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[Mesijs]

I just read through that Conan thread you put up, what are CM paying you? And others are right, you were all for HS until more negative reviews were posted....again...

RIDICulous.

Wow, you're a complete idiot. What did Sony pay you to hype this game to death and be not critical at all except for saying that you're critical.

How dare you say these things to me because I have an OPINION.

My opinion at first was: critical reviewers were too critical. Then I played the game more and more and more and my opinion changed. That happens a lot of times, when you play a game a longer time you get to know it better.

You're the most idiotic fanboy I've ever seen on any forum. Stop telling people that they're bribed while you are shamelessly defending all the flaws of this game. That is ridicolous and dumb.

 

[Mesijs]

Yeah, the review code is laughable. Is it enjoyable? Certainly. The fact that you would compare more than just the combat to HS?

RIDICulous lol

Yeah, HS has the better graphics. Conan has the better gameplay. Easy as that. HS is meant to be a game where you fight most of the time so I compare the combat as it is the main focus of the gameplay. D'oh...

 

[Mesijs]

you are funny dude... you started with the game as if you liked it and then after a while (when all other reviews started coming in) you disliked it... or am I thinking of someone else? You the indian on TV?

Yup, you're right. When I played just a few hours HS I created the thread as I was impressed by the game and frustrated by the first negative reviews.

Then I played more and more and more and I was seeing more and more flaws. That's what reviewing (and playing, anyway) games is, playing games thoroughly and finding the good and bad points. So I, sadly, found more and more bad points about HS.

And I'm not indian, and neither on tv also.

 

[Lord Error]

He may not be fast but his ranged attacks sure are (fireballs etc). The only way I could beat him in the final stage was by resorting to aggressive button mashing because staying close seemed to delay his 'mode' switching.

Actually, I'm pretty sure the game drops difficulty down when you die a few times there, and that delays his mode switch. He's just a lot easier to kill after you die a few times. You can of course deflect or evade his ranged attacks, but yeah, it's tough.

 

[Dante]

Man this game has killed wathing cutscenes in other games for me. They are so faer ahead of everything else.

 

[XHitoshuraX]

Wow, you're a complete idiot. What did Sony pay you to hype this game to death and be not critical at all except for saying that you're critical.

How dare you say these things to me because I have an OPINION.

My opinion at first was: critical reviewers were too critical. Then I played the game more and more and more and my opinion changed. That happens a lot of times, when you play a game a longer time you get to know it better.

You're the most idiotic fanboy I've ever seen on any forum. Stop telling people that they're bribed while you are shamelessly defending all the flaws of this game. That is ridiculous and dumb.

You cannot be serious.

Besides the fact that I post a good number of threads on here that are completely non-biased and full of serious thought, your blatant choice to actually go out and mention Conan's "betterment" to HS is mundane. THE MOST idiotic fanboy you've ever seen? You've been here a while haven't you? If my one sentence jab is the worst you've seen, you must shelter yourself a great deal.

I do not condemn you for your OPINION. There are hundreds of opinions in this thread. I suppose I can attribute part of your rage to the fact that I didn't post your laughable video review of the game. I will not simply sit here and assult you, or nitpick the finer lacking of your review style.

This is about choice. You really believe I do not understand that ideas change? Perhaps my simple ribbing (as common as the plague here on Gaf) was too much for you to handle. For that, I apologize.

Do not assume superiority when you resort to juvinile name calling. Would you like a dissucssion? By all means I am ears.

Don't be childish, it ruins the battle for us all.

 

[Firewire]

Man this game has killed wathing cutscenes in other games for me. They are so faer ahead of everything else.

So true! Hell Sony better do this with GOW3!

 

[~Devil Trigger~]

Man this game has killed wathing cutscenes in other games for me. They are so faer ahead of everything else.

seriously

i started playing Halo 3 at my friend's......<sigh>

 

[Fady K]

You cannot be serious.

Besides the fact that I post a good number of threads on here that are completely non-biased and full of serious thought, your blatant choice to actually go out and mention Conan's "betterment" to HS is mundane. THE MOST idiotic fanboy you've ever seen? You've been here a while haven't you? If my one sentence jab is the worst you've seen, you must shelter yourself a great deal.

I do not condemn you for your OPINION. There are hundreds of opinions in this thread. I suppose I can attribute part of your rage to the fact that I didn't post your laughable video review of the game. I will not simply sit here and assult you, or nitpick the finer lacking of your review style.

