Heavenly Sword: Part Deux
- Thread starter "Nerve-Damage"
- Start date
I have finished chapter two... What can I say, the game is amazing!
The pacing is great! That was my biggest fear, because it could get repetitive. But the shield mini games, QT events and Kai's missions (up to now only sniping) are great and keep a certain rhythm to the game.
The production values are top of the top and the frame rate is ok (although there are places that it gets below 30) Nariko’s voice is amazing and the actress that portrays her does an excellent job into bringing character to the role. Kai and Bohan are excellent too.
My only gripe is that there is tearing… I’m not sure if it’s noticeable on a small screen but on 100†it is very noticeable and somewhat distracting. Otherwise the graphics are quite amazing, very artistic and beautiful.
One thing I should probably mention is the motion controls. I tried Kai’s first mission a few times (4 maybe 5) trying to take out every single one of the attackers before they reach Nariko. On my last try, only four managed to get past me! I love aftertouch! I could probably play Kai’s missions again and again and again…
The sixaxis controlled aftertouch is to me at least, great. I haven’t tried to swap to analogue mostly because I never felt the need to do so. I was right at home with motion controls from the start.
Congrats NT for a game well worth the wait and perhaps to this point the purchase of the PS3 itself. I wish you good luck on the sales part and hope for a sequel!
The pacing is great! That was my biggest fear, because it could get repetitive. But the shield mini games, QT events and Kai's missions (up to now only sniping) are great and keep a certain rhythm to the game.
The production values are top of the top and the frame rate is ok (although there are places that it gets below 30) Nariko’s voice is amazing and the actress that portrays her does an excellent job into bringing character to the role. Kai and Bohan are excellent too.
My only gripe is that there is tearing… I’m not sure if it’s noticeable on a small screen but on 100†it is very noticeable and somewhat distracting. Otherwise the graphics are quite amazing, very artistic and beautiful.
One thing I should probably mention is the motion controls. I tried Kai’s first mission a few times (4 maybe 5) trying to take out every single one of the attackers before they reach Nariko. On my last try, only four managed to get past me! I love aftertouch! I could probably play Kai’s missions again and again and again…
The sixaxis controlled aftertouch is to me at least, great. I haven’t tried to swap to analogue mostly because I never felt the need to do so. I was right at home with motion controls from the start.
Congrats NT for a game well worth the wait and perhaps to this point the purchase of the PS3 itself. I wish you good luck on the sales part and hope for a sequel!
If this is the case, you are going to love Chapter 3 (Kai's level).
It seems that a lot of thoughts went into this game (or perhaps, it's intuition). There are many subtlties in the gameplay (and visual of course). The acting takes the impact slightly deeper than other games (whether you love it or hate it). The balance between "over-acting" and convincing performance, movie vs gameplay is rather delicate here and I think they get it right this time.
My only concern is they don't overdo it during the sequel.
Whether you borrow, rent or buy the game, people should play it at least once end-to-end. Every level is different even though the core combat mechancs remain the same.
It seems that a lot of thoughts went into this game (or perhaps, it's intuition). There are many subtlties in the gameplay (and visual of course). The acting takes the impact slightly deeper than other games (whether you love it or hate it). The balance between "over-acting" and convincing performance, movie vs gameplay is rather delicate here and I think they get it right this time.
My only concern is they don't overdo it during the sequel.
Whether you borrow, rent or buy the game, people should play it at least once end-to-end. Every level is different even though the core combat mechancs remain the same.
At the beginning I was taken by surprise by the "over-acting" of certain characters. But now I feel it's deliberate and quite funny. Over the top, yet very entertaining and humorous.
I agree though, you'll either love it or hate it.
I can't wait!
Right now I'm torn between practicing with my guitar and playing HS to death!
My only hope is that I’ll be able to leave work early so that I’ll do both!
finished it 
I love it!!!!!!!!!!
specially how the story went (i know...I know... no spoilers...)
Very hollywood-like!!!
I thought the length was about the same as Condemned for x360 (another favorite of mine)
definitely longer than the bouncer AFAIR on PS2 ( I love that game too... but not as much as i love Bujingai)
Gratz on Ninja Theory for bringing this nice gem
I love it!!!!!!!!!!
specially how the story went (i know...I know... no spoilers...)
Very hollywood-like!!!
