Heavenly Sword -- What a waste of potential

Rented this game on friday,, beat it in two sittings (about 6 hrs or so),,, and have no real reason to play through it again. This game had great graphics (annoying framerate drops), some of the best cut scenes and voice work ever seen in a game and a great audio and film feel to it,, its just too bad the gameplay was sooo hollow and the game so linear. The lack of a block or jump button was laughable

Rentals these days cost $12 or so, and you get them for 2 weeks,, i got 2 days out of it. I called an asked if i could exchange and was given the expected "nay". I feel like great MP titles have made -10 hr single player games feel empty and not worth the money,, GTA being one of the few exceptions (and even IV has multiplayer).

Ive never played a God of war game before, but apparently this game was similar,, what makes those games so much better than this?

God of War is better because, despite what most people will tell you, the story is much stronger, the combat is utterly brutal, and the boss fights are nothing short of epic. Kratos is a much better character than Nariko. I actually hated the acting and boss fights in HS.

But, if you've never played GOW, and you hated the style of gameplay HS offered, you might not enjoy GOW either. Also, GTA does not have less than 10 hours worth of single player time. It's much more on the level of a standard RPG, taking you anywhere between 20 - 40 hours to beat, skipping most of the superfluous side missions.

God of War is better because, despite what most people will tell you, the story is much stronger, the combat is utterly brutal, and the boss fights are nothing short of epic. Kratos is a much better character than Nariko. I actually hated the acting and boss fights in HS.

But, if you've never played GOW, and you hated the style of gameplay HS offered, you might not enjoy GOW either. Also, GTA does not have less than 10 hours worth of single player time. It's much more on the level of a standard RPG, taking you anywhere between 20 - 40 hours to beat, skipping most of the superfluous side missions.

2headedhawaiian

i disagree. i think you'll enjoy gow if you didn't like heavenly sword. why? because you can f***** jump! jumping makes an action game so much more fluent imo.

if you haven't tried god of war, do it. NOW! :D

[QUOTE="2headedhawaiian"]

God of War is better because, despite what most people will tell you, the story is much stronger, the combat is utterly brutal, and the boss fights are nothing short of epic. Kratos is a much better character than Nariko. I actually hated the acting and boss fights in HS.

But, if you've never played GOW, and you hated the style of gameplay HS offered, you might not enjoy GOW either. Also, GTA does not have less than 10 hours worth of single player time. It's much more on the level of a standard RPG, taking you anywhere between 20 - 40 hours to beat, skipping most of the superfluous side missions.

gamerchikrpg

i disagree. i think you'll enjoy gow if you didn't like heavenly sword. why? because you can f***** jump! jumping makes an action game so much more fluent imo.

if you haven't tried god of war, do it. NOW! :D

Lol. I agree. Not being able to jump in Heavenly Sword sucked.

Rented this game on friday,, beat it in two sittings (about 6 hrs or so),,, and have no real reason to play through it again. This game had great graphics (annoying framerate drops), some of the best cut scenes and voice work ever seen in a game and a great audio and film feel to it,, its just too bad the gameplay was sooo hollow and the game so linear. The lack of a block or jump button was laughable

Rentals these days cost $12 or so, and you get them for 2 weeks,, i got 2 days out of it. I called an asked if i could exchange and was given the expected "nay". I feel like great MP titles have made -10 hr single player games feel empty and not worth the money,, GTA being one of the few exceptions (and even IV has multiplayer).

Ive never played a God of war game before, but apparently this game was similar,, what makes those games so much better than this?

signore

First of all where are you renting games? lol... $2.49/7days here.

Second, I hear what you're smokin' on the rentals, over purchase, with games like this. I'm about 80% (guessing) done with Assassins Creed which I rented yesterday. I put in about 10 hours thus far, (due to side missions which I later scrapped) and it feels like something I would have been disappointed in as a purchase as it's repetitve, and has no apparent replay value. Heavenly Sword is my next rental, followed by Ratchet and Clank.

No jump in HS though? that's going to be a bummer!

I cleared the game in 3 plays.

GoW kicks HS ass. Why? Because I say so.

yeah, shockingly no jumping,, and its not even like all the buttons are being used for more important things. I mightve overexaggerated about HS,, although a very short game with little to replay value,, for the time i played it was very entertaining.. i did get my moneys worth considering how much it costs to for a night on the town,, i was just pissed i couldnt exchange for a new game (was gonna get orange box, ninja gaiden or the Show),,, it was a perfect rental really ,,, which is definitily not what Ninja Theory/Sony was intending for lol

to your other question about high rental costs ,,, Blockbusters in Canada (in the States as well i assume) banished the 'late fees' on games and rentals. They combatted this strategy with $11 costs for 7 day rentals, in which you can actually keep it for 14 days. If you keep the game past this time, it is put on your account as a purchase (youd have -$70 or so on balance next time you rent),, if you return game within 35 days of initial rental, the balance is cleared with $2 "restocking fee... its all kinda complicated i know. The problem with this policy, if that as youd expect, most of the games are usually out rented.