This is about choice. You really believe I do not understand that ideas change? Perhaps my simple ribbing (as common as the plague here on Gaf) was too much for you to handle. For that, I apologize.

Do not assume superiority when you resort to juvinile name calling. Would you like a dissucssion? By all means I am ears.

Don't be childish, it ruins the battle for us all.

I dont know about the others Hitsoshura, but I enjoy reading your threads. You are also one of the few GAFfers that does an extremely good job with the survival horror threads. Well done man.

Ill be playing this game in the weekend, really looking forward to it!

 

[Dante]

seriously

i started playing Halo 3 at my friend's......<sigh>

:lol I didn't want to mention the game by name, but yeah, Halo 3's cutscenes.......OUCH.

 

[wotter]

Nice jab at heavenly sword in the Conan insider post Mesijs. Lol at the comments though: everyone thinks he's talking about halo3 and bioshock .

 

[Mesijs]

You cannot be serious.

Besides the fact that I post a good number of threads on here that are completely non-biased and full of serious thought, your blatant choice to actually go out and mention Conan's "betterment" to HS is mundane. THE MOST idiotic fanboy you've ever seen? You've been here a while haven't you? If my one sentence jab is the worst you've seen, you must shelter yourself a great deal.

I do not condemn you for your OPINION. There are hundreds of opinions in this thread. I suppose I can attribute part of your rage to the fact that I didn't post your laughable video review of the game. I will not simply sit here and assult you, or nitpick the finer lacking of your review style.

This is about choice. You really believe I do not understand that ideas change? Perhaps my simple ribbing (as common as the plague here on Gaf) was too much for you to handle. For that, I apologize.

Do not assume superiority when you resort to juvinile name calling. Would you like a dissucssion? By all means I am ears.

Don't be childish, it ruins the battle for us all.

You are mistaking me for somebody else. I never ever made a video review for HS. Stop assuming things like this, it's really dumb.

And yes, you're an annoying fanboy. Because you act like you give your 'reasonable opinion' while all you did was constantly bumping this thread and praising even the wrongs of this game.


Why can't I compare games? These are both appearing on the PS3, around the sime period and in the same genre. What's wrong with comparing? Or is it wrong that I don't favour your favourite game.

It's childish that you do not take criticisms serious and neglect one's opinion. You state you want a discussion, but you do not discuss.

 

[Mesijs]

Nice jab at heavenly sword in the Conan insider post Mesijs. Lol at the comments though: everyone thinks he's talking about halo3 and bioshock .

A pity, because it's offtopic. I also don't see the fun of it, as Conan deserves a bit more attention. Do you want Conan to do just bad or what...? I don't understand.

What's wrong with this 'jab'? I just compare games, jeez. Big deal.

 

[Firewire]

Don't know if you guys have seen this or not....

"Developer Ninja Theory knew that they had a hit on their hands with Heavenly Sword all throughout development. Using the Havok physics SDK and animation system engines, the game created an unprecedented level of realism, delivering a true next-generation gaming experience.

Indeed, while sales figures may show the success of Heavenly Sword from a retail perspective, middleware company Havok have taken it upon themselves to highlight the success of the hit PS3 game from a development level.

“Heavenly Sword is a fantastic game on a number of fronts. An emotionally rendering storyline, a beautiful heroine, a wide range of villains, epic scale destruction, in a beautiful environment, with the realism of Hollywood visuals offers the player an incredible gaming experience, especially on PlayStation 3,” said Havok CEO, David O’Meara.

“This game is a great example of how a talented development team can use cutting edge physics and animation technology to bring games to a whole new level and leverage the power of Havok’s PlayStation 3 optimizations. We are very proud to be involved in the latest evolution of this next generation console game.”

Co-Founder & CTO at Ninja Theory, Mike Ball added: “Havok Complete allowed us to enhance game-play in Heavenly Sword by enabling us to create characters that responded to a complex physical world, with a rich set of physical interactions. The characters respond in a convincing way to physical forces they experience, such as getting back up in a realistic manner when they have fallen down or negotiating obstacles they encounter. "

"Additionally we were extremely happy with the ability of Havok Complete to fully utilize the spectrum of available processing power on the PlayStation 3's Cell processor. As developers, it truly enabled us to create the level of destruction you would expect from a next-generation martial arts epic, especially in scenes with high character count.”

As you have read, the PS3 exclusive is gaining success not only in sales and review scores, but also by the creators of the engine that Heavenly Sword runs off of. This further creates the picture that development on the PlayStation 3 may be arduous at times, but the quality of the final product speaks for itself."

