IGN: Heavenly Sword Demo Impressions

At last, the metallic sounds of battle echo through the cubicles of IGN PlayStation. Heavenly Sword, the eagerly awaited game from developer Ninja Theory, showed up in demo form on the PlayStation Store today. While this is a demo the PlayStation Team has seen before in various forms, IGN were still pumped to spend some more time with Nariko and her incredible, almost poetic, heavenly blades.

Hit the link for the whole article.

[HowarthsNJ]

and it does that for sure :-)

[VendettaWFT]

I agree, the shortness made me want to keep playin the demo. No real gripes with this game. They do need to fix just a few thing like graphical hitches and what not, I'm sure that won't be a problem. I did have one huge complaint though. I wish to god they designated the block stance to a button like L1 or L2 or something. I hate the fact that the user is not in full control of the blocking like in GOW or NGS or any other action game...oh ya and I wish there was a jump button too. Oh well its still gonna be a sick game

[crystallakekiller]

great graphics,good gameplay and the shortest demo i've ever played!

[Omegasyde]

wow a 1 gig demo (compressed, so end file size is bigger than 1 gig).. Yet the demo lasted less than 5 minutes.

It took me over a hour to d/l for 5 minutes....:(
BUT.

Still better than nothing, So I guess we all shouldn't look a gifthorse in the mouth.

[sonarus]

That demo was rediculously short. I hate when people say at least you got the demo in the first place. But thats still rubbish the hype for this demo was way too much for them not to deliver and while they delivered in all areas the length was a little to sad. I wish they warned me before i played it because i am still very dissapointed in the game.

[daomay]

lets give this game away to da Wii or the 360 then!!!!!

I can't wait for this game...I might need to sale the wife and kid come this chritmas...so many great games coming soon for everyones

[PlayStation360]

I get what your saying about all the great games coming out. But what you said about you wife and kid was just coldblooded bro. LOL :P

@ Omegasyde

LOL, oh man. Bubbles for both of ya'll. LOL

[Omegasyde]

I put my youngest on Ebay already...

As They say videogames don't pay for themselves.
Kids don't Either.

But

Selling Child(s) to pay for videogames is like hitting 2 birds with 1 stone.

By the way I am joking and i do not recommend anyone selling thier kids on Ebay or in Tijuana or in Shang Hai even its pawning them for a Halo on the DS or Duke Nukem Forever.

[Silvanos]

I had a blast with this demo, short it was but also very fun.

[WaggleLOL]

It takes a few playthroughs to get just how good the combat system is with the different stances, the counters, picking up and throwing objects and enemies, and other details that you will miss on the first playthrough.

It is too bad they didn't just make the last battle area cycle forever so you don't have to go through the start of the demo over and over again. Regardless, the graphics look amazing, the fighting is deep and satisfying, and the story/presentation looks awesome.

Was more hyped for other big PS3 titles this year but the demo has made this a must have title.

[razer]

The game is awesome but it has some problems with the framerate, animations and the sound was having issues in a few spots.

Still plenty of time to work it out, I hope there are some platformer aspects to the game because just hacking and slashing (as cool as the combos are) is going to get old for the entire game. I need more!

[achira]

lol, what are you talking about, are you playing it on the 360 ? the framerate is smooth and there are no problems at all, small errors yes, but its a demo.

[theaceh]

This game looks awesome and plays very well. The combat system is very well done and innovative. Congrats to Sony and Ninja Theory. However, as the previous post mentioned, there are some things that need to be tuned up.

One that annoyed me very much was that there are almost no sound effects going on when nariko throws objects at her opponents. You just know they got hit because of the animation, not because you could really hear anything.

If the tune these minor glitches and slightly improve the framerate, this is gonna be one hell of a title.

[CG]

"lol, what are you talking about, are you playing it on the 360?"

The question is what are you talking about dumbass, the ps3 and framerate issues go hand in hand.How many 360 games have you seen with framerate issues? take off those sony goggles you dumb moron.

