[PS3] - Heavenly Sword

[bapenguin]

<div style="float:left">
Title: Heavenly Sword
Platform: PS3
MSRP: $59.99 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Finitial Search%3D1%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Daps%26field-keywords%3Dheavenly%2Bsword%26Go.x%3D0%26Go.y%3D0% 26Go%3DGo&tag=happyapplefar-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
Editor: Nicholas 'bapenguin' Puleo
</div>
<img src="http://www.evilavatar.com/staff/bapenguin_f.jpg" style="margin-left:10px;">

<div style="float:left;margin-left:7px">Heavenly Sword</div>

With Lair somewhat of a disappointment, and Warhawk a multi player only title, PlayStation 3 owners have been hungry for a solid AAA single player experience. Hopes and expectations have been high for Heavenly Sword, and some are hoping it will help justify there $600 investment. While I don't think any one title is capable of that kind of justification, Heavenly Sword is definitely a piece of that puzzle.

Heavenly Sword is the tale of an ancient sword sent from the skies to help conquer evil in the world. Ironically, those who wield the sword are corrupted by it's power becoming evil themselves, and killing all those in its path. Heavenly Sword puts you in the shoes (or sandals) of Nariko, a fiery red head who needs to wield the Heavenly Sword to protect her clan on the brink of destruction from an evil king.

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/previews/heavenlysword/thumb.heavenlysword000015.jpg (http://www.evilavatar.com/images/previews/image.php?image=www.evilavatar.com/images/previews/heavenlysword/heavenlysword000015.jpg)
When the game was first shown, God of War comparisons were instantly drawn. It's very easy to see why, with button pressing cut scene sequences as well as a similar style of play and even a similar weapon with the split sword on chains. The developers even chose to adorn Kratos's armor and Blades of Athena in the kings armory, and there comes a time in the game where the story almost takes a blatant God of War story twist. All that being said the game was designed to have a core mechanic quite different from GoW. While GoW was all about offense and button mashing, Heavenly Sword is more about finese and counters. That's not to say you can't mash your way through the game, but it's quite obvious how the developers intended the game to be played.

Lets get right down to it, the game is absolutely beautiful. Bright vibrant colors span vast landscapes of waterfalls, huge mountains and forests with falling petals from trees in that classic Asian inspired way. During the in-engine cut scenes you will see the most realistic character faces to date, and I dare say it, they avoid the whole uncanny valley (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncanny_Valley) phenomenon. Each wrinkle and blemish is incredibly detailed, and when a character's face squishes up in anger it all looks incredibly convincing. The characters themselves are so full of life not only in look, but in voice and animation. Nariko's adopted sister Kai, the Twing-Twang girl, is particularly impressive with natural movements and some amazing voice acting. King Bohan, played by Andy Serkis of Gollum fame, is another standout character providing a full range of emotion and dialog as well as some great comedic relief. Sure it's all very cliche' and been done before, but it's rarely been done this well in a video game.

Like I said earlier, the game is more about reaction than action. Once in possession of the Heavenly Sword Nariko is capable of three stances; ranged, standard, and heavy. Enemy attacks come in these same three stances, and are colored to clue you in on what kind of attack is in incoming. By countering in the appropriate stance you are able to gain a significantadvantage on your opponent. Chain attacks and counters together to build up a combo meter, and in doing so you can not only unlock special attacks and more combos, but you'll unlock artworks, videos and other various behind the scenes content. The entire game isn't just a hack and slash, as various other mini-game style levels break up the action including firing cannons, launching rockets and of course...Twing-Twang.