Source: Develop Mag

http://www.psu.com/Havok-creators-praise-Heavenly-Sword-News--a0001403-p0.php

 

[deepbrown]

A pity, because it's offtopic. I also don't see the fun of it, as Conan deserves a bit more attention. Do you want Conan to do just bad or what...? I don't understand.

What's wrong with this 'jab'? I just compare games, jeez. Big deal.

Shame people gave your over zealous criticisms the time - (at times sounding trollish, at times having a point), but have ignored my review. I tried to be objective and honest, and the guys at B3d seem to very appreciative.

I think that if you play a game over and over again, and after reading lots of negatives, you're more likely to see more and more negatives. It's all in the head. I'm actually enjoying my second run through more...and I'm tempted to change my review. But I'll hold fast. Most of your criticisms have missed I feel, but I think that if anyone gives you the time to tell you why you might be wrong, you won't give the time back to them.

 

[antiloop]

So true! Hell Sony better do this with GOW3!

Yes please.

 

[Mesijs]

Shame people gave your over zealous criticisms the time - (at times sounding trollish, at times having a point), but have ignored my review. I tried to be objective and honest, and the guys at B3d seem to very appreciative.

I think that if you play a game over and over again, and after reading lots of negatives, you're more likely to see more and more negatives. It's all in the head. I'm actually enjoying my second run through more...and I'm tempted to change my review. But I'll hold fast. Most of your criticisms have missed I feel, but I think that if anyone gives you the time to tell you why you might be wrong, you won't give the time back to them.

I'm also objective and honest. But opinions can change.

Yes, it's in the head. As I wanted to give HS an 8 at first and loved it. Then I got deeper into it and saw the flaws.

It's not about reading negatives at first. I was frustrated with them as I didn't agree in the beginning. But after playing it a while, I think the game is being reviewed too positively.

How should I back my criticisms. I would like to expand on them as I like to have a good discussion.

Btw I didn't hate Heavenly Sword, I gave it 7/10 and praised the pro's and con's.

 

[deepbrown]

I'm also objective and honest. But opinions can change.

Yes, it's in the head. As I wanted to give HS an 8 at first and loved it. Then I got deeper into it and saw the flaws.

It's not about reading negatives at first. I was frustrated with them as I didn't agree in the beginning. But after playing it a while, I think the game is being reviewed too positively.

How should I back my criticisms. I would like to expand on them as I like to have a good discussion.

Btw I didn't hate Heavenly Sword, I gave it 7/10 and praised the pro's and con's.

Well you certainly praise the cons more. Now perhaps you could list your pros and cons, or link to where you did, and I can look at them and tell you where I agree and disagree. Doing so might be beneficial for both of us - for you to show others you're not trolling, and for me to see what's so apparently at fault when I enjoyed this game, and I shouldn't have done.

Ps. Enjoying a game on first run through is what it's all about surely? Going back and nitpicking is not what you do with a game - it ISN'T an essay to be handed it in, it is a game, that is often played only once.

This is exactly how I feel about Movie reviews also - doing otherwise can really unbalance your views, for you lose that first moment of excitement of seeing something with fresh eyes - the surprises in the game, the unraveling of the story, the learning of the combat system.

By going through again and trying to look for what you think is unpolished is going to sway your views - and is also very inaccurate of what a consumer would experience when they played the game. You are not a beta tester when you review, you are meant to be a critical consumer.

 

[DCharlie]

Shame people gave your over zealous criticisms the time - (at times sounding trollish, at times having a point), but have ignored my review.

well, i got to say dood - i thought your review was chock full of overreaching hyperbole.

Better than Ninja Gaiden, DMC, and GOW because of the physics? Everyone has an opinion, and not everyone is going to agree.

 

[XHitoshuraX]

You are mistaking me for somebody else. I never ever made a video review for HS. Stop assuming things like this, it's really dumb.

And yes, you're an annoying fanboy. Because you act like you give your 'reasonable opinion' while all you did was constantly bumping this thread and praising even the wrongs of this game.


Why can't I compare games? These are both appearing on the PS3, around the sime period and in the same genre. What's wrong with comparing? Or is it wrong that I don't favour your favourite game.

It's childish that you do not take criticisms serious and neglect one's opinion. You state you want a discussion, but you do not discuss.

You are astonishing.

Did you not read my response? I said SPECIFICALLY that you are entitled to your opinion as am I. I apologize however with mixing you up with someone else, that was my fault.

But to prove my point, here, lets take a look!

I do not condemn you for your OPINION.