I rented Assasins Creed for this full period and got my moneys worth

I think it's almost perfect for the type of game and experience it is. We don't expect a movie to last for 20 hours, and a heavily cinematic game like Uncharted fits into that idea. My only issue is the lack of MP in it, as it would add to the value, plus I like Uncharted's duck and cover action, which I think out-does Gears of War in terms of fluidity and pure fun. It doesn't feel to much like a shooter without losing the idea of it, and still maintains that adventure mentality. TacticalElefant

Ive been seeing this argument in defence of HS/Uncharted and other short SP games without MP,, and on the one hand i see your point, but on the other,,, its a game, not a movie. Movies cost $25 at most, games run at $60 a pop.

Uncharted is a game i have really wanted to buy ever since i got my ps3,, i only hesitated because of the apparent short length and the lack of MP. That being said, I didnt feel like a rental would do it justice, so once i see it new or used for under $35 ill be all over it. I played the demo only, but even from that I can say that it was just lazy on Naughty Dogs part to not include online play. Add in some crazy weapons, in that beautiful terrain, it wouldve added infinite replay value and the sales (through word of mouth, look what that did for COD4) wouldve put the game in a much better spotlight than it is. Not to mention it wouldve received much better reviews than it did. Look at RSV2,, the single player campaign is talked about as if its an afterthought to the MP,, and its getting 8.5 reviews.

Rented this game on friday,, beat it in two sittings (about 6 hrs or so),,, and have no real reason to play through it again. This game had great graphics (annoying framerate drops), some of the best cut scenes and voice work ever seen in a game and a great audio and film feel to it,, its just too bad the gameplay was sooo hollow and the game so linear. The lack of a block or jump button was laughable

Rentals these days cost $12 or so, and you get them for 2 weeks,, i got 2 days out of it. I called an asked if i could exchange and was given the expected "nay". I feel like great MP titles have made -10 hr single player games feel empty and not worth the money,, GTA being one of the few exceptions (and even IV has multiplayer).

Ive never played a God of war game before, but apparently this game was similar,, what makes those games so much better than this?

signore

I traded Ratchet to someone for HS. I've had it for like 2 months and haven't even put it in my PS3. I played the first chapter yesterday and was a little let down. I had just played the GoW game on my PSP and even that was better and I don't mean graphics. For some reason, HS just doesn't feel nearly as good.

i really enjoyed HS, i've played through it twice. and i don't regret buying it one bit.americahellyeah

Agreed. I really enjoyed the game. I actually liked the combat, story and graphics better than GOW. GOW had a bit more depth though because of its more extensive puzzle elements and it was a longer game (though I did beat GOW2 in about 8-10 hours, same as HS for me). I'm sorry, the story in the GOW games are basically - Kratos must get revenge on "insert Greek god name" here. Thats it. At least with HS there was a certain sympathy developed with Narikos character in how she was rejected by her clan. BTW she didnt always have the same "I'm gonna kick your ass" expression that Kratos has throughout the entire GOW series. Come on Kratos, lets show some acting range ok?

Just like Motorstorm, I think the developers spent so much time making the game engine for HS they didnt have enough time to make the game long/big enough. Hopefully there will be a sequel to HS though, its one of my faves on the PS3. Just like how Motorstorm 2 is shaping up really well, maybe they'll add some length to a sequel and spend a bit more time on framrates during the cutscenes (which were the best ever in a game IMO)

Not having the ability to jump did not hurt Heavenly Sword's gameplay in my opinion. There was never an instance where I played it and I felt the need to jump. I think hearing about the game not having a jump button made a bigger impact then it did in practice, at least for me, as I never missed the ability to jump while playing the game.

As for the replay value, I seem to look at replay value differently then most, as replay value to me isn't just online play, length, or tons of collectibles, but also enjoyment. I've played through Heavenly Sword three times, enjoying the hell out of it each and every time.

For me, it's not how long it takes to get to the end, it's the journey getting there that matters, and to me, Heavenly Sword's journey and quality beats out overly long segments thrown in for the simple act of increasing the number of hours it takes to get to beat the game that some games feature.

Not that I mind long games, but some games aren't suited to it, and to me, Heavenly Sword is the perfect length for the story and the gameplay featured in it.

The game's story was perfectly paced in my opinion, as was the combat segments and boss battles, and had they doubled the length of time taken to beat the game, that perfect pacing would have been compromised, decreasing the game's quality and my enjoyment of it.