Ok, so what the hell is twing-twang? It's shooting a cross bow. Yup, no lesbian action here, sorry Yahtzee Croshaw. At first I wasn't a huge fan of these sequences, finding the controls floaty. But the more I realized you were supposed to use the slow-motion steerable cam, ala reedeemer in Unreal Tournament, the more enjoyable I found them. There's something inherently satisfying by following an arrow across the battlefield, sailing over soldiers heads only to steer it into the crotch of one of their friends. In fact, anything you throw in the game can be slowed down and steered with the motion functions of the SIXAXIS controller. Honestly though, I found throwing the random objects in the game like tables, pots, and bodies pretty much ineffective. The other problem with the slow-mo motion steering sequences is these are the ONLY puzzles in the game. Basically strategically placed shields are thrown and steered into gongs to open doors and drop bridges. And just to mix things up, sometimes you have to bounce the shields off a wall, or a strategically placed statue to complete the puzzle. It all feels very forced, and really is the only weak element of the game.
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/previews/heavenlysword/thumb.heavenlysword00014a.jpg (http://www.evilavatar.com/images/previews/image.php?image=www.evilavatar.com/images/previews/heavenlysword/heavenlysword00014a.jpg)
That's not to say the game isn't without other problems. As gorgeous as the game is, it does have it's slowdowns and hiccups. In some of the larger battle sequences I experience audio pops and dropouts. That being said, these are minor and take no enjoyment away from the short title. And it is a short title. My total playtime with deaths and restarts was just under 6 hours, completed in about 3 play sessions. That's a tough pill to swallow for someone that just dropped $60 on a game, not to mention $600 on a system.

Heavenly Sword really sets the bar high when it comes to character detail and emotion. It's rare to see such high production values and attention to detail, watch the making of videos on the Heavenly Sword site (http://www.heavenlysword.com/) to get an idea of what went into creating these animations, details and emotions. The bottom line is Heavenly Sword is an amazing title with very few flaws. I honestly think if the game was much longer it would have been drug out and simply gotten to boring and repetitive. If you are looking for a game that sets yourPlayStation 3 apart from other systems, right now Heavenly Sword is it.


<div style="float:right; margin-right:60px; margin-left:5px">
Score:
http://www.evilavatar.com/images/icons/e4.jpg
4 out of 5 Evil Eyes</div>

The Good:
+ Incrediblely detailed characters and emotion
+ Fluid fighting system
+ Gorgeous graphics with huge draw distances
+ Top notch voice acting

The Bad:
- Some slowdowns and audio issues
- Only 6 hours of gameplay with limited replayability

The Ugly:
- Lame gong puzzles

</div>

[Mdot23]

Nice writeup Bap. I'll check this out when I get a PS3 again. Graphics look gorgeous and it sounds like it plays well too.

But 6 hours of gameplay?? yikes!

[D.D.D.]

Sounds nice for a "Greatest Hits" title but sure not for $60... I'll wait patiently~

[Gorvi]

That solidifies that it'll be a rental or $20 pickup for me. Probably both.

[Spigot]

Good review Bap.

I think the most impressive thing about the game seems to be how it has nigh-realistic models who have skipped right over the Uncanny Valley. That's an impressive feat, in my books.

You really need to have the Penny Arcade comic about the hats somewhere in your review though :)

[pheriannath]

I absolutely loved it, and it works incredibly well as a "filler" game that I can play through while waiting for new titles to come out. A short as it is, I don't feel that the game's price tag is unjustified.

[Vermillion]

4 out of 5 for only 6 hours of gameplay?

I always struggle with this. If it's the best 6 hours of gaming you can find anywhere, then I guess that's okay. If it's a good solid 6 hours of fun, then I guess it's okay. But somehow, 6 hours is just seems like a rip off at 60 bucks and should count off more than you show. That's 10 dollars an hour.

But yeah, I watched the clips of them doing the motion capture stuff and the faces were amazingly done.

Glad you liked it and I'm glad PS3 owners are finally getting some quality titles.

[Kamalot]

Thanks Bap for the awesome review. It is nice to see some PS3 reviews coming. Unfortunately, this isn't going to be one I buy though. Maybe a rental...

I read somewhere about a study that game designers underwent years ago to determine the value of arcade games. It was determined that players found $0.25 to be worth somewhere between 3 and 5 min of play time, so games were designed to let you play 3-5 min for a quarter.

As Vermillion points out, this title is around $10 an hour (about $0.17 a min) or $0.83 for 5 min of play time. This makes me realize that the standard 'game time - per dollar' ratio has changed dramatically since video games have moved out of the arcade and into the home. These days, people expect to pay $50-$60 for a game that ranges from 12-40+ hours. I look at the 200 plus hours I've put into my Pokemon Diamond as a damn good deal.

