GOD OF WAR: GOD MODE SPEED WALKTHROUGH - VERSION 1.0

-----------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
----------------- 
01 INTRO
02 REQUIREMENTS/STRATEGIES
03 INDEX OF ABBREVIATIONS
04 WALKTHROUGH
05 FINAL THOUGHTS
06 DISCLAIMER

--------
01 INTRO
-------- 
There's nothing I could say that hasn't already been said about this 
behemoth of a game.  Obviously, you'll have had to finish the game in 
any of the three modes (easy, normal, hard) to unlock God mode.  With 
the following walkthrough you'll have Ares cooking your meals and doing 
your laundry in less than 4 1/2 hours.

-------------------------- 
02 REQUIREMENTS/STRATEGIES
-------------------------- 
A) "Be kind to your PSX2..."

The FMV's are time consuming but we won't be opening our PSX2 to skip 
them (I'm not even sure if that works on God of War).  You're more than 
welcome to but just be aware that for the sake of this walkthrough 
we'll be watching all of the FMV's.

B) "Mmmm... "/\"+"X"+"O" and Plume of Prometheus"

IMO the two best attacks in the game.  POP is quick and powerful 
(either drives the enemy back or completely knocks them off their 
feet).  The three button combo makes even God Mode becomes a breeze.  
When you get your BOC to level two you can replace the "/\","X" combo 
simply with AA. 

C) "Roll, roll, roll your boat..."

This isn't at all necessary, but rolling does get you around quicker 
than just running.  Throw in Hermes Rush to move from place to place 
even quicker.

D) "I don't like being told what to do..."

Upgrade your magic/weapon in the following order:

PR - lvl.2-Max
MG - lvl.2
BOC - lvl.2-Max
AOH - lvl.2-Max

E) "You know what I know..."

This FAQ does not include specific locations of chests and other 
various items.  So when you see an icon (ie. $) I'm assuming you know 
the general vicinity of that item.

----------------------
INDEX OF ABBREVIATIONS
----------------------

ROTG - Rage of the Gods
BOC - Blades of Chaos
POP - Plume of Prometheus ([], [], /\)
AA - Apollo's Ascension (L1+X)
SOH - Spirit of Hercules
"/\"+"X"+"O" - The three button combo you'll be using A LOT*
PR - Poseidon's Rage
MG - Medusa's Gaze
MG:GF - Medusa's Gaze: Gorgon Flash
ZF - Zeus' Fury
BOA - Blade of Artemis
AOH - Army of Hades
$ - Red Orb Chest
! - HEALTH/MAGIC Chest
GE - Gorgen's Eye
PF - Phoenix Feather

*: The three button combo stated above actually involves holding the 
"/\", hitting "X" twice (double jump), and repeatedly hitting the "O" 
button (for some enemies: for others you must repeat the combo)

--------------
04 WALKTHROUGH
-------------- 

-----------------------------------
THE AEGEAN SEA - SHIPWRECKED VESSEL
-----------------------------------
Select 'New Game' and 'God Mode'.  (FMV) 

--------
FIGHT #1
--------
Grab the undead soldiers with "O" then "[]" to fling them at their 
brethren.  Head over to the latch and enter the lower deck of the ship.  
Proceed north until...

--------
FIGHT #2
--------
HYDRA SPAWN

Just hold L1 to block its attacks and counter with "/\", "/\".  Repeat 
until the "O" appears above its head.  Continue north over the beams 
and take the exit to the west.  Go up the flight of steps ($) and 
continue along the path until your back outside again.  Kill the 
Harpies (Plume of Prometheus or repeatedly hitting "[]" is effective) 
and the boat's crew if you require some health ($x2).  

--------
FIGHT #3
-------- 
HYDRA SPAWN #2

The only attack you need to watch out for is when it bangs its head on 
the deck.  Everything else can be blocked.  Just stand right next to 
the spawn and attack with "/\", "/\".  If you find yourself in the 
mouth of the hydra just mash the "O" button (you want this to happen as 
it speeds up this battle).