While it's been sitting on my shelf for a little while now, I enjoyed it so much when I played it that I know I'll play it again. My enjoyment out of my multiple playthroughs, combined with my enthusiasm to play it again, makes this game a more then worthy buy for me.

Personally, I enjoyed Heavenly Sword more then Ninja Gaiden, Devil May Cry, and God of War. The story, combat, presentation, cut scenes, graphics, sound, music, characters, and art styIe all made for a masterpiece in my opinion.

maybe heavenly sword 2 will be better and longer.. plus its a dude this time experianced as well..Keasy4

Rented this game on friday,, beat it in two sittings (about 6 hrs or so),,, and have no real reason to play through it again. This game had great graphics (annoying framerate drops), some of the best cut scenes and voice work ever seen in a game and a great audio and film feel to it,, its just too bad the gameplay was sooo hollow and the game so linear. The lack of a block or jump button was laughable

Rentals these days cost $12 or so, and you get them for 2 weeks,, i got 2 days out of it. I called an asked if i could exchange and was given the expected "nay". I feel like great MP titles have made -10 hr single player games feel empty and not worth the money,, GTA being one of the few exceptions (and even IV has multiplayer).

Ive never played a God of war game before, but apparently this game was similar,, what makes those games so much better than this?

signore

Not having the ability to jump did not hurt Heavenly Sword's gameplay in my opinion. There was never an instance where I played it and I felt the need to jump. I think hearing about the game not having a jump button made a bigger impact then it did in practice, at least for me, as I never missed the ability to jump while playing the game.

As for the replay value, I seem to look at replay value differently then most, as replay value to me isn't just online play, length, or tons of collectibles, but also enjoyment. I've played through Heavenly Sword three times, enjoying the hell out of it each and every time.

For me, it's not how long it takes to get to the end, it's the journey getting there that matters, and to me, Heavenly Sword's journey and quality beats out overly long segments thrown in for the simple act of increasing the number of hours it takes to get to beat the game that some games feature.

Not that I mind long games, but some games aren't suited to it, and to me, Heavenly Sword is the perfect length for the story and the gameplay featured in it.

The game's story was perfectly paced in my opinion, as was the combat segments and boss battles, and had they doubled the length of time taken to beat the game, that perfect pacing would have been compromised, decreasing the game's quality and my enjoyment of it.

While it's been sitting on my shelf for a little while now, I enjoyed it so much when I played it that I know I'll play it again. My enjoyment out of my multiple playthroughs, combined with my enthusiasm to play it again, makes this game a more then worthy buy for me.

Personally, I enjoyed Heavenly Sword more then Ninja Gaiden, Devil May Cry, and God of War. The story, combat, presentation, cut scenes, graphics, sound, music, characters, and art styIe all made for a masterpiece in my opinion.

nyc05

Personally, I enjoyed Heavenly Sword more then Ninja Gaiden, Devil May Cry, and God of War.

nyc05

Rented this game on friday,, beat it in two sittings (about 6 hrs or so),,, and have no real reason to play through it again. This game had great graphics (annoying framerate drops), some of the best cut scenes and voice work ever seen in a game and a great audio and film feel to it,, its just too bad the gameplay was sooo hollow and the game so linear. The lack of a block or jump button was laughable

Rentals these days cost $12 or so, and you get them for 2 weeks,, i got 2 days out of it. I called an asked if i could exchange and was given the expected "nay". I feel like great MP titles have made -10 hr single player games feel empty and not worth the money,, GTA being one of the few exceptions (and even IV has multiplayer).

Ive never played a God of war game before, but apparently this game was similar,, what makes those games so much better than this?

signore

The length of the game did not play into my feelings at all. I am always appreciative of games that are well-paced and effective throughout their length, regardless of whether it's short (GOW, COD4, Uncharted) or long (GTA, FF).

As an above poster said quite simply but effectively, HS took itself way too seriously: all of that cash blown on pretty cut scenes and mocap professional actors in support of a B movie script and hardly a hint of a sense of humor. All of this "no jump button" business didn't really affect my experience with the game at all, but the gameplay itself has a definite been there/done that feel to it, and really adds nothing interesting to the genre, in my opinion.

They tried to break up the hack-and-slash bits with projectile based levels, some of which were okay (about the first 2 minutes of Kai's crossbow) but most of which were ridiculous (blasting hordes of soldiers with a cannon to rack up the necessary deathcount, which requires pointing at one spot and hitting the fire button repeatedly). Overall, a package like GOW is a much more rewarding all-around experience, which doesn't rest all of its hopes on one aspect, but delivers on all fronts.