[Serapth]

Like I said earlier, the game is more about reaction than action. Once in possession of the Heavenly Sword Nariko is capable of three stances; ranged, standard, and heavy. Enemy attacks come in these same three stances, and are colored to clue you in on what kind of attack is in incoming. By countering in the appropriate stance you are able to gain a significantadvantage on your opponent.

So... basically, its Simon?

http://www.wrybread.com/simon/original.jpg

[Telefrog]

At six hours of playtime, I really don't care how great the game is. It could literally be the best game that has ever, and will ever, be published but I just can't justify spending $60 on a game that lasts 6 hours.

It's good that the PS3 has gotten another really good game, but from what I've been reading, most people on various message boards will be renting HS. What the PS3 needs are games that people want to buy.

[Virtual Machine]

well, considering so far i've played just shy of 4 hours, and i'm about to start chapter 3, i'm thinking it's going to take me more than 6 hours. At any rate, the game is sheer bliss to play (i'm having a blast with the aftertouch stuff - despite what some have said about it). I'd rate it on par with God of War.

Gamespot really said it best - it's like the video game equivalent to a summer blockbuster. Pure spectcale.

And with regards to length, as long as the 6 hours remain awesome, the length doesn't bother me in the slightest - I played through all 4 hours of Onimusha wit ha big stupid grin on my face back in the day.

[cp#]

So... basically, its Simon?

http://www.wrybread.com/simon/original.jpg

Ever played God of War?

[Serapth]

Ever played God of War?

No, but it sounds quite similar. Frankly, I havent played anything on my PS2 in probrably 2 years. Since the 360 came out, PS2 games started making my eyes bleed when I look at them :)

[violentp]

No, but it sounds quite similar. Frankly, I havent played anything on my PS2 in probrably 2 years. Since the 360 came out, PS2 games started making my eyes bleed when I look at them :)

Graphics whore.

[Roc Ingersol]

Sounds like a great rental.

[DangerousDaze]

I'd be interested in learning from the guys who rate this a rental-only what the last game was that they did buy. Just for comparison.

[Kamalot]

I'd be interested in learning from the guys who rate this a rental-only what the last game was that they did buy. Just for comparison.

I just purchased Metroid Prime 3 (10 hours into it) and Eternal Sonata (preorder).

[Gorvi]

I'd be interested in learning from the guys who rate this a rental-only what the last game was that they did buy. Just for comparison.
I'm saying it looks like a rental only, and the last 2 games I bought were Warhawk and Jeanne d'Arc. Heavenly Sword looks great, and like it's a lot of fun, but it falls far too short on content to be worth $60.

[DangerousDaze]

Sorry, I don't mean to derail the thread so please feel free to PM if you wish to let me know. Thanks!

[landshark42]

Anybody know if these are being sold back to gamestop at a high frequency given the length of the game? I'd probably just rent the game if I had a PS3, as I'm not much of a collector of games, but it seems to me with the short playtime some near mint condition copies should be reasonably available for a discount at gamestop after the kids finish this in an afternoon.

[Serapth]

Graphics whore.

Hey, if the shoe fits, kick someone with it.


*KICK*

[Kamalot]

Something to note:

If you purchased a USED game from GameStop, you can return it within 7 days for a full refund. My local GameStop manager actively encourages me to utilize this benefit. It works. I buy many more used games, and if I don't like them, I return them. The ones that really hook me, I end up keeping.

Heavenly Sword may be a good contender for this approach.

[carneconcarne]

what about the shitty ai?

[Roc Ingersol]

I'd be interested in learning from the guys who rate this a rental-only what the last game was that they did buy. Just for comparison.
I just picked up Crackdown and Dead Rising, for $30 each.

I figure you're fishing for the 'Bioshock' answer, and yeah, I did buy that. But I shouldn't have. There's really no replay there either. I probably put around 20 hours into a good thorough beating of it and it's currently making the rounds through my friends who were considerably wiser in waiting.

[Torgo]

I am really enjoying HS so far. Very happy that I bought it, and I can see myself going through the game again, once I beat it for the 1st time.

