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Big fat action games are my bread and butter and there's no denying that Heavenly Sword is looking like it'll be the biggest and fattest thus far in this fledgling generation. It contains the only three things I like in life -- leggy redheads with swords, brutal melee combat and the chance to mess up a bunch of my fellow countrymen. The demo is available on the PlayStation Network, but if you want some more, check out the footage above that shows off the game's aerial counters.
Hit the jump for a second video, one I declare a true treat, for it's a rather villainous cutscene of an evil fish n' chips king and his Eurotrash freaks that has, by all accounts, blown me away. All I can think of when watching it are old school adventure movies like Willow and Krull. The kind of epic fantasy films that they just don't make anymore. That is not a bad thing. It's got a dry, dark wit delivered by some amazing voice acting and it looks stunning. I hope the God of War similarities don't discourage people from checking this game out, because it appears to have all the makings of a franchise in its own right.
I have little to say regarding this post, but I'd like to mention that when viewing this page I was hit with a JavaScript dialogue ad about fixing my computer, and then when I tried to close the page I got the same one again!
This seems a bit shit and lame for a site like Destructoid. >>>>>:(
I was very pleased with that cutscene. I have to say I wasn't expecting such quality. I think there was better acting there than in most movies. Then again, I do watch a lot of Sci-Fi Originals...
I was very pleased with that cutscene. I have to say I wasn't expecting such quality. I think there was better acting there than in most movies. Then again, I do watch a lot of Sci-Fi Originals...
The cutscene looks awesome! Andy Serkis sounds like... Jeremy Irons? Gameplay looks fun enough, I wonder how long it will take to get bored with those air killing animations though.
@Jim: Touché!
I just hope HS won't suffer from animation-killings like for instance MK: Shaolin Monks did. It always reminds me of sitting through the FF7 Knights of the Round animation. Let's hope that the combo's for aereals will also be differently suited for different enemies, so you won't have to do the most powerful one 100x in a an hour :)
@s0le: Farscape-ish villains doesn't turn me off at all. I loved that show, and the over-the-top crazy aspect to a lot of the characters was the reason. Sometimes you NEED to see that psychotic side... playing against the same, calculating baddies in every game would get old really fast.
The fighting doesn't seem all that exciting, apart from having to switch stances to block different attacks. The environment, on the other hand, is absolutely gorgeous, as was the cutscene (albeit strange...).
The first video had me filled with distate for this game. All I could think was that this game should be renamed "Random Wench Adventures: Journey to the Uncanny Valley". Gameplay looks bland and predictable, and on the slow-mo kick the polygons don't even connect properly.
And I just don't like most "Next Gen" graphics thus far. Everything looks fake and plastic, yet over stimulating and over detailed. Worst of both worlds.
But thanks to the voice acting, that cut scene was totally awesome. Corny and over acted, but almost knowingly so. Made me smile the whole was through.
I'd see Heavenly Sword: The Movie on opening day, but I don't think I can bring myself to play through "Random Wench" for more than five minutes.
Cut scene was fecking awesome. The gameplay? I mean... Yes, like Jim I play Dynasty Warriors, but I got bored with God of War. And this... I hate to say it, but yeah it does look like God of War. At first blush, really, the comparison isn't only warranted, it's practically mandatory. It just looks blah for me. I'll have to try it for myself.
But, hey. Cutscene. That was great :D Hope is not lost.
lair plus warhawk in august... heavenly sword in september... my ps3 is looking very interesting right about now. incase anyone is interested theres a trailer for tekken 5 dark resurrections online version over at the japanese psn store. looks good as well.
I really don't like the gameplay at all, it looks like a gimped god of war combat system. The player doesn't seem to have an idea of when hits are connecting, and the moves don't smoothly flow into each other.
Nice cutscene though, maybe they'll go the metal gear solid route and just knock out a glorified cutscene generator :)
Cutscene was awesome--probably the best I've ever seen overall. In-game graphics were impressive.
The gameplay? Not only does it pale in comparison with others, the AI looks like it was set to "Absolutely Retarded Mode." I really hope they're going to spend more time on making it a decent game and stop focusing on trying to copy the God of War visuals.
