Reviews are out of four stars.

'God of War II'

He's a nasty guy, that Kratos.

You'd think a guy who survived so much mayhem and actually bested the fierce war god Ares might sit back, relax a bit and enjoy life with the rest of the gods atop Mount Olympus. But no, this wretched crank has to keep causing trouble in the mortal world until eventually the rest of the gods decide to knock him flat.

Our snarling, blade-twirling warrior must fight to change his fate and reclaim his destiny in "God of War II," (Sony Computer Entertainment America; PS2; $49.99; Rated Mature), a well-developed but extraordinarily brutal expedition through ancient Greece. The sequel to one of our top games of 2005, "God of War II" is startlingly gory, and if you've played the original, you'll know that is saying something.

Blood is spilled. Limbs are hacked and hurled. Eyes are gouged. Bodies are smashed flat against stone walls. Oh my, but this is one gasp-inducing, combat-crammed game. Don't say we didn't caution you. And shame on anyone who lets children get anywhere near it.

Should you decide to proceed, however, you'll also find "God of War II" offers eye-catching scenery, challenging puzzles and a credible story line that draws liberally, if not always accurately, from mythology and classic literature. It is generally a stylish package that presents new characters and skills to be mastered by Kratos, including a form of ancient aerial combat fought on the backs of flying animals.

Learning to fly is fun. So is refreshing yourself with the trick of turning some of your enemies to stone and learning new skills and spells to vanquish plenty of others.

Right off the bat, the enormous Colossus of Rhodes made us giggle as he stomped, smashed his boulder-like fists and repeatedly hurled our poor Kratos against the side of a stone edifice. But using a catapult device to repeatedly bonk poor cranky Colossus on the forehead was amusing, even knowing that it would only make him madder.

"God of War II's" environments are notable for size, beauty, real-life scale and exquisite detail. It's a gratifying surprise to see how much painstaking work went into making this PS2 game so visually accurate, given that game developers and publishers increasingly are shifting attention to the PS3 console.

PS3 owners will find that "God of War II" also looks darned good on their machine. But no matter which console you're using, you will feel as if you're exploring a sprawling city -- and, after yet another blood-soaked clash, you'll crave a shower.

Sound also is commendable, both for voice acting by Linda Hunt and other accomplished actors and for a thoughtful music score that veers from orchestral melodies to modern bands. Fans can buy it separately from iTunes or in stores for $9.99.

There's also an extra DVD tucked inside the game box, offering making-of-game information and deleted material, just in case you still have the stomach for more stomach-churning carnage when you've completed the game. But by then -- if not earlier -- you're just as likely to be craving a roll of Tums.

'The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion'

A year after its release for PC and Xbox 360, this excellent role-playing sequel to "The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind" finally debuts for PS3, and a welcome long-awaited arrival it is.

Folks who've already played "Oblivion" (Bethesda Software; $59.99; Rated Mature) in its initial incarnations elsewhere may not feel compelled to revisit the enthralling world of Tamriel or rescue it from forces rising from Hell to destroy it. They won't find much new here, particularly if they've been playing the X360 version and using Xbox Live to download extra content.

But PS3 owners who have never encountered "Oblivion" now have their own opportunity to blow far too many hours on creating and modifying their own evolving characters, exploring the enchanting villages and surrounding woods and chatting up a gazillion characters to glean valuable information.

The PS3 version includes a "Knights of the Nine" package that had to be purchased and added by owners of the earlier versions, but otherwise is a straight copy. Still, PS3 owners who've held out this long will find this to be one of the best titles released so far for their 6-month-old console.