[Digital Outlaw]

Achievement Unlocked: Spent $60 on a 6 Hour Game With NO replay

[mikeohara]

I've been looking at various sites online, reading all of the reviews of Heavenly Sword that I can find.

I've been looking more and more at buying a PS3 in the next 10-15 days and was considering buying Heavenly Sword with my PS3.

Appreciate the review bap :)

[agentgray]

I've never seen a game so critically reviewed (by others) but receive such a high Evil Eye score. Can you explain more about this, bap? I might be missing something somewhere. Is it just the presentaiton/graphics?

BTW, good review.

[Mr.Condescension]

I've never seen a game so critically reviewed (by others) but receive such a high Evil Eye score. Can you explain more about this, bap? I might be missing something somewhere. Is it just the presentaiton/graphics?

BTW, good review.

His review seems to be completely in line with other reviews, if you look at metacritic and gamerankings. The game is trending at 80% and 81.5% at those sites. I think people have a skewed impression of the game based off of the early reviews by IGN and Edge which are much lower than the reviews from the majority of the sites out there.

[bapenguin]

I've never seen a game so critically reviewed (by others) but receive such a high Evil Eye score. Can you explain more about this, bap? I might be missing something somewhere. Is it just the presentaiton/graphics?

BTW, good review.

I'll put it this way: the cut scenes, the style, the acting and the fun I had added up to a solid A game. But with the length of it, and the fact there's very limited re playability I docked it down to a B.

[Chameleo]

bap its 'dragged out'. so 5/5 is A?

wouldn't a "B" be 3/5? or maybe 3.5/5?

4/5 looks like 85%~90%....

[agentgray]

I'll put it this way: the cut scenes, the style, the acting and the fun I had added up to a solid A game. But with the length of it, and the fact there's very limited re playability I docked it down to a B.
So may Sony have a contender?

To everyone: is it worth the $60?

[Mr.Condescension]

bap its 'dragged out'. so 5/5 is A?

wouldn't a "B" be 3/5? or maybe 3.5/5?

4/5 looks like 85%~90%....

B is 80-89%., so 4/5 is the lowest "B" you can give.

[EternalGamer]

I've been saying this for sometime, but, in my opinion, shorter games are worth MORE to me, not less. When games are drawn out it kills replayability. For example, Gears is about 6 hours long and I've played through it at least half a dozen times because it is six GOOD hours.

I also have too much to do to waste my time backtracking or repeating the same gameplay over and over just because the designers ran out of ideas but needed to get to the 12-15 hour mark. I would say that 99% of the games that are 15 hours could benefit from being 6 instead. It would increase their value in my mind, not decrease it.

Having said that, I'm passing on HS for the time being just because I have too much other stuff to play. But it certainly isn't the length that is scaring me away. That actually makes the title more appealing to me, not less.

[saulob]

Nice review Bap.

Thanks :)

[Kamalot]

I've been saying this for sometime, but, in my opinion, shorter games are worth MORE to me, not less. When games are drawn out it kills replayability. For example, Gears is about 6 hours long and I've played through it at least half a dozen times because it is six GOOD hours.I think you are confusing the quality of a game with the length of a game. If a game is great for 20+ hours, then I don't mind a 20+ hour game. If a game is dull after the 6 hour mark and the levels are 'copied-pasted' to hell and back, I don't want any part of it (I'm looking at you Halo 1).

Also, your Gears of War example isn't very good because Gears of War shipped with a very nice multiplayer game, that many people still enjoy today. The multiplayer component can be played online in a competitive fashion, or the single-player story can be played in a cooperative mode, online or split-screen.

Heavenly Sword does not have a multiplayer component to it at all.

[mister_slim]

I think Dan is implying that the length of a game tends to be inversely proportionate to the quality of any particular hour of the game. There are obviously exceptions, but on the whole I'd agree with him.

[absolut taco]

For example, Gears is about 6 hours long and I've played through it at least half a dozen times because it is six GOOD hours.
Damn. Gears took me 15-20 hours the first time and that was on difficulty level 2/4. I suck.

[Johan]

I think the advertising for this title has been top-notch, as opposed to some other wrecks on the PS3.

The YouTube videos...the television ad I saw today...very well done and enticing.

