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6 hours Long...SO WHAT!?!?

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 99 / 126
Date: September 19, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Game Review: Heavenly Sword (PS3)

OMG!! If I hear one more person complain about the length of this game I swear I am going to scream!! First off let me address the fact. It is obvious to me that people complained about the length, because the game is so FRIGGN SWEET and they wanted more. I simply adore the fact that this game is so short, I have a job and family of four and only get to sit and play games for maybe an hour or two here and there. Why do people put such of an emphasis on the length of a game? Saying things like "for $60 this game should be longer". No game IMO is worth 60 bucks, but that is what they charge. I don't feel justified when I spend 60 bucks on a game and it is 20+ hours long. I feel justified by how the game impressed me or how I felt after I finished it. Did I have a memorable experience and maybe how much replay value is there? Heavenly Sword addresses all these questions, with an astounding YES. The only game I have ever played twice that was 20+ hours long was Final Fantasy 7. Otherwise with most longer games I was so glad it was over, that I wouldn't dare go through it again. With short games you can play them over and over be glad you like say Resident Evil. If you want to complain about the price tag, just complain about the price tag!! But please don't place a negative on a game just because it is a little shorter than others. Simply put I would pay 60 bucks for this masterpiece faster than any 20+ hour game I can think of.

Now that I am off my soapbox, let me just say that this game is probably the best entertainment experience I have had in a long time. I say entertainment, because this game is like participating in a karate movie with a great story. It immediately pulls you into its wonderful cinematic story. This game is a crowning achievement from beginning to end. Please do not compare this game to God of War or Prince of Persia, both are great in there own respect, but Heavenly sword destroys them. Both God of War and Prince of Persia are platformers at the core and Heavenly sword is not. You can not jump which some say is a negative, but in that same respect you don't have to worry about falling off any cliffs either.

Yes I will say it Heavenly Sword is the most beautiful game I have ever played, from the cinematic cut-scenes, to the very intense battles. The developers definitely took their time doing this one right! Every battle is like watching Uma Thurman in Kill Bill dispatch a room full of enemies. While this might sound monotonous, the style in which Nariko dispatches of her enemies makes me wish they just kept coming. Blocks, counter attacks, combos, ability to pick things up and hurl them at enemies, and last but not least those GORGEOUS finishing moves are what makes the battles such a joy. I think what I liked most about the game is that it never felt like a straight button mashing affair, you'll actually need to time your blocks, attacks and counters.

Don't think it is all fighting though; alternatively you'll get to play as Kai. Kai is the ultimate fight from a distance companion. And with her comes one of the games BEST gimmicks. The "aftertouch" system, which I ABSOLUTELY loved, allows you to slow down time and aim the arrows with the Sixaxis controller. It does take some practice and you need a gentle touch to make sure the controller is level before firing. Once you get the hang of it though, guiding an arrow's path directly into the skull of an enemy never ever gets old.

The game isn't perfect. I found the button-pressing sections of the game where you have to hit a certain button when it pops up on screen very distracting. Heavenly sword engrosses you so much into the story that I just wanted to watch the cinematic experiences not actually participate in them, so I was constantly mistiming things. There weren't many sections like this, but I wouldn't have missed them if they were gone.

Bottom line: This is the game that will remind you why you wanted a PS3 in the first place. If you own a PS3 or have a friend who has a PS3, you MUST play this game. If you don't have access to a PS3 you are seriously missing out on one of the gaming industries masterpieces. Sure there are other great games on other systems that are outstanding. Heavenly Sword though, will have you thinking about it when you aren't playing it and that is what makes a gaming masterpiece. Whether you rent or buy is really irrelevant JUST PLAY IT!! Yeah it may be only about 6 hours or so long, but soon as I get the chance I am going to play through it again, yeah it is that good. With as many games as I have played through my life, I can't remember the last game I actually wanted to play through a second time. Oh yeah I can Final Fantasy 7 (September 1997)

One of the best, original games on the PS3 yet

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 50 / 59
Date: September 11, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Could it be that the Playstation 3 is finally getting some exclusive, must own games? Heavenly Sword, the eagerly anticipated hack & slasher from Sony, may look as if it's a toned down God of War, but don't let that fool you. Boasting some incrediblely mouth watering graphics and superb controls, Heavenly Sword puts you in the role of Nariko: a female warrior who wields said sword and takes down hordes of enemies in the process. While this may sound like it'll get boring after a while (like many games of the genre do), Heavenly Sword manages to keep things pretty fresh by implementing different play styles, playable characters, and puzzle elements as well. The game also boasts some incredible production values, excellent music and sound effects, great voice acting, and entertaining cinematics and story as well. The only real negative to Heavenly Sword is that the game is quite short. It won't take you long to get through the game (you could beat it in an afternoon if you so desired), and though there are a nice selection of unlockables and extras to find as well, the replay factor isn't very high here. Not to mention that the puzzle elements aren't anything we haven't seen before either, but these negatives don't take away the fact that Heavenly Sword is one of the best, original games to hit the PS3 yet. All in all, Heavenly Sword is a fun blast while it lasts, and needless to say, if you own a PS3, this is one of the games you've been waiting to get your hands on since you purchased the console.