I thought the length was about the same as Condemned for x360 (another favorite of mine)
definitely longer than the bouncer AFAIR on PS2 ( I love that game too... but not as much as i love Bujingai)
Gratz on Ninja Theory for bringing this nice gem
Can you give an idea in hours?
It doesn't feel short to me too (6+ hours until last Chapter, I took some shortcuts). The perceived problem may be, unlike other games of similar length, it does not have an MP mode to extend its life. The length is "about right" for the story and gameplay. Replayability for this game should be good because of the higher difficulty combat system and scenery.
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Yep, if I'd suggest one upgrade it would be online rankings and scores for levels or something. Like Lair, I suppose ... I'll be fine with getting all three stars for now, but that could increase its lifespan quite a lot.
But for now, I'm still only at the second boss-fight, so I have little to complain about.
But for now, I'm still only at the second boss-fight, so I have little to complain about.
Very glad I got this game. Im at "Twing Twang" now. Which is in the first part of the 3rd level. If I can just hypnotize all my buddies.. but Ive failed after two attempts now. Got close, next time for sure!
The cut scenes, acting, voices, gameplay, are all very good. I like the change of pace, and I love steering an arrow in the forehead of some smuck 200 yards away with the sixaxis. Im not half way yet, but Im in probably about 3 hours. Wish there was a timer like in other games, and the online rankings would be nice. Again, such as in Lair.
The cut scenes, acting, voices, gameplay, are all very good. I like the change of pace, and I love steering an arrow in the forehead of some smuck 200 yards away with the sixaxis. Im not half way yet, but Im in probably about 3 hours. Wish there was a timer like in other games, and the online rankings would be nice. Again, such as in Lair.
Heavenly Sword: First Impressions
Finally spent 2 hours with the game.
Dominant thought: Boy, those created-for-SIXAXIS gameplay elements really suck.
Trying to destroy the catapults: 10 attempts without success with motion control. 1 successful attempt using the left analog stick.
I guess SIXAXIS is meant to make the game more challenging, but it only makes it more frustrating in my case. I turned off motion control for good now.
Graphics are quite gorgeous is some places. Cutscenes are a mixed bag, from high-end CGI to glitchy in-engine sequences.
Character animation is good.
Some cutscenes stutter a little.
The combat system is good, but boss battles keyed on button presses can get annoying. There is definitely some depth to the combat system, if you want to dig in. The thing is you don't have to, you can just mash through it and never learn the beauty of it.
The puzzles are of the made-for-SIXAXIS kind and are not fun or smart.
The storytelling is good, but limited, since the game focuses on the action.
Frame rate is good. Tearing is minimal.
Fun factor is average.
If I were to rate the game right now, I would give it 8/10, which is less than I thought I would give that game.
I will update my impressions when I know how long the game is.
I should say the first 2 hours went by quite fast, which probably means I was never bored.
Finally spent 2 hours with the game.
Dominant thought: Boy, those created-for-SIXAXIS gameplay elements really suck.
Trying to destroy the catapults: 10 attempts without success with motion control. 1 successful attempt using the left analog stick.
I guess SIXAXIS is meant to make the game more challenging, but it only makes it more frustrating in my case. I turned off motion control for good now.
Graphics are quite gorgeous is some places. Cutscenes are a mixed bag, from high-end CGI to glitchy in-engine sequences.
Character animation is good.
Some cutscenes stutter a little.
The combat system is good, but boss battles keyed on button presses can get annoying. There is definitely some depth to the combat system, if you want to dig in. The thing is you don't have to, you can just mash through it and never learn the beauty of it.
The puzzles are of the made-for-SIXAXIS kind and are not fun or smart.
The storytelling is good, but limited, since the game focuses on the action.
Frame rate is good. Tearing is minimal.
Fun factor is average.
If I were to rate the game right now, I would give it 8/10, which is less than I thought I would give that game.
I will update my impressions when I know how long the game is.
I should say the first 2 hours went by quite fast, which probably means I was never bored.
I disagree with everything!!!
My experience with the sixaxis controls is great!
I can destroy the catapults on my first try and I think that the controls are there to make the game more fun, not more chalenging.
The combat system feels great and the fun factor is extreme!
Frame rate is sometimes average, especially on Kay's mission and the tearing is sometimes really bad.
I'd give it a solid 9!
Welcome to the forums!