There, that was simple. Fanboy? I suppose your entitled to your opinion in regard to my character but if anyone is acting fanatical it is you.

Back to the bumping bit huh? Selective memory I guess huh? I admitted, to ALL, that I was wrong for bumping this thread and have since stopped doing it for all my threads.

I want a discussion but I do not discuss...another look shall we?

Would you like a discussion? By all means I am ears.

Do you see? I was so willing to have a discussion about it that I made a ridiculous sentence.


I am sorry, but until you actually READ the responses I put down, our "discussion" is over.


EDIT:

I dont know about the others Hitsoshura, but I enjoy reading your threads. You are also one of the few GAFfers that does an extremely good job with the survival horror threads. Well done man.

Ill be playing this game in the weekend, really looking forward to it!

I truly appreciate that. Thats why I write them.

 

[Doublethink]

I just finished this game and wow is it short. I'm so glad I rented it instead of buying it as I really don't think a full $60 is justified for something this short. I also had problems using the Sixaxis for aftertouch and had to turn it off. Did anyone else have the same problems? Maybe it's just my controller.

That said, the game was pretty fun and looks really nice. I really liked the counter system and using it often didn't make the game so button mashy. I just wish it was longer. Here's hoping for a Heavenly Sword 2.

 

[XHitoshuraX]

I just finished this game and wow is it short. I'm so glad I rented it instead of buying it as I really don't think a full $60 is justified for something this short. I also had problems using the Sixaxis for aftertouch and had to turn it off. Did anyone else have the same problems? Maybe it's just my controller.

That said, the game was pretty fun and looks really nice. I really liked the counter system and using it often didn't make the game so button mashy. I just wish it was longer. Here's hoping for a Heavenly Sword 2.

Hmm it is possible there could be malfunction in the controller. But honestly, the Sixaxis aftertouch is quite difficult to implement correctly. Personally, for all the love I have for this game, I had to turn it off after using it just a few times >.<!

 

[jaundicejuice]

I imagine that by now many, if not all, of you have already played through and beaten Heavenly Sword, some multiple times. I purchased this game the day it came out--which is what? Two-three weeks ago now? All I was really able to do when I first got the game was play through the intro and up to the second section in the first chapter, school's been a wee bit demanding.

Tonight I found myself in a lull as far as due dates go for assignments and have managed to squeeze in a bit more time into Heavenly Sword and am now halfway through the second chapter! At this rate I imagine I might be finished this game in about another month. Fuck.

Overall I've quite enjoyed what little I've played of the game as of now. The presentation is absolutely amazing, I think I'm spoiled now as far as voice overs and acting go. Visually it's spectacular, I love the melee combat but the after touch stuff is kind of hit and miss with me. I mainly am put-off by the after touch stuff simply because of how I'm used to holding my Playstation controller for the past ten or so years--resting in my lap, slightly angled up--and how I have to hold it for the after touch sequences. I always end up shooting upwards at first. I'm learning to switch how I hold the controller when I do after touch stuff but it's kind of annoying because it's switching between two different play styles and I like how Folklore handles the waggle mixed with the traditional better.

 

[Rhazer Fusion]

Man this game has killed wathing cutscenes in other games for me. They are so faer ahead of everything else.

Agreed.

 

[deepbrown]

well, i got to say dood - i thought your review was chock full of overreaching hyperbole.

Better than Ninja Gaiden, DMC, and GOW because of the physics? Everyone has an opinion, and not everyone is going to agree.

I said the physics were better - and so that was something that it got right. I didn't say that the game itself was better. If I did I would have given it 9.5 and not 8.7. So what else is overreaching, because that is something they got very very right? Have you played the game, can you tell me why my comments are wrong and hyperbole, because there are a hell of a lot of criticisms in there?

 

[FORD]

I went down to a local game shop today to rent Heavenly Sword. They didn't have a copy to rent so I just bought the game. So far the game has been fun, I'm up to the first boss? The guy with the silver looking wings. I want to have a huge PS3 game library!

 

[Awntawn]

Don't know if you guys have seen this or not....

*snip*

Source: Develop Mag

http://www.psu.com/Havok-creators-praise-Heavenly-Sword-News--a0001403-p0.php

Good to hear this game doing well. As different as GoW, DMC, and NG are from each other, HS is even more different, enough to the point where it makes them seem similar. I'm glad to know that I'm not a freakish deviant minority when I find this style much more enjoyable than those other titles.

 

[DCharlie]

I said the physics were better - and so that was something that it got right. I didn't say that the game itself was better.