Rent don't buy

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 13 / 15
Date: November 12, 2007
Author: Amazon User

This is actually a great game. It has nonstop action all the way through. Unlike most games you don't bored doing the samething over again. If I had the oppurtunity to buy this game again i wouldn't. This game ends fast and is not worth the 60 bucks that you will pay for it. It's great for those long weekends that you sit and play. I would have rented it if i had the chance to. I hope this review helps.

Look past the short wrapper to a PS3 Crown Jewel!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 7
Date: October 20, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Yes, this game is shorter than most, but don't let that stop you from buying this game and supporting the developer Ninja Theory; they have done a great job at giving us a truly next generation game that demonstrates the power of the PS3.

Heavenly Sword is innovative in several ways, from the game interface (basic menu), to the mini animated Super Style moves and the combat system; to the depth that the gamer will be pulled into the story. Playing through I got the feel that things had now changed and after this game, others that follow will have to do more. I played through in 720p and the graphics are awesome, everywhere and all the time. It is amazing how many enemies can be on screen at one time and it all works so well, rocks! The Super Style move animation blends in so well with the rest of the combat flow, it was really done well. The sixaxis use for arrows was well done too.

The story of Nariko, her friend Kai, and Clan will pull you in and keep you wanting more until the very end. I have played no other game that has anything like the way this game delivers the story with you.

I beat the game, but it took me more like 9 to 10 hours. I've gone back now to any previous spot I like, a nice feature of the game to work on unlocking more glyphs for (more of ) the tons of extra content that gets unlocked as you play through the game. There is replay value here, and a hell mode once beaten.

Overall, I'm glad I bought this game, and highly recommend it be purchased.

A memorable gaming experience

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 7
Date: January 02, 2008
Author: Amazon User

Heavenly Sword is truly an amazing and entertaining experience. My brother and I rented this game and played thorough it in 2 nights. It probably took us about 8-10 hours to get through since some of the bosses were a little tricky. What stood out to me the most about this game was its production value. I have never seen acting so good in a game before, and not just the voice overs. You really began to love the heroes in the game and truly hate the villains, one in particular. Much of this level of quality was due to Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings' Gollum, King Kong) who headed up the motion capture and voice recording as well as playing the part of the main antagonist in the game, King Bohan.

Everything was done so well down to the smallest detail, the level of quality was outstanding. The game looked great in game and during the cut seans. There were many moments where we had to stop playing and just take in the beautiful landscape. This is definitely a game to show off your PS3 system, I like the rope running sequence myself.

The game play was also top notch. It focuses mostly on melee combat and shooting. There is no real platforming to speak of. Switching between different fighting styles (speed, ranged, and strong) and performing counters was innovative and a lot of fun. As were the shooting sequences using the sixaxis to guide arrows and cannon balls were fun as well and a great use of the technology. Overall the controls were tight and worked very well for this type of game.

I would have to say that Heavenly Sword is up there with my most memorable gaming experiences and is truly an amazing game. If you own a PS3 you owe it to your self to buy or at least rent this game. You won't be sorry.

Short but good Lord is it sweet!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 8 / 9
Date: September 23, 2007
Author: Amazon User

First let me state that Heavenly Sword is NOT God of War. It's NOT Ninja Gaiden, Devil May Cry, or any other game of similar vein. Do not play this game expecting it to be like said titles.

The Good: Graphics. Absolutely amazing, and the cut scenes are mindblowing. They really outdid themselves in this department. They shot for an interactive cinematic experience and they completely nailed it. Animations are smooth as butter. This will surely raise the bar for other companies in the future.

Combat. This game focuses on counter attacks and combo moves. It's not about button mashing. When I originally played the demo released on PSN I was a little disappointed, but it was because I went around playing it the wrong way. Once you learn what you're doing it's a joy to play.

Audio. Sound effects were well done and fitting, and the music was great. The voice acting was phenomenal, although there seemed to be a rather drastic difference in accents, etc. This did not take away from its enjoyment.

Story. Entertaining all the way through. You get to really like the characters, even the bad ones. The story is not breaking any new ground, but it's well done.

Now for the Bad: Graphics. As I said before, they are terrific. Unfortunately there are times when the frame rate stutters, even during cut scenes. There is also screen tearing which gets rather annoying, but doesn't detract from the enjoyment or game play.

Length: It's been said before, but it's because it's true. The game is short. Very short. Between 5 to 7 hours. There seems to be some re playability, as you can go through again on Hell Mode, as well as trying to collect all 3 glyphs for every stage you've previously done.