Well the MSM thinks the game is actually getting over hyped. Yes the cut scenes look "heavenly" /giggles but the game play is not only repetitive so far its just clunky and requires you to actually learn something about combos instead of just being a button masher... i'd call it the god of war engine 2.0 without goddamn jumping. Where the god of wars made you learn combo's gradually your are literally thrown into this gameplay with your only instruction is in fact a list at the beginning or while playing labeled combo's. I'm sorry but if i wanted to forget the state capitals so i could remember how to play this game it gets a thumbs down from me. YES it's shiny and yes it might have rewarding game play but for a demo.../meh And as one of the games that i thought was going to save sony's name in the general public it doesn't seem to want to appeal to anyone but the OCD hardcore gamers.. IMO. But here's routin for ya big S!
Now, that cutscene is what will sell the PS3. Hell, it makes me wish I owned one. It looks absolutely phenomenal. The graphics are as realistic as I've ever seen, and the acting suits it. (That's Andy Serkis, yes?) The gameplay looks a little bland, but potentially passable. This game could be one of the most amazing of the year.
I think that cutscene is what Sony should have shown as soon as it existed. Sharpless is right, it sells the PS3 in five minutes. The fluidity of movement, the amazing facial expressions, just everything about it what the PS3 needs to be.
Will this game be a so-called "killer app"? Maybe not. It will, however, mark the beginning of the PS3's turnaround in the eyes of the people, I think.
Yep. I'm not sure about the combat, I don't really like those kinds of button mash slash-n smash games, however that cutscene was truly amazing. The motion capture work they did really makes it all worthwhile.
I can tell you that this game is at the top of my DO WANT! list. The demo is amazing, but short. I still have yet to get a handle on the combos, but I think with time and the retail game I'll figure it out. The voice acting is superb, my only worry is that the storyline isn't. Here's hoping!
I've played the demo and it's pretty good. Too damn short though.
Now the cutscene was amazing. Animation was top notch and the lip syncing was stunning. It still felt awkward when they talked though... not because of the accent... I think all they're missing from a very accurate... mouth emulation? is animation of a tongue.
Glad I have a PS3 =)
If you don't get bored with the combat in other action games, you definitely won't get bored with Heavenly Sword. It's only been 3 days but I still haven't gotten bored with the lil 5 min demo... the combat is deeper than most and the gameplay seems as cinematic as the cutscenes. This one is sure to be a rare gem!
I'm seeing a lot of comments from ppl that obviously haven't played the game yet. The combat is NOT like GOW.. It is WAY deeper. The combat system is as deep as fighting games like VF5 or Tekken... but in an action game. That's the closest I can come to explaining the awesomeness of it. Suffice it to say, my brother & I spent 2 hrs playing the 5 min demo and it STILL doesn't feel repetitive.
Believe me, I felt the same as many of you before I played it for myself. And GOW III will likely end up being even better still... but so far this is shaping up to be the deepest combat system yet in an action title.
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21 comments + 95764 views
I have little to say regarding this post, but I'd like to mention that when viewing this page I was hit with a JavaScript dialogue ad about fixing my computer, and then when I tried to close the page I got the same one again!
This seems a bit shit and lame for a site like Destructoid. >>>>>:(
Ryan: I shall management straight away. We do not accept shit like that, ever.
I have no problems viewing it, maybe it is your computer.
That seems a bit shit and lame for a computer such as yours. 8 couple of equals D
If it's an ad doing it, I'm sure Niero will get rid. He dealt with the Orange ad that was fucking the site up for European readers.
Jesus christ the cutscene is very impressive.
I didnt see any cutscenes? Just saw gameplay.
Second video, TONX.
Ryan: Can you get a screenshot of it with a mouseover on the status bar for us? Then Niero can fix it.
My god that cutscene gave me a woody.
Maybe it's just the british voices but I kinda get a Farscape-ish vibe from the villains.
Current amount in PS3 fund: .50
Psst, Jim! This is a PS3 game, you're supposed to hate it! You'll confuse the "ZOMG BIAS" retards!