Finally - this is overlooked. PHYSICS. (mentioned by Marcellony) The implementation of physics in the games is incredible. This puts Heavenly Sword ahead of every other action adventure combat game out there. Yes past DMC, past Ninja Gaiden, and past GOW. .

I`m maybe reading this wrong - but i read that as saying the physics made the game better than the others - i assume you meant the PHYICS are better - but , erm, that seems like quite an overly grand statement in that case.

Other hyperbole / stuff i don`t agree with particularly :

beating out the emotions of any CG I've seen

levels with some of the bst level design to be had

with the cherry on top being the next-gen camera system which really shows everything off

Aeriel combos, and three stances - are all innovation, creating one of the best combat mechnics

Having two very different characters with different gameplay mechanics with Kai and Nariko is also innovation in that they are both so polished.

The camera is also very innovative in it's implementation, though done before

For the first time, there is real impact

they have created one of the most iconic gameplay scenes in a game ever

Have you played the game, can you tell me why my comments are wrong and hyperbole, because there are a hell of a lot of criticisms in there?

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7992078&postcount=2328

We agree on most of the stuff - i just feel like i`m reading PR quotes for the good points when i read your review!

 

[deepbrown]

I`m maybe reading this wrong - but i read that as saying the physics made the game better than the others - i assume you meant the PHYICS are better - but , erm, that seems like quite an overly grand statement in that case.

Other hyperbole / stuff i don`t agree with particularly :













http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7992078&postcount=2328

We agree on most of the stuff - i just feel like i`m reading PR quotes for the good points when i read your review!

Well I should have said "in that area" - and i don't mean in physics, I mean in combat interaction with enemies - impact using physics and not only animation - that DOES put it ahead of all of those other games, and hasn't been talked about enough, as I'm sure Marcellony has been championing himself.

I think it's sad that you're downplaying their achievements just because I got excited about them. Everything I said isn't hyping it up, it does have the best lighting engine, the camera is innovative, the emotions do beat out lots of CG, there is amazing level design with huge draw distances, aerial combat and stances does create a very good combat system, both characters ARE polished, that scene IS one of the most iconic I've experienced....I mean I didn't say them for no reason.

It may sound "hypey" because this game does these things so well, and deserves to be praised for them - because many of these things are the best things since sliced bread. I didn't flesh out the positives as much as I did the negatives - those of which you seem to have conveniently ignored - so that's perhaps why there are these lines you're picking out. But bringing them out of context and saying they are "hype catch phrases" is selling me very short.

 

[Valcrist]

I'm almost done with the game, and it's definately an 8 in terms of the usual mainstream reviews (Gamespot, IGN, etc).

Cutscenes: It's got some of the best cutscenes in an action adventure game. The voice acting is great, fits the mood of the game just right.
Visuals:Not perfect, but still amazing. There are some awesome locales, and I love just taking in the beauty of it all.
Battle: I'm not a hardcore fan when it comes to battle systems, as I have barely any experience with Ninja Gaiden, but comparing the two, it definately doesn't feel as fluid. The attacks are fun to pull off, its nice to know a couple of the block breakers and multi hit combos, and its definately rewarding to see the grace of her attacks.
Bosses: I liked the boss fights, but they aren't as epic as they could be.
Framerate: Gets a choppy, doesn't ruin the game, but still noticable.
Kai / Shooting sections: Like everyone mentioned, a fun diversion from the main action. Actually one of the first sidekick kind of things I actually enjoyed. I love the use of the sixaxis is this regard.
"Puzzles": The weakest part of the game and the most frustrating. Throwing hats at gongs is silly, and just annoys me everytime I do it. Feels like just another excuse to do something with the Sixaxis, which is a shame considering I liked the use of it in everything else. Please get rid of this.
Level Design: I don't know if the linear feel of the levels is good or not, I feel a little indifferent about it. Would it be better with more complex level design? Not sure.

Anyways, the game is what I want out of any game. It gives a great experience, and you'll have fun, theres no denying that.

 

[M°°nblade]

Well I should have said "in that area" - and i don't mean in physics, I mean in combat interaction with enemies - impact using physics and not only animation - that DOES put it ahead of all of those other games, and hasn't been talked about enough, as I'm sure Marcellony has been championing himself.

Well duh, that's because Heavenly sword happens to be the only next-gen beat'm up.
It's only natural for a PS3 game to be ahead of a PS2 and an xbox game in that area.