P.S. Played the demo and i was impressed overall i dont really like these god of war type of games but heavenly sword was alot fun, even though it was way too short.

[HowarthsNJ]

My first play-through of HS did hiccup a bit, but every play since then has been smooth as butter(60GB PS3).

Of those that have framerate problems how many are using the 20GB PS3?

This game is meant to stream from the BR disc and not the HD right?

[MarioFromTexas]

If you button smash you will not do the gameplay justice, I recommend you try to learn the combos, because when you get the combos right the fighting looks amazing and effortlessly. I can't wait to the retail version comes out.

[theaceh]

You can practice by playing Ninja Gaiden Sigma. In Sigma, you need to practice and eventually master the "evade then attack" technique if you wish to become competent at the game. Heavenly Sword seems to have the same "prerequisite for success".

@MarioFromTexas

Thanks for the tips! ;-)

[fopums]

very nice, took a long time to DL, so I guess I expected just a bit more....couldnt we have fought those 3 guys? still really liked the mechanics, probably enjoy more after I really get good at it

[MannyHarlem141]

Certified AAA title.. courtesy of the good folks at Ninja Theory in collaboration with Sony Computer Entertaintment, ya dig!

[WHEELEDWARRIOR]

After going back and playing it again, more defensively, I found that it's really a hell of a lot of fun. Definitely one I'm looking forward to.

Now where's my Lair demo?!

[The Karate Kid]

Oh My God, what a short Demo. Drove home and did like 115 mph. Got in downloaded the game (It took about an hour) once it was done, play it for 2 minutes and the demo was over. And then I realized all the downloading was the languages lol

Since when have demos started coming with 6 different languages........

Game is Awesome though, i love it, i love it, i love it. I wish it was 60 frames at 1080p though. But it is what it is i guess.

It is definitley a work of art though a simply mastpiece.

I love all my fellow PS3 owners. Add me

PSN name: RioHustlaInc

P.S. cant wait until october when we all come ***HOME***

We've been live since 03, but now were going ***HOME***

[xXheidiXx]

someones excited hahaha. dont blame ya though, i know how awsome it is to own a ps3 :D i got mine 3 months ago n cant put the controller down

[SuperSaiyan4]

The graphics were ridiculous - God Of War 2 looks tons better than this it has better environments and reflections AND a far better combat system.

What a waste, I was going to get this game now I won't.

[kevin1122]

i seriously doubt you have a ps3 by your previous post's. I mean, you arent fooling anyone. we all know you are a big 360 fanboy. As for the game, i thought it was really good besides being extremely short. i will definitely get this when it comes out.

[MaximusPrime]

played the demo and im impressed.

Even though the demo is short, im impressed with the graphic and the vast scenery. eg: throw a spear and watch how far it goes.
Throw a man and use a sixaxis to aim the target.

wow. imagine what it would be like on bluray.

I will carry on playing it to search out new moves.

[HydroBoy]

i loved the demo..yes it wasshort..but still worth it..i kept playing it over and over again..im definately buying this...& i prefer the evading in heavenly sword over ninja gaiden

[snakeater3]

I just couldnt believe i could control nariko at first ...thought it was some sort of pre rendered cgi ....in short ...graphics are amazing . however i was left a little bemused with the combat system. the controls feel unresponsive and clunky ...way off the mark from sigma's sublime and 60 frame ps frenetic action....if ninja theory could sort out the framerate and tweak the control scheme ...then we would have a AAA title on our hands ....if not , it will be a sad missed opportunity .

[Rythrine]

Great graphics. Great gameplay. The combos are awesome once you get the hang of it. A must-buy overall.

[cocoapebbles]

Yes it was short..i wasn't expecting that..but the gameplay is awsome..graphics are beautiful on my 52inch mitsubishi dlp 1080p tv Sound is fabulous and the detail of the characters and Nakira..and weapons are jaw dropping not to mention the whole map i can't wait to get this game!

