It might seem like this review has been mostly complaints with the game, and for the most part, you're right. But after the gushing reviews you've certainly already read on other sites or publications, I felt that these were important points to bring up. Is Chains of Olympus too short? Yup. Are the enemies second stringers? You bet. How's the story? It sucks, but only when you can figure out what is going on. Is it one of the very best PSP games out there? Without a doubt. The controls, graphics, sound and most of all, the sheer enjoyment you'll get from this game all add up to one amazing package.

Like the PS2 original, playing through the first level of God of War: Chains of Olympus will be just enough to hook nearly every gamer out there. You begin the game during a Persian raid on the city of Attica. As you tear through the advancing armies, you'll fight a Cyclops, a Persian general and the fearsome Basilisk, which kind of looks like a giant iguana with a dog collar around its neck. The progression through the level is seamless; you never feel like you're playing a structured game. It all flows very well, from breaking down doors to fighting soldiers and monsters to the final confrontation, this is the very definition of a cinematic game experience. Even the most jaded of gamers will have no less than three "whoa" moments in this first stage alone.

One of the biggest problems with past PSP console-to-portable scale-downs has been the lack of a second analog stick. Games like Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters and the two Syphon Filter games might have been groundbreaking and awesome, but if you're like me, you probably spent most of the time thinking, "This is great, but it would be so much better with that second analog stick…" God of War is the first time when it truly doesn't matter that there is no second stick. The game controls beautifully and people who have spent time with Kratos before will be pulling off their favorite combos in no time. I don't know how Ready at Dawn managed to pull it off, but no one will miss that second analog stick for even a second.

God of War: Chains of Olympus is hands-down one of the best PSP games available. Period. A few small complaints can't detract from what is easily one of the most engaging action games in a long time, well, at least since the masterpiece that was God of War II on PS2. The price ($40) is a little steep when considering the game's length and replay value, but play through the first 20 minutes and you'll agree - this is what good games are all about. Kratos might not be deserving of a perfect score like last month's Patapon, but he deserves a solid B+. Just don't anyone tell him where I live or work; I like my arms and legs attached to my body, thank you very much.

In The End, This Game Hath Been Rated: 89%.

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