Hands-on: Heavenly Sword
by Andrew Yoon 
{ Jul 15th 2007 at 4:30PM }
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
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.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
psn:ummfada @ Jul 15th 2007 4:36PM
I opened an EU account to play this... where is it?
Frosty @ Jul 15th 2007 4:45PM
Easy on the commas there old boy.
BestOfBothWorlds @ Jul 15th 2007 4:54PM
does anybody realize there are people out there still complaining about the ps3 inability to produce great textures and lighting. i for one never noticed except for playing ports like rainbow six and tony hawk i thought resistance in some instances of the single player mode did a great job. hopefully games like heavenly sword will change peoples minds but i think this only covers hardcore gamers who that kind of detail.
humpty @ Jul 15th 2007 4:55PM
Is there any blood in this game? The trailers ive seen, there arent a lot considering the type of slashing going on.
Maybe cause the trailers are rates ALL instead of M?
AG23 @ Jul 15th 2007 7:07PM
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?
humpty @ Jul 15th 2007 7:40PM
Must get this.. i hope i can manage to finish NGS before this releases :/
drdre74 @ Jul 16th 2007 12:22AM
can't wait can't wait hehehehe
Lp47 @ Jul 16th 2007 1:38AM
Good news i like to here how well this games coming along. Its also nice it's not like God of War. Don't get me wrong God of War is like my fav game eva. But I can wait untill Chains of Olympus for PSP and GOD of WAR 3, come out. This will be a little bit like god of war but will be different aswell so we will have two awesome franchises. With their own stories.
Stellarpimp @ Jul 16th 2007 2:57AM
Awesome write up. I was concerned that this was a GoW clone. After reading this, it got me just that more amp'ed. Is it still on to be released next month?