[BradleyLove]

Seeing as Durera has done this in the 360 Games section, I suppose it makes sense to have a PS3 version so here goes.

So how do you feel about Heavenly Sword?

Please! As a courtesy to others; avoid posting any spoilers in your reviews.

A 10 should only be given for a landmark game that sets new rules, a 9 for a truly excellent game without flaw, and an average game that does things right but nothing special should get a 5 (not a 7 or 8 like some would have you believe).

With thanks for Durera for providing the format (makes sense to keep it consistent across AVF).

[Jonstone]

I gave it 8/10 as although it is the most enjoyable game I have played for a long time I would have to agree with the magazine reviews that it is just a little too short to score higher.

[MarVell]

The hack and slash parts are OK but what makes this game a 8/10 for me are the Sixaxis projectile sections The section where you control Kai's arrows as the old man is crossing the bridge is just perfect

[golden phoenix]

just out of curiosity ....how long to complete this game?

[Simon_143]

I purchased this yesterday and had a lot of fun with it last night.

It looks stunning.

I had to turn off the sixaxis as I couldn't direct the projectiles at all with it on. Once it was off these sections are a lot of fun.

The fights are a bit of case of button mashing but I am sure there is some skill involved as I was able to pull of some of the combinations quite regulary as I played more and more.

Would of scored it higher but the normal fights are all pretty much all the same, a case of large numbers of bad guys running at you, they needed to add some variety to these parts. The puzzle sections are quite well thought out as are the shooting parts and make for a nice break from the hack and slashing at masses of bad guys.

I think an above average 7/10 for me, a gorgeous looking game that is a lot of fun, but can become repetive in some parts.

[for_mandalore]

I gave the game 10/10. To me it's genre defining and groundbreaking as I've never played a game like it before. If the goal was to create a game that looked like an interactive movie then I think that goal was achieved.

It's a beautiful game to look at and great fun to play, especially the use of the Sixaxis to control canon balls and crossbow bolts. The storyline is rich and compelling and the voice acting is brilliant and emotionally moving. I really got caught up with the story and developed an affection for the characters because the acting and animation is so well done.

While the game is short (which is why it has been so heavily criticized) I think it has great replay value because it is so much fun. It's not a button masher so replaying it and learning different combos is very satisfying and I just don't get bored watching Nariko carry out a counter or super-style move.

I think that Heavenly Sword is definitely a game the PS3 should be proud of and the quicker we get over it's length and focus on it's quality the better.

[Koalaboy]

I've given it a 10, as I think it's seriously genre-defining in the production values and storytelling. There's an obvious influence of having a serious character team involved, and the quality of the motion-capture makes such a difference. It took me around 8 hours to complete I think (I'm not the fastest gamer) and this is just about perfect for the satry they were telling - the length of a game should depend on the story.

The Darkness came close to this level, in character development and storytelling (the interstitial segues/monologues whilst loading were superb) but Heavenly Sword just brings the whole package together IMHO.

The camera angle could have been a bit better in some gameplay sections, and there was the occasional section that seemed oddly balanced (perhaps they differ in Hell mode) but otherwise there's not much I'd have changed at all. The were by no means flaws - just things I would have liked to be even better.

Also, special mention should go to the non-game user-interface in the menus. Wonderfully done and keeping within the whole setting of the game.

Can I just mention the lip-sync again, and the nuances of the emotion with the motion-capture. Any games not using this level of quality animation in the future, have no excuse - the bar has been raised by Heavenly Sword. I watched some Halo 3 cutscenes, and wondered where the budget had gone. At the time of playing Bioshock, I was disappointed at the lack of character visualisation (yes, their audio immersion was impeccable). Half-life 2 was the closest I can remember, but I would like all games in the future to be on a par with Heavenly Sword in this regard - the monologues with Nariko in-between chapters are so compelling.

[Jack-Deth]

Voted 9 here. I loved the game, whilst I am not complaining it is a little on the short side, but the experience it offers from all parts smacks of thought and high production values. The sixasis stuff stops it from "just" another hack 'n slash, but having said that the different stances and attacks and defenses used elevate it above that anyway Top game!

[Kahled]

Going to give this a 7... really feel it should be a 6 or a 6.5 at most for the game but some of the voice acting just added that bit extra.

Graphically it is rather an impressive little beasty it has to be said although there were annoyances with tearing and some odd character motion (no one actually runs/climbs ladders like that do they?). The limited camera is an odd touch and causes problems both in combat sections and just trying to navigate a simple curve in the road, after so many other similar exploration/movement sections in other games it seems wrong not turning a camera view to guide yourself around.

