Heavenly Sword

 PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Sep 12, 2007
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 651 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 470 out of 651
  2. Mixed: 105 out of 651
  3. Negative: 76 out of 651
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  1. dancinhomer
    Aug 15, 2013
    8
    I thought it was a pretty solid game. The difficulty level was just right, there was enough variety in the levels to keep me entertained, and the story was fun. It's not the greatest game ever, but well worth playing.
  2. RECON-UK
    Nov 1, 2015
    9
    This took me by surprise, especially now it is 2015. Firstly... graphics... wow, have you really seen as good character animation anywhere else? Overall the visual representation is quite a sight to behold!
    The characters themselves have actual character! they seem like living breathing people, unlike the majority of the games out there... you truly feel sucked into it, the developers of    This took me by surprise, especially now it is 2015. Firstly... graphics... wow, have you really seen as good character animation anywhere else? Overall the visual representation is quite a sight to behold!
    The characters themselves have actual character! they seem like living breathing people, unlike the majority of the games out there... you truly feel sucked into it, the developers of this game did themselves really proud, and should be commended for a 2007 release as high quality as this is! I am only giving this a 9 due to the final boss battle which is just pure tedium.    … Expand
  3. Basem101
    Aug 20, 2013
    9
    this is a nice piece of work from the beginning to the end amazing and addictive game play the plot was great as well and the graphics are amazing.
  4. SpawnCap
    Jan 12, 2015
    8
    Excellent hack & slash game. Strange how this game has better graphics with better frame rate than games out nowadays. This game is a button masher but still enjoy it, especially enjoy the bullet view arrow shots that can be controlled by character.
  5. Freddo222
    Dec 19, 2014
    9
    A good game with incredible graphics, nice gameplay and superb voiceacting. You can pick it now up for real cheap so if you like hack and slash games you should give this one a try.
  6. Px4_Storm
    May 3, 2016
    10
    I rented this game back when it was released, did not get enough exposure and everything about it was burned into my memory forever. Finally bought it and I absolutely love this game. Nariko is one bad B****!
  7. TeaFan556
    Apr 16, 2022
    7
    [RU}
    Хорошая игра. Очень разнообразная, с интересным сюжетом и колоритными персонажами. Но не могу рекомендовать ее всем подряд. Игра не идеальная, пс3 ее еле вытягивает. Я бы сказал, что она на любителя, но таких найдется много.    [RU}
    Хорошая игра. Очень разнообразная, с интересным сюжетом и колоритными персонажами. Но не могу рекомендовать ее всем подряд. Игра не идеальная, пс3 ее еле вытягивает. Я бы сказал, что она на любителя, но таких найдется много.
  8. xiaolanyi
    Aug 6, 2010
    10
    It was a good game with amazing gameplay, but it could have been better with more gameplay options. I like this game in general. if you have 5-6 hours to kill, try it out.
  9. JonasL.
    Jan 7, 2008
    9
    Beautiful and captivating. Graphics, voice acting, animations, story and gameplay are extremely well done. Best use of the sixaxis control so faar.
  10. KevinT.
    Feb 8, 2008
    9
    This was a really good game, graphics were great, a training level would have been good to get used to the arrows, but once you get a hang of firing those its actually really fun. some of the bosses were lame and repeatitive. The cutscenes were amazing, the king should get an oscar (maybe the best villian performance voice acting in any game ever) One of the better games I have played on This was a really good game, graphics were great, a training level would have been good to get used to the arrows, but once you get a hang of firing those its actually really fun. some of the bosses were lame and repeatitive. The cutscenes were amazing, the king should get an oscar (maybe the best villian performance voice acting in any game ever) One of the better games I have played on any next gen system.… Expand
  11. ShinliChi.
    Apr 5, 2008
    9
    Awesome graphics. Not just a 3rd person action game! Every level the differences are thrilling - no boring game like Devil may Cry 4 here! Only thing that can be improved upon is have more customization to the character; and that would detract from the game!
  12. DanishA.
    Feb 10, 2008
    7
    A great game, but I take this game lightly because it is kind of short. This game is also depressing but still fun once you get really good at it.
  13. MiKE
    May 31, 2008
    10
    An excellent game! Gets better and better once you get into it! The gameplay is great as well! highly recommend it!
  14. ChristopherSimmons
    Jun 12, 2009
    9
    I though this game was amazing and it's a lot better than these other games that are coming out lately that only seem to rely on graphics. This game was fun and I love the camera angles when she does counter attacks. I thought the story was amazing and her character development throughout the game was flawless. To me this is one of the best games I have ever played!
  15. R6ex
    Jun 18, 2011
    10
    Almost perfect!

    The game is SO beautiful! Its an old 2007 game, but even as I played it in 2011, its still so much better than most of the games out there. Sure, there's lot of button meshing battles, but it only happens because the player hasn't spend enough time exploring and learning the huge number of moves. If one is willing to study those 100+ skills, the gameplay can be as    Almost perfect!

    The game is SO beautiful!

