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[Lord Error]

Dark, you probably wanted to say UNnecessary sacrifice? In any case I know what you mean.

The frame dips in HS just don't bother me I guess, or at least they didn't so far. I'm in the middle of chapter 3, and I was hearing earlier in the thread that Chapter 1 and 3 have worse framerate than the chapter 2, but to me it seemed pretty consistent over all three chapters so far, not ideal of course, but not nearly as bad to bother me.

I'm perfectly with the overal visual package, much more than I was with Resistance for example, or a number of other games that had steady framerate but neither-here-nor-there visual quality.

 

[Oni Jazar]

Warhawk also runs at a solid 30 fps.

Heavenly Sword is the ultimate example of necessary sacrifice. They simply attempted to display too many things and the performance is terrible as a result. When you find yourself fighting up on the wall in chapter 5, they continue to draw and shadow all of the troops out in the field and the framerate is a smokin' 15 fps. However, had they used a trick of some sort, things would have looked just as good AND run smoothly. Why not toss in some slight depth of field and fake the troops? Hell, God of War managed to draw a similar type of scene using fake troops in the distance and it still managed to feel epic.

There are just so many instances when it seems as if they are pushing their engine for no reason at all.

Is warhawk 30? It feels smooth as hell.

 

[SlasherJPC]

Finished it Saturday night. Awesome game! Hell mode here I come!

Its worth every penny!

Hell mode seems like alot of fun. I feel like there are more bad guys, they take longer to kill, there more vicious, and man you really have to beat them up to kill them unless you make sure and stabem while there down. Meanwhile bosses do ALOT more damage, but honestly, I'm having way to much fun on hell mode. Its awesome. One of the few games I've beaten and then started playing again right away.

 

[dark10x]

I'm perfectly with the overal visual package, much more than I was with Resistance for example, or a number of other games that had steady framerate but neither-here-nor-there visual quality.

How about Gears of War or Bioshock? Both of those games impressed the hell out of me AND ran at rock solid framerates. Heavenly Sword would be right up there with Gears if it ran at a smooth framerate.

 

[Poigea]

Beat the game over the weekend, and agree with ~8.8. I enjoyed the experience, the story was entertaining, the combat was solid, and I loved Kai's missions (Probably what I will replay the most).

 

[Lord Error]

Is warhawk 30? It feels smooth as hell.

Warhawk is rock-solid 30, that's why it feels so smooth. Same as Resistance. Most 30FPS games actually run at sub-30FPS a lot of time.

30FPS games with motion blur (PGR3, Motorstorm, KZ2) almost look more natural than 60FPS with no motion blur. Especially KZ2 with their crazy speed-vector motion blur.

 

[SlasherJPC]

Dark, you probably wanted to say UNnecessary sacrifice? In any case I know what you mean.

The frame dips in HS just don't bother me I guess, or at least they didn't so far. I'm in the middle of chapter 3, and I was hearing earlier in the thread that Chapter 1 and 3 have worse framerate than the chapter 2, but to me it seemed pretty consistent over all three chapters so far, not ideal of course, but not nearly as bad to bother me.

I'm perfectly with the overal visual package, much more than I was with Resistance for example, or a number of other games that had steady framerate but neither-here-nor-there visual quality.

To futher add, my game never EVER once became a slide show in the framerate department. honestly it hitches a few times but it never stopped my enjoyment of the game and I've played games I've enjoyed with worse framerates then this. Its overlookable for sure. A microscopic ding in an otherwise highly detailed game.

 

[SlasherJPC]

How about Gears of War or Bioshock? Both of those games impressed the hell out of me AND ran at rock solid framerates. Heavenly Sword would be right up there with Gears if it ran at a smooth framerate.

Well Bioshock does have the texture issue ala Halo 2 so its not quite perfect either but again, thats so minuscule it doesn't effect the game.

 

[Firewire]

Hell mode seems like alot of fun. I feel like there is more bad guys, they take longer to kill, there more vicious, and man you really have to beat them up to kill them unless you make sure and stabem while there down. Meanwhile bosses do ALOT more damage, but honestly, I'm having way to much fun on hell mode. Its awesome. One of the few games I've beaten and then started playing again right away.

Cool, good to know it'll be an even greater challenge. Same here, I've only palyed two games
over right after finishing them GOW1&2. This will be the third!

 

[Dante]

tearing bothers me more then framerate drops in games.

 

[AltogetherAndrews]

This game really isn't a ton of fun. You know that visceral, savage quality that God of War has, that makes combat feel satisfying? Heavenly Sword hates that quality. I understand that a lot of people like what Heavenly Sword does and probably prefer it to something like God of War, but to me this is a very bad thing. It sure is pretty though and the artistry and art direction is quite good, but then the stage acting style VA kind of tarnishes the general presentation.

