Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Heavenly Sword demo gets a date, no tongue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/heavenly-sword-demo-gets-a-date-no-tongue/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/heavenly-sword-demo-gets-a-date-no-tongue/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/heavenly-sword-demo-gets-a-date-no-tongue/#commentsFiled under:

It shouldn't be a surprise to any of us that the demo for Heavenly Sword is on its way. Heck, we already said that it was making its debut sometime in July. We've now got confirmation that the demo is, in fact, complete. Part of the Ninja Theory team came out on their official forums and said "it's in the bag ... so now it's a case of Sony deciding when they feel is the best time to release it to PlayStation Network." By that, we couldn't help but squeal like a schoolgirl with a crush. Could they mean this Thursday's update?

Not likely. Seems the demo itself is actually slated for next Thursday. You know, the 26th. We don't mind waiting an extra week, since most of the PS3 Fanboy staff is still in a hot competition to keep the highest score amongst one another in Super Stardust HD. As far as the game itself, Heavenly Sword is complete and going through the bug-fixing stage. If that's true, they should release it early. We're tired of waiting for this fantastic looking "launch title", honestly.

[Thanks, DolphGB!]

[via PS3Attitude]

JoystiqHeavenly Sword demo gets a date, no tongue originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heavenly swordHeavenlySwordplaystation 3Playstation3ps3SCEEsonyTue, 17 Jul 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[July's European PSN Store offerings - Heavenly Sword demo and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/julys-european-psn-store-offerings-heavenly-sword-demo-and-mo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/julys-european-psn-store-offerings-heavenly-sword-demo-and-mo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/julys-european-psn-store-offerings-heavenly-sword-demo-and-mo/#commentsFiled under:


We've managed to get our hands on what exactly we can expect from the EU PSN Store this month. After this week's huge update, we had high hopes that this month would continue offering us some excellent content. Those hopes seem to be well founded. Check out the list of releases for the upcoming weeks. While not exhaustive, this list focuses on major, highly-anticipated playable content.
  • Heavenly Sword demo
  • Crash Bandicoot 2 PS1 game for PS3/PSP
  • Spyro 2 PS1 game for PS3/PSP
  • WipEout 2097 PS1 game for PS3/PSP
  • MediEvil PS1 game for PS3/PSP
We've also heard mention of the Blast Factor expansion, Snakeball and Feel Ski but aren't certain whether these will be coming our way in July. If not, then we'll probably see them in August. Also on the horizon is news about Warhawk and the Motorstorm Coyote Weekend VIP Pass update. Oh, and in the run up to the Heavenly Sword release in September we'll be seeing five "Animated History" videos which give the game some backstory, along with some more making-of content appearing on the Store too. No doubt each week will be peppered with the normal trailers as well.

JoystiqJuly's European PSN Store offerings - Heavenly Sword demo and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>euro releasesEuroReleasesHeavenly SwordHeavenlySwordPS1 gamesPs1GamesPSN storePsnStoreFri, 13 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamer TV airing a Heavenly Sword special for the UK this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/gamer-tv-airing-a-heavenly-sword-special-for-the-uk-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/gamer-tv-airing-a-heavenly-sword-special-for-the-uk-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/gamer-tv-airing-a-heavenly-sword-special-for-the-uk-this-weekend/#comments
Showing on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the latest episode of Gamer TV will be a Heavenly Sword special. The show will feature developer interviews as well as new footage from the game. There will also be an interview with Andy Serkis and some critical discussion of how the game is looking.

This is a great opportunity to get an in depth look at the game before E3 hits next week. Gamer TV will be showing on Bravo at different times throughout the weekend. Look below for details and when and where it will be airing.
  • Saturday: Bravo 2 @ 10am
  • Sunday: Bravo @ 11:30am
  • Monday: Bravo @ 5:30pm

JoystiqGamer TV airing a Heavenly Sword special for the UK this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamer tvGamerTvheavenly swordHeavenlySwordThu, 05 Jul 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Heavenly Sword details; demo coming in 'very near future']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/new-heavenly-sword-details-demo-coming-in-very-near-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/new-heavenly-sword-details-demo-coming-in-very-near-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/new-heavenly-sword-details-demo-coming-in-very-near-future/#commentsFiled under: ,

A demo for Heavenly Sword is just around the corner, according to comments made by producer Mat Hart (as NinjaMat) in the comment section on the Ninja Theory developer blog. "Keep an eye out for this in the very near future...and i mean very near future!" he said.

Also discussed was the use of blood ("fairly elegant"), game length (12 to 15 hours), and the lack of a Special Edition for the game. "Instead," he said, "we would cram the retail release with as many extras as we could fit onto a [Blu-ray disc]." Expect to see behind-the-scenes features as well as the first two episodes of an animated series that explores the "history of the Heavenly Sword prior to the start of the game."

Heavenly Sword is reportedly due out this September.

Gallery: Heavenly Sword (PS3)


[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqNew Heavenly Sword details; demo coming in 'very near future' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heavenly swordHeavenlySwordninja theoryNinjaTheoryPS3Wed, 04 Jul 2007 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavenly Sword devs promise blood, one edition, demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/heavenly-sword-devs-promise-blood-one-edition-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/heavenly-sword-devs-promise-blood-one-edition-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/heavenly-sword-devs-promise-blood-one-edition-demo/#commentsFiled under:

If you don't want to get any information about Heavenly Sword by cycling through the comments section over at Ninja Theory's blog on IGN, don't worry. We've got the skinny and we're delivering it to you, list style! All answers come courtesy of Mat Hart, producer of Heavenly Sword.
  • Blood: "We took a conscious decision to deliver a fairly elegant blood effect rather splashing it all over the walls as this is far more in keeping with the look and feel of the game." We take it that means we'll see some stylish blood-letting.
  • Special Edition: In a word, no. Sony has decided that, instead of making you pay extra for a special edition of the game, they're going to let Ninja Theory cram as many as they can onto the single Blu-ray disc. So far, they're planning for the retail disc to feature "a series of behind the scenes features as well as the first 2 episodes of a special 'animated series' exploring the history of the Heavenly Sword prior to the start of the game." Can you say, awesome?
  • Game Length: "It's hard to estimate exactly how long it'll take someone to run through it the first time but we believe that you can expect somewhere between 12-15 hours of play."
  • Demo: He explains they've got plans for a demo in the very near future and have been working on it for some time. If you want his words exactly, he says to "keep an eye out for this in the very near future...and i mean very near future!" Our clocks are ticking.
That's it for now. We think the word about no special edition is fantastic. It's a great example of a developer really taking advantage of all that extra space. Much better than shoving an extra disc in the case and upping the price $10-20. We'll look for a demo every week until we get one, but from his tone of voice, we might see one either right before or right after E3. Our bet is on right after.

