This trailer has been a labor of love for all of us here, and based on the comments and feedback on YouTube and elsewhere, all of the effort was well worth it. I’m very excited to share with you a couple of behind-the-scenes videos that show a glimpse of what went into bringing the world of Kratos to life.

Kratos is not an easy man to replicate in the flesh. This first video shows how we transformed our talented, and extremely buff, actor Brandon White, into the legendary Spartan General. A lot of work went into making sure his tattoo, armor, costume and ash make-up looked just right. Add this to an amazing performance, and the Ghost of Sparta is no longer just an angry, rage filled monster, but a full embodiment of the humanity of Kratos.

This second video shows how we transformed 10 men into the massive army you see in the trailer — special attention went into making sure their armor was as realistic and accurate as possible.

I hope you enjoy this inside look. We have another deeper look at the making of the “From Ashes” trailer, including interviews with Game Director Todd Papy and more, coming later this month, so watch this space for more.

Stay tuned here on PS.Blog, and on the God of War Facebook page to stay up to date with the latest news, updates and trailers coming for God of War: Ascension as we get closer to March 12th, when you’ll finally get to take home the latest installment of God of War. I hope you have your standard or Collector’s Edition pre-ordered already, because this game is going to be epic.

Everyone knows Kratos has anger management issues; he will stop at nothing to get revenge on Ares and all of the gods that have betrayed him. In God of War 1-3, **SPOILER ALERT** we got to experience Kratos’ quest for vengeance as he took down Ares, and literally climbed his way to the top of Olympus to defeat Zeus himself. God of War: Ascension, however, is set before the first God of War game. Through the course of the story, we get to see a more human side of Kratos as he deals with the pain and loss of having just lost everything he has ever loved. We worked closely with Imaginary Forces, the creative minds behind some of the gorgeous cutscenes in Ascension and some of the past God of War games, and Santa Monica Studio to bring Kratos and his family to life, paying careful attention to each minute detail.

If you are like most other red-blooded Americans, you’re probably going to be watching the Super Bowl this coming Sunday. If you happen to watch the game streaming online—an increasingly popular way to enjoy the big game—or have it streaming as your second-screen info source for the game, you’ll be able to catch a unique one-minute version of the trailer airing during the Super Bowl live stream.

If the recent single-player gameplay video left you hungry for more news about the epic single campaign waiting for you in the game, you are in luck. That was just the tip of the iceberg. We hosted a media event last night with a bunch of the top gaming media in the country to show off the first half hour or so of the game. Watch for their in-depth impressions to start popping up online today.

In the meantime, here are a couple of brand-new screenshots from the single player campaign. Look for more screens of your favorite Spartan warrior in the online preview coverage, along with playthrough videos of the spectacular opening of the game showing some brand new attacks, areas, enemies and more.

If that wasn’t enough reason to go out and pre-order, don’t forget that you’ll be able to sample the next PS3-exclusive from Naughty Dog, creators of the amazing Uncharted series, before anyone else. If you hadn’t heard yet, there will be an exclusive-access demo of The Last of Us that will only be accessible via God of War: Ascension’s main menu prior to the launch of TLOU.

For the first time ever, King Leonidas will be brought to life in God of War Ascension’s multiplayer as depicted by Gerard Butler in the blockbuster film “300.” If you pre-order God of War: Ascension standard or collector’s edition at GameStop, you will receive a voucher code that gives you access to history’s most heroic Spartan.

We are very excited to partner with Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment to offer you the chance to play as one of the biggest badasses in Greek history on the God of War: Ascension multiplayer battlefield. Donning King Leonidas’s red cape, iconic helmet, and armor you will stand apart as one of the ultimate warriors of Sparta. King Leonidas also comes with his iconic spear, which has its own set of unique combat moves which boasts a unique appearance and shares the same combat abilities as the other spear weapons in multiplayer (note: updated for clarity).

In addition to the “300” King Leonidas skin, you will also receive an exclusive double-sided God of War: Ascension poster.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your day one online experience. Stay tuned for more updates on God of War: Ascension here on PlayStation.Blog!

*“300” is available from Warner Home Video

Both Blu-rays feature the Extended Directors Cut, which includes 20 minutes of new footage not shown in theaters, including an alternate ending and over 1.5 hours of special features and Blu-ray exclusive content. The God of War: Ascension Single Player demo is available with this special offer on the Blu-ray hybrid disc.