Jump down into the area the hydra came out of and follow this path.  
When you reach the deck, ignore the soldiers and walk across the beam.  
When you reach a fork head right ($).  Return to the fork and head 
left.  (FMV) Jump down and KICK the box to the opposite side of the 
ship.  Ignore the archers and head through the door.  In this next area 
go up the ladder and up the rope-net.  Ignore the undead soldiers here 
by just pressing "X" to jump past them.  When you reach the top head 
left ($) before sliding down the rope.  ($,GE).  Take the center path.  
(FMV).  Go through the entrance that was being blocked by Lord Poseidon 
and SAVE (:9-:11).  Head up the rope-net.  (FMV)   

-------- 
FIGHT #4
--------
HYDRA SPAWN x2
HYDRA

Take out the Hydra Spawn on the left first (place yourself between the 
Spawn and the box of crates so that the Spawn on the right doesn't suck 
you towards him).  Cast PR twice and attack with "/\", "/\".  Block 
when necessary.  When the Spawn collapses, climb up the crates and jump 
onto the circular platform to impale it.  Repeat with the Spawn on the 
right.  Head back down to the Blue Chest near the SAVE point to 
replenish your magic.  When fighting the main Hydra cast PR right as 
it's about to bite.  Use "/\", "/\" when you run out of magic and be 
sure to roll to avoid its attack.

When you've defeated them, head into the Hydra's mouth and get the KEY.  
Head up the crates on the right side (GE) and go down the rope.  You'll 
find yourself back at a familiar area.  Ignore the undead soldiers and 
head back to the Captain's Cabin.  (FMV).

---------------------------------------- 
THE GATES OF ATHENS - FORTRESS OF ATHENS
---------------------------------------- 

Jump on the bed and play the sex mini-game to get some Red Orbs.  Exit 
the boat and run past all the undead soldiers.  Take the elevator to 
the top.

--------
FIGHT #5
-------- 
MINOTAUR x3

Push and hold the "/\" to get the Minotaur off the ground.  Hit "X" to 
jump and then hit "O" to grab them and hurl them to the ground.  You'll 
have to grab each Minotaur 4 times in the air to kill them.  Take the 
next elevator up.

--------
FIGHT #6
-------- 
CYCLOPS x3

Go to the top right for the ($).  Just use POP and PR.  Upgrade you PR 
during the fight if possible. 

Upgrade your PR if you haven't already done so.  Head through the now 
unblocked entrance.  You'll find yourself in a room with large, metal 
crates.  ($x2,GE).  Destroy the two wooden crates and proceed up the 
metal ones into the next area.
 
--------
FIGHT #7
-------- 
MEDUSA & MINOTAURS

PR twice.  After you've defeated Medusa you'll have to deal with 
several Minotaurs.  During this next battle your magic gauge actually 
replenishes itself so cast MG on the Minotaurs and follow with PR to 
eliminate them quickly (!).

Continue through the hallway ($x2) and up the ladder.  Shoot the arrow 
to reveal $x2.  Rotate the bow with the lever and shoot down the wooden 
door.  Rotate the bow again and shoot another bow to reveal a (PF).  
Rotate the bow again so that it's pointing at the door.  SAVE (:27-
:31).  Head north and take the first left.  Head down the ladder.  

-------- 
FIGHT #8
-------- 
UNDEAD SOLDIERS

"/\"+"X"+"O".  (GE).  Open the gate before heading back up the ladder.  
Take the ladder here up and into the next area.  Ignore the Undead 
soldiers and jump onto the adjacent rooftop (you've got to jump around 
the fence).  From the rooftop jump into the area with the $x2.  You'll 
have to back track to the area where you initially made the jump.  Jump 
up the wall, continue east, then head south.  Encounter enemies at your 
own discretion (it's possible to make it to the end without having to 
fight the Undead Soldiers on the wall).

