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Developer: Ninja Theory Publisher: SCEA Release Date: Sep 12th 2007 Genre: Action Sub Genre: Third Person
Heavenly Sword
This article has been read 19,857 times

Heavenly Sword Review

Posted on September 18th, 2007 at 05:26 EDT
The environments, cast, characters, storyline, and virtually everything in Heavenly Sword is astonishing. While there are some minor negatives, players should be prepared to experience a spiritual disclosure with Ninja Theory’s latest masterpiece.
Pros
  • + Unforgettable atmosphere combined with ample replay value.
  • + Beautifully detailed with everything in harmony from animation all the way to the audio system.
  • + Great combat system complimented by impressive A.I
Cons
  • - Enemy models can sometimes get repetitive
  • - Poor Loading Times.
  9.0
Smokin'
Must buy!
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User rating: 9.0
(based on 99 votes)

(continued from previous page) ...is more gratifying. The battle technicalities don’t make use of a block button. Nariko will attempt to automatically block attacks, but you need to match the incoming attack stance of the enemy with the proper stance in order to properly block it. Luckily, enemies glow a certain color just before their attack to clue you in as to which stance to take.

The A.I. is very intelligent in this game and truly unique in its own respect. The enemies recognize your stances and adapt to it, forcing you to come up with something new to defeat them. Lastly, an important move to note is the 'counter-attack' and 'cross fusion'. With the former, when timed right, an impressive animation will begin which shows Nariko really teach the enemy a lesson by brutal bone fractures. In displaying a cross fusion, the most intricate fighting system to date, you can mix stances in between moves. So, if you’re coming at an enemy with a blow to the groin, you can implement speed to grind the sword around that area. In addition to this nice transition is the interconnection with the environment, especially the enemies’ bodies, allowing you to pick up and throw your foes corpses at incoming opponents.

Graphically, Heavenly Sword is glorious. The details through the entire game are made possible by an unimpeachable performance by the cast, which makes Heavenly Sword the first game in history to use full motion capturing. Andy Serkis does an amazing job as the Dramatic Producer, and Anna Torv as Nariko gives a similarly eye-catching performance. Giving the perfect performance as giddy girl who loves to be crazy, Lydia Baksh gives the Kai sequences a comedic touch to Heavenly Sword---for people not too much into a hardcore dark story with a plot surrounding solely upon death and domination.

The boss battles are spectacular. Even though they have a series of pattern recognition type attacks, where you attempt to figure out their weakness and then attempt to win strategically, the environments and fighting styles present realistic displays. The tactics are unique to use—and constantly using triangle doesn’t help you, something that many players in earlier builds thought they could get away with. The bosses are amped up and so are the enemies—so don’t think triangle is your only sole source of support anymore.



Aside from the flawless visuals, character detail and dramatic performance, is the life-like audio. With every fighting move Nariko delivers, anyone with an adept skill at picking up nuances in sound can detect the reaction from the music. If she smashes the enemy’s body, a huge drum is heard that adapts. If she flings the body to various other enemies, the music dramatically picks up in pace for a short while and soon rescinds to a calm flow of travel. The sounds are crystal clear, the effects are sharp and precise, and everything is spot on.

Heavenly Sword contains a myriad of unlockables, including behind-the-scenes DVD style featurettes, character art, almost every trailer, and specific area focuses such as animation and other such aspects. You can earn many tokens by points you get for a chapter’s battle, and you can go back to any sub-chapter to strive for a higher point count to utilize for unlockables. Most of all the bonus content is superb, but some can be downloaded online—not all of it. From all of this, the replay value skyrockets.

The only real problem is that you only fight the same soldier types for most of the game, with the exception of the incredible bosses. The soldiers range from basic to greatly armored to bow casters and ninja’s. At certain spots, there are different types of enemies, but the actual amalgamation of the enemy variety lacks. Despite this, Ninja Theory aimed for processing power and not so much as diverse character models. So, this slight lack of enemy variety isn’t exactly deal breaker.

Heavenly Sword really allows the players to focus in on the story and battle system realistically and immersively. Over a total of 2,700 animations for the enemy AI alone, Heavenly Sword is enough to get players ... (continued on next page)

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What are your thoughts?
posted 6:05am EDT - September 18th, 2007
1

grea game got it today nice animations just alround nice! one of the best on the consol the now

posted 6:50am EDT - September 18th, 2007
2

oh Fawk u ninja "Heavenly Sword’s ideas were in development long before God of War saw the horizon."

it was in the works yes i agree but soon after GoW 1 was announced in late 2003 and a trailer was showned they took ideas and such...HS was only consisted of speed and power styles...not no range style until GoW was shown..