I think it's sad that you're downplaying their achievements just because I got excited about them. Everything I said isn't hyping it up, it does have the best lighting engine, the camera is innovative, the emotions do beat out lots of CG, there is amazing level design with huge draw distances, aerial combat and stances does create a very good combat system, both characters ARE polished, that scene IS one of the most iconic I've experienced....I mean I didn't say them for no reason.

There's nothing innovative about the camera.
The combat system is far from perfect, unbalanced, it can't touch Ninja gaiden, GoW or DMC3. And the game design in general is flawed. The levels are very simplistic and short.

I can completely agree with Valcrist.

 

[nelsonroyale]

I'm almost done with the game, and it's definately an 8 in terms of the usual mainstream reviews (Gamespot, IGN, etc).

Cutscenes: It's got some of the best cutscenes in an action adventure game. The voice acting is great, fits the mood of the game just right.
Visuals:Not perfect, but still amazing. There are some awesome locales, and I love just taking in the beauty of it all.
Battle: I'm not a hardcore fan when it comes to battle systems, as I have barely any experience with Ninja Gaiden, but comparing the two, it definately doesn't feel as fluid. The attacks are fun to pull off, its nice to know a couple of the block breakers and multi hit combos, and its definately rewarding to see the grace of her attacks.
Bosses: I liked the boss fights, but they aren't as epic as they could be.
Framerate: Gets a choppy, doesn't ruin the game, but still noticable.
Kai / Shooting sections: Like everyone mentioned, a fun diversion from the main action. Actually one of the first sidekick kind of things I actually enjoyed. I love the use of the sixaxis is this regard.
"Puzzles": The weakest part of the game and the most frustrating. Throwing hats at gongs is silly, and just annoys me everytime I do it. Feels like just another excuse to do something with the Sixaxis, which is a shame considering I liked the use of it in everything else. Please get rid of this.
Level Design: I don't know if the linear feel of the levels is good or not, I feel a little indifferent about it. Would it be better with more complex level design? Not sure.

Anyways, the game is what I want out of any game. It gives a great experience, and you'll have fun, theres no denying that.

pretty much coincides with my own opinion

 

[deepbrown]

Well duh, that's because Heavenly sword happens to be the only next-gen beat'm up.
It's only natural for a PS3 game to be ahead of a PS2 and an xbox game in that area.


There's nothing innovative about the camera.
The combat system is far from perfect, unbalanced, it can't touch Ninja gaiden, GoW or DMC3. And the game design in general is flawed. The levels are very simplistic and short.

Well they paid for Havok technology and it was a very good idea. Ninja Gaiden Sigma is next-gen... Saying "oh well it's next gen" so it doesn't matter, is a little silly. I might as well not mention the graphics then. It's a plus, and since it's the first here, doesn't mean it should be downplayed.

The camera is very well done, and the way it sweeps into the action IS iinnovative, I haven't seen a combat game that does it to this extreme. GOW was the closest at having such a great camera system, Too Human might be the next. Ninja Gaiden certainly wasn't. They were working on this camera system 4 years ago - they pretty much invented it. And it is a very good one.

It touches and surpasses GOW's combat system...but hell that's your opinion. Some of the levels were simplistic and short - but I touched on them in my review.

 

[M°°nblade]

Well they paid for Havok technology and it was a very good idea. Ninja Gaiden Sigma is next-gen... Saying "oh well it's next gen" so it doesn't matter, is a little silly. I might as well not mention the graphics then. It's a plus, and since it's the first here, doesn't mean it should be downplayed.

Nobody is downplaying it, you shouldn't be hyping it. Havoc technology is not a plus as it's something you see in so many next-gen games nowadays. Nothing new.
Ninja gaiden sigma is a remake of a game that's designed for a last-gen console. And there's a lot more interactivity with the environment as you can jump, hang and run against walls.

The camera is very well done, and the way it sweeps into the action IS iinnovative, I haven't seen a combat game that does it to this extreme. GOW was the closest at having such a great camera system, Too Human might be the next. Ninja Gaiden certainly wasn't. They were working on this camera system 4 years ago - they pretty much invented it. And it is a very good one.

Could you please describe 'the way' the camera sweeps into the action? Is it doing anything special?

It touches and surpasses GOW's combat system...but hell that's your opinion. Some of the levels were simplistic and short - but I touched on them in my review.