[via N4G]

JoystiqHeavenly Sword devs promise blood, one edition, demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heavenly swordHeavenlySwordninja theoryNinjaTheoryplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sceesonyTue, 03 Jul 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Developer's Studio: Nina Kristensen and Heavenly Sword + Joystiq interview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/developers-studio-nina-kristensen-and-heavenly-sword-joystiq/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/developers-studio-nina-kristensen-and-heavenly-sword-joystiq/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/developers-studio-nina-kristensen-and-heavenly-sword-joystiq/#commentsFiled under:


The PlayStation.Blog's "Inside the Developer's Studio" feature continues in its run up to E3. Yesterday we got a little bit of insight into the upcoming collectable card computer game Eye of Judgment from Felice Standifer. Today Nina Kristensen, co-founder of Ninja Theory, answers Sony's questions regarding the much anticipated Heavenly Sword.

As well as posting her thoughts on the PlayStation.Blog, Kristensen has also had a very interesting interview with Kevin Kelly of Joystiq. Make sure you read both interviews for some insight into the game's story, the goings-on at Ninja Theory, Nariko's mega combo attacks and the trouble with "bollocks". Also, check out the videos that were posted just a wee bit earlier. Hypetastic. We can't wait for this game.

JoystiqDeveloper's Studio: Nina Kristensen and Heavenly Sword + Joystiq interview originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jun 2007 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev studiodevelopers studioDevelopersStudioDevStudioheavenly swordHeavenlySwordnina kristensenNinaKristensenFri, 29 Jun 2007 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interview: Heavenly Sword's Nina Kristensen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/joystiq-interview-heavenly-swords-nina-kristensen/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/joystiq-interview-heavenly-swords-nina-kristensen/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/joystiq-interview-heavenly-swords-nina-kristensen/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We caught up with Chief Development Ninja Nina Kristensen inbetween sword fights and developing video games at Ninja Theory, and managed to get some skinny on the upcoming PlayStation 3 ubertitle Heavenly Sword. She lets us know all about their influences on the look and style, some of the sexy Nariko's backstory, gives the definitive answer on multiplayer, and what games they play around the office whenever they're lucky enough to find some free time.

Check it out after the break, it'll help you kill some time while you wait for this game to hit the shelves.

Continue reading Joystiq interview: Heavenly Sword's Nina Kristensen

JoystiqJoystiq interview: Heavenly Sword's Nina Kristensen originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly SwordHeavenlySwordNina KristensenNinja TheoryPS3Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[An angelic duet of Heavenly Sword videos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/an-angelic-duet-of-heavenly-sword-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/an-angelic-duet-of-heavenly-sword-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/29/an-angelic-duet-of-heavenly-sword-videos/#commentsFiled under: ,


The above video, captured at the official press event at the Mayfair hotel in London (again, our invitation must have got lost in the mail), may just be enough to get fence-sitters to buy the game. Opening with a cinematic revealing some backstory of the eponymous Heavenly Sword itself, the video then launches in to some frantic in-game combat. Expect bone-crunching combo moves and a bazooka to feature heavily. Yes, a bazooka.

Despite being captured on shaky-cam and then uploaded to YouTube, the video is still able to impress. From the way the barrels move to the explosion partical effects. Another, clearer, video has been uploaded to Jeuxvideo.fr from the IDEF in Cannes. In it we see a new character talking to Nariko (friend, sibling, lover?) as well as one of those "press the button at the right time to make stuff happen" sequences that are all the rage nowadays. This game is one to watch out for at E3, where no doubt we'll be seeing plenty more of it.

[Via NeoGAF & N4G]

JoystiqAn angelic duet of Heavenly Sword videos originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly SwordHeavenlySwordFri, 29 Jun 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Tretton teases E3 surprises, promises "more than 100 titles" by year end]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/jack-tretton-promises-more-than-100-titles-by-year-end/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/jack-tretton-promises-more-than-100-titles-by-year-end/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/jack-tretton-promises-more-than-100-titles-by-year-end/#commentsSony has been going full throttle on it's new PlayStation.Blog with some of the biggest names at the company doing regular posts. This time, the president and CEO of SCEA, Jack Tretton weighs in with an interesting post about the past successes of the PlayStation brand and some of his thoughts of the future. It's interesting stuff and definitely worth reading. He also gives game-starved PS3 owners some good news by implying that the drought is almost done:

"We have more than 15 games coming from our own internal studios alone this year for PS3. Our third party partners will weigh in with a host of great games giving us more than 100 titles by year end on that system alone."

Later on in the piece are hints that we're in for some cool surprises at E3 too, stating that not only will we see new stuff on the known titles like Ratchet and Clank or Heavenly Sword, but also they will announce "a few surprises we have up our sleeves that no one has seen." Intriguing and exciting stuff and we'll find out in less than a month! Anybody want to start the random unsubstantiated guessing on what they're gonna show? I say ... Killzone Bowling and Barbie's Xtreme SOCOM Adventures.

[Via N4G]

JoystiqJack Tretton teases E3 surprises, promises "more than 100 titles" by year end originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heavenly swordHeavenlySwordjack trettonJackTrettonplaystation blogPlaystationBlogratchet and clankRatchetAndClankThu, 14 Jun 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[North American PSN releases for June 7th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/north-american-psn-releases-for-june-7th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/north-american-psn-releases-for-june-7th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/07/north-american-psn-releases-for-june-7th/#commentsFiled under:


Sorry, but nothing playable hits the Store in today's update. Not even a demo of The Darkness. What we do have are tons of videos. So get the microwave ready, pop up some popcorn and get ready to watch:
  • Heavenly Sword Gamer's Day trailer. With this trailer on your PS3, at least you can pretend to be playing it.
  • MLB 07 The Show trailer. Just in case watching last week's videos wasn't sufficient.
  • Stranglehold trailer. John Woo's Hard Boiled sequel-turned-to-game gets another visit to the Store.
  • Transformers movie trailer. In full HD, you'll get more than meets the eye.
  • Bruce Springsteen with the Sessions Band: Live in Dublin trailer.
Hey ... where's our old 1080p Midway remake for this week?