The demo includes the new gameplay mechanics and combat systems we showed off earlier this summer, so you can get a taste all of the brutal action before the game launches next March.

Sharpen your blades and stay tuned for more exciting updates on God of War: Ascension!

In 2009, our Spartan Army asked for the God of War and God of War II experience to be brought forth on a single Blu-ray disc for the PlayStation 3. Almost two years later, we are bringing the same great Epic Adventures of Conquest, Destiny and Revenge directly to you through the PlayStation Store.

For those that need a refresher, God of War: Collection was the first to introduce the God of War and God of War II experience in true 720p HD form. Both titles were remastered with anti-aliased graphics, running at 60 frames per second for a smooth gameplay experience, only on the PlayStation 3 system. Additionally, it also introduced PSN Trophy support to the franchise for the very first time.

Be sure to keep your eyes glued to the PlayStation Store update on 11/2 as both the God of War: Collection and God of War: Ghost of Sparta experience will be available through the PlayStation Store for the first very time.

*God of War: Collection, God of War HD and God of War II HD PSN versions will not contain bonus material and extras from the Blu-ray. Game only.

To help get you into the game, you can purchase Warhawk Fallen Star on the PlayStation Store for $1.99 from June 22 to July 6. That’s 75% off the original price!

Stay tuned for prize and tourney details here on the PlayStation.Blog.

The wait is finally over! CHAOS has been unleashed nationwide as the highly anticipated God of War III releases on store shelves today. If you didn’t make it to the midnight launch events last night, make sure to call your store and get your copy fast. God of War III is set to take to the stage as the biggest entertainment launch event in PlayStation 3 history and will be remembered as one of the best action adventure titles of 2010. Now is your chance to take down the Gods of Olympus by wreaking havoc and spreading chaos through all of civilization. I’d like to especially thank our Santa Monica Studios for all their time, hard work, and energy in delivering this award winning video game. I’d also like to give a big thank you to all the fans who have stayed loyal throughout Kratos’ journey and continued to support all things God of War.

In celebration of today’s launch, I’d like to share with you our new trailer called “Chaos,” featuring kick-ass footage from the game.

In the End, There Will Be Only Chaos….

We also are happy to announce that starting today, the God of War III E3 Demo is now available to download on the PlayStation Store. Just in time before the big release, get your hands on the epic demo that all the fans have been talking about.

And if you just can’t get enough of God of War news today, Geoff Keighley will reveal new gameplay footage tonight during Spike’s GameTrailers TV. Make sure to set your DVR to catch exclusive interviews with the Santa Monica Studio team, behind the scenes footage and new gameplay to top it all off. DIRECTV customers can see it at 9:30 PM EST/PST, and cable customers can watch at 12:30 AM EST/PST.

Thanks again to all the fans for the support. Stay tuned for more announcements in the coming weeks.

Entering the “Be the Envy of the Gods” sweepstakes is simple. Fans can pre-order the game at any local GameStop or online at www.gamestop.com, and use their receipt code or online order confirmation number to enter. The code can be entered once a week on the website, www.gamestop.com/gow3, for a chance to win instant and weekly grand prizes.

For complete rules and additional details, visit a local GameStop retail location or www.gamestop.com/gow3. Note: Customers who pre-ordered the game prior to Feb.16 can go to www.gamestop.com/gow3 to register.

So to sum it up, if you order at GameStop you will receive the following:

• Phantom of Chaos Character Skin
• Access to the God of War III E3 2009 Demo
• 17×24 God of War III Poster (*In-store pre-orders only)
• Chance to win prizes in the Be the Envy of the Gods Sweepstakes

Embrace your inner warrior and join us on a quest to become the LAST TITAN STANDING, a thirty minute God of War III SPIKE TV special that will air the night before God of War III‘s big release on March 16th. The story, puzzles, and straight-up action in God of War III will be recreated and YOU can be standing in the midst of the battles. SPIKE TV is looking for brute power, acute intellect, and the fastest PlayStation 3 trigger finger that’s ready to rumble.

The deadline is Friday, February 19, 2010, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time — But, producers stress to apply ASAP!

Click here for casting details and eligibility requirements.