The combat is very repetative and I am unconvined so far that trying the combos in the list actually yields any benefit over and above mashing as many buttons in as short a time as possible (mind you I only reached as far as fighting that snake woman in the prison). Probably an injustice here but since Ninety-nine Knights kind of sent me off my trolley with tedium and repetition this has a similar feel and so is getting some of the 'meh' factor from that game.

Going to avoid discussing the motion sensor sections otherwise that will most definately be taken as casting excessive negatives.

Screen can be impressively busy at times and definately the sort of game that would be put on to try and demonstrate the capability of the PS3. The character acting is excellent although the evil boss just completely outshines everyone else on that score.

In many ways this reminds me of Motorstorm in that it is initially very impressive, but then some annoyances creep in, and then it all becomes a bit too repetative. Not a bad thing at all as a freebie but I'm doubtful that I would have been happy paying full price for it.

[monkeybayou]

I haven't voted just yet, but so far it feels solidly like a solid 8

Whatever the concerns, and I've read them over and over, form the hardcore review scene, I can't get over how stylish and downright sensual ( ) this game is. I like that style in combat is its own reward here, that there are stunning vistas and level architecture to play through, and that the personal aspects of the story are etched out strongly.

If it does turn out to be 5-7 hours to finish I'm still happy- more likely I'll go back to it for the story and atmosphere.

I voted 7 but with some thought i should have at least given it an 8, i believe the quality of the production values will outshine the shortness and other negatives and in a couple years the game will become regarded as a ps3 classic.

[TKDMisterC]

Originally Posted by Simon_143

I purchased this yesterday and had a lot of fun with it last night.

It looks stunning.

I had to turn off the sixaxis as I couldn't direct the projectiles at all with it on. Once it was off these sections are a lot of fun.

The fights are a bit of case of button mashing but I am sure there is some skill involved as I was able to pull of some of the combinations quite regulary as I played more and more.

Would of scored it higher but the normal fights are all pretty much all the same, a case of large numbers of bad guys running at you, they needed to add some variety to these parts. The puzzle sections are quite well thought out as are the shooting parts and make for a nice break from the hack and slashing at masses of bad guys.

I think an above average 7/10 for me, a gorgeous looking game that is a lot of fun, but can become repetive in some parts.

Got this game with my Christmas money pmsl (that I gave myself)!

I would say mmm 8.5/10 I agree with most of what you have said, I rated it higher because I truly had some fun with the game, and was a bit nervous in some parts, it took me a bit longer to complete about 10 hours.

Also I truly enjoyed the twing twang bits, I read a few reviews on the Bow and arrow bits and they were even better than I thought they would be.

I think this is a must buy for all PS3 owners, the fact that it's not on XBox 060 gives you more bragging rights over your mates & that it's good fun. In a years time this will sadly not be much more than just a game and I can see forums replies saying "no Don't get Heavenly Sword get xxxxxxx instead"

So go out and get it, or renting it would be a good option due to the fact that it can be completed in a weekend. However you can now buy it for £30.00 so it's probably worth adding it to your collection.

[Jhuxley]

Haven't completed this yet so I'll refrain from voting until I do (since length is apparently an issue), but so far 7 seems like a fair score. It looks gorgeous and while the story might not be anything special, the cut scenes are always amusing thanks to some well considered hammy acting and imaginative characters.

Unfortunately it's almost more entertaining to watch than it is to play, because the combat falls short of the standard set by God of War and Devil May Cry. Hammering buttons will get you through the game thanks to a generous supply of health bonuses dotted around the levels, which is unfortunate because it doesn't really force you to learn to fight with any skill. That said, mastery of the controls doesn't really seem to offer any benefits either. Apart from an ambiguous ranking at the end of each level and a slightly better off health meter...there's no real need to learn all the combos. A DMC style rating to encourage you to fight with more style would have been a big improvement IMO.

It's not an inherently bad control scheme, it just doesn't reward you enough for playing well.

On the flip side I'm loving the bits where you get to control Kai and play 'twing twang'. To be honest I don't know why everyone is complaining about the Sixaxis control. It does take a while to get used to, but once you've got the knack it's much more fun and more rewarding IMO. Nailing an enemy hundreds of metres away right in the knackers is just a great experience. And these sequences are fairly plentiful, so it's really a mixed bag with Heavenly Sword.

The production values and general entertainment factor (IMO a game should always be rated on how fun it is to play, and I have to admit I'm having a lot of fun with this) push this more towards a seven/eight than a six. But with a few simple tweaks I reckon a sequel could really be aiming for the nine/ten bracket.

[Widge]

Interesting. The impression I get from most people that this game is a hardcore button mash all the way through. Up until the 'run down the pillars' bit of Episode 2, this is the case. However, I found from Whiptail onwards, the game really is absolutely stonking. Whiptail herself requires some tactics somewhat. On her third energy bar, you really need to get in there with aerial combos because she evades your button mashes somewhat.

