I picked up a copy of Heavenly Sword last week to participate in the upcoming Rebel FM Game Club. I had checked out review scores and was expecting the depths of mediocrity. After putting in an hour or so over the weekend, I was pleasantly surprised to find a polished action game with lots of variety. In that short time, I experienced a few very satisfying sword-fighting beat 'em up sequences, shot down incoming enemies with some kind of crazy bow weapon, and used a cannon to take out catapults using the Sixaxis to "steer" the cannonballs after firing (cue eye rolls). It was all way more fun than I ever expected. I am particularly impressed with the story, which is intriguing, and the lip-syncing. Several of the games I have been playing recently (e.g. Fallout 3 and inFAMOUS among others) have had glaring issues with lip-syncing. Even though it isn't a big deal, it really takes you out of the experience to see mouths moving seemingly without any regard for the words that are being spoken.
 
I have noticed a couple of problems. The controls are a bit clunky. Nariko doesn't really respond to my inputs as I would like her to. The aforementioned aftertouch to control projectiles is a bit inaccurate as you might expect, but it is surprisingly enjoyable when used sparingly. Fear is setting in that the honeymoon could be over soon, but, as of right now, I am thoroughly enjoying the game.
 
Update: Marigold? How silly of me to mistake the main character's name. It is fixed now.

I picked up a copy of Heavenly Sword last week to participate in the upcoming Rebel FM Game Club. I had checked out review scores and was expecting the depths of mediocrity. After putting in an hour or so over the weekend, I was pleasantly surprised to find a polished action game with lots of variety. In that short time, I experienced a few very satisfying sword-fighting beat 'em up sequences, shot down incoming enemies with some kind of crazy bow weapon, and used a cannon to take out catapults using the Sixaxis to "steer" the cannonballs after firing (cue eye rolls). It was all way more fun than I ever expected. I am particularly impressed with the story, which is intriguing, and the lip-syncing. Several of the games I have been playing recently (e.g. Fallout 3 and inFAMOUS among others) have had glaring issues with lip-syncing. Even though it isn't a big deal, it really takes you out of the experience to see mouths moving seemingly without any regard for the words that are being spoken.
 
I have noticed a couple of problems. The controls are a bit clunky. Nariko doesn't really respond to my inputs as I would like her to. The aforementioned aftertouch to control projectiles is a bit inaccurate as you might expect, but it is surprisingly enjoyable when used sparingly. Fear is setting in that the honeymoon could be over soon, but, as of right now, I am thoroughly enjoying the game.
 
Update: Marigold? How silly of me to mistake the main character's name. It is fixed now.

It's a sweet short game with a terrific presentation, but be prepared to die a lot at the final boss.

I never understood the universal hate for this game. It's a fun title with a handful of issues, but I'll be damned if it wasn't a blast to play. 
 
You'll enjoy it all the way through. It's a really short game. Also, there is a really funny seen with Kai torwards the end of the game. :)

I enjoyed the game as well, but the complaints about length and replay value are understandable.