Sony Computer
Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the North American
release of Heavenly Sword, available exclusively for PLAYSTATION(R)3
(PS3). Developed by Ninja Theory Ltd., Heavenly Sword is an emotional
roller coaster that invites players to experience a dramatic tale, as
Nariko, a fiery red-haired heroine, embarks on a quest for vengeance
against an invading King and his army.
Regarded as one of the most anticipated PS3 titles of the year,
Heavenly Sword is an action-adventure title that takes players'
expectations to an all-new level with its unparalleled real-time story
development coupled with immersive, action-packed gameplay. To aid in the
development of the characters and story, Ninja Theory employed the talents
of Weta Digital Ltd., an Academy Award(R) winning visual effects facility
based in Wellington, New Zealand, known for its work in creating
Hollywood-quality motion capture and Computer Generated Imagery (CGI).
Additionally, theatrical performances were directed by Academy Award
winning actor and director Andy Serkis, famous for his role as Gollum in
The Lord of the Rings and Kong in King Kong. Along with his contributions
in the character development, writing, casting, directing and performance
capture, Serkis plays the evil King Bohan in Heavenly Sword.
"Heavenly Sword seamlessly combines a robust combat system with
extraordinary visuals and dramatic character performance to overwhelm the
senses and create an experience that can only be achieved on PS3," said
Jeff Reese, director, software marketing, SCEA. "Heavenly Sword has
single-handedly exposed the future of the action-adventure genre."
In addition to a compelling storyline and characters, Heavenly Sword
showcases stunning graphics and sound effects, as gamers experience the
next chapter in epic action through a combination of elements. Featuring a
combat engine that can scale up from sophisticated one-on-one encounters to
allowing for individual Artificial Intelligence (AI) for hundreds of
opponents, enemies are able to employ intelligent squad-based dynamics
against battalions, thus pushing gameplay and AI to unprecedented new
levels.
Additionally, Heavenly Sword delivers beautiful physics-based
environments that are fully destructible, allowing players the ability to
sweep debris against opponents, kick tables to halt an oncoming surge of
fighters, smash the enemy into the scenery, or throw and maneuver bodies
into other enemies using "aftertouch" controls with the SIXAXIS
wireless controller's motion sensing technology. Offering a wide array of
objects and weaponry, including rapid fire crossbows, massively damaging
bazookas and catapults, Heavenly Sword takes combat to new heights and
delivers a deep, diverse experience.
Heavenly Sword is a dramatic tale of revenge that sees Nariko, a fiery
red-haired heroine, embark on a quest for vengeance against an invading
King and his army. The story builds around the ancient Heavenly Sword,
which once belonged to a powerful deity. But, the sword can never be
wielded by a mere mortal ... at least not without it slowly but inevitably
draining their life-force. When the invading King Bohan (played by Andy
Serkis) destroys the warrior clan that guards the Heavenly Sword, the clan
leader's daughter, Nariko, takes up the sword in a desperate fight for
survival. Nariko must now pay the ultimate price as she embarks on one last
mission of retribution against the King and his army before her life is
finally and irreparably overtaken by the omnipotent Heavenly Sword.
The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates
Heavenly Sword "T" for "Teen". For more information about the ESRB, visit
http://www.esrb.org.