Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3255 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Sony
• Released on: 2007-09-14
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Platform: PLAYSTATION 3

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In a nutshell:
Amongst all the games that were actually playable on the PS3 at the recent E3 event in Los Angeles this was the most impressive, both in terms of gameplay and graphics. Not only that but it’s a completely original game, not a sequel or a remake.

The lowdown:
Already nicknamed by some as Goddess of War, due to its apparent similarities to PS2 game God of War, the storyline of the game is unclear but it features a typically attractive and super skilled martial arts heroine as she knocks seven bells out of a stream of ninja like bad guys. The various moves look stunning, in particular an eye-watering groin attack aimed at the male enemies (the game features motion capture by Gollum and King Kong actor Andy Serkis). The E3 demo level takes place in a small, and completely destructible, arena but other test footage shows an expansive and impressively realistic looking game world to explore and demolish.

Most exciting moment:
Towards the end of the demo the game segues into a QTE (quick time event) sequence where you have to tap the buttons according to icons flashed onscreen, which sees you performing even more outrageous stunts and attacks.

Since you ask:
Developers Ninja Theory used to be known as Just Add Monsters, under which name they made comedy beat ‘em-up Kung Fu Chaos for the Xbox.

The bottom line:
The best looking, and playing, game so far on the PS3.
HARRISON DENT

Manufacturer's Description
Emotionally charged, stunningly beautiful and delivering unprecedented dramatic character performance, Heavenly Sword showcases the power of PLAYSTATION 3. A dramatic tale of revenge sees Nariko, a fiery red-haired heroine embark on a quest for vengeance against an invading King and his army. The story builds around the ancient Heavenly Sword which once belonged to a powerful deity. It can never be wielded by a mortal without it draining their life-force, killing them within hours.

When the invading King (played by Andy Serkis) destroys the warrior clan that guards the Heavenly Sword, the clan leader's daughter, Nariko, takes up the sword in a desperate fight for survival. Nariko must now pay the ultimate price as she embarks on one last mission of vengeance against the King and his army before her life is finally drawn to a close&

Andy Serkis, the world's leading CG actor, famous for his roles as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and Kong in King Kong, was heavily involved in the creative process. As well as starring in Heavenly Sword as the villain, King Botan, Andy was a major contributor to the character development, writing, casting, directing and performance capture for the PLAYSTATION 3 game.

Heavenly Sword features a deep, diverse combat experience made possible by PLAYSTATION 3.

Customer Reviews

Close to perfect
Looks like I am the first person to actually review the game here rather than the demo. Oh well, here it goes.
You have probably read all the reviews saying that it is short. And it is. About 5 or 6 hours gaming for an experienced gamer. My girlfriend is on 9 hours and not finished it yet though. But the shortness of this title should not put you off. I myself usually hate short games. I love the final fantasy series with their sprawling 100 hours+ games. But Heavenly Sword is something special and here's why.

It is fun. I mean not just normal slog through enemies, killing lots of things fun, but really, honestly enjoyable. There wasnt a single moment I did't enjoy in this game. It is continuous action with an amazing story that just keeps giving more and more. The gameplay is fantastic with fluid movements and amazing combos to fit into the three different stances that you fight in. Think God of War but without the tedium of continually annoying enemies and with two different ways of fighting added on. It is continually fresh and exciting as you move between fighting against an entire army with your sword (it's crazy, you slaughter them. Over 1000 on screen) and firing off cannonballs or arrows using the motion sensor on the Sixaxis to guide them to their targets.

The graphics are better than anything I have ever seen. From the lush waterfalls in the backgrounds to the minute wrinkles on evil king Bohan's face (Andy Serkis). The story is pretty impressive to with a proper epic climax, some amazing acting and even a couple of twists along the way. It is a tour de force all round and a joy to play and watch with motion capture being used to capture every expression on characters faces. It truly has to be seen to be believed. There is replay value if you want to get the artwork but I can assure you as soon as you finish it you will want to pick it up again. Maybe not quite worth the price of a full game despite its brilliance, simply because of the length. I managed to trade in a game and get it at Blockbuster for £8.99 so I am incredibly happy.

I will let other people argue about the lack of a jump button(really not needed in this game) or the fact that it is very linear with no subquests or items to find, but this game is an epic story from start to finish and its simplicity works in its favour. If you want to see what next gen is all about, play this game. It is hugely better than any other single player game out there for the PS3 and I finally have no doubts about buying the console. But if you can't find it cheap now wait a couple of months and buy it then. I can assure you that for at least five hours you wont regret it.

Fantastic game, ignore any negative press!
I don't normally bother with reviews, but seeing this game get some poor reports has inspired me to write this.
This is probably the most enjoyable game I can remember playing. Bioshock on the 360 is great in its own way, but it cannot compete with the story here.
Movie like, stunning and great gameplay. Downside is of course its shortness (did all the movie's use up the disc space?) and it's a tad easy until the end guy - but once completed there is a hell mode to play.
I'd put this on par with Gears of War as the best of Next Gen so far. Gears of war kicks this games arse with the multiplayer / online element but for story and a great way to spend 6-8 hours at least - enjoy!
4.5 out of 5.

Good game
this game came with my PS3 and i had read reveiws and thought it would be good. i started playing on it and was really impressed with the graphics and i enjoyed the sword fights. but i didn't like the levels where you had to shoot people with arrows especially the on where shen in shot with an arrow and he walks so slowly down the path and you have to make sure none of the things trying to kill him reach him. i have tried over 30 times and i just cant complete it. i would recomend this game but its not the easiest ive played.