To PS3 owners: This is a must buy, I can't stress it enough. Even though it lacks length, it's a terrific game all the way through. A great way to justify the purchase of your PS3.

Awesome fun

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 9 / 11
Date: September 12, 2007
Author: Amazon User

BUY IT AND PLAY!

If you know the action genre like God of War, Devil May Cry, Ninja Gaiden then you know the basics. You control one girl (Nariko) who must pick up her sword and take down the bad guys. It's like playing a cinematic movie with really entertaining voice actors taking their roles quite seriously.

Interestingly, you also can play as her little sister (Kai) who has a very different gameplay mechanic.

Pros: Its real fun to play and the story, visuals, acting are all very high quality. I love this game. I can't get over how beautiful the game looks and plays.

Cons: Its not bad framerate but its also not super smooth... It certainly doesn't detract from the fun. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. This is the only negative in my book.

Life begins now...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 10
Date: September 30, 2007
Author: Amazon User

You have'nt lived...There I said it. You have'nt lived until you have played nay experienced (is the better word) heavenly sword. You know it looks awesome but that is not my major point. The game play is incredible. Team ninja puts you in the game. You just don't play nariko you are nariko. It is very interactive with destructible environments, weapon throwing, as well as BODY THROWING!!! The game is beyond the realm of fun, beyond the realm of uncanny, its truly in every since of the word amazing. AND DON'T GET ME STARTED ON THE VOICE ACTING, AND ACTING IN GENERAL. MY GOD IT IS INCREDIBLE! Heavenly sword overall is immersing it really draws you into the world, and such lush, real, and detailed environments. Man look out XBOX fanboys you are missing out, this is one for the ages. Rock on Team Ninja can't wait for number 2!!!!

This really could have been amazing but fall short.

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 11 / 17
Date: September 12, 2007
Author: Amazon User

First, I like to mention this game's the greatest strength. It looks amazing. Its graphic and presentation are absolutely top notch. Many would agree that this is one of the prettiest game on the market today.

Playing this game is like being in a kung fu movie. Great graphic and fantastic voice acting really help you to immense yourself into the game.

However, not everything about this game is good as its graphic unfortunately.

Even though this game is placed as an action adventure game, you will not be doing whole a lot of adventuring in this one. There are few puzzles but mostly, it is about fighting minions after minions (similar to Dynasty warriors in that aspect) and this pattern is broken off by occasional boss battles.

its combat system does have some depth (Thankfully so) and is interesting. This is good things because you will be doing a lot of fighting. But ultimately, it does get boring. The fact that enemy minions don't vary much (I believe there are only 4 or 5 types of enemies for the whole game) doesn't help at all.

Lastly, This game is about 6 hours long. I don't have problem with it being 6 hours. I just don't like the fact that it is 60 bucks for 6 hours of game play. This game doesn't really have replay value either. Well. you can play the game again in harder difficulty but really?

I seriously suggest that you rent this game and enjoy it. It is a very good game but in my honest opinion, it doesn't make a whole a lot of sense in buying this one.

The reason you bought a PS3. True next gen game.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 9 / 13
Date: September 25, 2007
Author: Amazon User

To call Heavenly Sword just a game is an insult to the obvious blood sweat and tears that went into creating it. Heavenly Sword is a multi media entertainment package that is both a game and a movie experience. To play it is to understand the meaning of that statement.

I've played many games in my life. Started out with an Atari 2600. Many good games I have played too in that time span since the golden days of gaming started. Heavenly Sword ranks up there as one of the best. Yes it is short but again this more then just a "game". The voice acting and CGI work is without a doubt some of the best I've ever seen in regard to presentation and just draws you right into the story from frame number one. The visuals of the game play itself are breath taking. Truly a work of art to savor and enjoy. You will find yourself while playing just taking a moment to pause and stare at the splendor on your screen. Granted it does help to have nice HDTV for the ultimate eye candy. In this respect my review is biased because I am playing this on a 47 inch full 1080p LCD HDTV. Even though the game itself is only 720p and 30fps it does not in any take away from the splendor of what you are seeing on the screen.

The game play itself is fluid and easy to adapt to. The combo system is fantastic and implemented well. The musical score fits the mood. The story is engaging and keeps you glued to the PS3 wanting to find out what happens next awaiting the next awesome cut scene. Plus the extras that are available are enough to keep you busy past the 6 hours or so of game play. This is not a rental folks, this is a must buy. It's the type of game you will want to pull out to play again or to showcase the power the PS3 to your friends.

If you need a reason to feel like you made a wise investment with your PS3 past the Blu-Ray player this game surly delivers the goods and makes it a justifiable purchase with a great hint of the awesome things to come that the PS3 is going to deliver. Don't even fret about it. Click the buy button now and you will be glad you did once you pop in the game upon arrival at your door step.

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