Combat in GOW is much better. Like valchrist said, it definitely doesn't feel as fluid because there's a lack of control. Nariko doesn't respond very well, she seems to be doing her own thing.
Long combo's make you very vulnerable and the auto-targeting sometimes fails after evading. This is not a matter of 'opinions'. It's something Ninja theory should have taken care of.
The superstyle move (O button) is not adding anything to the game, it's just a mini-cutscene which becomes boring when you've seen it 10 times.
Gameplay >>> style
They should have replaced it with a universal block button because switching stances to autoblock doesn't work very well when you're facing multiple enemies. Why? The switching can't keep up with the time frame between their individual attacks and at the same time makes executing combo's confusing.

 

[Lord Error]

Well duh, that's because Heavenly sword happens to be the only next-gen beat'm up.

If you don't want to talk about NGS, how about NG2 or Conan? Or VF5, DOA4, etc. Are they not next-gen either? Sorry for opening that can of worms, but you talk about this as if it was a no-brainer to do, where it most certainly must have been a nightmare to marry the physics engine with the combat system the way they did.

The superstyle move (O button) is not adding anything to the game, it's just a mini-cutscene which becomes boring when you've seen it 10 times.

I have seen this comment before and I just don't understand why it's only targeted to HS. Every game of this kind has the "Smart Bomb" button. OK, at least GoW and NG do, I played DMC too long ago and too short to remember.

 

[freethought]

Nobody is downplaying it, you shouldn't be hyping it. Havoc technology is not a plus as it's something you see in so many next-gen games nowadays. Nothing new.
Ninja gaiden sigma is a remake of a game that's designed for a last-gen console. And there's a lot more interactivity with the environment as you can jump, hang and run against walls.


Could you please describe 'the way' the camera sweeps into the action? Is it doing anything special?



Combat in GOW is much better. Like valchrist said, it definitely doesn't feel as fluid because there's a lack of control. Nariko doesn't respond very well, she seems to be doing her own thing.
Long combo's make you very vulnerable and the auto-targeting sometimes fails after evading. This is not a matter of 'opinions'. It's something Ninja theory should have taken care of.
The superstyle move (O button) is not adding anything to the game, it's just a mini-cutscene which becomes boring when you've seen it 10 times.
Gameplay >>> style
They should have replaced it with a universal block button because switching stances to autoblock doesn't work very well when you're facing multiple enemies. Why? The switching can't keep up with the time frame between their individual attacks and at the same time makes executing combo's confusing.

First of all I have to say I agree completely with deepbrown in regards to the camera. If you've never noticed the way the camera responds to your actions, smoothly sweeping in and out to keep track of the fight, then I feel sorry for you. All of that without going into the quick cuts for kill counters, superstyles and aerial combos. Other games have dabbled in the area but Ninja Theory have nailed it. The camera is perfect.

Now, on to the combat. Do you honestly believe GoW is more responsive? I love God of War but compared to Heavenly Sword the combat is a mashfest, there is virtually no hit detection, the combo system is quite frankly a joke compared to the likes of NG, DMC and dare I say it, Heavenly Sword, plus the counter system is nowhere near as sophisticated as NG or HS. I don't know what you're doing in HS that Nariko isn't responding but your experience is lightyears from my own. If you just end up hitting air after evasions, try aiming the attack yourself. As far as countering multiple attacks, it seems to me that one attack will always hit first, just counter it, all subsequent attackers will be stunned. Maybe you need to work on your timing.

Saying that, Heavenly Sword does lack the overall polish, the great level design and variation of gameplay present in God of War and it certainly lacks the epic scale but I would say in terms of combat, art design and presentation HS comes up trumps.

 

[gcubed]

so much arguing. I rented it and played it through and enjoyed it greatly (enjoyed it more so that i didnt pay $60 for the short experience).

By my little blurb. There was either a reviewer or someone in this post that said that Heavenly Sword was full of excellent ideas but not enough of them were realised to their potential. Something like that, not in those words. After playing the game, i agree. This game definitely has the underlyings to be a completely and utterly stellar awesome game, but i think Ninja Theory tried to do TOO much on the first game.

I still enjoyed the game, and i hope they do a HS2 as i think if they build on what they have here, tweak it, and dont have to pretty much do everything from scratch, they can fully realize what they were trying to do and the game will be much better for it.

 

[Mau ®]

When Kai said

Spoiler

MASSIVE DAMAGE

was it a reference to gaming boards?!

 

[nelsonroyale]

Im a big fan of nitin sawhney...even though people seem to be talking about Andy Serkis, Sawney is if anything a bigger name to have involved...

here is some of his stuff for people that dont know:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fPcBQo0faAM - album version is even better

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=32rFGj-mGnQ

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=32rFGj-mGnQ - some guy doing liquid to breathing light

if you like him, check: Badmarsh and Shri

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=OVdnLI_9I7Y

 

[dionysus]

When Kai said

Spoiler

MASSIVE DAMAGE

was it a reference to gaming boards?!

