Joystiq impressions: Heavenly Sword (PS3)

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 15th 2007 at 4:30PM }

No, it's not Goddess of War. Many (including myself) have been quick to pass this game as "God of War with a chick." Although being compared to one of the best action games of the last console generation is far from an insult, it does take away from the qualities of Heavenly Sword that make it so unique.

The most important thing to note about Heavenly Sword are its controls: don't start playing the game, expecting it to control like God of War. This is a vastly different beast to tame, and button-mashing isn't as encouraged in this battle system. Expect to be a lot more methodical, and observational, as analyzing enemy movement and stances becomes crucial to true success in the game.

Nariko has control over three forms of the Heavenly Sword, each feeling drastically different from the other. In its default state, it forms two separate swords, which give Nariko the best overall speed and range. However, holding either L1 or R1 will change the sword into one of its other two forms. First;y, there's a chain, which is best for keeping large groups of enemies at bay. Secondly, the sword can transform into a massive blade, one which would make Cloud Strife jealous. Obviously unwieldy, this one will attack for massive damage.

Gallery: Heavenly Sword (PS3)

One of our favorite things about Heavenly Sword has to be its blocking and counter system. There's no button for blocking. Rather, by simply standing still, Nariko will be able to block most enemy attacks. With the right timing, the player can press an attack button to counter an enemy in a rather beautiful display of power. Players will want to learn enemy movements and watch them closely, as they can enter stances of their own. Although the game will throw massive amount of enemies in Nariko's way, each battle feels a bit more decisive than those in God of War.

The game has a pretty comprehensive moves list, which was compiled in a menu, as in a fighting game. It appears that some combos will require using the Sixaxis controls. The myriad of moves at Nariko's disposal are impressive, and many are refreshingly brutal. Players will want to do their best to play as stylishly as possible. Why? By using counters frequently, or by using combos, players will fill up a style meter on the top left. The meter can be filled up to three levels, and each will provide a special attack of varying effectiveness. At maximum power, Nariko can spin an enemy around with her chain, killing everyone in a room.

Heavenly Sword is a sight to behold, with stunning graphics, and animation that easily outclasses the competition. The story has us quite intrigued, and we want to know more about Nariko's pact with the Heavenly Sword that will seemingly end her life. The E3 demo that we played did far more than convince us that this is more than a God of War clone -- with its incredible graphics, and involving gameplay, Heavenly Sword has the potential to be the system seller PS3 has been waiting for.

Tags: e307, heavenlysword

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Knoxximus @ Jul 15th 2007 4:40PM

Massive Damage FTW!!

Knoxximus @ Jul 15th 2007 4:39PM

Password...ACTIVATE!!

Triforceowner @ Jul 15th 2007 4:46PM

The combat is described so similarly to Assassin's Creed I don't see the point in a PS3 owner picking this game up over Assassin's Creed or even in addition to Assassin's Creed, because Assassin's Creed has a more interactive story and varied gameplay mechanics. Maybe PS3 owners just love their action games, because they're certainly getting their fill with these two titles. But than again, this game comes out in what, September? And Assassin's Creed comes out in November.

Ian Von Porter @ Jul 15th 2007 4:49PM

lmao.. lol.. are you serious? ahahahaa... moronic post ftw

AlanS17 @ Jul 15th 2007 5:51PM

You're kidding, right? The only thing I've heard that these two games have in common is a countering system and deliberate attacking schemes.

Heavenly Sword is about damage and style. Assasin's Creed is about stealth. Heavenly Sword seems more linear. Assasin's Creed is almost completely open-ended. Then there are the obvious differences between the stories, settings, etc...

Besides I don't see how you could complain about just 2 action games when every second game these days is a FPS. The way I see it, two action games would mean more variety - not less.

Triforceowner @ Jul 15th 2007 7:31PM

You say the only thing these games have in common is the "countering system." Basically the entire combat system when you think of it, right? I mean Heavenly Sword has the stances, but when you get down to it (have you watched the latest videos?) its all about countering attacks. And isn't the main feature in Heavenly Sword the combat system?

