Award-winning franchise rises once again with God of War: Ascension™, exclusively for Playstation®3

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced plans to release God of War: Ascension™, the newest instalment of the multi-million unit selling God of War® franchise, exclusively for PlayStation®3 (PS3™).  Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios’ (SCE WWS) Santa Monica Studio, God of War: Ascension™ is a prequel that will show Kratos' emotional path of redemption whilst detailing the rise of his rage to break free from Ares' bond.  Epic cinematic storytelling, visceral battles, and blockbuster moments will all be present, along with various enhancements including a revamped combat system and a brand new online multiplayer mode that combines the brutal gameplay and large-scale battles that God of War is known for, to create a competitive experience like never before.

“The bar is set quite high for this franchise as each God of War title succeeds in being better than the last,” said Todd Papy, Game Director, God of War: Ascension, SCE WWS Santa Monica Studios.  “But, unlike previous releases, we’re providing a deeper look into Kratos’ tormented past and psyche that fans have not seen before.  Combined with refined gameplay, jaw-dropping visuals, and a fresh twist on competitive gaming with our new online multiplayer mode, I guarantee that God of War: Ascension will give fans what they have been eagerly waiting for, and much more.”

For the first time ever in a God of War game, players can compete in online or offline multiplayer battles that combine the fierce combat and scale of the franchise with a unique gameplay experience.  Built off of the heart and soul of the single-player campaign, this brand new option can include up to eight players and offers a variety of different multiplayer modes along with customisable avatar warriors, armour and weapon types. Players will have the option to align themselves with one of four of the legendary Greek gods – Zeus, Ares, Poseidon or Hades and earn their approval to unlock new customisation options.

Utilising state-of-the-art visual technologies, the Santa Monica Studios team has made significant strides to bring unmistakable realism to the gameplay experience.  God of War: Ascension will feature a revamped combat and weapon system, promptless mini-games, and new puzzle challenges, coupled with fluid, life-like characters, dynamic lighting effects, and world-changing scenarios that will truly bring Kratos and the environment around him to life.

Set in the realm of Greek mythology, God of War: Ascension is an epic adventure that allows players to take on the climatic role of the ex-Spartan warrior, Kratos, as he finds a way to break the blood oath that binds him to the god, Ares. Six months after being tricked into killing his wife and child, a younger Kratos is sentenced to a life of madness with the Furies, caged in a Titan sized prison for the living damned.  Fighting insanity, his will is tested to the limit as he seeks to break his bond and gain the clarity to seek revenge on Ares for his part in the death of his family. Armed with double-chained blades, Kratos must take on mythology’s darkest creatures while solving intricate puzzles throughout his merciless quest for redemption.

God of War: Ascension is an action-adventure game that offers an epic single-player story mode, as well as a deep, innovative multi-player experience. Further information about the game can be found at www.GodofWar.com.