Looks like a beautiful game.

[BlackPete]

I've been saying this for sometime, but, in my opinion, shorter games are worth MORE to me, not less. When games are drawn out it kills replayability. For example, Gears is about 6 hours long and I've played through it at least half a dozen times because it is six GOOD hours.

Look at it another way: Would you be willing to spend $60 for each XBLA game?

[bapenguin]

I've been saying this for sometime, but, in my opinion, shorter games are worth MORE to me, not less. When games are drawn out it kills replayability. For example, Gears is about 6 hours long and I've played through it at least half a dozen times because it is six GOOD hours.

I also have too much to do to waste my time backtracking or repeating the same gameplay over and over just because the designers ran out of ideas but needed to get to the 12-15 hour mark. I would say that 99% of the games that are 15 hours could benefit from being 6 instead. It would increase their value in my mind, not decrease it.

Having said that, I'm passing on HS for the time being just because I have too much other stuff to play. But it certainly isn't the length that is scaring me away. That actually makes the title more appealing to me, not less.

Yup. I sort of feel the same way. I like being able to play and complete more titles, rather than spend all my time on one title.

[Vermillion]

Seeing as I doubt a game will ever get a 1 out of 5 Eyes, should we adjust the scale down to 2.5 out 5 eyes being unplayable?

The problem with reviews is that they are extremely subjective. There is no +1 for this, -1 for that scale that is used and clearly defined. Honestly, I'd like to see several scales of eyes and each 1 to 5 defined with a metric (evil eye is bleeding - bad - average - good - evil eye weeps with joy)

- 1 to 5 for graphics
- 1 to 5 for sound
- 1 to 5 for length of game
- 1 to 5 for fun factor
- 1 to 5 for cost
- 1 to 5 for multiplayer
- 1 to 5 for replayability
- 1 to 5 on the "Pushing the genre forward" factor
- All of those together, EQUALLY weighted, gets the overall score

Unfortunately, all you can do with is read reviews of people you think have similar interests as you and hope they weren't having a bad hair day when they wrote it up... Luckily I think Bap is the bees knees.

[dojoteef]

I bought the game and absolutely loved it, in fact I was surprised the average review score was the low 80's, because I'd likely give the game 90-95. I played it this weekend and probably spent a good 10-12 hours on the game. Even if I had only spent 6 hours to beat the game I think it is worth it. I don't mind spending $10 for an hour of good entertainment. Heck about a month ago I spent $400 to take my parents to Le Reve at the Wynn which is only about an hour long.

Everyone has differing opinions when it comes to money based on lots of factors such as income, bills, etc. Though, when you review any form of art (and I consider games to be art) I do not think price should be a factor of the review. Price/value changes over time, but the art stays the same.

[absolut taco]

I don't mind spending $10 for an hour of good entertainment.
I hope you have gotten 60 good hours out of the PS3.

[Kamalot]

Yup. I sort of feel the same way. I like being able to play and complete more titles, rather than spend all my time on one title.

I agree, but if I am spending less time with each title, I shouldn't be paying $60.

[jacktion]

This review seems high, but it is your opinion. In my opinion this game is a 3 out of 5, or maybe a 2 out of 5. It is just really simple and mindless and really short. And the gameplay is from about 5 years ago. Designwise it is really dumb. The hats thing is retarded and playing superman with corpses is just weird. Fun, yeah, but I don't think that's what the designers wanted.

Graphically it is really nice so if you buy games based on graphics then this might be a 4 out of 5. But if the underlying game could have been done on the PS2. The AI is not advanced and the gameplay is just outdated.

[EternalGamer]

I agree, but if I am spending less time with each title, I shouldn't be paying $60.

I certainly wouldn't argue against games being cheaper in general, but having an experience be made longer for the sake of being longer does not increase the value for me. I generally think most developers don't have enough gameplay ideas to keep an experience fresh and interesting for 20 hours. All they are doing is taking the six good hours and spreading it across 20. If we are talking about "value," I'd say a game that doesn't waste my time is a better value. If anything, it is worth more to me to not have to play through the bullshit parts. Life is too short and there is too much else I could be doing.