--------
FIGHT #9
--------
UNDEAD SOLDIERS

When you reach the ledge, use "/\"+"X"+"O" to remove any Undead that 
followed you.  Push the large statue onto the ground (!).  Jump off the 
ledge and use the head of the statue to reach the ladder.  Ignore the 
Gorgons and climb up the next ladder.  Ignore the Minotaurs and attack 
the two pillars.  Jump onto the pillars to reach the next level.

---------
FIGHT #10
---------
UNDEAD SOLDIERS

PR twice.

When you've dealt with them, shoot the arrow from the bow and proceed 
along the rope.

---------
FIGHT #11
---------
UNDEAD SOLDIERS

Use the "[]" button and throw them off with the "O" button.

You'll find yourself on the other side of the metal door you saw 
earlier.  Open this door then use the bow to destroy the wooden door.  
Run past the Minotaurs and climb the ladder ($).  Head down the ladder 
until you get to a bridge.  (FMV).

---------------------------------------------------
ROAD TO ATHENS/ATHENS TOWN SQUARE/ROOFTOP OF ATHENS
---------------------------------------------------
Head north across the bridge and you'll reach a fork in the road.  SAVE 
(:36-:41).  Head left and under the overpass.  Use MG to freeze a 
Minotaur while it's standing on the button to open the gate.  Go 
through the gate and return to the area you were just at to replenish 
your Magic supply.  Continue down the next area until you reach a road 
block (GEx2,PFx2,$x8).  Destroy the road block and swing along the rope 
($).  Follow the road ($x3) until you reach the center of the town 
square ($x2).
    
--------- 
FIGHT #12
--------- 
CYCLOPS x3

Use POP on the first Cyclops.  Get the next two Cyclops close to you 
and use PR twice.  Use POP as needed.

Head into the now open entrance and follow the woman running from you 
(!,PF,$x2).  SAVE (:46-:53) when you reach the balcony.  Jump back down 
into the center of the town square and take the KEY from the woman.  
Head back to balcony ignoring all the enemies along the way.  Head 
right and cross the bridge.  Use the key to unlock the hatch.  Continue 
along the new path until you reach the rooftop.

---------
FIGHT #13
---------
WRAITHS
UNDEAD SOLDIERS
UNDEAD ARCHERS
CYCLOPS X2  

Grabbing the Wraiths is equivalent to starting the "/\"+"X"+"O" juggle.  
When you get to the second floor use PR twice.  (GE,PF,$).

Exit this room into the new area ($).  Go north until you reach some 
broken pillars covered in vines.  Jump from pillar to pillar (watch out 
for the archers) until you reach the next area.  When you reach a fork 
in the road take the left and cross the bridge.  Grab the Bow & Arrow 
and drag it into the room ($) with the rotating floor board.  Place it 
on the floor board.  Open the first door on the left.

---------
FIGHT #14
---------
UNDEAD SOLDIERS

PR twice and "/\"+"X"+"O" if necessary.

Destroy the wooden door with the Bow and continue along the hallway.  
Once you've acquired ZF, head back to the bridge and kill the archers 
standing on top of the building.  Doing so should unseal the entrance 
to a room (GE,PF).  Head back to the fork and take the alternate route.  
SAVE (:58-1:07).  Head up the ladder onto the rooftops (GE,$x3).

---------
FIGHT #15
--------- 
UNDEAD ARCHERS

Kill them with ZF to make your chest collecting a bit easier.

Hop from rooftop to rooftop ignoring the Minotaurs and Harpies.  Shoot 
the guy holding the bridge lever with ZF and cross the bridge.  
(GE,PF).  Continue down the corridor until you reach the elevator.  
When all the Wraiths have gathered use PR ($x2).  Take the elevator 
down and you'll find yourself back in Athens Town Square ($,GE,PF).  
SAVE (1:02-1:12).  Continue along the path (ignoring the Undead 
Soldiers) until you reach Temple of the Oracle.