There's nothing wrong with that. That can make a great game, in fact, and I bet Heavenly Sword is great, but Assassin's Creed has that system and so much more on top of that gameplay mechanic, not just stances.

I'm just saying that if these games launched on the same day, and someone asked me which to pick up for their PS3, then I would tell them assassin's Creed, BECAUSE IT HAS A SIMILAR COMBAT SYSTEM AND MORE AFTER THAT.

Sorry about using capitals as I cannot use italic letters.

I think it really comes down to the type of game your looking for, though. If you want variety Assassin's Creed is the choice (exactly why I'm choosing it over this game in this scenario) but if you really like combat, than maybe you don't want to wade through Assassin's Creed's chase sequences and other gameplay features.

Triforceowner @ Jul 15th 2007 7:34PM

Also, I hate that my comment, which I believe was pretty unbiased and expressed an opinion in a mature and understanding fashion, should not be ranked via this system in the same category as people who are actually hating on Heavenly Sword.

Konchu @ Jul 15th 2007 9:22PM

Maybe if you only had the money to buy one then this might be a concern. But thats like saying I have the original Zelda I dont need to buy any other versions its call variaty and some games may be better than others but there is no reason not to enjoy both games as I intend to.

Triforceowner @ Jul 15th 2007 10:10PM

Wow, I really hate this rating system.

Dean @ Jul 15th 2007 4:47PM

Wow... Andrew Yoon is definitely a Sony Fanboy...

Moe @ Jul 15th 2007 5:08PM

And you are a ...

Yellow Texan @ Jul 15th 2007 5:17PM

Dean, just because you don't agree with his opinions doesn't make Yoon a "fanboy."

"Oh my god, he is belittling DS's graphics. Holy cow, if you look at his bio, Yoon is a Sony fanboy because he writes for Joystiq's PSP section weblog. Definitely a fanboy." Grow up. Please.

Yes, he works for Joystiq's offshoot, PSP Fanboy according to his bio but if you look at his favorite games you notice there are more games that he likes on *gasp* Nintendo systems. He is definitely a Nintendo fanboy, now.

Fernando Rocker @ Jul 15th 2007 5:28PM

I miss Ludwig =(

synce @ Jul 15th 2007 4:52PM

I've seen gameplay videos and it's no Ninja Gaiden, but I'll buy it anyway since it's pretty and the PS3's only good game so far has been a port of an Xbox original.

Hoffer @ Jul 15th 2007 5:10PM

I put in a reserve at Gamestop for this and Ratchet yesterday.

JonnyBoy2U @ Jul 15th 2007 5:13PM

LOL Andrew Yoon is definitely a sony fanboy.

Anyways from the gameplay videos Goddess of War is shaping up to be everything sony fanboys desire. Almost butt nekkid females going around kicking random badguys upside their heads.

I love how they're trying to make this game sound like its some type of strategy/fighter game....thats priceless. As if people will be watching the multitude of enemies on screen to see what "stance" they should go into rather than just unlease any combo of buttons and get rid of them in like 5 minutes.

I'm sure this will sell a lot...but only to those who have the ps3 already.

kevin @ Jul 15th 2007 5:26PM

johnny, that's most games. I mean halo 3 will sell alot, but only to those who already own the xbox.

Jake @ Jul 15th 2007 5:40PM

Kevin,
I know 3 people that are getting a 360 once Halo3 is available. So, your statement is false. Not to be a dick or anything.

This Heavenly Sword game looks pretty good. I had sorta passed it off as a pretty button mashing God of War wannabee when so little was known about it. But hearing more about it it is sounding pretty sweet. I guess there are some mini-game type things mixed in as well, which I like.

One question I have is whether or not the game is "free roaming" or have rpg elements. It sounds more traditional in that you advance through levels, but I don't know if it is confirmed. Just seems like so many games nowadays go to a more open world.

Might have to pick it up used once the PS3 hits a price that makes sense for me.

