PSP World

300: March To Glory

300: March to Glory is the video game for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) that was released last month, based on the comic book mini-series 300 by Frank Miller and the movie of the same name.

Facing insurmountable odds, King Leonidas and his warriors battle against the Persian hordes of Xerxes I, delaying the invading force just long enough to inspire all of Greece to unite against the Persian Empire's invaders. This is a very loose retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae which took place in the summer of 480 BC. Possibly the best aspect of the game and possibly its saving grace, is the heavily stylised graphics and realistic and gritty voiceovers. However, the game feels rushed together and lacks depth in gameplay.

Weapons: The player starts with the lowest items of swords, shields, spears, and armor. To upgrade, the player earns kleos(when translated, roughly means "glory"). All the equipment follows the same basic upgrade path, going from a "Spartan" version, then to "Runed", "Spiked", "Obsidian" and finally a legendary version.

Battle Skills: are special moves acquired throughout the game that will grant the player special benefits and will replenish the player's health.

1. Fortitude - Regains health. Upgrades to this Battle Skill increase the amount of health replenished with each use.
2. Blood Drunk - Causes a 'rage' that greatly increases the damage of each of the player's attacks for a limited time. While attacking, instead of gaining Wrath, health will replenished. At higher levels this Battle Skill will lead to even greater health replenishment, increase the attack damage of any allies that happen to be nearby, and stun enemies.
3. Defense - The defense Battle Skill blocks all incoming attacks and replenishes health with each successful attack made. At higher levels health replenishes at a faster rate and the character will automatically counter all enemy melee attacks.
4. Eye of the Warlord - Causes time to appear to slow down. When the Eye of the Warlord Battle Skill has been initiated the player will be able to attack enemies at an increased rate while avoiding their slowed attacks. At higher levels any nearby allies will also become focused and the duration of the Battle Skill will increase, along with the rate of health replenishment.