God of War: Origins Collection Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: PS3
Dev: Ready at Dawn
Pub: Sony
Release: September 13, 2011
Players: 1
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content

There's no denying that the soundtracks for both games are top-notch in quality. The voice work still rests on the fine line between sincerity and the completely ridiculous grunting of Kratos, but it does so with crisp, clear quality. The music is also exceptionally appropriate. After all, what is a God of War game without music that sounds like it could kick your ass?

God of War: Origins Collection Screenshot

God of War: Origins Collection may not be a perfect upgrade, but it does several things right. The most important is that it preserves the experience, no matter how flat or ridiculous something might look or sound. I can see some complaining that there's nothing new to the games, aside from the DLC that was available for Ghost of Sparta (Legionnaire Kratos and Forest of the Forgotten) and a feature video of the developers. In this day and age when games are always teetering on the too-high-price-tag line, some will have a hard time swallowing the $40 price point for this, especially when the original two PS2 titles were only $30.

I still stand firm in my opinion that this title is worthy of a purchase if for no other reason than to satisfy the completionist in us all. It is also worth a look for the many God of War fans that may have never experienced the titles due to their original format. God of War: Origins Collection may not pave any new roads for other PSP ports to follow, but it does deliver on all the elements that God of War fans have come to expect. And in that, it's a mighty, furious success.

By Matt Walker
CCC Site Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.2

Graphics
Transitioning from PSP to HD PS3 graphics holds tight, but some things can occasionally appear muted.

3.7

Control
The same as you would expect, right down to the occasionally wonky camera control.

3.8

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Raged-out Kratos still delivers the over-the-top testosterone, as does the epic music that provides the angry backdrop.

4.0

Play Value
You won't be totally shocked over anything here, but you'll get the same great God of War experience that was originally only available to PSP owners.

4.0

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Two epic adventures on a single Blu-Ray Disc.

Remastered for HD resolution.

Full 3D support.

Full PlayStation Network Trophy support.

DualShock compatible.

Includes DLC contents from GOW Ghost of Sparta (Legionnaire Kratos & Forest of the Forgotten).

Video - God of War: Game Directors Live.