JoystiqNorth American PSN releases for June 7th originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bruce springsteenBruceSpringsteenheavenly swordHeavenlySwordmlb 07Mlb07playstation storePlaystationStorestorestrangleholdtransformersThu, 07 Jun 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavenly Sword tutorial -- stances and how to use 'em]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/heavenly-sword-tutorial-stances-and-how-to-use-em/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/heavenly-sword-tutorial-stances-and-how-to-use-em/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/heavenly-sword-tutorial-stances-and-how-to-use-em/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you don't really care about learning how to control Nariko, heroine of the upcoming Heavenly Sword game for PS3, you can at least watch her in her element. We're talking about the different battle stances for Nariko. There are three: slow/strong, normal, fast/weak/ranged. Those are very vague and shoddy descriptions, but we feel that's the best way to convey the idea behind them in a short sentence. The video itself goes over the stances as well as a bit of behind-the-scenes discussion about Nariko and the game itself. We're so excited, we can hardly wait for Fall! Enjoy the video, and Nariko's "posh" English accent.

JoystiqHeavenly Sword tutorial -- stances and how to use 'em originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly SwordHeavenlySwordPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3SonyTue, 05 Jun 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Heavenly Sword load time, demo, SPU usage details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/28/some-heavenly-sword-load-time-demo-spu-usage-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/28/some-heavenly-sword-load-time-demo-spu-usage-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/28/some-heavenly-sword-load-time-demo-spu-usage-details/#commentsFiled under:

A long time ago we mentioned that a demo for Heavenly Sword was in the works. No, we don't have a date for the demo yet, but from what was gleaned in the statements by Dean Calver, the lead programmer at Ninja Theory, it's coming along quite nicely. Just like the rest of the game. He said, "if you take the PSN demo we are currently doing, then we have a separate team (borrowed from Sony Cambridge) who are doing the work to make it a stand alone demo while the NT team are working on Beta. There's still work for the main team fixing bugs and balancing but it's much less than full time."

Having two teams is pretty wise -- that way no time is wasted making a demo. The "real" team can keep plugging away at making the actual game pure quality and that seems to be exactly what they're doing. An example of their efforts shines through with their approach to load times: " ... at the beginning of each chapter we have a introductory cut scene, while thats happening we are also caching data from Blu-ray to hard disk. This way when we actually are streaming while you play we can use both sources at the same time." We like the sound of that, because loading screens can be pretty annoying if they pop up all the time (we're looking at you, Magna Carta ... you really suck).

Finally, when asked about the percentage of the SPU the team has utilized, Calver has no idea. He said that you only really know stats like that when you feel bottlenecked by the hardware and Ninja Theory apparently hit no walls at all in their programming. This leaves us to wonder if they only used a fraction of the PS3's power, much like Motorstorm. We can't wait to play it!

JoystiqSome Heavenly Sword load time, demo, SPU usage details originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly SwordHeavenlySwordNinja TheoryNinjaTheoryPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3SonyMon, 28 May 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SGD '07: Joystiq hands-on with Heavenly Sword]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/sgd-07-joystiq-hands-on-with-heavenly-sword/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/sgd-07-joystiq-hands-on-with-heavenly-sword/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/sgd-07-joystiq-hands-on-with-heavenly-sword/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Or as we like to call it -- God(dess) of War III: In True HD. Okay, all jokes aside, there is simply no denying that the PS3's Heavenly Sword is a beautiful game. The characters, the weapons, the settings, and even the effects like dust and blood are visually stunning. They'll blast onto your retinas and curve your mouth into an "O" face that'll last awhile. Yes, it's really that pretty.

The level demonstrated during the Sony Gamer's Day event happens right after what was already seen on an episode of Heroes. The game's protagonist, Nariko, starts running down a massive rope towards some enemies. They aren't too thrilled with this, so they start chopping the ropes off the platform they're tied to. This forces you to pull off some fairly easy Dragon's Lair type moves as the screen tells you when to run faster or jump to a side. Eventually she makes it down and lands smack dab in the middle of a fight, which is what we were waiting for.

Gallery: Heavenly Sword (PS3)

Continue reading SGD '07: Joystiq hands-on with Heavenly Sword

JoystiqSGD '07: Joystiq hands-on with Heavenly Sword originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2007 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly SwordHeavenlySwordNinja TheoryPS3sgd07Thu, 17 May 2007 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SGD '07: Heavenly Sword gallery shows in-game footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/sgs-07-heavenly-sword-gallery-shows-in-game-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/sgs-07-heavenly-sword-gallery-shows-in-game-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/17/sgs-07-heavenly-sword-gallery-shows-in-game-footage/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For a long while, any sort of Heavenly Sword screenshot has had that "is it pre-rendered or CG or in-game?" skepticism, but today we've got a gallery to offer that shows the game in action. This is in-game, I'd bet my life on it. It looks fantastic, so there's no complaints here! Be sure to follow Nariko and her adventures with the sword slowly sucking her life away this August. Does anyone think these aren't in-game shots? If so, why not? We'd like to get a discussion going on these. Check out the video, after the cut, to get a better assessment of the visuals.

Continue reading SGD '07: Heavenly Sword gallery shows in-game footage

JoystiqSGD '07: Heavenly Sword gallery shows in-game footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2007 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gamer's DayGamer'sDayHeavenly SwordHeavenlySwordSGS '07Sgs'07SonySony Gamer's DaySonyGamer'sDayThu, 17 May 2007 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavenly Sword may get multiplayer as DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/heavenly-sword-may-get-multiplayer-as-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/heavenly-sword-may-get-multiplayer-as-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/heavenly-sword-may-get-multiplayer-as-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Heavenly Sword will be released as a single-player game, but Ninja Theory co-founder Tameem Antoniades has hinted that adding multiplayer as downloadable content is a distinct possibility.

"Maybe we will decide to go down that route sometime soon," said Antoniades in an interview with EuroGamer. "And when we do, it won't just be slapped-on to please marketing tick-boxes. You can be assured that we have our sights on multiplayer." No other details are given as to, for example, what kind of multiplayer is being planned. Co-op? Deathmatch? We'll hopefully learn soon.

According to Antoniades, Heavenly Sword is 90% complete, which gives us the impression that it will make its expected September launch. The full EuroGamer interview is expected to be published tomorrow.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqHeavenly Sword may get multiplayer as DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2007 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heavenly swordHeavenlySwordninja theoryNinjaTheoryPS3Wed, 16 May 2007 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavenly Sword 90% complete - Multiplayer add-on a possibility]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/heavenly-sword-90-complete-multiplayer-add-on-a-possibility/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/heavenly-sword-90-complete-multiplayer-add-on-a-possibility/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/heavenly-sword-90-complete-multiplayer-add-on-a-possibility/#commentsFiled under:

In an interview with Eurogamer, Tameem Antoniades (co-founder of Ninja Theory) discusses the upcoming Heavenly Sword. While the complete interview is not yet available - Eurogamer will be posting it up tomorrow morning - a snippet regarding the possible multiplayer aspect of the game was 'released early'. If you will.