    Its an old 2007 game, but even as I played it in 2011, its still so much better than most of the games out there. Sure, there's lot of button meshing battles, but it only happens because the player hasn't spend enough time exploring and learning the huge number of moves. If one is willing to study those 100+ skills, the gameplay can be as rewarding as your Ninja Gaiden, God of War & Devil May Cry fighting games. But I digressed. This old game is pure Gold! Why? Because its so gorgeous. The story is original. The atmosphere, mode & music of the game is just so captivating. However, the thing that strikes me most is how unique and believable those in-game characters are. Flawlessly depicted emotions, personality and facial expressions (not to mention smooth fighting actions)! This motion-capture and facial rendering technology of Ninja Theory is ahead of its time.

    I want so much to be a part of the story.

    I'm just sad there's no Heavenly Sword 2.

    Gaming is more than you typical mindless COD shooters. We should more of this kind of "Works of Art".    … Expand
  16. Guivera
    Apr 12, 2011
    9
    For a 2007 game this is a gem, for playing it for the first time in 2011 it lacks multiplayer and is a bit short. This game has simply GREAT cut scenes and voice acting, the list of stars in this game is amazing. The levels are beautiful and the combat great fun, with a compelling story too. Great!
  17. ThomasO.
    Jan 1, 2008
    6
    What looked to be a rather exciting and interesting title soon found itself being swapped for something else. The game was all over in 4 relaxed days of playing. The ONLY thing enticing the user to replay the game was the obligitory 'unlocked' hard mode. Visually the game is very nice for an early release however it is a long series of button mashing against the hoards with the What looked to be a rather exciting and interesting title soon found itself being swapped for something else. The game was all over in 4 relaxed days of playing. The ONLY thing enticing the user to replay the game was the obligitory 'unlocked' hard mode. Visually the game is very nice for an early release however it is a long series of button mashing against the hoards with the occasional mini-game using the 6-axis for good measure. I would suggest hiring instead of buying.… Expand
  18. RichardMitchell
    Aug 22, 2007
    1
    Ever since the demo of Heavenly Sword was released, it has been called "Heavenly Flop," because the "in-game" "Playable," graphics aren't nearly as good as the "Cut-Sceen" "Non-Playable" graphics...also, the gameplay of Heavenly Sword is very clumsy--it plays like a "button massher," which requires no true skill. There are also graphic framerate problems with Heavenly Sword. SomeEver since the demo of Heavenly Sword was released, it has been called "Heavenly Flop," because the "in-game" "Playable," graphics aren't nearly as good as the "Cut-Sceen" "Non-Playable" graphics...also, the gameplay of Heavenly Sword is very clumsy--it plays like a "button massher," which requires no true skill. There are also graphic framerate problems with Heavenly Sword. Some reviews rate Heavenly Sword as a good game, while others rate it poorly. I think the main thing to keep in mind is that Heavenly Sword is receving, "Mixed Reviews." In other words, it certainly isn't considered anything special by everyone who plays it.… Expand
  19. mk
    Oct 27, 2007
    8
    This is similar to what Onimusha did for PS2 back in the early days of PS2. Graphical powerhouse with short story. While it might be longer than Onimusha, it just doesn't have that power. There are so many graphically impressive titles thesedays that it just seems meet the standard now. Facial animation can be hit and miss. Initally, voice-over looked out of sync. However, it seems This is similar to what Onimusha did for PS2 back in the early days of PS2. Graphical powerhouse with short story. While it might be longer than Onimusha, it just doesn't have that power. There are so many graphically impressive titles thesedays that it just seems meet the standard now. Facial animation can be hit and miss. Initally, voice-over looked out of sync. However, it seems to sync in cut scenes. I have reason to believe that out-of-sync were done in real-time and in-sync are in done in prerendered CG. Gameplay is mixed bag too. It's great initially. Perhaps even greater at mid-point of the game. By the time I was impressed with the gameplay, I also got slightly tired from it for being repetitive. Too much focus on counters rather than simply kicking ass. A touch of RPG leveling up could've helped. Secondary character is also entertaining initially, but I couldn't wait until I was done with her mission. It's woth a play, but it's not a system seller.… Expand
  20. JanS.
    Sep 10, 2007
    6
    About 7 or 8 Hours of gameplay till i was done. The short playtime was a bit disppointing on the one hand, on the other i was happy to not have to go on an play this pretty repetetive gameplay too long. Definitely a rent or budget title since it is pretty short, has a small replay value and didnt make it to the "must have" title thats some ppls claimed it to be. 6/10 from me.
  21. JoeY.
    Sep 29, 2007
    9
    WOW! Anybody who gave this game a 0 on this site is way off! The game is beautiful, engaging and fun to play. Even if you dont buy this game you should rent it!
  22. JohnB.
    Oct 19, 2007
    9
    Perfect 10 gameplay and story, along with perfect 10 graphics make me wanna give this a 10. The only thing stopping me is the length. Would it have killed ya to make a game longer than 5 hours?
  23. [Anonymous]
    Oct 23, 2007
    10
    Beautiful and revolutionary. Good things come in small packages.
  24. AnthonyS.
    Oct 5, 2007
    9
    It's too bad there's no way to filter fanboy fiction from these comments. Maks F gives it a 0... A zero. Riiiiiight. He clearly has never played the game. I suspect he's a 360 fanboy that watched someone else play it, perhaps at a kiosk or friend's house. The sixaxis control are in fact, NOT forced. You can quite easily switch them off and do all aftertouch and It's too bad there's no way to filter fanboy fiction from these comments. Maks F gives it a 0... A zero. Riiiiiight. He clearly has never played the game. I suspect he's a 360 fanboy that watched someone else play it, perhaps at a kiosk or friend's house. The sixaxis control are in fact, NOT forced. You can quite easily switch them off and do all aftertouch and catapult aiming with the analog stick. Like just about everyone who played this game with their TV sets switched ON have said before, the visuals are stunning. The combo system is a little complex, and I will agree that results in button mashing but it doesn't matter when you pull off some of the insanely cool combos and fatalities I have yet to see rivaled anywhere except maybe God of War 2. The story is engaging with cinema quality animation and solid acting. The only reason it doesn't get a 10 is because it's too short. However, like a Dynasty Warriors title, this is the kind of game you can replay just for the aimless carnage and sweet takedowns even if you have completed the story (except that DW games have no compelling storyline). Highly recommended. P.S. I personally paid $60 for this game. If you paid $600 like Maks F than yes, you may feel ripped off. ;-)… Expand
  25. RaulC.
    Oct 8, 2007
    10
    I believe this game has been mashed up with no reason, so I put it simply. THe best action game in next generation, period. Nothing touches the graceful movement of the beautifully designed characters and environments, we're not talking the moving tanks of Gears of War(no UT engine thank God), or the lame detailed secondary characters in Halo 3. Great story great action, superb I believe this game has been mashed up with no reason, so I put it simply. THe best action game in next generation, period. Nothing touches the graceful movement of the beautifully designed characters and environments, we're not talking the moving tanks of Gears of War(no UT engine thank God), or the lame detailed secondary characters in Halo 3. Great story great action, superb production values, maybe not as long as it could have been, so it could be really a 9, but if everyone can give Halo the 10's so easily without deserving it, Heavenly Sword deserves this much more, so here is my 10.… Expand
  26. SteveQ.
    Oct 9, 2007
    9
    Just beautiful. A must own; don't believe that bad press.
  27. SeanNunan
    Aug 10, 2007
    10
    Simply stunning game. A hack and slash/puzzler, thought of as a God of War type game, but this time we take the role of Nariko, and we have the power of Playstation 3's cell proccessor to carve a beautifully made game into history.