-------------------------------------
TEMPLE OF THE ORACLE/SEWERS OF ATHENS
-------------------------------------

--------- 
FIGHT #16
--------- 
GORGON x2
HARPIES

The simple [],[],[],[] attack is effective against the Harpies.  Use PR 
against the two Gorgons.

(FMV).  ($x2,GE,PF).  You should have enough EXP to max out PR.  Enter 
the temple.
  
--------- 
FIGHT #17  
--------- 
HARPIES

Block the two holes the Harpies are coming out of with the two statues.  
(GE,$).  Head up to the second floor and make your way across the 
beams.  Run past the Undead Soldiers until your back outside.  Play the 
"Save the Oracle" mini-game ($x3,GE).  Head through the now open door 
until you reach Suicide Bluff.  SAVE (1:11-1:24).  Go along the sword-
bridge and continue along the path through the sewers (ignore all the 
enemies along the way) ($x4).  You'll find yourself back at the Road to 
Athens and the fork in the road.  Take the right path this time (GE)

------------------------------------
DESERT OF LOST SOULS/PANDORAS TEMPLE
------------------------------------

(GE, $?).

Note on $?: Grab chests as your looking for the Sirens but don't go out 
of your way to find them.

--------- 
FIGHT #18
--------- 
SIRENS x3

Ignore the Minotaurs.  Use PR to handle the Sirens (!).  

SAVE (1:19-1:33) once you enter the temple.  Continue past the conveyor 
belt* until you reach the second horn.

*: You don't need to get the box up against the wall to make the jump.  
You can actually make the jump with the box being a little behind the 
furthest pillar on the left.

   |    O <Pillar
   |
   |      [ ]
   |       ^
   |      Box
   |

   ^ 
 Wall

--------- 
FIGHT #19
--------- 
SIRENS

PR.  And "/\"+"X"+"O" if needed.

(FMV).  Make your way to The Body Burner.  (FMV).

--------- 
FIGHT #20
--------- 
CYCLOPS x3

PR (!).  (GE,PF).  Enter Pandora's Temple. 

--------- 
FIGHT #21
--------- 
UNDEAD ARCHERS x4
WRAITHS

PR (!).

You'll find yourself in the outermost ring.

-----------------------------------
RINGS OF PANDORA/CHALLENGE OF ATLAS
-----------------------------------

Head south and enter the first room you see.  Head down the corridor.

--------- 
FIGHT #22
--------- 
UNDEAD ARCHERS x8

Just throw these guys at each other.

($,!).  SAVE (1:28-1:44).  Head back to the outermost ring.  Rotate the 
floor of the temple until you get to the second room (Red Wall in 
background).  After getting the BOA, continue down the path until you 
reach a room.  Ignore the Undead here and head for the second floor.  
Run past the Undead Soldiers here as well and walk over the beams to 
where the Undead Archers are.  

---------
FIGHT #23
---------
UNDEAD ARCHERS x4

Throw them at one another.

($).  Pull the lever and head down.  Head across the rope.

--------- 
FIGHT #24
--------- 
UNDEAD SOLDIERS

The "[]" followed by "O" button is most effective here (!).

Grab the Shield of Hades.

--------- 
FIGHT #25
--------- 
UNDEAD SOLDIERS

Just grab and throw them at one another.  When you can't grab anymore, 
wait for a crowd to gather around you before unleashing PR.

(!).  Head back to ground level.  Run into the corridor and into the 
next room.

--------- 
FIGHT #26
--------- 
GORGON x3
UNDEAD ARCHER x4
UNDEAD SOLDIERS

Use PR to clear this room.

Head back into the corridor and grab the crate.  Return to the room and 
time your kicking of the crate with a back roll to enter the hidden 
area.  Ignore the Undead Soldiers here and climb the ladder.  Grab the 
Shield of Zeus ($x2).  Jump back down into the room and use the Shields 
to open the door.  SAVE (1:36-1:54) and continue along the path until 
you reach a room with rotating blades.  Head east and enter the 
corridor.  Run past the Undead Soldiers and past the moving walls.  
Cross the bridge ($,PF).