The gist is, similarly to Insomniac's Ratchet and Clank Future development philosophy, Ninja Theory have been focusing on the single player aspect of the game so that it can be as deep and immersive as possible. But there's a twist. With the combat system being developed on multiplayer test levels there is a strong possibility that we will see some form of multiplayer become part of the game. Not at launch, however, but as a downloadable expansion at some point. Antoniades assures that when it's done, it will be done right. Not 'slapped-on to please marketing tick-boxes', as he puts it. Excellent.

Be sure to check out Eurogamer tomorrow for the full interview. No doubt I'll have one of my famous (they are famous, right ..?) summaries up before too long, too.

JoystiqHeavenly Sword 90% complete - Multiplayer add-on a possibility originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EurogamerHeavenly SwordHeavenlySwordWed, 16 May 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Unbelievable Heavenly Sword concept art]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/14/unbelievable-heavenly-sword-concept-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/14/unbelievable-heavenly-sword-concept-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/14/unbelievable-heavenly-sword-concept-art/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Digg!
Today marks a very special day for us at PS3 Fanboy -- we've stumbled upon 26 fantastic concept art images for the upcoming Heavenly Sword. We're told that some of these are from the anime created to correspond to the game, but clearly some of it is artwork of the highest pedigree.

Heavenly Sword is a fast-paced action game due out exclusively on the PLAYSTATION 3 this August. Lead heroine Nariko stumbles upon a sword of immense power that slowly sucks the life out of her while she slices through legions of enemies. We were told a while back that Heavenly Sword may feature more monstrous enemies than packs of infantry, and that piece of art in the gallery with the turtle-shell bad guy is what we can probably expect -- humanoid, but with monstrous strength and funky fashion sense.

Check out our gallery, leave your thoughts and get ready for a fantastic game this Fall!

Gallery: Heavenly Sword concept art



[Thanks, Jamal!]

JoystiqUnbelievable Heavenly Sword concept art originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artconcept artConceptArtHeavenly SwordHeavenlySwordMon, 14 May 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavenly Sword scans show off enemy numbers... kinda]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/heavenly-sword-scans-show-off-enemy-numbers-kinda/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/heavenly-sword-scans-show-off-enemy-numbers-kinda/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/heavenly-sword-scans-show-off-enemy-numbers-kinda/#commentsFiled under:

Blam! The latest issue of EGM has just started circulation, but already we've gotten a hold of the scans from their Heavenly Sword exclusive mumbo-jumbo. What can we say? The game still looks great, even in magazine form! In addition to some great pictures, there's this tasty quote about how fluid and fantastic the battle system will be: "We've got a level of grace and fluidity in our combat. You move in a dance-like state where you're doing a lot of complex maneuvers, and the more crazy stuff you execute, the more style points you accumulate...If you pick up a shield, you can throw it, and if you hold down the button, you'll go into this flying camera with the shield and maneuver it while it's in midair. Same goes with shooting the crossbow." Awesome.

We've got a lot to look forward to in this title, to be sure. While not for everybody, for the majority of those seeking a next-gen action game not centered around incredibly beefy men with giant guns, this should be the ticket. As I've said to my friends: "I'd rather play as a girl in a game, especially with customizations, because I feel weird if I'm a guy trying to find the best chest-wax add-on to make my man more muscly and attractive."

JoystiqHeavenly Sword scans show off enemy numbers... kinda originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly SwordHeavenlySwordPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3SonyWed, 02 May 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavenly Sword demo is super-confirmed!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/heavenly-sword-demo-is-super-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/heavenly-sword-demo-is-super-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/heavenly-sword-demo-is-super-confirmed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This is a little piece of news that should make everybody happy! Ninja Theory's upcoming super-sexy-cool slash-'em-up and beat-'em-down title, Heavenly Sword, has a demo on the way. SCEA's Kyle Shubel sat down for a quick interview and talked a little about the game. Since we covered pretty much everything there is to know about the gameplay during the week o' Heavenly Sword, we'll only touch on the interesting bits.

  • No online multiplayer -- it's a single player game.
  • They're in discussions about what to bring to HOME. Trophies, whatever. Again, who would love to see a life-sized statue of Nariko next to that life-sized Dante statue? That's pretty rewarding. If it happens.
  • Demo is planned, but its release is still in discussion. We're estimating July just for the heck of it. Sound appropriate?
  • Resolution and framerate right now: 720p @ 30fps
  • Apparently, there will be giant monster-type enemies. No details yet.
  • "Good replay value" planned.

Mmm, so what's with developers keeping their mouths shut? Do they really not want to fail to keep a promise that badly? We'd love to just get a ballpark for the demo, or what they'd like to see in HOME, or when they imagine the game being released. Oh well. Until the next interview, then!

JoystiqHeavenly Sword demo is super-confirmed! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly SwordHeavenlySwordNinja TheoryNinjaTheoryPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3SonyMon, 30 Apr 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Saturday PSP background explosion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/21/saturday-psp-background-explosion/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/21/saturday-psp-background-explosion/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/21/saturday-psp-background-explosion/#commentsFiled under:

Every week, PSP Fanboy brings you new backgrounds to keep your PSP safe from unbackgrounditis. Remember, you can save these images directly to your PSP by accessing the site wireless at m.pspfanboy.com. This week, we fulfill last week's fan requests, which were all PS3 game backgrounds. What games are featured? Continue on to find out.


Backgrounds after the jump ...

Continue reading Saturday PSP background explosion

JoystiqSaturday PSP background explosion originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Apr 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backgroundbackgroundsdevil may cryDevilMayCryheavenly swordHeavenlySwordlairpsp backgroundsPspBackgroundsSat, 21 Apr 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavenly Sword week concludes... for now!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/14/heavenly-sword-week-concludes-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/14/heavenly-sword-week-concludes-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/14/heavenly-sword-week-concludes-for-now/#commentsFiled under: ,

The week of Heavenly Sword draws to a close, but we can read up on it anytime, so the week can last as long as you want it to. But the bit of information we gathered for Friday were 10 things we didn't know about the game. Let's see if we actually knew any of them.

  1. Nariko is dying -- combat keeps her alive.
  2. Bad guy is named King Botham.
  3. Nariko has three fighting stances (see Wednesday's information for that one).
  4. The Cell processor pulls off some neat tricks -- swirling hair, clothes, waterfalls, etc.
  5. You'll fight many enemies at once... more than Dynasty Warriors, we'd wager.
  6. SIXIAXIS motion controls projectiles mid-flight.
  7. No monstrous creatures to battle... well... not yet.
  8. Multiplayer? The question mark means we don't know.
  9. Heavenly Sword is not unlike God of War.
  10. Ninja Theory were previously known as Just Add Monsters.