[Fighter]

The graphics were stunning but it did have some frame rate issues but I think this demo is just a tease. The real game should be better (I hope)and more responsive to the controller. Here's my wishlist:

August: Lair, Warhawk

September: Heavenly Sword, NHL 08 (or NHL 2K8)

October: Ratchet & Clank, HOME, GTA 4 (incomplete version?), Need For Speed Prospeed

November: Assassin's Creed, Haze, Uncharted Drake, Unreal Tournament, Time Crisis 4

This last quarter of 2007 is going to make me broke. Almost close to $800 on games alone. May have to cancel some on the list.

[SuperSaiyan4]

The graphics are NOT stunning, Oblivion is stunning compared to this, also Gears of War now thats STUNNING.

This game is lacking polygons, textures and lighting its very blocky and the controls are rubbish.

Also is it me or is this game a big rip off of God Of War? Its pretty much identical with the weapons and some of the moves!!!!

Sorry I rather go play God Of War 2 this is a waste of time I didnt even complete this short demo I just turned off my PS3.

[Dread1981]

if you think Gears of war had alot of details (witch i did on a small area) then you havent seen heavenly sword.

the draw disstance is realy (and i mean realy) large plus look a her face at the intro, danm that face look real :-))

And by the way you say this is a God of War rip of realy shows that you havent played it.

God of war is a button masher, but HS take skills to play just like NGS, in HS there is a deep combat system that you have to learn and master, you have to chose the right stance for the right moment or you will get your but kicked... and god there are many combos to learn and recoveries, the combat system is way more deep then god of war and i have played both of them :-))

[snakeater3]

quit being a ms fanboy .....if your box cant handle this level of detail and crisp visuals, go cry to your mama....just dont try to downplay a potentially great game like heavenly sword.

[Bolts]

Crisp visuals my ass. If this is a 1080p game, then yeah, I would say the visuals are "crisp". But its in 720p and running lousy at that. The problem with this game is it seems all the attention to details went into the extremely high poly facials while stuff like the jerky animations and out of control dynamic hair goes to pot.

Attention Sony, enough with the 720p games already. The PS3 is a 1080p system the last I checked. Lets get some quality control in these games for crying out loud. I don't see any of the Xbots guys having to play their games at anything other than their console's max res, so why should we?

[SuperSaiyan4]

This one is! And it has autoblock? Oh please.

God Of War you need precision timing, skill and quick reflexes - Heavenly Sword is just ripping off God Of War.

The graphics on this Heavenly Sword are poor sorry, its just very blocky.

[techie]

AH another ignore to add to my growing list.

[Sevir04]

hey supperFankid4, whats your PSN... tell us so i can add you or better yet send me one

and i'dd verify it for everyone here, some how i think you are a Troll trying to pass as a PS3 owner.

i think had MS and NINJA theory did this on the 360 you'd be singing a different tune.

my PSN is SEVIREDgamer i'm calling you out for the liar that you are, add me or tell me your PSN so i can add you.

[Frulond]

another one to the ignore list

@Sevir04: totally agree with you

[Fighter]

Do you really have a PS3 hooked up to an HDTV? Or are you really a hardcore 360 fanboy? Enjoy your RRODs and the weeks of not playing anything.

[MaximusPrime]

sorry i must add you to my ignore list. We can't allow fanboys moaning on here. (read the "bubble rules" news.) I haven't removed your bubbles. Control yourself.

[Antan]

Amazing lighting (REALLY Amazing), best lighting ive ever seen (Right up there with ICO). Glorious size and scope!! Just fix the odd hiccup in framerate and the odd v-sync issues and everything will be perfect. A demo should leave you wanting more........................Jo b done.

[Watkins]

The best game I've played for a long time. I never really liked God of War, simply thought it was too easy to do combos (and over and over and over and over again), the gameplay wasn't all that fun. And thus I was kinda afraid that I wouldn't like Heavenly Sword either. But omg was I wrong.