---------
FIGHT #27
---------
HARPIES

Just use "[]" combo to get rid of these guys.

(!).  You should have enough EXP to upgrade MG.  Scale the wall (north, 
east, east, north, west, west, west, south, east) until you reach the 
next area (!).
 
---------
FIGHT #28
---------
UNDEAD SOLDIERS
SIRENS

You must kill everyone before the floor collapses.  Use POP to destroy 
the shield of the Undead.  Grab them and throw them.  Use PR to finish 
off the Sirens.

Grab the Handle of Atlas and head back to the room with the rolling 
razors.  Pull the two levers in this room to enter the next area.

---------
FIGHT #29
---------
MINOTAURS
UNDEAD ARCHERS

(MK).  Ignore the Minotaurs for now and head up the stairs (ignore all 
the Undead Soldiers along the way).  Grab the PF on the top floor (if 
you've been following this guide this should be your twelfth PF and 
therefore your Magic meter should automatically refill).  Jump back 
down and take care of the Minotaurs with PR.  Use the Handle of Atlas 
before heading back to the top floor.  Pull the lever ($x3).  Exit ($) 
and head for the coffin.  Take the head of the architect's son and go 
down the ladder.  Continue along this corridor and you'll find yourself 
in a familiar room.  SAVE (1:44-2:03) and head back to the outer ring.

---------
FIGHT #30
---------
UNDEAD SOLDIERS

PR.

Use the skull to open the door.  Keep heading south until you come 
across a flight of steps.  Jump on top of the cylindrical wheel and 
stay there until you can jump onto a ladder.  Continue up the ladder 
(!,$x2) and SAVE (1:46-2:05).  Exit this room and cross the bridge.  
(FMV).

--------------------
POSEIDON'S CHALLENGE
--------------------

---------
FIGHT #31
---------
CERBERUS DOG
CERBERUS PUPS

Cast MG on the Cerberus Dog and then PR (!).

Run past the Cyclops* and Undead Archers* until you reach the exit.

---------
FIGHT #32
---------
CERBERUS PUPS
UNDEAD ARCHERS

You must kill the Pups and Archers to unlock the barrier blocking the 
exit.

*: You do not need to kill the Cyclops and the first wave of Undead 
Archers to unlock the barrier.

Pull the lever in the room and grab the ($x4) as they become 
accessible.  Exit this room (!) and run past the Undead Soldiers and 
jump onto the ledge of the mountain (MK).  Once you reach the top head 
west (run past the Minotaurs) into the next room and SAVE (1:50-2:10).  
Head into the next room, grab the handle off the ground, and complete 
the Sacrificial Mini-Game.

---------
FIGHT #33 
---------
UNDEAD SOLDIERS

Use PR to get the cage up the ramp quickly.

Head into Trident room (PF,!) and SAVE (1:54-2:15).  


---------
FIGHT #34 
---------
CERBERUS PUPS

Use POP and your ROTG.  Head back to the Trident room (ignore the 
Harpies and Cerberus Dogs) and head up the blocks into the next area 
(!).  Once underwater continue along the path until you reach a fork 
(Nyad:PF).  Head right until you resurface ($x2,!).  

---------
FIGHT #35
---------
UNDEAD SOLDIERS
HARPIES

Use PR.

Pull the lever, head back to the fork, go back south and through the 
newly exposed path.  SAVE (2:02-2:24). ($x4, Nyad:PF) Continue until 
you resurface in another room.  Run near the lever and use PR to put 
some space between you and the Minotaurs.  Pull the lever and 
immediately jump back into the water.  Swim toward the pillar furthest 
from you and enter via the lower entrance.  Follow this path and you'll 
be back in a familiar room.  Head for the outermost ring.

---------
FIGHT #36
---------
UNDEAD SOLDIERS

Use POP to break their shields and then throw them at one another.