Inbetween these parts, you get some absolutely CRACKING Kai sections. I just love the bits where you can shoot a flame arrow into fireworks for explosion effects. The entire cable car section is fantastic. Once I had calmed myself, I found the sixaxis arrow shooting to be horrifically satisfying to pull off. Loved it. As soon as I got a bit paniced ... the control went to pot. Accurate I'd say. Good implementation all in all.

Oh, the defend Shen bit. That was heart pounding. Mwah to that section.

I'm also starting to learn the combos a bit more. I could just wade in flailing about with Nariko, but hell, I want to fly around nailing everyone in style. I do think games like this could use a training dummy mode to help you pull off these moves.

So anyway, I'm up to Episode 4, and its been a decently lengthed game so far, we'll see how this goes on.

As an aside, the level of detail in this game is shockingly good. The textures and animation are fantastic, the actual dialogue and acting content is amazing too. Just love the bit where Kai is trying to get into the cable car.... also watching Roach face off against Nariko.... you actually feel sorry for the big lump.

I then compare this to... say, Syphon Filter on the PSP. Great game but the characters and acting in it... diabolical. There is no reason to care one iota about these people and there generic-a personas.

I don't have a problem with length. Metal Gear Solid PS1, I did that in a weekend. Its an astounding game. I must have completed it over and over and over and over... just to experience it and the story again.

I think this has been a much maligned game thanks to it being under the microscope, and also perhaps by people who don't necessarily have a joy for the gameplay experience, and care more about 'cool' factors and multiplayer modes. One time through and sell etc.

I really hope that more comes out from this world where the game takes place. There is alot of scope for the lore of the game to spin off into more games.

Imagine a large scale RTS in the world, with huge armies facing off against each other (going back to the times of the Heavenly Warrior story in the animation series). The game engine is out there, I say they refine it and pump out some more games.

Against the game. I agree about some elements of the combat. You don't get the same sensation of really connecting and being clinical with your moves. I did like some of the bad guys countering my counter's though, spiced it up a bit.

Tighten that up too!

EDIT:

Game has been patched for RUMBLE support now too!

[Wamphyri]

I've given this a 5.

I'm not overly impressed with the combat in this, in fact I much prefer Kai sections with the Sixaxis guided Arrows to the Hack and slash stuff. The idea of the three stances is an interesting one which works well in an attack sense, but the counter feature is a massive let down in my opinion. When you are surronding by mobs and they are hitting you with all stances then countering these sometimes becomes impossible. Also there are some mobs that constantly block, which in a hack and slash kinda defeats the fun of it.

However, the acting and and the facial lip sycning on the cut scenes are the best I have ever seen in a game. The graphics generally are good, if not spectacular.

In my opinion I would pick Devil May Cry 4 over this everytime, even though the level design is pants. I would just have more fun playing it.

[internetuser]

Picked up cheap.

Short game, started Tuesday night and played a couple of hours each nite, and finished on friday night.

Enjoyed it all, so its canny enough and will resell so I only lose a few quid.

[Naqv]

Absolutely beautiful game. I am proud that I had the honour of playing this game. I felt the same way after I finished Half-Life 1/2/The legend of Zelda.

This game has EVERYTHING, wonderful graphics/scenery/levels, a sight to behold. I often just stopped moving to admire the view.

The sound is very atmospheric and non repetive, unlike some games.

The gameplay is BRILLIANT, especially the projectile levels, which I could play over and over again.

This game truly feels cinematic, in the sense that you are actually playing a film and care about the story and what happens to the main character.

What can I say, you must play this game if you own a PS3, just to see what a truly brilliant game can look like. There aren't many games in the 9-10 range.

This is wonderful/brilliant/excellent/magical!!!!

Play it now.

9.5/10.

[SparkShot]

I got the platinium version of this the other day. superb game one of the best i played on the ps3 so far. The twing twang and cannon levels are brilliant (once i turned the sixaxis controls off) and really add some variety to the hack and slash gameplay. The cut-sences are great too, only bettered by MGS4.

Not the longest game ever (took me around 6 hours) but fun the minutes played ratio is high.

Overall 9/10 - Short but oh-so sweet, a must buy IMO and its new price.

[danwill108]

Brillient game. The only problem is the length of the game. At its current price though it is well worth it.

[BurninVermin]

Brand new to PS3 gaming as only ever had a 360 and Wii up until now. Picked this up cheap in Blockbusters and am stunned at how truly brilliant it is. Cut scenes are some of the best I have ever seen and what starts of as a real button basher soon turns into tack tickle game play. Roll on more like this game, makes me wish I had picked up a PS3 sooner.