Reference to Sony E3 debacle in 2006 or 2005. Don't remember which one. You know...realistic setting....giant enemy crabs....RIIIIDDDGEEE RAAACCEERRR.... MASSIVE DAMAGE!

 

[Lord Error]

Wait a sec, Nitin Sawhney is guy who made the "Sunset" song? I Knew that name sounded too damn familiar. That guy is crazy talented, and his HS soundtrack is really quite something.

 

[Firewire]

Heavenly Sword arrives at Mygen! :lol

Look at this promo pack! Wow! I wants it bad!
TTP did you get this?

http://mygen.com.au/article.php?page_id=54602015009139622&format=4&se_id=29&rss=1

 

[Mammothtank]

Now that's a Special Edition...

 

[dammitmattt]

:lol I didn't want to mention the game by name, but yeah, Halo 3's cutscenes.......OUCH.

The cutscenes are the least impressive aspect of Halo 3 and the most impressive aspect of Heavenly Sword. It all depends upon what you are after.

 

[M°°nblade]

If you don't want to talk about NGS, how about NG2 or Conan? Or VF5, DOA4, etc. Are they not next-gen either? Sorry for opening that can of worms, but you talk about this as if it was a no-brainer to do, where it most certainly must have been a nightmare to marry the physics engine with the combat system the way they did.

Dude, I'd love to talk about other next-gen games (although I don't understand what fighting games like DOA4 or VF5 have got to do with a game like Heavenly sword) but my post was a reaction to this:

PHYSICS. (mentioned by Marcellony) The implementation of physics in the games is incredible. This puts Heavenly Sword ahead of every other action adventure combat game out there in this area. Yes past DMC, past Ninja Gaiden, and past GOW.

I thought this comparison was unfair because the games he mentioned are all last-gen. Next-gen games are supposed to look and move better so I don't see havoc physics as a plus.

I have seen this comment before and I just don't understand why it's only targeted to HS. Every game of this kind has the "Smart Bomb" button.
OK, at least GoW and NG do, I played DMC too long ago and too short to remember.

I have GoW, NG and DMC1&3 in my collection and played them to death but I don't remember any of them having a button dedicated to a gimmick superstyle attack.

Now, on to the combat. Do you honestly believe GoW is more responsive?

Kratos definitely is more responsive. The transition between attack, block or evade is much smoother.

As far as countering multiple attacks, it seems to me that one attack will always hit first, just counter it, all subsequent attackers will be stunned.

I was talking about blocking, not countering.

 

[Lord Error]

I have GoW, NG and DMC1&3 in my collection and played them to death but I don't remember any of them having a button dedicated to a gimmick superstyle attack.

Both God of War games have magic spells like Cronus' Rage or Atlas' Quake. Those produce effects like raining fire stones etc. that pause the action to show the enemies being killed by magic. NG has Ninpo magics. Both of those are the exact same smart bomb kind of thing as superstyle attacks in HS.

 

[tribal24]

why isnt this stickied already?

 

[~Devil Trigger~]

Kratos definitely is more responsive. The transition between attack, block or evade is much smoother.

I was talking about blocking, not countering.

and this is why in a HS2, 60FPS is A MUST...

 

[Lord Error]

and this is why in a HS2, 60FPS is A MUST...

Nah, I'd rather they keep the quality of graphics as they have here, smooth out the rough edges so that the game is 30FPS 99% of time, and perhaps add some motion blur on the main characters, Genji-style.

I was OK with the framerate for the most part, but there was no excuse for the sub-30 framerate on that one of the last levels where you fight against female ninjas on the wall. The game had more impressive looking scenes running better earlier in the game. Same as with boss fight with roach - one of the prettiest scenes in the game, but if they removed say, half of the spectators, wouldn't that gain them better framerate? There would still be plenty of spectators left even if they halved them.

 

[M°°nblade]

Both God of War games have magic spells like Cronus' Rage or Atlas' Quake. Those produce effects like raining fire stones etc. that pause the action to show the enemies being killed by magic. NG has Ninpo magics. Both of those are the exact same smart bomb kind of thing as superstyle attacks in HS.

In NGS, ninpo does indeed suck but the use of it is discouraged as it will decrease your overall score/ranking. It's more of an escape option in case you're hurt and need to make your way to a save point.