 

[Jibber Hack]

Played and beat the game over Friday night and Saturday morning with a friend. He did most of the work. Must say that I'm wholly impressed by this title. I love every aspect of it, from the art direction to the voice acting. That portion of the game has been pushed far above any experiences I've had recently. The combat is great, though the boss battles push you to button mashing far too much. Granted, I did not spend great tracts of time trying to master it. It is an awesome foundation for the studio and I can't wait to see what they bring to the table next. Hopefully the design doc will have a lot more features to add more depth to the experience. This is also one of the frew games that I could see myself playing multiple times.

Price versus time spent playing is skewed a bit, but I would give the game an 8.9. After watching the videos on the making of the game I want to give it a 9+, but that is sentiment talking.

Has anyone else's opinion been positively affected by watching the making of videos?

 

[XHitoshuraX]

This game really isn't a ton of fun. You know that visceral, savage quality that God of War has, that makes combat feel satisfying? Heavenly Sword hates that quality. I understand that a lot of people like what Heavenly Sword does and probably prefer it to something like God of War, but to me this is a very bad thing. It sure is pretty though and the artistry and art direction is quite good, but then the stage acting style VA kind of tarnishes the general presentation.

?

 

[AltogetherAndrews]

?

Overly dramatic, exaggerated presentation. It's basically stage acting away from the stage, and that's a bad thing.

 

[LaneDS]

There are just so many instances when it seems as if they are pushing their engine for no reason at all.

I agree completely. They even open the game with one such case. Yeah, it's impressive to see so many troops rendered, but at the serious expense of the framerate? I don't think so.

First impressions are important and to start off with framerate issues is a big no-no I think.

 

[Firewire]

This game really isn't a ton of fun. You know that visceral, savage quality that God of War has, that makes combat feel satisfying? Heavenly Sword hates that quality. I understand that a lot of people like what Heavenly Sword does and probably prefer it to something like God of War, but to me this is a very bad thing. It sure is pretty though, but then the stage acting style VA kind of tarnishes the general presentation.

I love both GOW series & HS, I understand the differences and love both styles equally. I knew coming into this game it wouldn't be that same feeling (GOW) combat wise. But I have gained an appreciation for HS's combat system, its rather unique in its presentation.

 

[SlasherJPC]

Overly dramatic, exaggerated presentation. It's basically stage acting away from the stage, and that's a bad thing.

Your one of the few that downplay Heavenly Sword for its acting. Most will probably not agree.

 

[Kittonwy]

This game really isn't a ton of fun. You know that visceral, savage quality that God of War has, that makes combat feel satisfying? Heavenly Sword hates that quality. I understand that a lot of people like what Heavenly Sword does and probably prefer it to something like God of War, but to me this is a very bad thing. It sure is pretty though and the artistry and art direction is quite good, but then the stage acting style VA kind of tarnishes the general presentation.

I thought the regular counters were very well done, better than God of War, but then the game should just have regular counters and not zoomed-in special counters (but instead substituted with more damaging moves for perfect counters). The game could seriously use a grab button and the X is right there for the jump that goes unused for the most part. Some of the design decisions I just don't understand, it's a certain stubborness that kind of keeps some developers from reaching greatness. And the QTE environment traversals need to go, substitute that with good old fashion platforming. There are still unused buttons that can be utilized.

 

[Nolan.]

This game really isn't a ton of fun. You know that visceral, savage quality that God of War has, that makes combat feel satisfying? Heavenly Sword hates that quality. I understand that a lot of people like what Heavenly Sword does and probably prefer it to something like God of War, but to me this is a very bad thing. It sure is pretty though, but then the stage acting style VA kind of tarnishes the general presentation.

Thats why I said I only really enjoyed Nariko and Kais bits because in comparison to the others their acting is a lot more tamed. That said though each to their own if people feel like the product has justified the time spent in development and the rest of it enough to get a sequel fine. Though I think people should be a lot more honest about it because there are certain things in this game that people are praising that I feel is a bit misguided and doesn't give the devs feedback enough to make a better game next time round.

 

[dark10x]

Your one of the few that downplay Heavenly Sword for its acting. Most will probably not agree.

Yeah, I really enjoyed the stage acting. It really gives the game a unique flavor that I enjoyed. I certainly wouldn't want every game to take such an approach, but I quite enjoyed it in this instance.

 

[SlasherJPC]

I love both GOW series & HS, I understand the differences and love both styles equally. I knew coming into this game it wouldn't be that same feeling (GOW) combat wise. But I have gained an appreciation for HS's combat system, its rather unique in its presentation.