http://kotaku.com/gaming/seeing-red/heavenly-sword-from-xbox-to-ps3-284674.php go to this link and u will see the difference on the 2004 vid which was mid 2004...and GoW was announced LATE 2003...plus the whole era was different so fawk ninja....good game overall but next time be original...they always praised GoW to throw ppl off the fact they took most of the ideas frm that game and just switched it around and added a lil bit of spice to it....be original seriously

posted 7:12am EDT - September 18th, 2007
3

actaully god of war had been in dev for about 3 years before heavenly sowrd even saw the let of day at e3 2005

posted 7:25am EDT - September 18th, 2007
4

It's about time this review came out!

posted 7:47am EDT - September 18th, 2007
5

But how is the lenght of the game?

posted 8:23am EDT - September 18th, 2007
6

Good I loved the cinematics, gameplay, and content, but why does it give two scores 9.0 and 9.5.

posted 8:27am EDT - September 18th, 2007
7

i read in gamespot that its a short game & can be finished in a day, now im confused to get it, i know it maybe a superb game but also i wouldnt like it short to play....

if anyone can confirm about the length of the game...

posted 9:09am EDT - September 18th, 2007
8

@tjay2411

The game is about 8hours long,but it is a really great game, but since the game is really short I would give it a rent not a buy.

posted 9:27am EDT - September 18th, 2007
9

I rlly dnt like reviews from psu. They didnt even mention in the con section how extremely short the game is...still this  game is amazing

posted 9:55am EDT - September 18th, 2007
10

AWESOME GAME!! I have about 6 hours in not sure how close to the end I am but I have replayed sections already just cause there cool! LOVE the cannon scenes blowing up 100's of guys at once crossing athe river how cool is that?      It is the best PS3 game to date---NO DOUBT!!

posted 10:17am EDT - September 18th, 2007
11

Out of all my ps3 and 360 games that I've bought this year, Heavenly Sword is the best without a doubt.  I honestly was shocked by this game after reading the IGN review (For once, I completely agree with Play magazine that gave it a 10.0).  My expectations were low so I was blown out of the water when I actually played it.

Thanks to Ninja Theory and Sony for a game I will never forget.  AAA

Note:  For those asking, this game took me around 9 hours to complete, but was worth every penny I paid.  For those who own a ps3, it's sacrilegious to not own this game.

 

posted 10:25am EDT - September 18th, 2007
12

After playing this gem I think some of the reviewers out there must've been payed off or just don't like action games.  This one is impressive.

posted 11:04am EDT - September 18th, 2007
13

@mystik4l06 I believe you are looking at this all wrong.  It is a completely unique idea.  Maybe you should grab yourself an beer and calm down.  Take Heavenly Sword for what it is, not what it was.

posted 11:20am EDT - September 18th, 2007
14
I think this game will be good but that's a bit extreme to give it a 9.5. I would say a more realistic rating would be around a 8.2 - 8.6. With so many biased opinions I would have hoped that PSU wouldn't fall in that category.
posted 11:31am EDT - September 18th, 2007
15

Heavenly Sword really is a must own!! I haven't seen anyone talk about it yet, but the way they allowed u to use the SIXAXIS was simply amazing, the best use of it in any PS3 game to date!!

posted 11:46am EDT - September 18th, 2007
16

I just finished the game. It took me more like 14hrs. I think the 8hr estimate in some other reviews must be for hardcore gamers. It takes time to learn all the moves, fight effectively, and figure out how to defeat the bosses instead of just button mash you're way through the game.

The game is very good. It offers a cinematic experience for the gamer. The replay value is moderate. I am playing some sub-chapters again to get more points to unlock content.

I really enjoyed the fight system in Ninja Gaiden Black and was hoping HS would come close to it but it doesn't. At times it had collision detection problems during fights. One time Nariko was pounding a guy to death except she wasn't on top of him. She was pounding empty space and the bad guy was on the groud to her right with his "getting hit" animation running. Was an odd bug but the game seems to have a few of these.

I think the game is very cool though and I think the after touch feature is awesome. When you have to use the tilt sensor on your controller to guide the arrow into an enemy you feel like you really earned it when it makes direct contact because it's definitely not the easiest thing to do.

 

I think anyone who likes RPG fighting games will enjoy it. Some of the action is just incredible like taking out an army of men and catapults with a canon. There are literally hundreds of enemies on the screen and they look believeable not like some other games where it looks like they're just carbon copies of each other standing lifeless there.

posted 11:53am EDT - September 18th, 2007
17

psn id: gingo... i've already completed it and i have to say it was the best, most compelling game i've ever played but i should think another con is that it was way too short although H.Ell mode is a challenge

posted 12:40pm EDT - September 18th, 2007
18

Even though the game is short, it is an amazing game that is needed for any PS3 collector!

posted 12:56pm EDT - September 18th, 2007
19

Heavenly Sword is a killer game!