I'd agree with Mr. Khan that this probably will be the best PS3 exclusive this year. Drake's hasn't impressed me yet, but the people making it have a superb track record. I really think Killzone2 will look great and play pretty decent, but fall short of UT3 and Haze.

What a great Fall for gaming on all platforms, though.

Mr Khan @ Jul 15th 2007 5:27PM

The story will have to be the thing that puts this title above and beyond Assassin's Creed and Ninja Gaiden, then

Because according to this, it sounds more adventure game than action title, but that is a shaky gray boundary anyway

I'd say its between this and Uncharted to contend for "PS3 game of the year"

Jnas @ Jul 15th 2007 5:29PM

Rofl @ Jonny's xbot damage control.

JonnyBoy2U @ Jul 15th 2007 8:52PM

Damage control? For what? sony....?

I'm sorry but the game looks like Goddess of War to me and all the videos I've seen besides looking stellar graphically don't really any different than God of War.

As for the comment regarding Halo being similar you must be on drugs. This is the THIRD and LAST installment of the Halo series. The anticiaption for this game is on a level that Heavenly Sword will never reach. So I'm pretty sure that its a safe bet that Halo 3 will sell more xbox 360's for MS.

Besides that I'm no xbot. I'm a Wiifanboy and a MS supporter. And I do own both a 360 and a Wii so I guess I'll eventually become a 360 fanboy as well. But that doesn't mean I'm just shitting on the game for the fun of it. It doesn't look like its going to be some awesome game because its just Goddess of War.

Fernando Rocker @ Jul 15th 2007 5:30PM

I miss Ludwig =(

hotnutz @ Jul 15th 2007 5:34PM

lol - the MS crowd cannot stand positive feedback about a PS3 only game. They probably can't praise other people in RL either. Halo 3 will be a great MP experience, I can say that despite the fact that I really dislike Halo. I can admit that...

Why can't people praise other consoles for their strengths??? Lack of maturity maybe? Education? Who knows... sad really.

Tony @ Jul 15th 2007 5:37PM

I'm probably part of the "MS crowd" seeing that right now I only own a 360 as far as the current consoles go... but I can still admit when a game looks good and this is looking damn good.

I'll obviously have to play it myself, but at this point it honestly seems like a safe, blind day-it-comes-out purchase. I've yet to really hear a bad thing about it. It doesn't pain me to say that lol.

Borat @ Jul 15th 2007 5:41PM

My main complaint is that it runs at 30fps.

I bring this up because the best action games (Ninja Gaiden and God Of War) both run at a blistering 60fps.

Even Soul Calibur Legends runs at 60fps...there is a reason that action and fighting games run at that framerate.

deftangel @ Jul 15th 2007 5:46PM

I got to spend a little time with this and the game is AWESOME. It's a personal thing maybe but I'm getting a PS3 for this game, it's just a question of how much :-)

Psaakyrn @ Jul 15th 2007 6:07PM

I still don't see why giant swords are always used as a sigh of strength... Bleach had it right with the main character's sword, in that it is actually smaller in it's ultimate form..

3cubedminus3squared @ Jul 15th 2007 6:24PM

I don't think this will be a system seller.
And why do the first screenshots look like crap?

Tony @ Jul 15th 2007 6:32PM

It looks to me like a lot of them that are up here have been resized very poorly. There's some weird artifacting on a few of them, particularly the action shots.

AG23 @ Jul 15th 2007 7:10PM

This game is a must have on my list.

This is one of several games coming out soon that should really "showcase" what the PS3 can do and
is capable of early on it's life cycle.

With games like Heavenly Sword, Uncharted, Lair, and Killzone 2 coming out within the first year and a half, can you imagine what some of the games are going to be like in 3 or 4 years?

BNinjaC @ Jul 15th 2007 7:17PM

it's nice to read a positive article on a Sony game for a change, it give balance to the site.

This game looked amazing at E3 and I'm glad to hear it plays well. Not sure I'll get it though, depends on when I get bored of Halo 3 MP.

