Heavenly Sword Developers Going Multiplatform

Ninja Theory, developers behind the PlayStation 3 exclusive, Heavenly Sword, has announced that their next game will be on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, meaning multiplatform.

"It's a brutal environment out there for an independent, particularly considering the size of the games that we're developing," said Ninja Theory co-founder Nina Kristensen.

"Yes, our new game is going to be PS3 and Xbox 360," Kristensen said. "We have actually signed it but we're not announcing to who at the moment."

So they have a publisher lined up, so what will this new game be my Ninja friends?

['Heavenly Sword' Dev Now PS3/360]

Ninja Theory Working on Brand New Multiplatform IP

Developers of PlayStation 3 exclusive title, Heavenly Sword, are working on a "triple-A blockbuster" concept that it plans to create for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Ninja Theory's co-founder Nina Kirstensen also says the company may have a movie in the works, in complete CGI "using the game engine alongside the game itself." Sounds interesting.

[Heavenly Sword Dev Goes Multi-platform, Plans For Movie Development]

The Real Heavenly Sword: Made Out of Wood

A very crafty student crafted this sword from Ninja Theory's Heavenly Sword. This is the sword that Nariko holds.

"Instead of making some stupid cabinet or a DVD shelf like the rest of the class, I decided to make something a little more original...Ironical, I was the first one to get cut by my sword. I let a kid hold it and he got a little power hungry, started swinging it around and cut my in the arm. For a wooden sword, it sure cuts well."

Lets hope those cuts heal up. Great sword. Now, you just need to make an eBay account.

[Real Life Heavenly Sword]

Rumor: Heavenly Sword 2 Knocking

According to a tipster, Ninja Theory is gathering the thoughts and opinions of us regular people, to make their next title the best game possible.

"They initially asked for video game background, then they had a follow-up phone call asking which games I had played or owned, focusing heavily on Heavenly Sword. There were 3 surveys done on Monday, groups of 6 for the first 2, 4 for the last group (my group). Predominantly males, asking about our impressions on Prince of Persia, God of War, Ninja Gaiden and, of course, Heavenly Sword. Some questions were asked about why Heavenly Sword didn't sell so well, what our impressions were on the gameplay, how the cutscenes were done, combat mechanics."

After that, there is a part where they hinted at Heavenly Sword 2. Take a look.

At the end of the night they gave us a few pieces of paper and asked our takes on the ideas (probably already set in stone). The following are the sheets that they asked our opinions on:

1. Heavenly Sword 2 will take place 10 years after the events in Heavenly Sword.

2. The main character will be a male with martial arts background.

3. The main character will be Kai, but she will be a more mature woman.

4. The game will require you to master different martial arts styles before retrieving the Heavenly Sword.

5. The game will, instead of button mashing, have controls that utilize an analog stick to go through weapons.

6. The game will have downloadable weapons, characters, and enemies to customize your experience.

7. The game will be more interactive with the environment.

8. The game will have you on a storyline with replayable missions, as opposed to an open world.

We don't know if there will be a new main character or not. Remember, this is labeled as a rumor.

[Rumblings About Heavenly Sword 2]

Ninja Theory Concept Hints New Game in the Works

The official website for the Ninja Theory team (developers of Heavenly Sword) has undergone a major overhaul. The new website features flash banners on every page.

One of the flash banners that we've came across is a new piece of art that isn't from Heavenly Sword. On the main page of the site, the team wrote some teasing words.

"Right now we're working on an exciting new concept that has got everyone we talk to buzzing. We can't say a lot except that it's going to be great to work on and should be even better to play! It'll take all the things we loved about Heavenly Sword and make them bigger and better than ever before.

There are some teaser elements on this new look website...and don't forget, this website is the very best place to check regularly for updates and news...especially the forums."

So, could this piece of artwork be from their upcoming project? When will it be revealed? Hopefully, GDC 2008 will be the place. Maybe not.

[ninja theory limited]

Heavenly Sword Official PLAYSTATION 3 Skins

Thanks to notification on the official Ninja Theory website for Heavenly Sword, we've found out that console skinning site, GamerGraffix, has partnered with Ninja Theory to offer official gaming skins for their recently released Heavenly Sword.

There are two official skins that are available on the site. Each of them costs $24.99 (rip out your wallets). If you wish to buy them, visit the site below.

[Via GamerGraffix]

Heavenly Sword's Nariko Earns Cover of Girls of Gaming #5

The newest issue of Play Magazine's Girls of Gaming (issue #5) features none other than Nariko from Ninja Theory's Heavenly Sword.

The magazine describes Nariko as "Her Sword isn't the only thing thats heavenly". Great to see that Heavenly Sword is getting some more recognition, even if it's just drooling guys.

You can buy the digital version here, or the printer friendly version here.

[Thanks Toto-Sama!]

Heavenly Sword Receives 1.1 Patch

If you haven't finished Heavenly Sword yet, and tried getting into the game today, you've probably noticed the 18MB 1.10 patch that you need to download.

We don't know whats in this patch, except rumble support for the upcoming DUALSHOCK 3 controllers. The patch must have more though, 18MB is pretty big for just rumble.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

Heavenly Sword Creators Working on Exciting New Title

Ninja Theory, the people that brought you PLAYSTATION 3's Heavenly Sword, are currently stirring up an exciting new project.

The developers posted a message on the Ninja Theory forums saying they are moving on with their next project. Unfortunately, they cannot say much about it at the moment, but they say they are working on something "pretty amazing".

We currently don't know what game they are working on, but it could most likely be a Heavenly Sword sequel, since they mentioned it was going to be a three game trilogy.

[Via Ripten]

Heavenly Sword: God of War II Easter Egg In-Game

If you've played Heavenly Sword, you might have seen this and payed no regards or missed it. If you look at the picture above, this is found during Kai's mission in the armory. Look at the picture below.

It seems that Ninja Theory was showing some love towards their inspiration by displaying his gear. Thanks XxBigP123xX.

[Via PS3Forums]

Heavenly Sword: IGN UK Rates 7/10

Well, IGN UK reviewed Sevenly Sword, I mean, Heavenly Sword today. Guess what it received? It received a 7/10. The IGN UK critics have much to love about the game's visual presentation, noting its great graphics:

"Everything from the beautifully designed, slickly animated characters to those magnificent, omnipresent sweeping vistas is a glory to behold."

But from there, the review goes down a bumpy road and the tires break. The combat system is called "tiresome and, to be blunt, incredibly boring." The story goes through a "hopelessly hackneyed, melodramatic script."

A very disappointing review indeed.

[Via IGN UK]

GC 2007: Ninja Theory hoping for Heavenly Sword 2

Ninja Theory, the developers of Heavenly Sword are already brainstorming ideas for a sequel to their upcoming hit game.

"We'd certainly like to do the sequel with Sony but nothing's been set in stone," chief development ninja Nina Kristensen told CVG this afternoon. "We're looking to expand and do new things but certainly we want to continue the Heavenly Sword franchise."

So far, this game has received a rating of 8/10 from PSW, a rating of 10/10 from PLAY Magazine, and a 9.7/10 from NextGenIreland. Has Ninja Theory already got sequel ideas on the table then?

"Yes and we can't talk about them."

Damn. Looks like we will have to wait.

[Via CVG]