Slim put it most succinctly. It is simply that when quantity goes up quality goes down. This is not always true, but I think it applies often enough to call it a general principle. You have a limited number of people with limited number of ideas and resources. The thinner they spread their resources, the weaker the end product.

[Kelegacy]

One recent game that was fucking brilliant but could have been FAR shorter (and it would possibly have made it better) was Okami. I still haven't finished it. I would pay the same price for a far shorter game. I like closure, damnit.

There is a such thing as too long, even in really great titles (like Okami). I loved Gears of War, but I know damn well I would have grown a bit bored if it was 30 hours long.

If there is no filler, a 6 or so hour romp can be downright sweet...tastier than longer games.

I still like my RPGs to be medium to long length, though. As long as the pace and hook is there to keep me playing, anyway.

[Kamalot]

I certainly wouldn't argue against games being cheaper in general, but having an experience be made longer for the sake of being longer does not increase the value for me. I generally think most developers don't have enough gameplay ideas to keep an experience fresh and interesting for 20 hours. All they are doing is taking the six good hours and spreading it across 20. If anything, I'd pay MORE to not have to play through the bullshit parts. Life is too short and there is too much else I could be doing.


Slim put it most succintly. It is simply that, when quantity goes up, quality goes down. This is not always true, but I think it applies often enough to call it a general principle. You have a limited number of people with limited number of ideas and resources. The thinner they spread their resources, the weaker the end product.

I understand and agree with everything you have to say, except for this bit right here..."If anything, I'd pay MORE to not have to play through the bullshit parts."

Bullshit parts shouldn't be in the game anyways.

In my book, I'm not willing to pay more money for less game. I'm not suggesting that games should be bloated will dull filler, but asking to pay more for shorter games is a recipe for disaster.

Personally, I'd rather buy 6 $10 Xbox Live Arcade games that will provide me with a LOT more than 6 hours of gameplay, instead of a 6-hour $60 game.

[KidCactus]

One recent game that was fucking brilliant but could have been FAR shorter (and it would possibly have made it better) was Okami. I still haven't finished it. I would pay the same price for a far shorter game. I like closure, damnit.

Yeah, that game was waaay too long. Even I, who haven't even played it, but been sitting next to my girlfriends when SHE was playing it, felt it was almost twice as long as it should have been.

[Kelegacy]

Personally, I'd rather buy 6 $10 Xbox Live Arcade games that will provide me with a LOT more than 6 hours of gameplay, instead of a 6-hour $60 game.

If those games are original titles and not updated ROMS with the same graphics, sure. Also, as long as you are into the kinds of games that are on XBLA, great. I don't think there are 6 XBLA games I even want...but that's a taste thing.

Yeah, that game was waaay too long. Even I, who haven't even played it, but been sitting next to my girlfriends when SHE was playing it, felt it was almost twice as long as it should have been.

It's funny...I thought the game was going to be over on two separate occasions. Then WHAM I am introduced to another part of the world. Talk about anticlimactic.

Still, it was an awesome game. Just unusually long for an Zelda-style action adventure title.

[Kamalot]

If those games are original titles and not updated ROMS with the same graphics, sure. Also, as long as you are into the kinds of games that are on XBLA, great. I don't think there are 6 XBLA games I even want...but that's a taste thing.

I don't buy games for graphics. Radiant Silvergun and Ikaruga are just fine as they are. In fact, I play games like Carcarsonne using the traditional tiles, not the fancy graphics.

Come to think of it, I prefer to see games in their original format instead of the 're-skinned' versions. Show me the original pixels in all their glory.

[roboninja]

Slim put it most succinctly. It is simply that when quantity goes up quality goes down. This is not always true, but I think it applies often enough to call it a general principle. You have a limited number of people with limited number of ideas and resources. The thinner they spread their resources, the weaker the end product.

Brilliant. If only all games were only 1 hour long, they would all be great, and I could buy like 5 a week and finish them all!
Facetious, yes, but this is what your argument can be converted to support. the fact that games are often dragged out should not make you call for shorter games, it should make you call for better designed ones. I know I have played plenty of 20+ hour games that were enjoyable the whole way through. If we just accept the fact most new games can be only 6 hours in length, and we will pay $60 for them, do you think some game studios will still pound away on those great, long games? Not likely.