Same here. I love GOD 1 and 2 but HS is the same yet different. The combat is alot of fun in HS and I love it for what it is.

Speaking of the shortness of the game. God of War 2, on my second playthrough, I beat in about 6 hours. So the length of Heavenly Sword doesn't bother me one bit at all.

 

[Kaitei grunkan]

Is anyone playing this on a non-HD tv? I'd love to see some pics of what it looks like.

Was gonna wait with the PS3 purchase til I got my 720p projector but all this positive feedback on HS makes it very hard to wait

 

[LaneDS]

slasher_thrasher21 you have an amazing avatar. That scene is the one I was referring to a page back that I showed people and had them howling.

Approximately how much farther do I need to go after the password business with Kai to finish the game?

 

[AltogetherAndrews]

Yeah, I really enjoyed the stage acting. It really gives the game a unique flavor that I enjoyed. I certainly wouldn't want every game to take such an approach, but I quite enjoyed it in this instance.

 

[patsu]

Thats why I said I only really enjoyed Nariko and Kais bits because in comparison to the others their acting is a lot more tamed. That said though each to their own if people feel like the product has justified the time spent in development and the rest of it enough to get a sequel fine. Though I think people should be a lot more honest about it because there are certain things in this game that people are praising that I feel is a bit misguided and doesn't give the devs feedback enough to make a better game next time round.

Good point ! What should the devs improve on for the next game ?

I must say I'm impressed by the acting. I didn't expect them to be so lively. I expected talking heads and level headed word exchanges, but the HS designers paved their own ways with good results.

 

[painey]

:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

"maybe i should hit your weakpoint for MASSIVE DAMAGE!"

:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

 

[SlasherJPC]

slasher_thrasher21 you have an amazing avatar. That scene is the one I was referring to a page back that I showed people and had them howling.

Approximately how much farther do I need to go after the password business with Kai to finish the game?

Thanks, I made it myself. As for length, umm Id say your a little over half way. Chapters 4, 5,and 6 go by really fast but are awesome!

 

[Jibber Hack]

Overly dramatic, exaggerated presentation. It's basically stage acting away from the stage, and that's a bad thing.

Erroneous!

I thoroughly enjoyed the VA and always looked forward to the next scene with Bohan or my favorite, Flying Fox. I think that it's okay for the devs to express themselves in this way, it definitely imprints the experience on my mind. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed watching a cust scene. It definitely would not work in a Final Fantasy, but it works in Heavenly Sword.

 

[Nolan.]

Same here. I love GOD 1 and 2 but HS is the same yet different. The combat is alot of fun in HS and I love it for what it is.

Speaking of the shortness of the game. God of War 2, on my second playthrough, I beat in about 6 hours. So the length of Heavenly Sword doesn't bother me one bit at all.

This I can never understand. I don't have anything against short games at all but I think Heavenly sword is criminally short. Infact playing the game to the end I noticed almost everything from beggining to end had already been shown prior to release thats how short it is.

 

[XHitoshuraX]

The voice acting was, for the most part, done in a stage-directed manner. Andy Serkis essentially directed entire scenes on the Blue Mat (as well as acting in them).

The difference in acting between a game such as, say Bioshock and Heavenly Sword, is the indignation of the individual players.

The scenes where

Spoiler

Nariko is essentially speaking to the sword itself

were perhaps THE VERY BEST acting I have ever witnessed in a game. Period.

Notice I call it acting. That’s what it is. There is a difference between a GREAT voice actor and a GREAT actor. Now I’m not saying that a voice actor can't act and that an actor can't do voice over’s, but the physicality of performing a scene is an entirely different experience.

It should be noted that many, MANY games record all of their voices over’s with the individual actors separate from each other. This isn't always a bad thing per se, but it detracts from the energy that comes when performing in a group.

My opinions...take a bite or walk away...

 

[Jibber Hack]

Munches on XHitoshuraX...

 

[Dyno]

After getting through 4 chapters I have to say that the game picks up quite a bit. I think the first 2 chapters were kind of dull and short. They definately improved as time went on with the fights and pacing becoming far more dynamic! The motion controlled archery of Kai is a fun game in itself and I love playing her as much as Noriko. I'm glad I got it and can see myself re-playing it again in the months ahead.

Flying Fox is a fantastic villan and the actor gives a brilliant performance - just as good as Serkis at least! There is some kind of Asian theatrical dance style woven into the character and along with the perverse pronouciation it makes for a complete, enthralling package.

