GOW Chains of Olympus PSP Review

 

Chains of Olympus is a must-play for God of War fans and PSP owners. Its jaw-dropping visuals, electrifying combat, and technical feats make it one of the console’s best.

However, its short length, linear design, and fewer bosses/puzzles mean it’s more of a powerful punch than an epic saga. Many players consider it the “weaker” PSP entry—but still worth experiencing, especially before its sequel Ghost of Sparta.

This game acts as a prequel to the initial two installments of God of War, placing Kratos in another quest to rescue the Gods of Olympus. With the titan Atlas now free, he has captured the sun god Helios, and it falls on you to save Helios, protect the world, and uncover the reason behind Atlas's release. As you navigate through Attica and the Elysium Fields, you'll be battling numerous foes. True to the God of War series, you'll encounter significant and lesser-known figures from Greek mythology.

The team at Ready at Dawn has mastered the God of War gameplay, perhaps a bit too well. All the familiar elements from the earlier games are present, including the infamous mini-game, yet I wish they had introduced new ideas into the story instead of relying solely on previous content. There are a few fresh features sprinkled throughout, particularly some impressive scenes towards the game's conclusion, but aside from these moments, the experience feels overly reminiscent. While this isn't strictly a negative, there are times when it appears you've already played this game.

Completing the game took me just under six hours at the normal difficulty, and apart from one section, I found the puzzles quite manageable. The only moment I struggled was due to my failure to notice a hidden passage within a movable staircase, which I attribute more to my oversight than the game's design. If you've experienced the previous games, you'll recognize that the puzzles in Chains of Olympus don’t offer much new challenge.

Chains of Olympus is a good showcase for the capabilities of the PSP. Sparks fly from torches, walls shine, and blood is vividly depicted. The game successfully translates the grandeur of its predecessors to the PSP, maintaining a smooth frame rate throughout. There were moments when I wished for a larger screen to appreciate the intricate details that Ready at Dawn has incorporated into this game.

Chains of Olympus delivers a cinematic, intense God of War experience on the go. It features:

A rich, emotionally charged prequel story

Satisfyingly brutal combat and spectacular visuals

A well‑implemented PSP control scheme

Added bonus challenge modes

FEATURES OF GAME

• Visuals & Audio: Stunning for a handheld—high-detail models, epic cutscenes, and cinematic lighting
• Technical Ingenuity: Achieved seamless loading by preloading a Daxter intro movie in the background—a clever hack
• Combat: Brings the PS2-style visceral hack‑and‑slash with combos, brutal Quick Time Events, and new weapons like the Sun Shield and Gauntlet of Zeus—adapted cleverly for the PSP’s limited controls
• Magic: Features spells like Efreet, Light of Dawn, and Charon’s Wrath
• Exploration: Includes platforming, environmental puzzles, and secret areas to uncover
• Challenge Mode: “Challenge of Hades” offers tougher trials and bonus rewards