I was very pleased with that cutscene. I have to say I wasn't expecting such quality. I think there was better acting there than in most movies. Then again, I do watch a lot of Sci-Fi Originals...
(Please, please, please no double post this time)
I was very pleased with that cutscene. I have to say I wasn't expecting such quality. I think there was better acting there than in most movies. Then again, I do watch a lot of Sci-Fi Originals...
(Please, please, please no double post this time)
Anyone else think their dialogue was kinda...awkward?
yeah Jim don't be to fair with the PS3 ... thoses 360 fanboys will loose faith in you ! ;)
That cutscene was one of the best acted scenes that I have ever seen. Just wow. I might actually need to go out and buy a PS3 now.
The cutscene looks awesome! Andy Serkis sounds like... Jeremy Irons? Gameplay looks fun enough, I wonder how long it will take to get bored with those air killing animations though.
So far this and Mass Effect are the only games this gen that really impress me.
Awesome facial expressions/lip synching ftw.
Professor Pew: I play Dynasty Warriors. I will never get bored of Heavenly Sword :-D
That second one was simply amazing. If I could afford a PS3, I would get one for this. And who doesn't love the retarded giant?
Wow. King Bohan looks like he may have actually been modelled after Andy Serkis... which is more than perfect. The voice fits so well.
Amazing find, Jim, as always.
@Jim
I've been playing Dynasty Warriors Gundam demo all weekend.
@Jim: Touché!
I just hope HS won't suffer from animation-killings like for instance MK: Shaolin Monks did. It always reminds me of sitting through the FF7 Knights of the Round animation. Let's hope that the combo's for aereals will also be differently suited for different enemies, so you won't have to do the most powerful one 100x in a an hour :)
Oh, and...
@s0le: Farscape-ish villains doesn't turn me off at all. I loved that show, and the over-the-top crazy aspect to a lot of the characters was the reason. Sometimes you NEED to see that psychotic side... playing against the same, calculating baddies in every game would get old really fast.
The fighting doesn't seem all that exciting, apart from having to switch stances to block different attacks. The environment, on the other hand, is absolutely gorgeous, as was the cutscene (albeit strange...).
The first video had me filled with distate for this game. All I could think was that this game should be renamed "Random Wench Adventures: Journey to the Uncanny Valley". Gameplay looks bland and predictable, and on the slow-mo kick the polygons don't even connect properly.
And I just don't like most "Next Gen" graphics thus far. Everything looks fake and plastic, yet over stimulating and over detailed. Worst of both worlds.
But thanks to the voice acting, that cut scene was totally awesome. Corny and over acted, but almost knowingly so. Made me smile the whole was through.
I'd see Heavenly Sword: The Movie on opening day, but I don't think I can bring myself to play through "Random Wench" for more than five minutes.
Cut scene was fecking awesome. The gameplay? I mean... Yes, like Jim I play Dynasty Warriors, but I got bored with God of War. And this... I hate to say it, but yeah it does look like God of War. At first blush, really, the comparison isn't only warranted, it's practically mandatory. It just looks blah for me. I'll have to try it for myself.
But, hey. Cutscene. That was great :D Hope is not lost.
Awesome cutscene - but seeing the gameplay, all I can think of is Kratos with a sex change.
Both the cutscene and gameplay has raped my face with love. Conside both my socks rocked.
My favorite was her getting "20 hits" for breaking open a barrel.
lair plus warhawk in august... heavenly sword in september... my ps3 is looking very interesting right about now. incase anyone is interested theres a trailer for tekken 5 dark resurrections online version over at the japanese psn store. looks good as well.
My favorite was her getting "20 hits" for breaking open a barrel.
I'm just not sure what to think about this game. I wont pass any judgment until I play it...
Looks like God of War with Titteez. Titties With Swords.z.
The gameplay looks liek soem striaght God of War.
Only with tittys.
@Altair87
ROFL I LUV TITTYBAWLZ.
WU-TANG!
that game good like buttsecks
So someone else noticed the 20 hits for the barrel!
