Story
Nariko is not your typical upset sword-wielding lady with an axe to grind. She is the clan outcast, daughter of the clan leader and a failed attempt at some ancient prophecy. The problem is she is wielding a cursed sword that is slowly killing her. She has a few days to save her ungrateful clan, the world, and give her friend Kai some peace and happiness with your usual more than “just friends” undertones. The tale is told via flash backs as Nariko starts the game battling hundreds and hundreds of bad guys then falls over dead. With cut scenes showing her in some mystic place apparently arguing with the sword, gamers will learn why she is hated by her clan and what she must do to save them. The story moves with ease and is easy to follow while keeping the gamers involved.

Graphics
Heavenly Sword wields some of the best visuals in any game to date. The graphics are beautiful and character models almost flawless. The cut-scenes and actual gameplay have almost no difference as gamers will truly have difficulty taking their eyes off the screen. All this must be pointed out that not only are these graphics simply amazing but this is done with backgrounds that are spectacularly detailed. At certain points during the game there can be an upward of almost a thousand enemies on the screen.

Sound
The voice-overs are delivered with near perfect quality. With a wide variety of talented voices lending their ability, gamers will hear their favorite characters come to life. Heavenly Sword also has fantastic sound effects but not a lot of originality. As for the music in Heavenly Sword, I have always felt that the best game score is one that gamers don’t even realize it’s playing. Ninga Theory has createded a score that moves so well with the game it actually becomes part of the game and not just background noise.

Value
Ninja Theory spent a lot of time creating a game to launch the PS3. I just wish they spent some of that time giving gamers a reason to keep playing. Few gamers will truly care about going back to beat the game on the harder level and with no extra missions or different endings, gamers will probably just have a one time go at it. The game does offer several extras, like some behind the scenes camera work, though few gamers will care too much here. Heavenly Sword may just be the best rental on the market but for hardcore gamers it is must have in case you want to slow-mo an arrow in some baddie's back side without doing 5 to 10 in the state pen.

Conclusion
Ninja Theory definitely put up a fantastic show for Game of the Year on the Playstation 3 with Heavenly Sword. With its constant action, excellent visuals, and compelling story Heavenly Sword will keep gamers attached to their system for hours. Nariko is a great lead and Kai is by far the best side-kick to date. Unfortunately hours are all they will get as the game finishes a bit too quickly for the hardcore gamers. Though I have to say if you have $60 to spend and about seven hours free, Heavenly Sword is a must purchase and great time.







What the other guys are saying:
PSM: 8 out of 10
GameSpot: 8 out of 10
TPS – TotalPlayStation: 9 out of 10
GameTrailers: 7.9 out of 10
EGM: 9 out of 10
1UP.com: 8 out of 10
Game Informer: 9 out of 10
IGN.com: 7 out of 10
GamePro: 4.5 out of 5