games  anime  |  toys
Destructoid is gaming news, community, videos, and sometimes love. Take the tour or jump in with Facebook:

 



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.


Continue: More PS3 stories





prev
next 50 comments

78 comments | showing # 1 to 50

Ryan W's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 09:24
Ryan W
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. >>>>>:(
Jim Sterling's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 09:25
Jim Sterling
Ryan: I shall management straight away. We do not accept shit like that, ever.
tazarthayoot's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 09:25
tazarthayoot
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
Jim Sterling's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 09:27
Jim Sterling
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.
tazarthayoot's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 09:29
tazarthayoot
Jesus christ the cutscene is very impressive.
TONX's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 09:34
TONX
I didnt see any cutscenes? Just saw gameplay.
Jim Sterling's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 09:36
Jim Sterling
Second video, TONX.
Jim Sterling's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 09:38
Jim Sterling
Ryan: Can you get a screenshot of it with a mouseover on the status bar for us? Then Niero can fix it.
Foshi's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 09:46
Foshi
My god that cutscene gave me a woody.
s0lesurviv0r's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 09:47
s0lesurviv0r
Maybe it's just the british voices but I kinda get a Farscape-ish vibe from the villains.

Current amount in PS3 fund: .50
Mxyzptlk's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 09:51
Mxyzptlk
Psst, Jim! This is a PS3 game, you're supposed to hate it! You'll confuse the "ZOMG BIAS" retards!
Creamsnake's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 09:53
Creamsnake
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)
Creamsnake's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 09:53
Creamsnake
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)
tazarthayoot's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 09:55
tazarthayoot
Anyone else think their dialogue was kinda...awkward?
Quest's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 09:55
Quest
yeah Jim don't be to fair with the PS3 ... thoses 360 fanboys will loose faith in you ! ;)
anonuser's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 09:55
anonuser
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.

Professor Pew's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 09:57
Professor Pew
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.
Elrando's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 10:01
Elrando
So far this and Mass Effect are the only games this gen that really impress me.

Awesome facial expressions/lip synching ftw.
Jim Sterling's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 10:02
Jim Sterling
Professor Pew: I play Dynasty Warriors. I will never get bored of Heavenly Sword :-D
Eschatos's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 10:06
Eschatos
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?
DrkAdonis's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 10:16
DrkAdonis
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.
tazarthayoot's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 10:16
tazarthayoot
@Jim

I've been playing Dynasty Warriors Gundam demo all weekend.
Professor Pew's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 10:16
Professor Pew
@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 :)
DrkAdonis's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 10:19
DrkAdonis
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.
Heliophage's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 10:23
Heliophage
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...).
Tron Knotts's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 10:52
Tron Knotts
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.
Mister Disco's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 11:02
Mister Disco
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.
MrBungle78's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 11:03
MrBungle78
Awesome cutscene - but seeing the gameplay, all I can think of is Kratos with a sex change.
Altair78's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 11:20
Altair78
Both the cutscene and gameplay has raped my face with love. Conside both my socks rocked.
viewtifulmom's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 11:30
viewtifulmom
My favorite was her getting "20 hits" for breaking open a barrel.
bipolar beers's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 11:44
bipolar beers
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.
viewtifulmom's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 11:57
viewtifulmom
My favorite was her getting "20 hits" for breaking open a barrel.
Tino's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 12:01
Tino
I'm just not sure what to think about this game. I wont pass any judgment until I play it...
Lowtax's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 12:08
Lowtax
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!
linuxguy's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 12:08
linuxguy
that game good like buttsecks
Reallynotnick's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 12:16
Reallynotnick
So someone else noticed the 20 hits for the barrel!
UnnDunn's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 12:17
UnnDunn
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.
Morrius's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 12:23
Morrius
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 :)
cryocide's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 12:25
cryocide
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.
Rogue Trooper's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 12:45
Rogue Trooper
That cutscene is the weirdest thing I have seen this morning.
16bitmonster's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 12:49
16bitmonster
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!
Sharpless's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 12:50
Sharpless
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.
Jim Sterling's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 12:58
Jim Sterling
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.
Professor Pew's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 13:08
Professor Pew
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) ;)
Ignignokt01's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 13:09
Ignignokt01
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.
bhive01's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 13:11
bhive01
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!
narcosis219's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 13:12
narcosis219
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 =)
Kotua's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 13:22
Kotua
Nice cutscene.
Gameplay looks repetitive however.
Now my wanting of a PS3 has risen into the 5%.
Nigel's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 13:37
Nigel
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!
Nigel's Avatar - Comment posted on 07/29/2007 13:54
Nigel
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.
prev next 50 comments

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

Comments policy

Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?

Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!

 
New on Destructoid.TV play all videos

Loading
Loading Destructoid Videos


    Win this!
    Dive in! meetup+play for a chance to win a PC

    Dtoid Twitter    Got news?   tips@destructoid.com

    Reviews & Previews
    Assassin's Creed 2 review
    Crossfire Remote Pistol review
    Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles review
    Left 4 Dead 2 review
    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Reflex review
    more reviews
    Driver
    Avatar
    GT Racing Motor Academy
    Bad Company 2 beta dishes out meaningful experiences
    Legend of Zelda Spirit Tracks
    more previews


    - The Dtoid Army is 51051 strong -

    Showing Cblogs with 3+ faps   show all

    Call for entries: do the wrong thing

    New to Dtoid? Read the survival guide




     Originals
    Chad Concelmo: The tragic history of the videogame turkey





















    More Destructoid Originals




     Popular now more






















    Team Destructoid   tips@destructoid.com
    Nick Chester
    Editor-in-Chief
    Niero
    Founder, publisher
    Jim Sterling
    Reviews Editor
    Hamza Aziz
    Community Manager
    Dale North
    News Editor
    Rey Gutierrez
    Video editor & director
    Anthony Burch
    Features Editor
    Colette Bennett
    Tom Fronczak Brad Nicholson
    Ashley Davis Ben Perlee
    Conrad
    Zimmerman
    Chad Concelmo
    Jonathan Holmes Jonathan Ross
    Brad Rice Jordan Devore
    Will Maddock Matthew Razak
    Dyson Joseph Leray
    Topher Cantler Samit Sarkar
         
      Dexter
    Adam Dork
    Daniel Lingen
    Hollie Bennett
    Joe Burling
    Mikey
    Stella Wong

    Josh Tolentino




     

     
      get involved

    register or login
    post a blog
    post a forum
    enter a contest
    contribute a news tip
    suggest a feature
    be a guest editor
    support

    new member's guide
    login assistance
    tech support
    report abuse
    email our editors
    read our dev blog
    nuclear crisis?
    keep in touch

    RSS feed
    Twitter
    Facebook
    Myspace
    Flickr
    Game nights
    Meetup+play online
    seriously

    about Destructoid
    advertising
    terms of use
    privacy policy
    jobs at MM
    buy our crap
    our network

    Tomopop
    Japanator
    Despingation?




    Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press
    living the dream since March 16, 2006