[Rasczak]

Just completed Heavenly Sword

I am firmly of the opinion that the God Of War series is the reference hacnk'n'slash, so Heavenly Sword has to be compared to that. And certainly I think the fighting elements of it were good. Decent enough combis and some quite satisfying moves. But whereas with the God Of War games you get a real sense of progress as you hack through enemies by way of getting orbs, there isn't anything like that in this game. All health is given in pots which you run off and smash when needed.

Overall I would rate this game as 6 / 10 - Above Average.

[BradleyLove]

Originally Posted by Rasczak

Just completed Heavenly Sword

I am firmly of the opinion that the God Of War series is the reference hacnk'n'slash, so Heavenly Sword has to be compared to that. And certainly I think the fighting elements of it were good. Decent enough combis and some quite satisfying moves. But whereas with the God Of War games you get a real sense of progress as you hack through enemies by way of getting orbs, there isn't anything like that in this game. All health is given in pots which you run off and smash when needed.

Unfortunately where this game goes wrong is not with the hack'n'slash elements, or even the lacklustre boss fights, but in the infurating motion control elements. The PS3 is not the Wii, so why pretend to be? the Sixaxis is a gimmick - works well as a melee button in a FPS - but is rubbish for any sort of precision control. Heavenly Sword couples this awful control with a sluggish cannon and long range targets and a time limit. Result boring, frustrating gameplay. Everything the game does well in the hack'n'slash department is undermined by these silly sections. Indeed it explains why Heavenly Sword 2 was cancelled and it's team made redundant. They simply didn't know their trade.

My fear now is that the excellent God Of War series will now also be undermined by silly motion control elements. Please don't do it Sony!

Overall I would rate this game as 4 / 10 - Below Average.

Uh, you do know you can turn off the motion control and use the normal sticks? Which incidentally make the cannon/arrow sections really good fun. Plus, add in the cut-scenes/acting, grapics, sound then these must make this worth way more than 4/10 surely?

Maybe if you play again with motion control turned off you might have more fun?

[Rasczak]

Originally Posted by Spank-A-Thon

Uh, you do know you can turn off the motion control and use the normal sticks? Which incidentally make the cannon/arrow sections really good fun. Plus, add in the cut-scenes/acting, grapics, sound then these must make this worth way more than 4/10 surely?

No, I didn't know that. Is this a global PS3 setting? And it would certainly have increased the score I awarded it - indeed I would up to 6 / 10.

As for the graphics and quality of the cut-scenes yes I do agree it did look good. However, I'm not going to give it too much credit because, given that the levels were small and camera angles limited, it could have looked amazing IMHO - I suspect the likes of God Of War 3 will demonstrate that. But I'm a PC gamer so used to being spoilt by graphics.

As for playing it again - my gaming inbox is overflowing as it is!

[BradleyLove]

Originally Posted by Rasczak

No, I didn't know that. Is this a global PS3 setting?

No mate, it's just a Heavenly Sword option (pause in-game and it's there somewhere).

[shagaboopon]

I gave the game a solid 7/10 which given the time since its release I feel is high praise. The story and gameplay was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. The script and characters aren't entirely all original as many will recognise traits from other films and games but this doesn't detract much really.

The best bits for me were the excellent cutscene work, particularly Kai who I thought they managed to capture her innocent playfulness extremely well. I also found the combat to be highly entertaining as there was a large variety of enemies which all require different stances and combo's to defeat.

The bad bits will be like may others I'd guess, the game is very short, although for the price now it hardly costs the earth. There isn't a tremendous amount of replay factor unless you plan on collecting all the glyphs which is my next main gripe. From what I can tell there is no explanation of how to collect these glyphs or what you need to achieve them, this is just silly in my opinion as it hardly helps encourage people to replay the game.

My score reflects my feelings having just finished the game, its good because I really enjoyed it, although I will not be replaying it often. Had the adventure lasted 10+ hours perhaps it would have been an extra point.

[tonyk79]

I have just recently bought this pre owned for £14.99 and think the game is excellent value for money. I enjoyed the game play and I wouldnt be the biggest fan of button mashing games. There is a wide range of button combo moves that vary in difficulty, but the old fast, fast, strong attack still works wonders! The cut scenes are excellent and not to long as with MGS4, and the voice acting is pretty good as well. The only downside is the length of the game, I reckon it would take 4 hours for an experienced hack and slash gamer and about 6-8 hours for the more novice / average gamer. When the game finished it left me wanting more and I hope they make a sequel. I have given this game a 7/10 as its just to short had it been 8-10 hours then it would of gotten an 8/10.