There is something very enchanting and intriguing about girls with weapons, no wonder Lara Croft is so popular. We even featured an article about Babes of Gaming a year back. This time around, we have a new babe joining the gang. Her name is Nariko, and yes she is hot. So what is she doing with a weapon called Heavenly Sword? Kicking the hell out of the evil kings army of course. And who is this evil king? He’s Andy Serkis. Now who is Andy? Well, he is King Kong and Golem. Where am I getting at? Read on.
I recently had the opportunity to preview this game at a special event held by Milestone Interactive wherein they showcased Heavenly Sword to a lucky few. Although this was an unfinished preview version, it was enough to know that the game looks like art. Really beautiful and amazingly detailed, I can just imagine what the finished version will look like. Before I tell you about my personal experience, let me tell me more about the game’s plot.
The story revolves around a King and his invading army, the king played by Andy Serkis, who is the world’s leading CG actor who has played characters like Gollum and Kong. The king wants a weapon called the Heavenly Sword, a very powerful weapon. But there is an ancient clan guarding the sword, the king invades and kills the leader of the clan. The clan leader’s daughter then takes up the sword to avenge her father’s death. There is a price that one must pay while wielding the sword, as a mortal you will slowly lose his life force. But Nariko is ready to pay any price and slowly and steadily this seems like a script for an overambitious Hindi flick. But trust me guys this is one game that really showcases the PS3 power. Check out these screenshots, and read on to know more about the gameplay.
Goddess of War
I will now discuss with you what the developers called the ‘Rope Level’ in the preview copy. The level starts with Nariko on top of a hill, looking down at a group of the king’s soldiers. According to the level design, there are ropes suspended from the hill that are holding this huge solid platform. The soldiers spot Nariko as she starts running on the ropes to reach the platform, seeing this soldiers start cutting the rope, which is pretty stupid since the ropes are holding the platform. As she runs down the rope you have to interact by pressing X, and pressing X like crazy. This will ensure that Nariko balances herself and doesn’t fall off the ropes. As the stupid soldiers cut off the rope you will have to press keys that pop up on your screen to which Nariko will respond. Basically it’s very similar to what Kratos does in God of War while fighting in the boss levels.
Once you have completed the sequence, you will land in style between the crowd in a superbly styled sequence that give makes you feel like you are watching an John Woo film. Once in, she starts using her sword and unleashing hell on the stupid soldiers. But the AI is smart when it comes to combat; they fight very well and defend, counter attack, power up and execute special moves. Nariko’s combat is split into fast attack, power attack and special attack. She can also attack at a range with her sword. The sword can be split into two or used as a single blade. The combat is really good and feels like real power. Once you finish the small group of soldiers on the platform, you cut the last rope and free fall with the platform onto what looks like a palace or a temple. There you encounter more enemies and get to try out some really cool moves. You can hold one enemy and execute a special attack. The special attack is presented well and looks uber cool.
The most awesome move of the game is called ‘After Touch’ which is a great concept. Basically, you can pick up any item or weapon, or even a dead enemy. By pressing X and using the Six Axis motion sensor in the PS3 controller you can throw the object. So if you throw a sword, the view changes to a Third Person view of the object with motion blur around it and you can control its trajectory with your controller. So you can control the sword or a barrel in the air and throw it at the enemies. The combat is amazing and something that you will enjoy.
Now we Wait
The preview build looks amazing and plays brilliantly; there is no doubt that this is one game that will make the PS3 worth buying. Until Kratos comes back on the PS3, we have a new Goddess of War.
ScreenShots:
