chains of Olympus devs Ready at Dawn have let their sun set on the PSP, this summer's release for Chains will be the final game on the system from the crew. In that respect, this event was not only the celebration for kicking off the PSP God of War game in Japan, but also, an unintentional farewell. We only hope the game does well in Japan because it really deserves the love.
Special keychains for Japanese God of War event
Although the God of War franchise is incredibly successful in America and Europe, it hasn't managed to break through in Japan. God of War II managed to sell about 40k units total on PS2. While PSP is quite the hot system in Japan right now, it's unclear how the Japanese populace will respond to this incredible, but American-developed, game.
[Via PSPHyper]
God of War Entertainment Packs now available for pre-order
Zero Punctuation reviews God of War: Chains of Olympus
Yahtzee, popular narrator of the video game review series "Zero Punctuation" has a new review this week for the system-selling Grand Theft Auto IV God of War: Chains of Olympus. PSP fans may be unfamiliar with the host's brutally honest (and hilarious) takes on today's most popular games -- you're in for a treat. Watch, and tell us if you agree.
[Thanks, Outinthedark!]
God of War TV spot rains blood 'en Español'
Lead Artist Nathan Phail-Liff talks about working on God of War

For the first eight months, Nathan was actually programming tools to bring what we see in the final product to life. After he programmed all the necessary components, then he went back and actually used them to help create what ended up in our hands. That's pretty impressive. Working on an existing IP, he said, is a blessing and a curse. Especially for God of War since there are so many expectations surrounding it. The stylistic guidelines they used to keep the game familiar to fans is pretty clever.
The challenges faced by the staff for making the PSP game were numerous -- insert all sort of technical mumbo-jumbo here. Cramming the game onto the PSP is one thing, but only having 15 artists to do it really puts the workload into perspective. If you want to hear more about his experience programming for the game, or his proudest accomplishment, read the full interview. It's really quite entertaining.
Kratos wants you to make another Machinima video
[Thanks, William!]
Please, don't buy this Wal-Mart GOW PSP
Not only is it hideous, but it actually costs more than Sony's upcoming official bundle, doesn't include any extras (such as UMD movie, downloadable game). But, unlike the official bundle, this is available now.
[Via GT Forums]
Dutch kids cosplay Kratos
To promote God of War: Chains of Olympus in the Netherlands, Sony is asking people to dress up as Kratos. The most authentic Greek warrior will be able to win prizes, we're assuming. See all of the candidates performances here.
[Thanks, Jeffrey!]
Playing as the Spud of War
It's one of the easiest unlockables in God of War: Chains of Olympus, and it fills our hearts with joy. The franchise is known for its wild and wacky costumes, and the Spud of War is no different. This carb-o-licious outfit may make Kratos a bit less menacing, but let's not forget that he can rip your body in half. Thanks to our friends at PSP GadgetZ for capturing the video.
God of War composer talks about Chains of Olympus, future projects

Marino says that the music in Chains of Olympus is "a bit lighter" than the previous games. The reason for this is that there's a certain character in the game that isn't as grim as the usual cast of war-hardened soldiers, and the apathetic Pantheon. Despite only composing fifteen minutes worth of new material, the game's sound should have enough freshness to it. This has to do largely in part by a huge effort to remix old tracks; they take the old tracks apart, restructure them, and then use the various arrangements in a way that ensures each scene has its own unique sound. He also calls the music on Chains of Olympus "more intimate" than what we've seen previously.
Marino also revealed some interesting trivia about the God of War series. For example, did you know that Kratos was originally supposed to be named Dominus? Now how about the future you ask? Marino shared that he will be indeed working on God of War III for the PS3. Another epic game, another rocking music score. There are a lot of other alluring tidbits in the interview, so why not have a read of it for yourself?
Win a copy of God of War: Chains of Olympus!

So, God of War is available today. But let's say, for one reason or another, you can't get it. Perhaps it's sold out in your area. Or maybe you just don't have the $$$ to get it quite yet. You're in luck. Just tell us you want the game. Really, just leave a comment. It's as simple as that.. The comment must be left before Friday, March 7th, 5PM EST. Owo winner will be selected in a random drawing. Grand Prize Winner will a copy of God of War: Chains of Olympus (ARV: $40). Click here for complete Official Rules. Eligibility is restricted to the legal residents of the 50 United States (including DC). You must be 18 years or older to enter.
God of War TV spot is most epic PSP ad ever
It makes sense that God of War would warrant such an epic ad. This is easily the biggest release on PSP to date, and SCEA is doing it justice with a pretty awesome looking TV spot. Narrated by Linda Hunt, this ad should do a good job of targeting the fans of God of War on PS2. We hear they come in the millions. We can't wait to see what the sales charts for PSP look like at the end of the month. Will gamers make the plunge? Or, will they wait for the incredibly sexy PSP bundle, due this summer?
Ready at Dawn: 'our work on PSP has come to an end'
However, he leaves a remark of hope for the PSP enthusiast. As pretty as Chains of Olympus is, there's still more power waiting to be unearthed. "Even as we were finishing God of War, we found ways to further improve our tech on PSP, which we didn't have time to integrate into this game. As far as how far the hardware can be pushed, only time will tell but there's definitely room to grow there." Unfortunately, it won't be Ready at Dawn that'll be pushing the boundaries of PSP development. "I'm hoping more teams out there will up the ante and show all of us more out of the hardware."
Read the complete interview at Next-Gen.