The style and feel of the videogame was influenced by the 300 film, which is based on Frank Miller's graphic novel and directed by Zack Snyder. The film's highly stylized production design, including live-action photography integrated with virtual environments, and unique color treatments create a surreal and amazing world in this retelling of the ancient Battle of Thermopylae in which King Leonidas and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army.