[Spigot]

It's funny...I thought the game was going to be over on two separate occasions. Then WHAM I am introduced to another part of the world. Talk about anticlimactic.That's what I loved about the game. Here I thought I was finished and then bam! Plot Twist! New Area! Woo!

I absolutely loved every second of Okami. And I actually finished it.

Here I thought I was the person with the problem of not finishing games...

[KidCactus]

That's what I loved about the game. Here I thought I was finished and then bam! Plot Twist! New Area! Woo!

Plot twist! New Area! Same Thing All Over Again! Woo!

[Spigot]

Plot twist! New Area! Same Thing All Over Again! Woo!Hey, I didn't care. I was in love with the world and the characters. I didn't find it dragging at all.

Neener neener.

[Kelegacy]

I don't buy games for graphics. Radiant Silvergun and Ikaruga are just fine as they are. In fact, I play games like Carcarsonne using the traditional tiles, not the fancy graphics.

Come to think of it, I prefer to see games in their original format instead of the 're-skinned' versions. Show me the original pixels in all their glory.

I don't buy games for graphics either, obviously. I'm a huge PS2 supporter, to this day. However, if the games are the exact same on XBLA as they are on the other consoles I own/owned, there isn't much point of me buying them again. I bought my next-gen machine for next-gen games, though I do admit that multiplayer XBLA titles like Puzzle Fighter (and the sharp HD upgrade) look and play awesome.

And I have a fancy HDTV; if I'm gonna be playing something on my 360, I sure as hell hope it's pretty. (or if I'm paying 10 bucks on a freaking Live title, I hope it LOOKS to be worth my 800 stinkin' points)

[Sandman]

I'm loving Heavenly Sword so far. The combat is just as good as God of War but with the added styles and sixaxis controls. I'm not sure how far I am, I'm only just past the prison. LOOOOOVE the characters. Bohan is great and so is that Fox guy....think that was his name. It may be a short game, but so far never a dull moment. I can see the gong puzzles getting old but maybe they will have more variety in Heavenly Sword 2.

[FreezaSama]

I like being able to play and complete more titles, rather than spend all my time on one title.

The only downside I see is that they're still charging you the same price for a six-hour game as they are for a fifty-hour game.

[EternalGamer]

Facetious, yes, but this is what your argument can be converted to support. the fact that games are often dragged out should not make you call for shorter games, it should make you call for better designed ones. .

That's not countering my argument, that is just exagerating it to make a strawman out of it. Also "Better designed games" and "shorter games" are not mutually exclusive terms. I just think that, in a lot of cases, the latter is a way to achieve the former. And if you find most 20 hour games rewarding all the way through, I would just say that I just must be more demanding out of my entertainment than you are.

[Dukefrukem]

That's not countering my argument, that is just exagerating it to make a strawman out of it. Also "Better designed games" and "shorter games" are not mutually exclusive terms. I just think that, in a lot of cases, the latter is a way to achieve the former. And if you find most 20 hour games rewarding all the way through, I would just say that I just must be more demanding out of my entertainment than you are.

This is a touchy subject because it really is difficult to find a game that is both rewarding exciting and most importantly satisfying.

For example:

Doom 3 - The first 30 min of the game was spectacular. Great scare tactics, good single player action and theme which helped with a very spooky looking engine. The problem is the game dragged towards the end and it became just another linear FPS filled with mundane scares that became overused. I.e. walking around a corner, a door opens up with a zombie that makes you jump, you kill it, continue walking, door opens, more zombies, etc etc.

Prey - Prey, although kinda used the same technique, it incorporated puzzle solving with the invisible markings and pathways to the next level. the result, way too short... less than 5 hours short.

The point: its hard to find that happy medium of exciting, venturous but not boring point. The only game that i feel does this perfectly is Half-Life 2. the reason, 12 hours of gameplay, shifts the TYPE of gameplay... One minute you're on the run, the next youre slealthing through the sewers, the next youre on a fanboat, the next youre in a spooky dark town (very Doom 3 like) th next your an all out shoot-em up.. it changes so often it leaves players HOOKED. How many other games can you think of that follows HL2;s example. Why are developers so oblivious to HL2's success?

