God of War: Ascension Features Multiplayer

Sony have announced new details for the recently revealed God of War: Ascension, including the surprising inclusion of multiplayer.

“The bar is set quite high for this franchise as each God of War title succeeds in being better than the last,” said Todd Papy, Game Director, God of War: Ascension, SCE WWS Santa Monica Studios. “But, unlike previous releases, we’re providing a deeper look into Kratos’ tormented past and psyche that fans have not seen before. Combined with refined gameplay, jaw-dropping visuals, and a fresh twist on competitive gaming with our new online multiplayer mode, I guarantee that God of War: Ascension will give fans what they have been eagerly waiting for, and much more.”

The new multiplayer mode supports both online and offline play, allowing up to eight players to compete with customizable warriors in several (undefined) modes.

The team is also quick to assert that they've not lessened the emphasis on singleplayer, which is where the multi-game franchise has always focused exclusively. Promising revamped combat, a refined weapon system, promptless mini-games, and new puzzle challenges, Sony reassure us that the singleplayer side of God of War will be just as epic as ever.

A multiplayer arena from the game - more screenshots available here

The story of God of War: Ascension, if you missed the announcement trailer, is set before the other games in the series. It starts six months after the horrible events that have plagued him throughout the saga so far, in what sounds like the beginning of his grand quest for revenge and redemption.

From the press release (warning, contains spoilers if you're not familiar with the plot of the franchise):

Set in the realm of Greek mythology, God of War: Ascension is an epic adventure that allows players to take on the climatic role of the ex-Spartan warrior, Kratos, as he finds a way to break the blood oath that binds him to the god, Ares. Six months after being tricked into killing his wife and child, a younger Kratos is sentenced to a life of madness with the Furies, caged in a Titan sized prison for the living damned.

Fighting insanity, his will is tested to the limit as he seeks to break his bond and gain the clarity to seek revenge on Ares for his part in the death of his family. Armed with double-chained blades, Kratos must take on mythology’s darkest creatures while solving intricate puzzles throughout his merciless quest for redemption.