Only downside is that it ends too quickly...

posted 3:04pm EDT - September 18th, 2007
20

i think i have to go and buy it now.

posted 3:11pm EDT - September 18th, 2007
21

A simply gorgeous game...im still picking up my jaw for the beauty of it....Awesome story..a truly high value production package....I am truly enjoying this one

posted 3:59pm EDT - September 18th, 2007
22

um.awesome.im speechless.must buy.woot.

posted 4:28pm EDT - September 18th, 2007
23

The game is awesome and I think the replay value (He11 mode, unlocking all content) is pretty good.  Some people complain about the game being too short; I suppose, with awesome games, that is the general consensus.  I've yet to beat the game (got it at launch and I've been taking it slow, unlocking content, going back to previous levels, etc.), but even if it's short doesn't mean the game sucks or isn't worth owning.  Which is wrong. 

 

This game is definitely worth owning.  I doubt I could heap anymore praise on this game than what has already been presented, so I'll just say this: the game's beauty and well scripted story make it well worth the price.  There's a reason we who love this game keep coming back to this point.  When I first sat down and watched the story unfold, I was just stuck on a single thought: "Wow."  I actually went back and replayed my unlocked videos a number of times, I thought they were that good.

 

While a few issues kept it from a perfect 10, in my book, I definitely don't see how it doesn't deserve a 9.5, or a 9 at the very least.

posted 4:29pm EDT - September 18th, 2007
24

Who ever reviewed this... did you forget the game only takes 6 hours to beat?  How can you give a game that takes 6 hours to beat a 9.0?  And this also leads me to think about the time the developers said they baely had enough room.  LOL  The game owns for 6 hours, after that... its just... done.

posted 5:10pm EDT - September 18th, 2007
25
I GOT THE GAME ON the day it came out ,for me the best PS3 game too date, go and get it ,and play it for yourself and see what the talk is all about. It won't let you drown.
posted 5:30pm EDT - September 18th, 2007
26

While I really liked the game Heavenly Sword, the reviewer never mentioned either the length of the game (6-7 hours) being too short, or some of the framerate issues (think last chapter).

posted 6:27pm EDT - September 18th, 2007
27

It's still a pretty short game. It's more a rental than a full purchase

posted 7:26pm EDT - September 18th, 2007
28

Bottom line if u like it buy it and yes its short but buy it so they will come out with more expansions and stuff like that

posted 7:49am EDT - September 19th, 2007
29

A very good but short game. Makes me wonder  when and what they will do for a sequel. Imagine if they made them longer than the first one, no more cinema.Download content would be good providing that more people buy the game than rent it because of its length.  Great game for PS3 to start their onslaught against the competition. Bring it on Sony, 2008 looking good.

posted 8:13am EDT - September 19th, 2007
30

meh gameplay could b better and its a tad diffcult other than that pretty good (Y)

posted 9:48am EDT - September 19th, 2007
31

I have to agree with ARMY HAWK. Rent it if it's too short. Otherwise, if you're a fan of this genre of games, then buy it just for the sheer graphics and gameplay. I didn't rent/buy the game yet, but I will.

posted 2:06pm EDT - September 19th, 2007
32

as great as this game is me and my roomate were discussing that if this game had been any longer than it would have felt like it was being dragged on.  the length is perfect if you guys actually played it completely.   Maybe its just me but where do you guys find all the time to play these games that are 20+hours?  10 hours is plenty for me to play.

posted 2:51pm EDT - September 19th, 2007
33
Wow another review which kisses the Sony ass, how suprising (check Lair review); I guess every other reviewer out there is just wrong....man for a free game you guys will write anything! Don't get me wrong I got HS and beat it......in 6 hours. I think the reviewer forgot to mention that.
posted 3:43pm EDT - September 19th, 2007
34

I haven't played it yet, but i'm interested......

posted 2:59pm EDT - September 21st, 2007
35

Wow this game is great it is a tad bit short but you WILL replay the game all the way thru over and over again. I promise any one who is trying to determined BUY this GAME as soon as you can it is a AAA short but AAA!

posted 8:19pm EDT - September 21st, 2007
36

The whole idea of length needs to be a non-issue. Does a game that's 30 hours long automatically equal a great game? Of course not. But if you can have a visceral and unforgettable experience in about 8 to 10 hours then I think you still get your money's worth.

The great thing about HS is that nothing about the game feels like it was tacked on or throw in -- like a random cave to explore -- everything feels serves a purpose and helps carry the story.

This game has spoiled me. Every other cut scene by comparison is crap, even Metal Gear Solid 4's characters seem like cold, dead zombies compared to the emotion and epic scale that HS has pulled off.