I *might* stop telling people Joystiq is owned by MS
JOKE! ;)

umm...hello?? @ Jul 15th 2007 7:28PM

so far this sounds a lot like N3 (NinetyNineNights) for the 360....would love if your hands-on would draw a comparison to that game, because right now it sounds like a game I'll pass on.

jorojoserojas @ Jul 15th 2007 7:26PM

This is one game that is keeping me from going and picking up a 360 right now. Damn, this looks awesome...

Blasted indecisiveness! I was hoping E3 would FINALLY show me whether I'd get the PS3 or 360 next, but nooooo....in between Halo 3, Bioshock, Metal Gear and Heavenly Sword, I'm as confused as ever. :(

Triforceowner @ Jul 15th 2007 7:48PM

You might want to get the PS3 now before the $499.99 60 GB models are gone. Than in a year or two get a 360 after a price drop or two once the cool chips are in the sucker.

Thaddeus @ Jul 16th 2007 10:12AM

I'm suffering the same dilemna. I do think that the new 80gb PS3 pack is going to drop to 500 bucks once the 60's run out, so don't don't get one yet. Plus rumble will probably be included. I'm waiting for that to happen or for the 65nm processors to appear in the 360's before Halo 3 comes out, perhaps in the Halo 3 model. One thing that affects my decision the most is whether high speed internet comes to my town this summer, which it may. If I can get high speed, then I have to get a 360 for Halo 3. If there is no high speed then I might as well wait on the 360, get a PS3 and at least I can get Blu-Ray movies from netflix, and still play some great single player games.
Tough decision though for those of us who only want to buy one system.

FM @ Jul 15th 2007 7:30PM

This has a demo on PSN right?

a.j. @ Jul 15th 2007 7:32PM

it looks and sounds NOTHING like Ninety Nine Nights.

Mromson @ Jul 15th 2007 7:34PM

Heavenly Sword might be a game I pick up - and it might not. Regardless (and depending on my wallet - games DO cost over $99 over here), it looks like an AAA-title.

jorojoserojas @ Jul 15th 2007 8:02PM

@ Triforceowner

Wow, you make a really good point. I suppose I can stand waiting to play Halo 3 for a few months...

Curmeo @ Jul 15th 2007 8:57PM

this game looks awesome. might even surpass God of War.

Sidepocket @ Jul 15th 2007 11:07PM

Has anyone seen the video's? Is it me or not only does this game have the stiffest animation so far...BUT HER HAIR GOES FREAKING BONKERS!!!

Holy shit! It moves like straw. Amazing next-gen graphics my ass!

Triforceowner @ Jul 16th 2007 12:55PM

Actually I was watching this game and my sister came in the room and said, "She looks really stiff." I was actually surprised that my sister (casual gamer) picked up on something that journalists always scrutinize.

Triforceowner @ Jul 16th 2007 12:55PM

IseWise @ Jul 15th 2007 9:49PM

test?

IseWise @ Jul 15th 2007 9:50PM

It worked!

havi @ Jul 16th 2007 12:07AM

i think its quite wonderful that people who have seen 4 videos of a game like to think that they know more than somebody WHO PLAYED IT, as well as who made note that the game has more involved combat than god of war(a game where you pressed square 5 times, and then triangle).

i think every one should make note that god of war made use of variety through puzzles, magic, and various weapons whereas this game will make use of one kickass 3-part weapon, with real combos, similar quicktime boss-battles, rocket launchers, and a 2nd(possible more) character. The story also looks to occur more often in shorter spurts for a more seamless cinematic experience than god of war which had larger story bits beginning and ending major level areas.

This game, to me, obviously uses levels, as does uncharted(though seamlessly), in fact, during the sony keynote, infamous(the new sly developer sucker punch game) was made note as sony's first emergent gameplay open-world game.

as for any comparisons to assassin's creed, the combat should have little-to-no comparison with this game. This is game fast-paced action with counterattacks used to decimate opponents with a crazy move where assassin's creed is a stealh-action game with slow-paced timing based action with no combos and pinpoint reactions based in realistic fighting situations as a sidenote to exploring, and stealth gameplay. seriously, people are retarded.