Ninja Theory really tried to give us a movie that we could play and I feel that in light of such a lofty goal they were unduly penalized in the critique's rankings. A non-gamer watched me play for two hours and was deeply impressed, stating that he couldn't believe this is what video games have become in terms of production values.

 

[SlasherJPC]

This I can never understand. I don't have anything against short games at all but I think Heavenly sword is criminally short. Infact playing the game to the end I noticed almost everything from beggining to end had already been shown prior to release thats how short it is.

Well most games (sans rpgs) are only longer then 6-8 hours because of backtracking/ puzzles/ or just the lack of knowing how to proceed. Heavenly Sword pretty much takes all that out of the picture and just gives you everything up front and streamlined. No BS whatsoever.

But anyways, going back to games like God of War, Gears of War, Resident Evil 4, these can all be beaten rather quickly once you know what your doing and where to go. Doesnt effect my decision to purchase them one bit. If a game is short but bad ass the entire time, consider it mine.

 

[Jibber Hack]

Flying Fox is a fantastic villan and the actor gives a brilliant performance - just as good as Serkis at least! There is some kind of Asian theatrical dance style woven into the character and along with the perverse pronouciation it makes for a complete, enthralling package.

He was also one of the creepiest villains in recent memory. He totally came off as a predator (not the animal kind)

Spoiler

during the Kai chase sequence.

I almost got goose bumps.

 

[SlasherJPC]

Yeah that scene had me in terror.

 

[XHitoshuraX]

He was also one of the creepiest villains in recent memory. He totally came off as a predator (not the animal kind)

Spoiler

during the Kai chase sequence.

I almost got goose bumps.

The way she was screaming when she saw him was...teh creepy.

 

[~Devil Trigger~]

Warhawk is rock-solid 30, that's why it feels so smooth. Same as Resistance. Most 30FPS games actually run at sub-30FPS a lot of time.

30FPS games with motion blur (PGR3, Motorstorm, KZ2) almost look more natural than 60FPS with no motion blur. Especially KZ2 with their crazy speed-vector motion blur.

60 with lack of Animation looks VERY unatural, really freaky

 

[deepbrown]

Well I prefer stage acting, to the lame shit we get in Hollywood in other games. Being involved in the theatre, this isn't am dram stuff - this is professional, excellently performed dramatic scenes - performed by some of the great stage actors. Andy Serkis - and Stephen Berkoff. He is a legend - and it's all with the style of the game.

I think it's a welcome change, and something we should all praise - because we need more of this, and less of what Hollywood brings us.

 

[deepbrown]

Flying Fox is a fantastic villan and the actor gives a brilliant performance - just as good as Serkis at least! There is some kind of Asian theatrical dance style woven into the character and along with the perverse pronouciation it makes for a complete, enthralling package.

That's because it's Stephan Berkoff! He's bigger than Andy Serkis in the acting world. From Octopussy, to A Clockwork Orange. (he was in Killzone as well)

 

[Aeon712]

Just finished the game and it was incredible. Totally worth the full retail price. I already know I'm gonna replay it again. Final fight had me going wtf must I do to kick his ***.
Spoilers for end of game

Spoiler

WTF was up with the bird? guessing it's the real bad guy aka the spirit of the warrior that went against the Heavenly Warrior from the anime? I didn't want Nariko to die darn it she has officially topped Tifa and Aeris as my favorite female character, No Nariko No Buy for Heavenly Sword 2 Ninja Theory

 

[drohne]

i don't mind heavenly sword's performance struggles in the last couple chapters -- they're not the result of sloppiness so much as a determination to throw everything on screen. the game overreaches in a number of ways, and that's part of the reason it's so endearing.

 

[XHitoshuraX]

Just finished the game and it was incredible. Totally worth the full retail price. I already know I'm gonna replay it again. Final fight had me going wtf must I do to kick his ***.
Spoilers for end of game

Spoiler

WTF was up with the bird? guessing it's the real bad guy aka the spirit of the warrior that went against the Heavenly Warrior from the anime? I didn't want Nariko to die darn it she has officially topped Tifa and Aeris as my favorite female character, No Nariko No Buy for Heavenly Sword 2 Ninja Theory

I'd still like to hear the reason for the story designers NOT

Spoiler

having Nariko finish off Bohan. I mean I know she finally realized that death and vengence were not the answers she was seeking but....I dont know. Losing his eyes was symbolic Im sure of the ending of life as he knew it but still, I was quite suprised.

 

[Poigea]

I'd still like to hear the reason for the story designers NOT

Spoiler

having Nariko finish off Bohan. I mean I know she finally realized that death and vengence were not the answers she was seeking but....I dont know. Losing his eyes was symbolic Im sure of the ending of life as he knew it but still, I was quite suprised.