Head south until you come across the contraption that moves the rings.  
Keep moving the ring until the THIRD room.  Use the Muse Keys and grab 
all the goodies ($x2, HEALTH UPGRADE, MAGIC UPGRADE, EXP. UPGRADE).  
Head into the next ring and head south until you reach the steps.  Jump 
into the water and down the opening.  Follow this path until you 
resurface.  Break the wall on the opposite end of this new room and 
SAVE (2:10-2:33).  Continue into the next area. 

----------------
HADE'S CHALLENGE
----------------

($,PF,!).  Inspect the door on the west wall.

---------
FIGHT #37
---------
CENTAURS

You must sacrifice 4 Centaurs in each blue ring.  Unfortunately, the 
Centaurs travel in packs of 3.  You'll only be able to cast PR three 
times.  So best case scenario is you'll have to kill 1 of them without 
ROP.  Just use AA+"O".

Head through the door (!) into the next area ($x2,PF).  Open the gate 
and you'll find yourself in a maze ($x3).

---------
FIGHT #38
---------
GORGON x4
CENTAUR x4
UNDEAD SOLDIERS
UNDEAD ARCHERS

You must kill everyone in the maze.  You'll only get to use PR three 
times so use it wisely.  You may want to manually kill the Gorgons to 
replenish magic.

Once you've escaped the maze stand on the button to make the underwater 
statue of Hades rise.  Jump into the water (blood?) and pull the lever.  
Go back up and turn Hades head to light the next area.  SAVE (2:22-
2:47).  Avoid the boulders and enter the THIRD door on the left to 
proceed to the next area (!).

----------
BATTLE #39  
----------
MINOTAUR x4
UNDEAD ARCHER x8

These new Minotaur can actually block PR.  Use MG:GF (L2+"/\").

Take the right exit (!).

---------
FIGHT #40
---------
UNDEAD ARCHERS
UNDEAD SOLDIERS

Use PR.

Head back to the room where you fought the Minotaurs and take the left 
exit.  Navigate over the rope.

---------
FIGHT #41
---------
UNDEAD SOLDIERS

Use "[]" to get close and throw them off with "O".


---------
FIGHT #42
---------
UNDEAD SOLDIERS
MINOTAUR x4
CENTAUR x2

(!).  Use MG:GF on the Minotaurs and PR for the remaining enemies.

Head up the ladder into the corridor ($).  SAVE (2:28-2:55).  Make your 
way across the beams ($x3,PF).  Continue along the path (don't forget 
to turn the wheel along the way) and you'll find yourself back near the 
beginning Hades Challenge.  SAVE (2:31-2:59).  Upgrade your BOC to lvl. 
4.  Approach the large door.

---------
FIGHT #43
---------
LARGE MINOTAUR

Alternate between PR and SOH.  Try to have a full magic bar by the time 
the Minotaur loses all its armor.

Afterwards, head through the hole in the gate and take the staircase.  
When you reach the top ($,!) grab the skull from the coffin and head 
back down.

---------
FIGHT #44
---------
UNDEAD SOLDIERS
HARPIES

Use PR twice.

Exit this area and return to Pandora's Ring.  Use the skull to unlock 
the door.  Align the openings in the ring and head back to the room in 
the outermost ring ignoring the Undead Soldiers along the way.  Turn 
the lever.  (FMV).  Return to the center ring and pull the lever to 
take the elevator up to the next level.

---------------------------------------
CLIFFS OF MADNESS/TOMB OF THE ARCHITECT
---------------------------------------   

---------
FIGHT #45
---------
SATYRS x3

Fight the first Satyr by using the following combo: "O" (mash), "/\", 
"/\", "O" (repeat).  When the second and third appear use PR twice.  
(FMV).

Head north (!,$x2) and SAVE (2:48-3:17).  You should have enough EXP to 
make your final upgrade on the BOC.  Run past all the Undead and take 
the rope down to the next area.  Run some more and take the elevator 
up.  Head right (ignore Undead Archers) until you reach a room.

