Kratos returns in God of War: Chains of Olympus, a prequel that dives deep into the Ghost of Sparta’s past before the events of the original trilogy. This PSP masterpiece brings the same brutal combat, jaw-dropping set pieces, and mythological storytelling that made the series legendary—now condensed into a handheld experience. Though smaller in scale, the game loses none of its intensity, delivering visceral battles against gods, titans, and nightmarish creatures. The Blades of Chaos still feel razor-sharp, and the rage of Kratos is as palpable as ever. If you’ve ever wanted to take the fury of God of War on the go, this is the game that proves it’s possible.
The story follows Kratos during his decade of servitude to the Olympian gods, tasked with stopping Morpheus, the god of dreams, from plunging the world into eternal slumber. What starts as another mission quickly spirals into a desperate fight to prevent the sun god Helios from being captured—an event that would doom humanity. The narrative may be shorter than its console counterparts, but it packs emotional weight, especially in its exploration of Kratos’ grief over his family. The ending, in particular, is a haunting reminder of the tragedy that defines him.
Gameplay remains true to the series’ roots—fast-paced combos, brutal finishers, and epic boss battles. The PSP’s controls are surprisingly well-adapted, with fluid combat and responsive quick-time events. Magic abilities like the Efreet’s fiery explosions or the Light of Dawn’s divine beams add variety, while platforming and puzzle-solving break up the relentless action. Some mechanics are simplified, but the essence of God of War is intact. The fixed camera angles work well, ensuring you never lose sight of the chaos unfolding.
Visually, Chains of Olympus was a technical marvel for its time, pushing the PSP to its limits. The character models are detailed, the environments—from the burning ruins of Attica to the depths of the Underworld—are richly designed, and the cinematic cutscenes rival those of PS2 titles. The soundtrack, with its thunderous orchestral score, amplifies every battle, making even smaller encounters feel monumental. For a portable game, it delivers a console-quality experience.
The game’s length is its only real drawback, clocking in at around 5-6 hours for a standard playthrough. However, the New Game+ mode, unlockable costumes, and hidden challenges add replay value. Speedrunners and completionists will find plenty to master, from perfecting combat chains to uncovering every secret. It may not overstay its welcome, but every minute is packed with the kind of spectacle God of War is known for.
For fans of the series, Chains of Olympus is essential—a bridge between Kratos’ past and his bloody ascent in the main trilogy. For newcomers, it’s a fantastic entry point, offering a self-contained story that doesn’t require prior knowledge. Whether played on original hardware or via PPSSPP emulation, this remains one of the finest action games ever made for a handheld. If you crave the raw power of God of War in a portable format, this is as good as it gets.