I also thought it could be

Spoiler

Nariko coming to terms with her father, and their relationship. She understood the connection between father and child, and realized Roach probably had a similar experience with Bohan. Neither of their fathers seemed to be great fathers, but that doesn't mean there is no bond/relationship. Makes the bad guys even seem human and easier to relate too. And so they can bring him back in the sequel, he is one of the best bad guys ever!

 

[Jibber Hack]

I'd still like to hear the reason for the story designers NOT

Spoiler

having Nariko finish off Bohan. I mean I know she finally realized that death and vengence were not the answers she was seeking but....I dont know. Losing his eyes was symbolic Im sure of the ending of life as he knew it but still, I was quite suprised.

Personally, I think it was a good decision. In too many movies the

Spoiler

main villain dies. They spend a lot of time creating these characters, fleshing out their motives, only to destroy them. Bohan's army is decimated, his mind shattered (not held to closely together in the fist place) and he's carried home by his mentally deficient son. A blind weak king is likely to be deposed, so he's not likely to be a threat anymore. Also, when you think about the story, he is not the ultimate evil so it's not so important that he be killed. In sparing him, the developers have a great villain to bring back into the story in some way if they so choose.

 

[XHitoshuraX]

Personally, I think it was a good decision. In too many movies the

Spoiler

main villain dies. They spend a lot of time creating these characters, fleshing out their motives, only to destroy them. Bohan's army is decimated, his mind shattered (not held to closely together in the fist place) and he's carried home by his mentally deficient son. A blind weak king is likely to be deposed, so he's not likely to be a threat anymore. Also, when you think about the story, he is not the ultimate evil so it's not so important that he be killed. In sparing him, the developers have a great villain to bring back into the story in some way if they so choose.

munches on Jibber Hack

 

[Mesijs]

Overly dramatic, exaggerated presentation. It's basically stage acting away from the stage, and that's a bad thing.

I do agree. Especially the sidekicks of Bohan are just stupid. They're making dumb jokes to each other and aren't scary at all. These are supposed to be the great villiains, but they don't act like it. They're like a bunch of amateur stage players.


And I'm not hating the game, I love it, but there are certain negative points about it.

I think it's ridiculous to act as if this is a new standard for this kind of action games or something. I just played half an hour God of War and then you realize how much better it is than Heavenly Sword, in every aspect. And don't say you can't compare them to each other because you can.

 

[XHitoshuraX]

I do agree. Especially the sidekicks of Bohan are just stupid. They're making dumb jokes to each other and aren't scary at all. These are supposed to be the great villiains, but they don't act like it. They're like a bunch of amateur stage players.


And I'm not hating the game, I love it, but there are certain negative points about it.

I think it's ridiculous to act as if this is a new standard for this kind of action games or something. I just played half an hour God of War and then you realize how much better it is than Heavenly Sword, in every aspect. And don't say you can't compare them to each other because you can.

......

Can I assume your specifically familiar with what distinguishes an amateur actor to a professional one. Can I also assume you have evidence that there has been a game with better performances (this does not include Hollywood "actors").

 

[deepbrown]

They're like a bunch of amateur stage players.

Oook...amateur:lol

I think what you bunch need to realise is that what you think about the style of acting DOES NOT mean it's worse than Hollywood performances. It is a matter of preference, and it is different. It is what it is, and the performances are glorious - played by some of the most talented actors we have in this country.

The emotions are real, the performances are inspiring. Just because it's different, doesn't make it worse - as I'm sure many of the people who have played it understand.

You're allowed to say you don't like it - but saying that it is objectively worse, or that having stage acting in a videogame is a bad thing - is wrong. Because a lot of us appreciate it. And I for one would love to see games going in this direction, and leave behind it's routes in Hollywood. I only wish God of War could have had performances as good.

HS sets the bar, and I doubt it will be surpassed for a number of years.

 

[dark10x]

I think it's ridiculous to act as if this is a new standard for this kind of action games or something. I just played half an hour God of War and then you realize how much better it is than Heavenly Sword, in every aspect. And don't say you can't compare them to each other because you can.

...and Ninja Gaiden was vastly superior to God of War (gameplay wise). That didn't mean you couldn't still enjoy the game, however.

 

[Lord Error]

...and Ninja Gaiden was vastly superior to God of War (gameplay wise). That didn't mean you couldn't still enjoy the game, however.

Well, if you include GoW puzzles in gameplay, I wouldn't be so quick to proclaim NG vastly better. GoW and especially GoW2 had some of the best physical puzzles I've seen in a game.