That cutscene reeks of awesomeness. And the gameplay sure looks pretty.
But the gameplay also looks repetitive and boring.
Having said that, it's good to finally see PS3 gain some momentum.
I really don't like the gameplay at all, it looks like a gimped god of war combat system. The player doesn't seem to have an idea of when hits are connecting, and the moves don't smoothly flow into each other.
Nice cutscene though, maybe they'll go the metal gear solid route and just knock out a glorified cutscene generator :)
Cutscene was awesome--probably the best I've ever seen overall. In-game graphics were impressive.
The gameplay? Not only does it pale in comparison with others, the AI looks like it was set to "Absolutely Retarded Mode." I really hope they're going to spend more time on making it a decent game and stop focusing on trying to copy the God of War visuals.
That cutscene is the weirdest thing I have seen this morning.
Well the MSM thinks the game is actually getting over hyped. Yes the cut scenes look "heavenly" /giggles but the game play is not only repetitive so far its just clunky and requires you to actually learn something about combos instead of just being a button masher... i'd call it the god of war engine 2.0 without goddamn jumping. Where the god of wars made you learn combo's gradually your are literally thrown into this gameplay with your only instruction is in fact a list at the beginning or while playing labeled combo's. I'm sorry but if i wanted to forget the state capitals so i could remember how to play this game it gets a thumbs down from me. YES it's shiny and yes it might have rewarding game play but for a demo.../meh And as one of the games that i thought was going to save sony's name in the general public it doesn't seem to want to appeal to anyone but the OCD hardcore gamers.. IMO. But here's routin for ya big S!
Now, that cutscene is what will sell the PS3. Hell, it makes me wish I owned one. It looks absolutely phenomenal. The graphics are as realistic as I've ever seen, and the acting suits it. (That's Andy Serkis, yes?) The gameplay looks a little bland, but potentially passable. This game could be one of the most amazing of the year.
Please take note of this comment, Sony fanboys.
I think that cutscene is what Sony should have shown as soon as it existed. Sharpless is right, it sells the PS3 in five minutes. The fluidity of movement, the amazing facial expressions, just everything about it what the PS3 needs to be.
Will this game be a so-called "killer app"? Maybe not. It will, however, mark the beginning of the PS3's turnaround in the eyes of the people, I think.
Somebody put all the cinematics on youtube once it's out please. It will save me 660+ euros (currently worth 1 house in the US) ;)
Yep. I'm not sure about the combat, I don't really like those kinds of button mash slash-n smash games, however that cutscene was truly amazing. The motion capture work they did really makes it all worthwhile.
I can tell you that this game is at the top of my DO WANT! list. The demo is amazing, but short. I still have yet to get a handle on the combos, but I think with time and the retail game I'll figure it out. The voice acting is superb, my only worry is that the storyline isn't. Here's hoping!
I've played the demo and it's pretty good. Too damn short though.
Now the cutscene was amazing. Animation was top notch and the lip syncing was stunning. It still felt awkward when they talked though... not because of the accent... I think all they're missing from a very accurate... mouth emulation? is animation of a tongue.
Glad I have a PS3 =)
Nice cutscene.
Gameplay looks repetitive however.
Now my wanting of a PS3 has risen into the 5%.
If you don't get bored with the combat in other action games, you definitely won't get bored with Heavenly Sword. It's only been 3 days but I still haven't gotten bored with the lil 5 min demo... the combat is deeper than most and the gameplay seems as cinematic as the cutscenes. This one is sure to be a rare gem!
I'm seeing a lot of comments from ppl that obviously haven't played the game yet. The combat is NOT like GOW.. It is WAY deeper. The combat system is as deep as fighting games like VF5 or Tekken... but in an action game. That's the closest I can come to explaining the awesomeness of it. Suffice it to say, my brother & I spent 2 hrs playing the 5 min demo and it STILL doesn't feel repetitive.
Believe me, I felt the same as many of you before I played it for myself. And GOW III will likely end up being even better still... but so far this is shaping up to be the deepest combat system yet in an action title.
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