The fans spoke and we listened.
For those that recall the God of War survey conducted earlier this year, an overwhelming amount of the community suggested the PlayStation 2 experiences of Kratos be brought forth to the PlayStation 3.
Thanks to your feedback, we are excited to announce the God of War Collection for this Holiday Season. Now fans and newcomers to the series can experience the epic journey of God of War and God of War II in 720p HD form. Both titles have been remastered with anti-aliased graphics, running at 60 frames per second for a smooth gameplay experience, only on the PS3 system. Additionally, the Blu-ray Disc compilation will bring the PlayStation Network (PSN) trophy support to the franchise for the very first time.
This is your chance to experience God of War is its true form before the chaos of God of War III hits store shelves come March 2010.
Here’s the full press release:
SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA ANNOUNCES
GOD OF WAR® COLLECTION, A NEW COMPILATION OFFERING FOR PLAYSTATION®3
Exclusive God of War® and God of War® II Blu-ray Disc Compilation
Available This Holiday Season
FOSTER CITY, Calif., September 1, 2009 – Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced today a new and exclusive PlayStation®3 (PS3™) offering for the critically acclaimed God of War® franchise, God of War® Collection. Scheduled for release this holiday season, God of War Collection will feature reworked versions of both God of War® and God of War® II on a single Blu-ray Disc™ at full 1280 x 720 resolution. Both critically acclaimed games, which were originally developed for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, have been remastered with anti-aliased graphics running at 60 frames per second for a smooth gameplay experience on the PS3 system. Additionally, the Blu-ray Disc compilation will bring PlayStation®Network (PSN) trophy support to the franchise for the first time (included for both games). God of War Collection offers substantial value to PS3 consumers, the compilation of both best-selling games costing just $39.99 MSRP.
Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment, Santa Monica Studio, the God of War series brings epic mythological battles to life with stunning graphics and an elaborate plot that puts Kratos, the triology’s main character, at the center of carnage and destruction as he seeks revenge against the Gods who have betrayed him. God of War® III is scheduled for release exclusively on the PS3 in March 2010.
“We are excited today to announce God of War Collection,” said Scott Rohde, vice president, Worldwide Studios America. “Our fans spoke and we listened; thanks to our partnership with Bluepoint Games, fans and newcomers to the series can experience the epic God of War and God of War II saga in stunning 720p on PS3. This Blu-ray Disc compilation brings Kratos to PS3 even earlier than expected.”
SCEA – God of War®Collection Announced for PS3
God of War Storyline
Set in the dark world of ancient Greek mythology, players take on the role of Kratos, a Spartan warrior. Plagued by the nightmares of his past, the ash covered warrior would do anything to be free of his debt to the Gods and the memories that haunt him. For ten years he has labored for Olympus, now on the verge of losing all hope, the Gods have given him one last task. Destroy Ares, the God of War. Armed with the deadly chained Blades of Chaos, Kratos will have to overcome armies of mythological monsters, legions of undead soldiers, and amazingly dangerous and brutal landscapes.
God of War II Storyline
God of War saw Kratos, a mortal warrior, set upon an epic quest to dethrone a God. But his journey did not end there. In God of War II, Kratos sits atop his Olympus throne, as the new God of War – far more ruthless than Ares ever was. To end his continued torment, Kratos must journey to the far reaches of the earth and defeat untold horrors and alter that which no mortal, or god has ever changed… his fate. God of War II sets an epic stage for a devastating mythological war to end all wars.
Acclaim for the God of War Franchise
God of War releases have set the bar for the action-adventure genre and been acknowledged by some of the videogame industry’s key publications, which include PlayStation: The Official Magazine (Editor’s Choice Award), Game Informer (Action/Adventure Game of the Year and Handheld Game of the Month Award), GamePro (Editor’s Choice Award), Electronic Gaming Monthly (Best PS2 Game), IGN.com (Editor’s Choice Award and Game of the Year Award), and four nominations in the Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, including Overall Game of the Year and Console Game of the Year. The franchise has also been awarded with several honors including several E3 Best of Game Awards (given by several online publications), numerous Game of the Year and Best Action Game Awards (given at Spike TV’s Video Game Awards, Golden Joystick Awards, PSX Extreme Awards and the 3rd Annual G-Phoria Awards, and by PAX, GameZone, GameDaily, GameSpot), to name just a few.