We knew most of these, except the last one. If you've been keeping up with GamePro's week of Heavenly Sword, you would have known them too!

JoystiqHeavenly Sword week concludes... for now! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Apr 2007 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly SwordHeavenlySwordNinja TheoryNinjaTheoryPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3SonySat, 14 Apr 2007 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[We forgot about Heavenly Sword week! This was Thursday.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/we-forgot-about-heavenly-sword-week-this-was-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/we-forgot-about-heavenly-sword-week-this-was-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/we-forgot-about-heavenly-sword-week-this-was-thursday/#commentsFiled under: ,

Thursday's Heavenly Sword feature is a lot less text-intensive and a lot more "oooh, aaaah" intensive. For yesterday, GamePro allowed readers to check out some of the incredibly beautiful art for the title. This includes, of course, the beautiful Nariko and that outfit that, we're certain, is worn for increased mobility.

There are also some great landscape shots -- things that should probably be on one of those calendars featuring... places. We really don't have much else to say on this topic. It's a great collection of art, except for that one where Nariko is holding the two swords... if you take that picture and put it next to the Prince of Persia: Warrior Within art, the similarity is pretty humorous. The Prince is in a stance exactly like that, if we recall. Anyway, Friday's feature is next... as soon as they update it.

JoystiqWe forgot about Heavenly Sword week! This was Thursday. originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly SwordHeavenlySwordNinja TheoryNinjaTheoryPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3SonyFri, 13 Apr 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[We forgot about Heavenly Sword week! This was Wednesday.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/we-forgot-about-heavenly-sword-week-this-was-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/we-forgot-about-heavenly-sword-week-this-was-wednesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/we-forgot-about-heavenly-sword-week-this-was-wednesday/#commentsFiled under: ,

How humiliating! We got so caught up in the news from everywhere else, we completely neglected to keep up with the Heavenly Sword week over at GamePro. No worries, though, we'll catch you up over the next couple of hours. Wednesday's feature focused on the three fighting styles available to Nariko and her sword, which is slowly draining the life out of her. These styles can be changed mid-attack, so it's not unlike Devil May Cry 3's switching weapons on the fly. Here are the three styles in basic detail:

  1. Speed Style: This is the default battle stance primarily composed of rapid short-sword strikes. It's best used for close encounters.
  2. Ranged Style: These chain swords let you pick off distant foes, or hook one and slam him into the ground. Like Kratos, maybe, but we're going to say Ivy from Soul Calibur just to be different.
  3. Power Style: Slow, but can inflict... you guessed it... massive damage!

Stringing together long, custom combos sounds like a blast. As far as the controls, GamePro proudly announces that they're pretty intuitive and easy to get the hang of. As far as SIXAXIS goes, it gets a workout (moving the camera, influencing the direction a projectile is thrown, etc) but isn't central to the gameplay.

One last thing... heroic exploits. These are timed button-pressing sequences (or "on-screen prompts" if you prefer) that involve quick reflexes on your part for survival. We may be completely wrong about that, but there are points in the game where you take part in something beyond the normal slashing action. Maybe it's like Resident Evil 3 where you have to make a decision about how to act really quickly (Jill vs. Nemesis text-decisions)?

We'll bring you Thursday's feature in a little bit!

JoystiqWe forgot about Heavenly Sword week! This was Wednesday. originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly SwordHeavenlySwordNinja TheoryNinjaTheoryPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3SonyFri, 13 Apr 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavenly Sword week continues: the tech behind the sword]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/heavenly-sword-week-continues-the-tech-behind-the-sword/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/heavenly-sword-week-continues-the-tech-behind-the-sword/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/heavenly-sword-week-continues-the-tech-behind-the-sword/#commentsFiled under: ,

The week of Heavenly Sword continues over at GamePro, today gracing us with a kinda-sorta behind the scenes look at some of the story, art direction, and graphics. We'll highlight what's important and leave it to you to check out the full scoop so you can sound like the go-to guy/girl for this game.

  • The Cell is stressed by Heavenly Sword by handling so many enemies on screen at once: "the trick is that Cell treats entire regiments as a single unit of artificial intelligence when they are at a distance; as they draw closer, Cell gradually divides the army into smaller and smaller groups, so they eventually become individual troops with unique fighting styles and tactics." Neat!
  • Graphics are gorgeous and respond to their environment or whatever: "Wind gusts swirl Nariko's hair and clothes, and bazooka blasts send out showers of dust and rubble." Yeah, but... 1080p?
  • How about physics and SIXAXIS support? "When firing a cannon, Nariko can influence the trajectory of the projectile using the Sixaxis. Ninja Theory claims it needs the Cell to handle these complex calculations." They claim... so is there another way? We think back to the Nikita missile in Metal Gear Solid... that was fun.

We've still got a lot of questions -- Nariko's past is still pretty much unknown and things like 1080p support haven't been set in stone. No matter the case, this game will be something to grab come September.

JoystiqHeavenly Sword week continues: the tech behind the sword originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly SwordHeavenlySwordNarikoNinja TheoryNinjaTheoryPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3SonyWed, 11 Apr 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavenly Sword week opens with 10 new screenshots]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/heavenly-sword-week-opens-with-10-new-screenshots/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/heavenly-sword-week-opens-with-10-new-screenshots/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/heavenly-sword-week-opens-with-10-new-screenshots/#commentsFiled under: ,

There's nothing quite like having an entire week themed on a certain game -- it just so happens this week is extra special because the focus over at GamePro is on Heavenly Sword. The action title is boasting some pretty tight-looking control schemes and action that may rival God of War in unrelenting badassery. Is that a proper term to use for a fantastic female lead? Or would we just call her "sexystrong"?

In addition to the ten new screenshots that were released, we'd like to spurn on a discussion for you guys. More and more lately, there seem to be female spots springing up in games as supporting leads (Rachel in Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Lady in Devil May Cry 3 among others), but they've usually got the "share the spotlight with the male lead" syndrome. We pose this question (which I discuss with one of my friends every month or so): what games had a great female lead, who either didn't have to share the spotlight with a male lead, or who had male supporting roles beneath her? Here are a few examples:

  • Aya Brea: Parasite Eve, Parasite Eve 2
  • Terra and Celes: Final Fantasy VI
  • Virginia Maxwell: Wild Arms 3 (let's not kid ourselves, overall the story was hers)

Your turn!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqHeavenly Sword week opens with 10 new screenshots originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly SwordHeavenlySwordNarikoPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3SonyTue, 10 Apr 2007 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Three Speech retracts PS3 BioShock, but not other release dates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/07/three-speech-retracts-ps3-bioshock-but-not-other-release-dates/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/07/three-speech-retracts-ps3-bioshock-but-not-other-release-dates/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/07/three-speech-retracts-ps3-bioshock-but-not-other-release-dates/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Three Speech, the "semi-official blog handled by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe," has retracted their claim that BioShock is coming to the PlayStation 3. The kerfuffle began when Steve Boxer, one of the only non-anonymous writers for the site, stated the PlayStation 3 would be getting the game. He wrote in a post about upcoming games, "Another hotly anticipated title from 2K Games (also appearing on Xbox 360) is BioShock." Of course, having this posted on Sony Europe's semi-official blog did bring the statements some weight. The post also stated September would see the releases of Killzone, Heavenly Sword, Ratchet & Clank, Lair and Warhawk. None of these release dates have been retracted, but Sony America says the only game with a confirmed date is Lair in July.