---------
FIGHT #46
---------
SATYR x4
UNDEAD SOLDIERS

You only need to defeat the Undead Soldiers and Satyrs on the first 
floor to open the barrier blocking the exit.  PR should eliminate two 
Satyrs and the Undead Soldiers.  Use the combo from the previous battle 
to deal with the remaining two Satyrs.

Head through the exit and take the elevator up.  SAVE (2:53-3:23) and 
enter through the door.  Pull the lever and play the "Box mini-game".  
($) Grab the Necklace of Aphrodite and exit the room.  Take the sandbag 
down to the lower level ($) and continue along this path until you 
reach an entrance (ignore the Undead).  Ignore the Satyrs in this next 
area and jump onto the revolving platform (you should be able to turn 
the revolving platform without the Undead Archers on the opposite side 
giving you too much trouble). 

---------
FIGHT #47
---------
UNDEAD ARCHERS

Grab and Throw.

Continue into the next area (ignore the Satyr) and head left to 
replenish your magic.  Head east past the Minotaurs.  Do not head down 
the ladder.  Continue around the apparatus and to find a ($).  Head 
into the cave.

---------
FIGHT #48
---------
UNDEAD ARCHERS

Grab and Throw.

Jump into the water and continue until you resurface ($x3).  Head back 
to the ladder and take it down.  Run past the Satyrs until you reach a 
rope-line.  Throw the Undead Archers to clear some space ($).  Take the 
rope-line down and head into the cave (!).

---------
FIGHT #49  
---------
MINOTAUR x3
UNDEAD SOLDIERS
UNDEAD ARCHERS

Use PR.  If you're having problems with the Minotaurs blocking PR use 
MG:GF.

Solve the puzzle, grab the Necklace of Hera and exit this room.  SAVE 
(3:03-3:36).  You'll have to scale a wall so be sure jump as often as 
you can to minimize confrontations with the Undead Soldiers on the 
wall.  Return to the area with the apparatus and place the two 
necklaces (you may need to lure the Minotaurs away from the apparatus).  
Jump onto the moving ledges ($,!) and run past everything until you 
reach a rope.  Swing onto the rope and proceed into the next area.  
Jump over the moving panels and razor blades.  Grab the statue on the 
other side and place it near the ground that is cracked.  Open the gate 
and head into the next area.  Ignore the Satyrs, Cerberus, and Cyclops 
here ($,!).  Climb the ladder and move the swinging crane.  First crush 
the cracked ground and then place it on the button.  Jump back down and 
slide the statue down the hole.  Place it on the button.  Climb back 
out (ignore the Cyclops) and head back to the opposite side.  SAVE 
(3:09-3:43).  Stand on the button and jump across to the now open 
entrance.  Rip the skull off the woman's head and proceed into the next 
area ($x2).  Head up the steps and down the winding staircase.

---------
FIGHT #50
---------
UNDEAD ARCHERS
HARPIES

Run towards the Archers on the opposite end of the moving floors first.  
You'll get to cast PR 4 times So you should easily dispose of all 
Undead Archers.  Run back toward the entrance and use the simple "[]" 
combo to deal with the Harpies.

Head north into the next room.  Drag Pandora's Box out of the temple.  
(FMV). 

-----------------
THE PATH OF HADES
-----------------
(!) SAVE (3:16-3:51).  ($x9)* Other than Undead Archers and Harpies you 
should run past all enemies until you reach the next save point.  SAVE 
(3:20-3:56).  Jump along the floating islands.  Timely blocking will 
allow you to reach the archers without having to use any magic.

*: You need 14500 to make the final two upgrades on AOH so grab all 
these chests. 

---------
FIGHT #51
---------
MINOTAURS
UNDEAD ARCHERS

You must kill everything here to unlock the barrier.  Grab and throw 
the archers into the Minotaurs.  You've got access to a (!) so you'll 
have 8 casts of PR available to you here.  Afterwards climb up the 
rotating spikes (!).

