The Spartans are coming

As 300 cleaves its way into cinemas, PSP slices deeper into the sword and sandals epic to uncloak the March to Glory.

The mixture of a stirring, historical tale, Frank "Sin City" Miller's graphic novel retelling and Zach "Dawn of the Dead" Snyder's cinematic direction has made 300 the movie a massive hit. Now Eidos goes beyond the silver screen epic to bring you 300: March to Glory for PSP.

The year is 480 BC Xerxes, the God-King of Persia, invades Sparta with an army so numerous it makes the ground shake as it approaches. But unlike countless countries before it, Sparta does not yield. Instead, you, as King Leonidas, bravely march forth to face the Persian hordes with only your elite royal guard at your back. three hundred men against the armies of Xerxes drawn from a thousand conquered nations. One thing is certain; many will die a horrible death before the conflict is over.

It's all Greek to me
300: March to Glory is a third-person, hack and slash adventure following Leonidas' legendary stand against tyranny and overwhelming odds. As the King, you'll be unleashing devastating sword, shield and spear combos to send Xerxes' forces in to the afterlife in as bloody a fashion as possible.

Far from button bashing your way into the history books, you'll need to ensure you use the correct weaponry and tactics to defeat each of the Persian units you face. For example, shield-carrying warriors will regularly block your sword attacks, but your spear is powerful enough to shatter enemy defences leaving them at the mercy of your point or blade.

Mercy is something you won't receive from your foes. As well as facing down waves of barely competent slave warriors, you'll face the elite Immortals. Trained from birth and twisted by war, these once-human opponents will test every ounce of your martial ability. Among their ranks also lurk hulking monsters mixing blade and flesh, who can cleave through entire units with one sweep of their scythe-like arms. Thankfully, the gods are with you.

Grapes of Wrath
In addition to your prowess with sword and spear, your fierce combination of adrenalin and bravery can gift you Wrath Attacks. These are modified, powerful versions of your standard attacks, drawing on your Wrath power amassed by defeating enemies. Build your Wrath meter enough and you can unleash your super-powered Battle Skills.

These four powers grant you amazing abilities that can turn the tide of battle. Fortitude restores your health, Blood Drunk is an intense battle rage that greatly increases the damage you deal with each blow. The Defense skill makes you miraculously block all incoming attacks for a time, and lastly the Eye of the Warlord slows time allowing you to attack multiple enemies while avoiding their pedestrian strikes.

The last tactic open to you and your brave comrades is the Phalanx. Joining with your fellow Spartans you form a near impenetrable line of soldiers, moving, defending and fighting as one. This manoeuvre comes into play when you need to advance against apparently insurmountable forces.

300: March to Glory is a gory, all-action epic featuring a rich combo and Wrath attack system. With the addition of graphic novel style cut scenes, numerous bonus features such as Frank Miller video interviews, plus a stellar voice cast including David Wenham (Delios in 300, Faramir in The Lord of the Rings trilogy), this is one game that is far from spartan in its features.