-more-
SCEA – God of War®Collection Announced for PS3
About Bluepoint Games, Inc.
Bluepoint Games, Inc. is a highly experienced team of seasoned gaming industry veterans whose work includes six titles that have sold over a million copies each. Bluepoint Games’ first title, Blast Factor™ (2006), made exclusively for the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system, was one of the first titles available at the launch of the PlayStation®Store. Located in Austin, Texas, they continue their mission to produce high quality video games with a lasting appeal that are fun to play.
For more information, email info@bluepointgames.com.
About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the ground-breaking PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and its online and network services PlayStation®Network and PlayStation®Store.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PlayStation 3 and the PSP system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
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Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com.
PlayStation”, , “PSP”, “PS one” and the PlayStation logo are registered trademarks and “PS3” is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. God of War is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. © Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Blast Factor is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Developed by Bluepoint Games. (c) 2006 Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
other original ps2 developers should learn from you guys. this is just an amazing idea. and at a price of 40 dollars!! how can you go wrong?
What a lazy port. No 1080p for a PS2 game with a simple upgrade? I can play the originals in 1080p on my PS3 right now. Why should I upgrade (besides the trophies)? Where are the details on the enhancements they are going to make? We need more info and a really good excuse why they couldn’t be bothered with 1080p. What’s the deal? I’ll bet they’re just not doing 1080p because GOWIII will be 720p and they didn’t want the originals to be in a higher resolution… Lame. Disappointed…
Hell yeah!!!
The best PS2 games of all time, coming out on a single blu-ray disc with improved AA, 720p resolution, 60 fps, trophies.
It’s like Sony climbed inside every gamers dream bubble and said: “just wait…”
I’m sorry… but this just blew my mind away!
I love you Sony!
Shadow of Colossus and Ico , please !!!! (When The Last Guardian demo coming out or fasten)
Lol, thank GOD I just played Chains of Olympus on my psp…now I will get both, the game and HD experience.
Epic 1337 Sony….
I just died from awesome overload.
EU please!!!!
SH–! I didn’t even see this coming. Who says you guys can’t keep secrets? =P
Bring it Europe!!! And with GOW3 DEMO!!
Great work Sony, Trophies, 720pAA@60fps is just awesome.
Do this with Jak & Daxter, Ico & SOTC, and soooo many good games from PS2.
And you know what?
For PSN would be a good idea too: For example Fahrenheit, Devil May Cry, Final Fantasy X…
KEEP
LISTENING
TO
US
I
LOVE
YOU
OMG!!!!!! Sony this is the best news I have heard all day. Thank you for doing this and adding trophies is the icing on the cake. I am so going to buy this day one even though I have and beat both GOW games. I hope you do this with ICO and SOTC a few months before The Last Guardian, and Indego Prophecy before Heavy Rain comes out. These are the reasons why i am and will continue to be a loyal PLAYSTATION consumer. GREAT JOB!!! :)
Why no God of War 3 playable demo on the disc?
Besides that, GREAT news! I will happily rebuy these games, I love GoW series. Hope for european corfirmation of the release very soon ;]
Bring on reeditions of Team ICO games before The Last Guardian ;] And maybe Ratchet & Clank series, and Jak & Dexter… :)
If you don’t want to add BC to all PS3’s, Sony, do the great PS2 games justice that way!
Epic Kittens!
Great, a must buy. This should also be done with ICO and Shadow of the Colossus. Both of those games running in 720p 60fps would be stunning.
Now let’s get a Ratchet and Clank series and my life will be complete…… LOL
Just chiming in to say thank you and that I agree with everyone here. This service should be done with Ico and Shadow for the Last Guardian release. Those games equally deserve to be played with ant-aliasing and hi rez splendor.
ICO + SOTC next
Devil May Cry 1 , 2 and 3 then
Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3 then
PLEASE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Uh… Will we be able to see several more of PS2 titles being remade or ported to PS3 like what you did with God of War Collection on Blu-Ray Disc…? Do we still have a hope…?
Great news!
This is…amazing.
Possibly one of the best things to be coming out this Holiday Season!
:D
Thank you very very very very much guys
PLEEEEAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSEEEEE add also chain of olympus! Double the price but please add it!!!
EPIC news is EPIC
monday bringing some crazii news huh..this and news of disney buying marvel …too much for my brain….