The gameplay is fantastic. Never played a game with so much control and planning before you execute your moves, I love the control. I also really liike how they've done the playable cinematics. Doesn't make you all sweaty and it seems you won't really die from doing them wrong, but instead you can try to execute them flawlessly and see Nariko dance in the air.

This is a big one, and I pity those who don't see that ;)

[Chava]

i actually enjoyed it more than ninja gaiden sigma demo

[DARK WITNESS]

but not that good.

this was one of the few games i was looking forward to on the ps3 this year, but i just didn't think it was as good as some of the trailers i had seen.

not able jump, well at this stage i would have thought for a game like this it would be standard.

the graphics and all that looked good, but didn't blow me away, not by a longway.

what i disliked the most was not being able to control the camera. fine you have a great looking environment, but i can only ever see it one way. Not to mention its annoying when an enemy comes on screen but you can't see them cos the cam is at a bad angle.

i just don't think for third person hack and slash its the best option ( i don't think too human is going to pull if off either )

the whole on the rails type of environment that only lets you take the narrow path to a little arena you fight in, then its the next path and the next section....freedom Please.

i know there are some big stages, but i hope they give you a lot more to actually explore. sure the stages are huge in terms of the backdrop, but being restricted by the immediate environment so badly just makes it feel detached.

still it is a very, very short demo and i guess i should wait for the full game to see just how it really plays.

its a shame they downed the blood and all that for their 12 rating. the action clips when you pull off some of the special combos ( like slamming your sword into the guys D£%$ ) would have looked so much better...

[HowarthsNJ]

Still trying to get the hang of all the mechanics though.

[DARK WITNESS]

thanks, i will give that a try. i tried the L2 and R2 but it still didn't feel like proper cam control. i mean like NGS ( although that cam was not the best either )

anyway, i will try the sixaxis.

[RedSeven]

I am not trying to be rude or anything but I just diddn't have fun with this demo. The graphics during the cut scenes were really great but the rest of the demo was kind of boring to ME. I actually turned it off after the second platform. All I was doing was button mashing. I have to learn intricate combos to play this game? No thanks.

As far as the in game graphics are concerned, they are alright. The draw distance is huge but its nothing really eye dropping for ME. Metal Gear Solid 4, now that game looks amazing. Like I said, this is just me but I feel like I am just constantly pushing buttons while a bunch of guys just try to attack me. Maybe thats why I diddn't buy Ninja Gaiden Sigma. I don't know. Please don't take my own opinion too hard. I just don't enjoy these hack and slash games.

[Anego Montoya FTMFW]

Best Fighting System.
Best Countering System.
Great Animations.

Not for Button Mashers.

[Frulond]

I admit it was short but... maybe I spent 10 or 15 minutes just after the cutscene trying the combos and looking at the details of the whole area.

The game is 100% not for button mashers and I'm begining to like it since its pretty easy to chain the buttons for the combo. The game looks amazing and the graphics are outstanding, too band when you reach the end of it you're like "bring it on!" ant then "you finished the demo blah blah play the game" T_T

I'm absolutely getting this game day one, also I'm going to keep playing the game since there were a couple of things I couldn't do in it like the air combat thingy :p

[Azures]

Apparently the demo is from a year old build of the game according to Ninja Theory. Wow lol, I'm sure they've cleaned it up by now.

[ReBurn]

It's good and controls well. Hopefully they get the framerate worked out and get rid of the screen tearing. Yeah, I'm not afraid to say I saw screen tearing in the beginning before she starts running across the ropes. I know I can't be the only one that noticed it.

I'm still getting this game, though. The demo is good.

[crippler666]

Some of the animation on the moves is awesome, as is the speed at which the game runs. It is fluent and clear even when the action heats up.

With around 8 enemies on screen, thinking time is short, but it just makes you want to play the game more.

Many may argue that this is a button masher, but I suggest you look at the move list and realize that that is just the demo, the final game will have more.

I know this game will not be everyone cup of tea, but this proves the PS3 is capable of good graphics, fast smooth animation, with time and little effort what can be done on the PS3.