[Kamalot]

The only game that i feel does this perfectly is Half-Life 2. the reason, 12 hours of gameplay, shifts the TYPE of gameplay... One minute you're on the run, the next youre slealthing through the sewers, the next youre on a fanboat, the next youre in a spooky dark town (very Doom 3 like) th next your an all out shoot-em up.. it changes so often it leaves players HOOKED. How many other games can you think of that follows HL2;s example. Why are developers so oblivious to HL2's success?
Very insightful post! Why on Earth haven't more developers mixed things up in their games? Half Life mixes it up. Sometimes it is a jumping puzzle, sometimes I'm defending someplace, sometimes, I'm getting the hell away from everyone, and sometimes I'm bustin' down the front door, guns-blazing.

It makes a lot of other titles seem like one-trick ponys.

[Dukefrukem]

Very insightful post! Why on Earth haven't more developers mixed things up in their games? Half Life mixes it up. Sometimes it is a jumping puzzle, sometimes I'm defending someplace, sometimes, I'm getting the hell away from everyone, and sometimes I'm bustin' down the front door, guns-blazing.

It makes a lot of other titles seem like one-trick ponys.

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic/ mocking me.

[danhoo]

That's what I loved about the game. Here I thought I was finished and then bam! Plot Twist! New Area! Woo!

I absolutely loved every second of Okami. And I actually finished it.

Here I thought I was the person with the problem of not finishing games...

Agree with this 100%. I was actually sad when I finished Okami. A wonderful game, all the way to the end.

[Kamalot]

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic/ mocking me.

Nope. I'm totally serious. I can't understand why these professional game developers can't see what you just outlined in your post.

I was thinking about other games that keep me coming back, and Metroid is right up there too. It isn't as varied as Half Life; but the mix of abilities, locations and modes makes the game feel quite varied. Add in the fact that I am always gaining new abilities, and the game always feels fresh. Previous locations can be approached in new directions when you have new powers and abilities that allow you to jump higher, fit into smaller spaces, or interact with objects in new ways.

Morphball puzzles FTW!

[Dukefrukem]

Nope. I'm totally serious. I can't understand why these professional game developers can't see what you just outlined in your post.

I was thinking about other games that keep me coming back, and Metroid is right up there too. It isn't as varied as Half Life; but the mix of abilities, locations and modes makes the game feel quite varied. Add in the fact that I am always gaining new abilities, and the game always feels fresh. Previous locations can be approached in new directions when you have new powers and abilities that allow you to jump higher, fit into smaller spaces, or interact with objects in new ways.

Morphball puzzles FTW!

Awesome. I totally agree with that game as well. But it really does scare m (not really scare me but disappoints me) why developers cannot achieve this. They stick to 1 overall theme, and just base the rest of the game off it. Even Bioshock has really one overall gameplay. Which is why I was upset that most reviews praised Bioshock more than HL2.

I want to take valve by the neck.. and say; do you realize how GOOD you guys have it? MAKE HALF-LIFE 3. Not this episode crap. (But when you sit down again, even the episodes deviate from HL2!! Think of everything I outlined that HL2 has... now add coop play. (which is what HL2E1 gives you. You play most of the game with Alyx, something you never did in Hl2 with the exception of that one level where you could control your team) and now look at HL2E2! It gives you outdoors/woods play. Even in their episodic releases they are still not keeping the gameplay the same and keeping it fresh for us. I can't wait for HL2E3 already!!)

[Sandman]

Just finished the 2nd chapter in HS today. Beat the second boss, had more fun with twing twang and dished out several hundred ass kickings and I'm still I'm loving this game. The bosses remind me of Metal Gear Solid bosses a little bit, and that is a good thing. Combat is still just as fun as when I started, Kai's missions have improved. I loved the one towards the end of chapter 2 with the snipers. Using the sixaxis to guide the arrows to a body part never got old. When it's all said and done, I may wish it was longer but with a game this good it would be a crime if there wasn't a Heavenly Sword 2.

[Dukefrukem]

omg, most annoying boss ever ! i can't see a f@@king thing with his black wings!!!!!!!