I guess the GoW references are unavoidable but don't let that stop you from getting what is truly one of the best looking games on ANY system...at least until Killzone 2 comes out.

Oh yeah, and anyone that beats the game quick is just trying to prove a point. "See I spent $60 and I beat it already. I didn't care about all the quality and work and time and effort it took to make such a beautiful game because I want to prove to the world that I can beat an already short game in short time span. That'll show 'em".

I would say if you like quality games with emotion and scale poured into every facet of the game with a stellar soundtrack and tight -- fun to pick up, challenge to master -- controls then I would say avoid this at all costs. This game is not for you. You are not worthy to play such a masterpiece of technology.

posted 11:55pm EDT - September 21st, 2007
37

all i gotta say is this game is pure beauty.thank you ninja theory.

posted 1:39am EDT - September 22nd, 2007
38

why does length matter all that much. be happy with your 6-8 hors. i have beaten games that only take three hours and were still fun although replay wasnt good still if your a real gamer you can enjoy  6-8 hours of good fun gaming and walk away with a smile (erhem!) (arcades member those now you have one at home beat the game and walk away satisfied)

p.s fellas writing epic novels for comments plz stop keep it short and sweet ;)

posted 2:44pm EDT - September 24th, 2007
39

I bought this game last friday, that same night, I read the IGN review of this game (before i played it) so I was feelin pretty disappointed....didnt wanna play that night.....  So I started playin it saturday morning around 12:00pm finished at 8:00pm....8 of the greatest hours I've ever spent playin a game...the only thing that got to me was how short it was....although a couple of days later (ie today) im startin to play the new hard mode....and wow its tough, so there's a challenge for ya :)

P.S - I loved the story line!

Thanks Ninja Theory & Sony!!!!

posted 10:04pm EDT - September 24th, 2007
40

Good game though very short. Gametime 5,5 hours excluding end boss. 7,5 hours including end boss (yess thats right it costed me 2 hours to defeat the bastard).

posted 10:17am EDT - September 25th, 2007
41

I rented this game on a Saturday for 5 nights and beat it on a Sunday in less than 5 hours. Very short game. I may be flamed for this, but I did not like the game. There are no real puzzles at all everything you need to solve a puzzle is in a shiny box on the ground. Absoulutly no thought is needed playing this game. This is a rental at best, the story is mediocre and there is too much button mashing for its own good. It gets very boring in combat from time to time. The storyline isn't something to write home about. No back story to the father was provided or even the history of the sword. Even in the beginning battle sequence, it gets redundent.

 

Pros: Graphics, Cinematics, No Backtracking

Cons: short, no puzzles, too much button mashing for its own good. Several Framerate issues.

 

Overall rating from me is 3/5. Rent it, do not buy it.

posted 10:03pm EDT - October 2nd, 2007
42

@ incredibilistic

"Oh yeah, and anyone that beats the game quick is just trying to prove a point. "See I spent $60 and I beat it already. I didn't care about all the quality and work and time and effort it took to make such a beautiful game because I want to prove to the world that I can beat an already short game in short time span. That'll show 'em"."

 

Or I just beat it in a short time (between 5 and 6 hours) because I was so engrossed in it...

posted 4:49am EDT - October 5th, 2007
43

9.0 ??? HAHAHA

7.5 max. !!

posted 1:05pm EDT - October 31st, 2007
44

This game was amazing, I'm looking forward to buying it someday. How short the game was has no impact at all on how good the game turns out to be. Story, Graphics, Fighting System, All are just awesome.

posted 10:22pm EST - November 10th, 2007
45

One of the best epic storys i have ever played or seen the story the chars everything in this game is great only thing as many people been reading or hearing the game is very little and yes its true tho theres modes so you can play again try play in a harder mode if you want it to be long if not just enjoy the story and all the fighting moves that there is i have had the game for some time now and i still don't know half of the moves you can do lol anyhow i would say this game is a must buy if your into GOW or just epic storys or any fighting game.

posted 8:28am EST - January 18th, 2008
46

It's awesome but a bit on the short side - 9/10

posted 11:09am EST - January 24th, 2008
47

Although very short, a fantastic experience 9/10

posted 1:04pm EST - February 16th, 2008
48

Before I start, I should say that I am more of an online gamer then a single player mode, and I didnt buy this, this game was a gift. That being said, this game ain't all bad. The graffics are amazing, the story line is decent, the game does feel repetitive at times, but it mixes in some problem solving with the chaos. Heavenly Sword isn't really my type of game, but it is worth it to those that like this style. I give it an 8 and reccomend it to offline gamers.

posted 10:19pm EDT - March 30th, 2008
49

best game i have ever played!!! you need to buy this game!!!!!!!

posted 8:26pm EDT - June 25th, 2008
50

pretty good game over all but was to short

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