March 2025 marked the 20th anniversary of the iconic God of War franchise, making it an opportune moment to reflect on its journey. Initially launching on the PlayStation 2, the series has since evolved with each new generation of Sony consoles. Notably, 2005 saw the release of the PlayStation Portable (PSP), which introduced several compelling titles, including God of War: Chains of Olympus.
This handheld installment distinguished itself with its engaging combat, impressive animations, and meaningful narrative. While it garnered acclaim during its initial release, the question now arises: Does it still hold up in 2025?
This article aims to delve into Chains of Olympus and assess its relevance and playability two decades later.
A Story That Resonates
Despite being categorized as a side story, God of War: Chains of Olympus excels in character development, particularly for Kratos. The plot unfolds during his service to the Gods, where he embarks on a mission to locate Helios, the missing God of the Sun. Throughout his journey, Kratos encounters significant figures like Persephone and Atlas, both of whom conspire to challenge Olympus itself.
In a poignant conclusion, Kratos sacrifices his powers to remain with his daughter, Calliope, in the Fields of Elysium. His choice to leave her behind to thwart Persephone’s devious plans illustrates his ongoing struggle between personal desires and heroic obligations. This profound narrative continues to make the game relevant, even after all these years.
Gameplay: A Mixed Experience
When it comes to gameplay, Chains of Olympus attempts to adapt the essence of the PlayStation 2 experience to the constraints of the PSP. While the core combat mechanics remain consistent with the main series, the integration of new powers adds an element of freshness to enemy encounters. However, the lack of an analog stick and an outdated control scheme can make evasive maneuvers challenging, detracting from the overall combat experience.
The platforming and puzzle-solving aspects also suffer due to these controls, potentially leading to frustration for players accustomed to the more refined mechanics found in later franchise entries. Fortunately, those seeking an enhanced experience can explore the remastered version available on the PlayStation 3, which introduces right analog stick support for more intuitive controls.
Visuals and Performance: Holding Strong
Upon its initial release, Chains of Olympus was celebrated for successfully capturing the thrilling essence of God of War on a handheld device. The PSP version operated at 30 FPS with a resolution of 480×272, which was commendable at the time and contributed to its status as one of the system’s standout visual experiences.
Yet, today’s gaming audience expects higher frame rates and resolutions. The remastered edition for PlayStation 3, included in the God of War Origins collection, addresses these concerns with an upgrade to 1080p and a smooth 60 FPS frame rate. Such enhancements ensure that the game remains compelling and visually appealing for modern players.
Should You Play Chains of Olympus in 2025?
In conclusion, God of War: Chains of Olympus remains a worthy title to experience in 2025. Although it’s a more compact game, it offers meaningful character development for Kratos, highlighting his transitional journey from vengeance to heroism. While the controls may feel antiquated and occasionally hinder gameplay, players are encouraged to opt for the remastered version to enjoy significant improvements in quality, including enhanced resolution, frame rate, and control responsiveness.
The remaster ensures enjoyable gameplay segments, transforming what could be a frustrating experience into a smooth adventure, making it a truly worthwhile revisit for both new and returning fans.
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