Rented this game on friday,, beat it in two sittings (about 6 hrs or so),,, and have no real reason to play through it again. This game had great graphics (annoying framerate drops), some of the best cut scenes and voice work ever seen in a game and a great audio and film feel to it,, its just too bad the gameplay was sooo hollow and the game so linear. The lack of a block or jump button was laughable

Rentals these days cost $12 or so, and you get them for 2 weeks,, i got 2 days out of it. I called an asked if i could exchange and was given the expected "nay". I feel like great MP titles have made -10 hr single player games feel empty and not worth the money,, GTA being one of the few exceptions (and even IV has multiplayer).

Ive never played a God of war game before, but apparently this game was similar,, what makes those games so much better than this?

signore

This was a daring topic you rung up. Almost begging for Heavenly Sword fanboys (if any) to flame you. Ironically though, I feel 90% the same way you feel. Heavenly Sword WAS a potential waste. I mean, I bought my PS3 for Heavenly Sword along with others. So my expectations were high....too bad they were knocked down by that egotistical team Ninja Theory's garbage. (I will call them egotistical until they release that soundtrack music fans have been wishing for.)

And worst off, I still prefer Heavenly Sword over God of War and it's need to feel...nevermind.

PS: If anyone that read this wonders why I said something about flaming at the beginning, may I remind you some noob tried to flame me for saying that I didn't see the good in Uncharted in my own thread.

[QUOTE="nyc05"]

Personally, I enjoyed Heavenly Sword more then Ninja Gaiden, Devil May Cry, and God of War.

Chaos_Bladez

Well, yeah. Different people, differest tastes.;)

Don't take that as I don't love God of War, because I do. Lots, in fact. To be fair, the margin was slim, and God of War has yet to debut on the PS3. I think both games have great combat, and great stories, but Heavenly Sword's cut scenes, graphics, sound, setting, characters, and art styIe put it over the edge.

A more fair comparison would be God of War 3 against Heavenly Sword 2 (here's hoping), as then both games would be from the same generation. Even then, though, they are very different games that don't really need to be compared. Both are good enough to stand on their own, and I will always buy both games' sequels on day one.

Still, if I had to pick one, it would have to be Heavenly Sword. I just really loved how Heavenly Sword was done. I felt more enjoyment out of playing it, more fulfilled once the credits rolled, and more enthusiasm to play it again.

wow, i just realized there wasn't a jump button o_O

HEAVENLY SWORD SUCKS!!! :P :roll:

wow, i just realized there wasn't a jump button o_O

HEAVENLY SWORD SUCKS!!! :P :roll:

americahellyeah

Lol...hey wait...when did you get more posts than I? :evil:

[QUOTE="Chaos_Bladez"][QUOTE="nyc05"]

Personally, I enjoyed Heavenly Sword more then Ninja Gaiden, Devil May Cry, and God of War.

nyc05

Well, yeah. Different people, differest tastes.;)

Don't take that as I don't love God of War, because I do. Lots, in fact. To be fair, the margin was slim, and God of War has yet to debut on the PS3. I think both games have great combat, and great stories, but Heavenly Sword's cut scenes, graphics, sound, setting, characters, and art styIe put it over the edge.

A more fair comparison would be God of War 3 against Heavenly Sword 2 (here's hoping), as then both games would be from the same generation. Even then, though, they are very different games that don't really need to be compared. Both are good enough to stand on their own, and I will always buy both games' sequels on day one.

Still, if I had to pick one, it would have to be Heavenly Sword. I just really loved how Heavenly Sword was done. I felt more enjoyment out of playing it, more fulfilled once the credits rolled, and more enthusiasm to play it again.

to nyc05,, maybe its true you dont feel the need for a jump button,,, but imagine games like DMC, GOW or Ratchet or any other platform/action game without them? I personally felt the combat system was far too repetitive, and i honestly felt in some of the mass battle scenes i could play with my eyes closed and just mash triangle and square,, adding jumping adds an entirely new form of action. I think Kai's missions actually ran a little too long, and some of Nariko's (notably the one at the end where she has to clear house in a minute couldve honestly been 8 minutes,, it was really fun). Maybe have a level where you can play as her father,, and add 3 more boss enemies. I really think if they added more exploration elements to space out the battles a bit more + 3 or more boss fights would lengthened this game, added depth and wouldnt effect the pacing at all. I also wish i was forced to use more of the combos,, there was very little skill in this game, maybe other than a couple boss fights and navigating cannons/arrows with sixaxis motion

I actually really liked Nariko's character, and if they were to make a sequel *spoiler* it would kinda suck to have to play as another character. With all this games flaws, I think a sequel that corrected all these problems wouldve made an excellent AAA game,, but because of the poor sales for HS i think its unlikely

This was a very underrated game tho