It would be nice to finally get a statement on what Three Speech is to Sony. This is the second time in two weeks Three Speech has gone off-message. They state on their site, "Three Speech isn't part of PlayStation, but it does get to speak to PlayStation. You could say we're 'semi official'." Our requests to Three Speech for the name of their editor and a list of their writers have been ignored previously. We continue to question who Three Speech is and what they represent. If they are a handled by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, like Sony America says, it might be time to tug the leash.

JoystiqThree Speech retracts PS3 BioShock, but not other release dates originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2007 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshockheavenly swordkillzonelairps3ratchet and clanksonysony playstationXbox-360Sat, 07 Apr 2007 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavenly Sword motion capture session with Andy Serkis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/05/heavenly-sword-motion-capture-session-with-andy-serkis/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/05/heavenly-sword-motion-capture-session-with-andy-serkis/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/05/heavenly-sword-motion-capture-session-with-andy-serkis/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Some of you may know Andy Serkis as the fellow who voiced the beyond-logical-description character Gollum in some movie about rings and lords... Pride and Prejudice, methinks. There were lordly people in there and much exchanging of rings. We kid, naturally. Anyway, it's pretty interesting and entertaining seeing this guy get into character for his role in Heavenly Sword. Reminds me of myself, when I get into character at the start of every single day of my life. Get it? No? It wasn't a joke, you say? Now I'm confused.

JoystiqHeavenly Sword motion capture session with Andy Serkis originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Andy SerkisAndySerkisHeavenly SwordHeavenlySwordPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3SonyThu, 05 Apr 2007 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony hopped on the April Fool's bandwagon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/sony-hopped-on-the-april-fools-bandwagon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/sony-hopped-on-the-april-fools-bandwagon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/sony-hopped-on-the-april-fools-bandwagon/#commentsFiled under:

We're calling it the April Fool's bandwagon because it's actually not that, but it would have been a better excuse by Sony instead of calling the release schedule on their UK site untrue. We typed up a nice article yesterday with no intent to fool anyone, yet that's exactly what happened. Just as an aside, if I had made an April Fool's article, it would've been too mean so I decided against it. I'm not good at drawing that line, so I utilized the better part of valor (that's discretion).

A Sony spokesperson addressed the issue thus: "We haven't got any release dates for those at the moment; they're just pencilled in for 2007." She's referring to Lair and Heavenly Sword. Why did I just assume it was a woman? Strange. He or she. Anyway, we know that's what they said, but... Lair has been anticipated for May release for a while now. We're going to bank on it still coming out at that time -- Heavenly Sword will come a month or two later, at least in Europe (it's made by an SCEE studio, so they should get dibs). Sorry guys. I was excited too. Let us join together for an angry fist-shake at the Sony webpage designers!

JoystiqSony hopped on the April Fool's bandwagon originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly SwordHeavenlySwordLairPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3SCEESonyMon, 02 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[May is the month for games... in the UK!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/01/may-is-the-month-for-games-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/01/may-is-the-month-for-games-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/01/may-is-the-month-for-games-in-the-uk/#commentsFiled under:

The US PlayStation site doesn't have these listed in a very easy-to-find place, if at all, but the UK PlayStation website has updated its release schedule for some hotly anticipated titles. April doesn't hold much for you guys, but May is your month -- you'll probably be getting these games earlier than everyone else (expected, since at least one is coming from a European studio). We are, of course, talking about Lair and Heavenly Sword, both slated for a May release.

You've also got SingStar coming your way in June, which implies there may be a huge revamping of the PS-Store sometime before that. Don't quote us, we're not sure, but it would make sense and be nice, what with Sony being a gigantic music distributor and all. Good stuff, that. We didn't expect Heavenly Sword until much later in the year. If the UK gobbles it up in May, we in the US may get it around July, right? Hopefully.

JoystiqMay is the month for games... in the UK! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Apr 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly SwordHeavenlySwordLairPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3SingStarSonySun, 01 Apr 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/11/psp-fanboy-theatre-volume-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/11/psp-fanboy-theatre-volume-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/11/psp-fanboy-theatre-volume-10/#commentsFiled under:

Note: This edition was delayed due to an internet outage.
PSP Fanboy offers the latest and greatest movie and game trailers, formatted for the PSP in this new weekly feature. Check it out every Saturday. PSP owners can download files wirelessly via m.pspfanboy.com.

Instructions: Save all movie and thumbnail files to MP_ROOT/101ANV01/. Requires firmware 2.00 or above. Do NOT place in "VIDEO" folder. Firmware 2.80 or above do not need to download thumbnails.

LittleBigPlanet [PS3]
Download MP4 (25.5MB) | Download THM

The following videos are featured after the break: Warhawk [PS3], fl0w [PS3], Home [PS3], Heavenly Sword [PS3]

Continue reading PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 10

JoystiqPSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Mar 2007 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionFlowheavenly swordHeavenlySwordhomelittlebigplanetPSNSCEASonyThatGameCompanytheatrewarhawkSun, 11 Mar 2007 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavenly Sword screenshot/girlfriend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/11/heavenly-sword-screenshot-girlfriend/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/11/heavenly-sword-screenshot-girlfriend/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/11/heavenly-sword-screenshot-girlfriend/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Cutscenes in games are photo-realistic on the PS3. Seriously. Even though Nariko from Heavenly Sword is built based on an actress (kind of like the main characters in the Onimusha games), this screenshot/wallpaper placed on the Ninja Theory forums really shows how gorgeous games can be, cutscene or not.

This picture of Nariko spurned on a lot of debate on the forums, many nay-sayers claiming that there's no way this sort of graphic can be in-game. It is in-game, but a cutscene. Just read the original post from the Web Admin: "Had a chat with Tameem, and we've managed to get approval from Sony to release a screenshot to say a big 'Thank You' for your participation on the forums. So, without further a-do, here's an in-game screen grab of Nariko from one of our cutscenes." Yeah, we added the bold. So, what did this "Tameem" guy say? Let's look backwards.

