God of War on PSP is good. It’s fun, easy to get into and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s like playing a God of War game on the PS2 – except it’s a perfect conversion to handheld.

Not many games have had the easiest trip from PS2 to PSP – even if it seems every other PSP game is a PS2 conversion. Top games like Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, and The Warriors are exceptions, but the rule for such “ports” is usually to expect a game that is not so great.

The start-up movie is a sign of things to come. It sums up “the story so far” in about two minutes, so you don’t even need to have played the previous games – though if you get the chance you should.

Once you’re in the game things just get better. The game looks pro, the colours are bright and the characters look awesome for a PSP game. The game’s more than just a looker though – it’s second nature to play even with the PSP’s sometimes clunky control pad.

Being God of War, it was to be expected that naked Greek babes would return. True to the series’ style, random ladies want to sleep with protagonist Kratos just because he’s… Kratos. The game is full of cool little moments like this which remind you you’re a god amongst men without getting bogged down with its own self-importance.

Barely into the game and I notice the only caveat - it’s full of button mashing and quick time events. A button mashing event is one where you have to push the button as fast as you can until the door, lever or whatever is used – these aren’t so tough to deal with… If you’re having a hard time just hold your thumb above the button and jiggle like Jelly.

Quick time events are sequences where you need to press the buttons when they flash on the screen – like an ancient Greco Guitar Hero. These ones are the catch. Beating certain bosses requires skill at these events, and the PSP isn’t as responsive as we’d like. Hitting X when it flashes X is fine, but drawing a circle with the thumb stick isn’t as fun an experience as the rest of the game.

Just before the “naked Greek chick section” was something of a fake boss fight with the King of Persia. He’s easy to dispatch, and after laying the beat down on more fodder, I’m up against a real baddie – a basilisk wants to eat me.

The challenge amps up a little more here – you don’t just dump combos on anything in your path any more – and your death becomes increasingly likely. It dawns on me: you need to work out a pattern to get the giant lizard on the ropes.

How I did it: dodge torrents of fire to regain ground on his cowardly basilisk ass when the dreaded quick time event kicks in – and it’s got those circle thumb stick moves. After failing three times I’m suddenly frustrated at the game. I try again, and I fail at the same part. I load from the last checkpoint and attack it again, following the pattern to beat it without thinking now.

Determined to succeed. I press the buttons in order as quick as I can, and the circle flashes up. I change my tactics and draw the circle as fast as the game shows it drawn – instead of as quickly as possible. Success! The basilisk’s head slams into the ground and Kratos flips back to the starting position for the fight – it’s round two. The giant lizard is nothing this time round. This quick time event is probably the sloppiest part of the game – and once you’ve worked it out it’s just another button to press.

With the extra knowledge behind me, I am invincible. It’s challenging enough to make you feel like you accomplish something when you get past a tough bit - you don’t have to be an actual God to win. Anyone can get into God of War – though single pixel nipples definitely restrict it to ages 15 and over.

If you’re after an action game to pass the time, buy a PSP and this game. It plays great on the handheld, the sound is spot on and the graphics are superb – this one is a system seller.