Rise of the Argonauts Preview for PlayStation 3

System: X360, PS3, PC	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Liquid Entertainment	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Codemasters	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Sep. 30, 2008	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Mature	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

With more focus on combat, there will be bloody, gory animations to go along with it. As opposed to typical hack-and-slash RPG combat, if you swing your sword at an enemy's head, you'll decapitate him. If you swing at his arm, he'll lose his limb. Developers have released some information on special attacks available to unlock as you play through the game as well.

Rise of the Argonauts screenshot

The Gates of Tartarus is a move that sends enemies into a black hole, while ripping their souls out of their bodies in a bloody explosion. The Rage of Ares is another attack that will have enemies explode in a cloud of blood-spray, as they are sent flying into the air. And the Storm of Spears move does exactly as its name suggests, as you are able to rapidly chuck spears at an enemy to turn him into mincemeat.

Developers haven't revealed exactly how many islands you will be able to travel through in Rise of the Argonauts, but they do say it will be around 15. They have confirmed Jason and his crew will travel across different Greek kingdoms including the aforementioned Iolcus, as well as Mycenae, Kythra, and Delphi. The Argo isn't only your means of transportation to get you to each island, but your ship is where you'll store your collection of weapons, armor, and other travelers you can pick up and collect on the way. Jason will be able to assemble different suits of armor as well, which can be upgraded with attachments for added protection and functions you can use when most needed.

Where many action RPGs in the past have failed to deliver a perfect blend of action and role-playing to satisfy fans of either genre, Codemasters and Liquid are admittedly trying to create a title that will balance the two. They say action fans will be satisfied with the amount of capabilities they will have when battling opponents, and RPG fans will appreciate the strategy involved as well as the ancient lore which will be brought to life. Only time will tell how gamers take to Rise of the Argonauts when it hits stores this September.

By Pete Richards
CCC Freelance Writer

Game Features:

Players will grow Jason from young king to true legend, as they set sail aboard the Argo and explore a dynamic world of islands filled with shining cities, lush jungles, deep forests, and vast oceans.

Jason will be accompanied by some of Greek mythology's greatest heroes, including Hercules, Achilles, Atalanta, and more. As Jason comes across new heroes, players can add them into the mix to accompany Jason on his quest.

Gamers will leave their mark on ancient Greece, as they engage in heart-pumping, lethal, blood-spurting combat against hordes of enemy warriors, ruthless beasts, and truly formidable mythological creatures.

Like all true heroes of Greece, the gods follow Jason in his quest for the Golden Fleece. Jason will gain the favor of the gods and earn special abilities, but his actions may please some gods and displease others.

Upgrade Jason's weapons, armor and stats, add and swap out new Argonauts, and customize the Argo based on islands visited, items collected, and much more.