"I'm assuming most of you have seen the "Cinematic Production" teaser. The facial model and texturing you see is based on the actress and the expression is comprised of a series of blend-shapes driven by the mocap data. Each expression is tweaked by us so that we remain true to the original performance. Lighting and depth of field is then applied to the scene and the results, I hope you'll agree, look pretty nice. This particular example doesn't have the floor in place and we've made it into a 1280x1024 size image so that it can be used as a desktop wallpaper."

I've needed a new wallpaper and this will do nicely. What do you guys think? If actual in-game... gameplay graphics are anywhere near this, will that not be very, very impressive?

JoystiqHeavenly Sword screenshot/girlfriend originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Mar 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly SwordHeavenlySwordNinja TheoryNinjaTheoryPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3SonySun, 11 Mar 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's most Hero(es)ic game video: Heavenly Sword on NBC's 'Heroes']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/05/todays-most-hero-es-ic-game-video-heavenly-sword-on-nbcs-her/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/05/todays-most-hero-es-ic-game-video-heavenly-sword-on-nbcs-her/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/05/todays-most-hero-es-ic-game-video-heavenly-sword-on-nbcs-her/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Tonight's episode of Heroes on NBC opens with Micah and Niki/Jessica playing Heavenly Sword on the PlayStation 3. Apparently one of Micah's other tech-based powers is the ability to play unreleased video games. That would actually be a pretty sweet ability to have. Of course, talk about getting no work done as a result. Like us rushing to get this post to you before the show even airs. We read your minds, a la Matt Parkman, and knew you'd want to see this early.

Is there also some sort of a hint or clue buried in the game title? Hiro is desperately trying to get his hands on that special samurai sword that he thinks will let him access his powers once again. Of course in the game Heavenly Sword, the title weapon is the game. According to an IGN interview with the developer Ninja Theory, "The story revolves around an ancient sword, the Heavenly Sword, which belonged to a deity and can never be wielded by a mortal without destroying them ... but as the sword is not meant for her, it sucks away her life force. So you begin the game with only a few hours left to live and have to fulfill this one last mission before the sword finally takes your life. But until that day arrives, Nariko's fighting skills rock."

Also, Gollum/King Kong/Nikola Tesla's assistant Andy Serkis will be playing villainous King Botan in this game. Is there any sort of connection here? We'd love to see Serkis on heroes. His power would be to make you feel slightly uncormfortable. Very interesting, NBC. Verrrrrrrrry interesting.

JoystiqToday's most Hero(es)ic game video: Heavenly Sword on NBC's 'Heroes' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2007 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CheerleaderHeavenly SwordHeroesHiroJessicaMichaNBCNikiPlayStation 3PS3Sonysuper powerssuperherosuperpowersMon, 05 Mar 2007 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Covers for Heavenly Sword, anyone?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/01/covers-for-heavenly-sword-anyone/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/01/covers-for-heavenly-sword-anyone/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/01/covers-for-heavenly-sword-anyone/#commentsFiled under:

It's not the game, but it at least gives us a glimpse of what to look for on the shelves of our local video game retailer. The box-art for Heavenly Sword has apparently been unleashed on the PS3Forums and you know what? That box-art is snazzy. It almost begs to get placed on our gaming library shelf.

The picture we've got here is the European box-art... which makes sense, since the studio making the game is based "over there" (to be vague). Not much else to say about this, but your opinion always matters, so we'll leave the rest of the talking up to you.

JoystiqCovers for Heavenly Sword, anyone? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Mar 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly SwordHeavenlySwordPlaystation 3Playstation3PS3SonyThu, 01 Mar 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Some pretty new Heavenly Sword scans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/20/some-pretty-new-heavenly-sword-scans/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/20/some-pretty-new-heavenly-sword-scans/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/20/some-pretty-new-heavenly-sword-scans/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hmm, call me crazy, but I'd rather take Final Fantasy XIII's Lightning out for coffee than Heavenly Sword's Nariko. Why? Uhhh... check out the latest screens/scans from the latter's game and you tell us. Yeah, you'd feel safe if Nariko was having a good time and you suddenly get surrounded by a plethora of ninjas, but what if she asked for decaf and you forgot? Something tells me she'd be less receptive than Lightning.

Anyway, these latest scans show the long red-haired heroine dealing some major deathblows to some masked peons, as well as Jeux-France's confirmation that indeed, the game is due out in March for the North American crowd. Which is really strange, since the latest EGM threw this title out in their "Fall '07" lineup. But of course, this is the same EGM who hosted a poll asking "What's wrong with the PlayStation Store" and 55% of the voters said "It's not XBox Live". I mean, I don't like cheese because it isn't ice cream. Sure, both are dairy, but I'm ignorant and take advantage of a poll without any screening questions.

Wow, we're getting off topic. Although, not much to be on topic about. Check out the scans and get pumped up for March!

JoystiqSome pretty new Heavenly Sword scans originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Jan 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly SwordHeavenlySwordNinja TheoryNinjaTheoryPlaystation 3Playstation3PS3SonySat, 20 Jan 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavenly Sword still on track despite PAL delay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/04/heavenly-sword-still-on-track-despite-pal-delay/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/04/heavenly-sword-still-on-track-despite-pal-delay/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/04/heavenly-sword-still-on-track-despite-pal-delay/#commentsFiled under: ,

Or is it? Says Nina Kristensen, Ninja Theory's co-founder, "We've always been a launch window title so it hasn't affected us at all," referring to the PS3 delay in Europe. However, lead animator Guy Midgley said "No, it's going to be next year...but we haven't announced a specific date yet." So... it's a launch window title (which should be before 2007, right?) but it's not coming out until next year in the US?

Oh. Launch window for Europe! Well, if you put it that way, it makes sense. So, for those of you wondering, Heavenly Sword hasn't been moved forward in the launch frame, nor has it been delayed. The difference between Japan/North Ameria launch window and the European launch window might have caused a few rumors to spark into existence, only to be snuffed out by a little bit of common sense.