Holy crap!! This is awesome!! Please SCEA do not be shy about doing this for other games. I would like to see a compilation of Wild Arms 3-5 with Trophy Support or Ratchet And Clank compilation. I hope to see compilations like these for 3rd party games. I’d love to see Rockstar’s GTA3,GTA Vice City and GTA San Andreas in a Blu-Ray disc compilation with Trophy Support. Please encourage 3rd party devs!
I can’t wait for this and obviously i’m excited cause i slept on the series during the last gen thinking they were nothing but cheap ripoffs of ng and dmc but after playing the psp one i began to regret giving away my ps2 and never really giving these games a chance so now in hd with trophies i’m there day one. Like many others heres hoping they do the same treatmeant for shadow of the collusus and Ico. Thank you Sony for listening to the fans i guess it pays to do the surveys sometimes.
now we want a blue ray Metal Gear Compilation !
Great news! Make the packaging and box art real nice and fancy like a real collectors edition! Not all gamey.
And yes, ICO and SotC next please!
Awesome! Now I have to try getting rid of 2 for PS2. >_<
Awesome stuff, to think I thought when the questionnaire asked about the first 2 titles I thought that it was there just to fill space :)
O.K now please refrain from laughing at me but, i’ve actually never played either of the God of War games. Hell i’ve never even seen it being played but from what i’ve heard the game is beyond amazing and now that it’s going to be released in a compilation i’m definitley not going to pass up the opportunity. Now if Sony wants to make a boatload of money they should include a demo of GOW3 so the masses can truly gravitate towards the ps3 even more.
ICO & SHADOW OF COLOSSUS PLZZZ !!!!
Dear Sony,
Please give ICO and Shadow of the Colossus the same treatment before the release of The Last Guardian.
Love,
Ravidrath
Yes,
The Gods have answered me!!!!!!!!!!
A must BUY for me.
I’ve been wanting to play both God of War games before God of War III comes out. I’m really happy that I’ll be able to get remastered versions of both games. :D
Awesome new ways to sell PS3s for Sony: Remake PS2 classics :)
OMG!!!!!THIS IS EPIC!!!!!!THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST NEWS EVER!!!(except the ps3 slim and fw 3.00)..now only we had all gta games collection for ps3…..hmmmm…..*starts praying*
I must cancel my credit card… until christmas!
And why not sell the game on psn?
How about a secret God Of War 3 demo also packed in it..anywayz this is an awesome news and a nice way to play the series again in HD
WOW This is Sparta…
Best thing Since the PS3 Slim.
Could this be the new trend to get people off Sony’s back about backward compatibility? This can be the first of many classic PS2 games on a blu ray disc.
SCE is on the roll with the great news lately.
PS3 slim, price drop to $299 last week, new cool features coming with FW 3.0 this week, and two more great games to add to the Holiday 2009 line up.
If SONY also announces the release of GT5 for this year at TGS… the PS blog will explode…..LOL
Sony is on a [DELETED] roll!
OMG!!!
This is just amazing, too good to be true! Fantastic stuff.
Sold!!!
THANK YOU!!
Awesome! I lived Blast Factor, especially the great sound quality and deep, expansive explosion effects. I hope they are able to work some of that magic of the GoW assets. (24-bit and/or lossless, please?)
Besides upscaling and FSAA, will there be any minor retexturing? I really like how Rare, Sega, the open source Tenebrae Quake and Freespace projects, and others have done gentle touch ups to the blurriest (usually floor) textures, updated a few palletized textures to full 16-bit color, and add a few subtle bump/glow maps.
Just a few little touches like those can make a HUGE difference, and I hope Sony allows Bluepoint to deliver a great experience.
PS: I hope that Shadow of the Colossus gets the same treatment soon!
I already have both God of War 1 and 2, and I’ve beaten both of them at least 3-4 times each on the Harder Difficulties, but as a God of War fan, this is a must buy for me…. I mean, both games Remastered in HD and with Trophies! First day purchase for me.
For anyone that that wants an Action game with an Amazing Storyline, PICK THIS UP, you won’t regret it.
Can’t believe I have to double dip now.
Gutted and chuffed at the same time. Just bought both GOW 1 & 2 for my PS3 like a week ago. still gonna re-buy me thinks.
This is just awesome. Definitely picking this up day 1.
Thank you Sony for listening!!!!!
OMG this is awesome! I have yet to play the first one, but Gamestop charges like 14.99 for it, so this is well worth it for 720p, Trophies and 60 fps.