---------
FIGHT #52
---------
UNDEAD ARCHERS

Grab and Throw.

($,!).  Climb up another set of rotating spikes.  SAVE (3:26-4:05) when 
you reach the top (!).  Continue north.

---------
FIGHT #53
---------
SATYRS

You must keep killing them until the platforms stop rising.  Wait for 
two Satyrs before using PR.  You have two (!) (one back near the Save 
point) which means you'll get to cast PR at least 12 times (more 
depending on how many Blue Orbs the Satyrs give when they die) which 
should be more than enough to get the final platform to rise. 

Head north ($x2) and climb the rope (!).  Head north.

------------------------------
TEMPLE OF THE ORACLE DESTROYED
------------------------------

---------
FIGHT #54
---------
CYCLOPS
MINOTAURS

PR.

Head to the area where you saved the Oracle earlier in the game (run 
past everything).  SAVE (3:32-4:11).  Upgrade AOH (!).  Make your way 
towards Suicide Bluff.

---------
FIGHT #55
---------
ARES I

Cast ROTG at the onset of the battle and cast the following: AOH, AOH, 
AOH, PR.  As the first two AOH are cast you should be attacking Ares 
with the "[]" combo.  Cast one more AOH and conserve the remaining 
magic for the next battle (you should enter the next battle with a 
close to filled magic bar: if not, then redo this battle).  Attack Ares 
with a simple "[]" combo until the "O" appears above his head if it 
hasn't already.

----------
BATTLE #56  
----------
KRATOS DOPPLEGANGERS

Stand to the northwest of your family and use POP until your family is 
down to ~25% energy.  Cast ROTG and the following: AOH, PR, PR, PR, PR.  
When ROTG wears off cast AOH and then heal your family.  Your ROTG 
meter should be full or close to being full.  Continue using POP and 
healing until you fill your ROTG.  Then cast: AOH, PR, PR, PR, PR.  
Continue using POP and RP when you need it.  Keep with the POP/RP and 
you should be fine.

----------
BATTLE #57
----------
ARES II

IMO, the easiest of the three fights.  You're going to use two sets of 
attacks here: "O","O","O" and R1.  When Ares teleports, immediately run 
to HIS right side and start the "O" combo.  Roll backwards and to the 
right to avoid the mountains.  As the mountains collide you should be 
able to get an R1 attack in.  Now roll around and use R1 whenever you 
see an opening.  Repeat as needed.

Congratulations!  If you beat the last three fights without dying it 
should take you ~:10-:15 minutes.  You've beaten God Mode in less than 
4 1/2 hours!  

--------------
FINAL THOUGHTS
--------------

While writing the FAQ, my SAVED game at Olympus read 3:44.  I died 14 
times during the course of this game: 5 times during FIGHT #11, 1 time 
during FIGHT #24, 1 time during FIGHT #34, 1 time during FIGHT #44, 1 
time jumping over the moving floor panels on my way to FIGHT #50, 2 
times jumping over the floating islands on my way to FIGHT #51, 2 times 
during FIGHT #55, 1 time during FIGHT #56.  Replayed the game once more 
and my SAVED game at Olympus read 3:34.  If there were a way to avoid 
the FMV's I'm sure it'd be possible to break the 3 hour barrier (maybe 
even 2 1/2 hours?).

Just out of curiosity, if anyone knows the exact difference in the 
amount of damage dealt and received in God Mode versus Spartan Mode I'd 
be interested in knowing (Just by eyeing the health bar in the two 
modes it seems you take anywhere from 3-5 times more damage and deal 
about 1/3-1/2 times the damage).

Feel free to email me at [email protected] for any questions, 
suggestions, or tips.

----------
DISCLAIMER
----------
God of War is the (c) SCEA... <insert rest of legal disclaimer>.  If you 
wish to post this FAQ on your website, all you've got to do is drop me 
an email at [email protected] and give me a heads up.

(c) Babo_H