JoystiqHeavenly Sword still on track despite PAL delay originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Oct 2006 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly SwordHeavenlySwordNinja TheoryNinjaTheoryPlaystation 3Playstation3PS3SonyWed, 04 Oct 2006 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 06: Best in Show, according to CESA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/24/tgs-06-best-in-show-according-to-cesa/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/24/tgs-06-best-in-show-according-to-cesa/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/24/tgs-06-best-in-show-according-to-cesa/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The mighty Computer Entertainment Software Association of Japan revealed the eleven titles they thought were the "best in show." Of those titles, two were exclusives for the PSP. Here are the winners, in no particular order:
  • Elebits (Konami) for the Wii
  • Gyakuten Saiban 4 [Phoenix Wright] (Capcom) for the DS
  • Gran Turismo HD (Sony) for the PS3
  • The Eye of Judgment (Sony) for the PS3
  • Seiken Densetsu 4 [Dawn of Mana] (Square Enix) for the PS2
  • Tales of Destiny (Namco Bandai) for the PS2
  • Blue Dragon (Microsoft) for the Xbox 360
  • Heavenly Sword (Sony) for the PS3
  • Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops (Konami) for the PSP
  • Monster Hunter Portable 2nd (Capcom) for the PSP
  • Lost Planet (Capcom) for the Xbox 360
This should come as no surprise. There are so many excellent games at TGS this year, that it must've been nigh impossible to even narrow the list down. But, for those of you that are battling a fanboy war, you might want to note that PSP got two titles, and the DS only got one.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqTGS 06: Best in Show, according to CESA originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Sep 2006 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardawardsbest in showBestInShowblue dragonBlueDragoncesadawn of manaDawnOfManaelebitsgran turismoGranTurismoheavenly swordHeavenlySwordlost planetLostPlanetmetal gear solidMetalGearSolidmgsmonster hunterMonsterHunterphoenix wrightPhoenixWrightportable opsPortableOpstales of destinyTalesOfDestinytgstokyo game showTokyoGameShowSun, 24 Sep 2006 01:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavenly Sword screens and vid... Sony owns TGS!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/23/heavenly-sword-screens-and-vid-sony-owns-tgs/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/23/heavenly-sword-screens-and-vid-sony-owns-tgs/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/23/heavenly-sword-screens-and-vid-sony-owns-tgs/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Maybe that last phrase was unnecessary, but it doesn't matter. There has been so much eyebrow-raising at Sony's stuff at the Tokyo Game Show that all the bad news prior seems to be fading into, er, oblivion. Anyway, Heavenly Sword has a few high-res screens up here, and also a video to download. Just navigate around the question marks and the video's under the blue question marks next to the "mpg". If that doesn't work, you can always look for another video... there's a few over at IGN. It's more arena brawling, but it doesn't matter when the game looks this fun. November is so far away... not that this is a launch title, but even so, we want our PS3. We knew the Tokyo Game Show would change many people's minds! Hooray!

[creds to Ruliweb for the image (and Sony, of course)]

JoystiqHeavenly Sword screens and vid... Sony owns TGS! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Sep 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly SwordHeavenlySwordPlaystation 3Playstation3PS3SonyTokyo Game ShowTokyoGameShowSat, 23 Sep 2006 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavenly Sword Q&A -- quick and awesome]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/heavenly-sword-qanda-quick-and-awesome/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/heavenly-sword-qanda-quick-and-awesome/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/heavenly-sword-qanda-quick-and-awesome/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The producer of Heavenly Sword, Mat Hart, sat down for an interview recently and talked about this much anticipated PS3 title. Here's what he had to say:

  • The inspiration for the action scenes came mostly from film -- films like Hero, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon... stuff that's over the top, but really, really cool.
  • The combat system has been in the works for two years, from scratch! They're really trying to reach a deep combo system, what with juggling enemies and the like. "You know, you go into power stance and you feel the weight of the weapon, and you're hitting people across the room, but then you flip over into speed stance, and you're dancing all over the place, spinning the blades around, just whacking guys up into the air." Yay!
  • Ever play Kung Fu Chaos for the XBox? A lot of their ideas spawned from that game.
  • They've been working on a camera system and seem to be thinking about incorporating the tilt sensor as a camera system. Maybe not in this game, but in the future, they believe it could be a very interesting concept.
  • How has developing for the PS3 turned out? Let's just quote this one: "It's been great! To be fair, I've not had anything to compare it with, because we're only developing for PS3, this is a PS3 exclusive. I can't comment on other SKUs or anything like that. But certainly we've found Sony to be a fantastic partner to work with. The actual architecture of the console, the power of the PlayStation 3, is what gives us the ability to give you an environment that's alive, a combat system that gives a unique experience, and a story, an emotionally driven, character-driven story, that pulls you through the game."
  • A half-dozen "chapters" of single-player gaming, one weapon with three different stances (ranged, speed, power)... and they're still tweaking the idea of a "sense of urgency". Will the heroine's life deplete slowly throughout a level? Maybe.
It was an interesting interview, but not too much was revealed that we weren't aware of. The fact that we've only got one weapon to use is kind of annoying, but with the different stances it may help spice up combat to keep us entertained throughout the game. Check out the whole interview if you're looking forward to this PS3 game.

JoystiqHeavenly Sword Q&A -- quick and awesome originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Sep 2006 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavenly SwordHeavenlySwordPlaystation 3Playstation3PS3SonyTue, 19 Sep 2006 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blu-ray = Success! says Jez San of Heavenly Sword]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/04/blu-ray-success-says-jez-san-of-heavenly-sword/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/04/blu-ray-success-says-jez-san-of-heavenly-sword/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/04/blu-ray-success-says-jez-san-of-heavenly-sword/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jez San was recently interviewed on his take about the PS3 and he said it would succeed, if only because of Blu-ray. He also said: "I think the combination of a next-generation games machine and a next-generation DVD player that plays full high-definition movies is very compelling, despite the huge price. Remember price is just a function of time and volume. It doesn't matter what the PS3 comes out at, it's what it gets down to, over time, that's important." Yeah, but Sony has said they don't intend to drop the price for a while. Even so, he does have a point.

Some analyst agreed with Jez San, but really, there are so many market analysts it isn't surprising that one of them agreed. Although the analyst agreed, he did admit that Sony has a rough ride coming up, what with all the negative press going around. San finishes up the piece by saying that each console has a unique market appeal and the war may end up in a 3-way tie. Armistice, anyone?

JoystiqBlu-ray = Success! says Jez San of Heavenly Sword originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Aug 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu-RayHeavenly SwordHeavenlySwordJez SanJezSanPlaystation 3Playstation3PS3SonyFri, 04 Aug 2006 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Drool-inducing Heavenly Sword images]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/20/drool-inducing-heavenly-sword-images/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/20/drool-inducing-heavenly-sword-images/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/20/drool-inducing-heavenly-sword-images/#commentsFiled under:


She's deadly, beautiful and red-headed. The premise behind Heavenly Sword's heroine is enough to get you interested in checking out the images, but seeing some of the concept art alone shows even more potential. It may just take a console as powerful as the PS3 to realize some of these beautiful environments. Take a gander at these pics to see what will be coming your way in the not-too-distant future.

JoystiqDrool-inducing Heavenly Sword images originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jun 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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