    A must have, not just for the PS3, but for everyone who likes EXELLENT gaming.
  28. MickW.
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    Truly a phenomenal piece of gaming. From the presentation, production values, storytelling. A "must-have killer app" for the ps3 that people will be talking about in years to come, as it is a groundbreaking title. One of the most fun, memorable, action games of all time. Buy It.
  29. LMac
    Sep 13, 2007
    10
    It may be a short ride, but it is a darn good one.
  30. SeanH.
    Sep 14, 2007
    10
    Anyone who can find fault in this game is looking too hard. Heavenly Sword delivers a Hollywood Blockbuster quality experience with artistry and finesse that is rarely seen in games. There are the constant comparisons to God of War but you could compare God of War to Devil May Cry all day long as well. Each game has its own merit. if God of War is like a big rare steak hearty and Anyone who can find fault in this game is looking too hard. Heavenly Sword delivers a Hollywood Blockbuster quality experience with artistry and finesse that is rarely seen in games. There are the constant comparisons to God of War but you could compare God of War to Devil May Cry all day long as well. Each game has its own merit. if God of War is like a big rare steak hearty and satisfying, then Heavenly Sword is like fine cuisine as beautiful to behold as it is to savor. After playing through the game for several hours I am impressed at every turn with wide open spaces to fight in, dazzling acrobatic attacks, stunning visuals and animations, well balanced AI and a fast a furious combat system that even manages to include some SIXAXIS functionality. If you like actions games like DMC or GOW then Heavenly Sword delivers the goods. A+ if I could give the game an 11 I would.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Best PS3 Game of 2007
7
#7 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2007
6
#6 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 64 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 64
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 64
  3. Negative: 0 out of 64
  1. Play Magazine
    100
    What MotorStorm has become to racing and Odin Sphere to action role-playing, Heavenly Sword is now to 3D action: Perfection. [Sept 2007, p.17]
  2. GamePro
    90
    So, while it doesn't eclipse the greatness of the original title that inspired it, Heavenly Sword is still a fun, engaging, and most importantly, exclusive PS3 title that Sony fanboys can brag to 360 fanboys about.
    Read full review
  3. IGN
    70
    Heavenly Sword's presentation is stellar and nicely ties the action sequences together, but we just wish that the same amount of care that went into these cutscenes were applied to the game's pacing.
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