I had to really get used to the motion controls in that cannon section - it's harder than the arrows section almost it seems because the heavy cannon balls seem to want to go down more than up.
Anyway, despite me not getting it immediately, the controlling the arrows and such with the motion controls as well as throwing stuff at foes is something that you get a lot of opportunity to use, and I think it is great fun also.
There's a big Heavenly Sword thread out there, by the way, you may want to check that one out.
http://forum.beyond3d.com/showthread.php?p=1066671&highlight=heavenly+sword#post1066671
Anyway, despite me not getting it immediately, the controlling the arrows and such with the motion controls as well as throwing stuff at foes is something that you get a lot of opportunity to use, and I think it is great fun also.
There's a big Heavenly Sword thread out there, by the way, you may want to check that one out.
http://forum.beyond3d.com/showthread.php?p=1066671&highlight=heavenly+sword#post1066671
Yeah, I've gotten through level 3 yesterday, had a good long playsession as my wife didn't tell me to stop and kept watching through more than a whole chapter.
I did think it was a shame that the framerate in some of chapter 3 was really bad at some points, but most of the time it was great fun and I can see how these sections can be some people's favorite.
I did think it was a shame that the framerate in some of chapter 3 was really bad at some points, but most of the time it was great fun and I can see how these sections can be some people's favorite.
I finished this game last night. Now I am about half way through Chapter 2 in Hell Mode. I've got to say that I loved this game. It took me about 11-12 hours to play through it in normal mode. I had read a lot of comments about the length of the game, so I took my time....occasionally returning to previous missions to practice new combos/aerials and just enjoy the scenery. The CG is extraordinary. The acting is amazing. The whole feel of the game from an artistic standpoint is beyond words. It is simply the most beautiful game I've ever seen.
I had a little trouble with the six-axis on the first mission with the catapults, but after some practice (like all six-axis games) I got the hang of it and really really enjoy it. My first attempt at the catapults in Hell Mode, I hit every target on the first try (which you almost have to do in order to pass it).
The combat system is as deep as you will allow yourself to go with it. You can mash buttons, but this game almost beckons you to learn it's combos, evading and counters. The better you get, the more you are rewarded with cool pan and zoom action sequences.
The menus are polished and organized very well. I really like how you can pick any sequence to replay after you've beat it. I find myself replaying the appropriately named "The Heavenly Sword" sequence the most.
The only complaint I can muster is the occasional frame drop or v-sync tearing, but these are easily overlooked with this game. The frame issues seem to only plague a few different missions. When I first saw it, I thought "uh oh" and I quit the mission I was on. I played through a different one and then went back to where I was and the stuttering was gone.
All in all, this is a fantastic game. It may feel a little short to some people, but even if the story were twice as long, I'm sure I would still be wanting more. Playing again in hell mode and trying to get all the glyphs doesn't feel boring or contrived. The story, CG, scenery, unlockables, combat and varying missions, almost demand that you play this game through a few times. This is definately a showcase game for any PS3 owner, and I can't wait for the next Ninja Theory project. Good job DeanoC and nAo.
I had a little trouble with the six-axis on the first mission with the catapults, but after some practice (like all six-axis games) I got the hang of it and really really enjoy it. My first attempt at the catapults in Hell Mode, I hit every target on the first try (which you almost have to do in order to pass it).
The combat system is as deep as you will allow yourself to go with it. You can mash buttons, but this game almost beckons you to learn it's combos, evading and counters. The better you get, the more you are rewarded with cool pan and zoom action sequences.
The menus are polished and organized very well. I really like how you can pick any sequence to replay after you've beat it. I find myself replaying the appropriately named "The Heavenly Sword" sequence the most.
The only complaint I can muster is the occasional frame drop or v-sync tearing, but these are easily overlooked with this game. The frame issues seem to only plague a few different missions. When I first saw it, I thought "uh oh" and I quit the mission I was on. I played through a different one and then went back to where I was and the stuttering was gone.
All in all, this is a fantastic game. It may feel a little short to some people, but even if the story were twice as long, I'm sure I would still be wanting more. Playing again in hell mode and trying to get all the glyphs doesn't feel boring or contrived. The story, CG, scenery, unlockables, combat and varying missions, almost demand that you play this game through a few times. This is definately a showcase game for any PS3 owner, and I can't wait for the next Ninja Theory project. Good job DeanoC and nAo.
