The collected works of ScottyB

After downloading the demo and playing all 4 minutes of its entirety (making this probably the shortest, quickest and heaviest - 1 GB download! - of all time) I was left feeling quite a bit impressed. The graphics were fantastic and most certainly it had potential. It took a few goes to master the movements and combo controls (much like Ninja Gaiden Sigma in its control learning curve) but it felt and looked good.

I bit the bullet and bought it on (sorta) special the next day. And while the demo impressed me, the full retail version simply blew me away.

The whole thing runs like you’re watching a film. You’re blessed with luscious cinematics, a deep, mythical story making you feel like you’re watching some kind of Lord of the Rings adaptation.

It all blends together amazingly - you have these sort of seamless transitions between cinema and gameplay. You’re watching the scene, the cinematic playing the scene, then suddenly you’re thrown in the deep end, finding yourself controlling the movie, acting out the next part of the script.

Which brings me to the next point - scripting.

The game is very linear. You can only move where the game wants you to move. Kill who you have to kill in order to flow into the next cinematic. Now this isn’t a bad thing, most games of this style are the same but for some reason it seems much more predominant in Heavenly Sword.

The game is divided into ‘Chapters’, each Chapter having numerous ‘Parts’ or sequences that upon completion you gain a ranking based on the success and style used to complete it - this ranking is awarded in the form of ‘Glyphs’ and you can earn up to 3 glyphs per part.

Unlocking Glyphs unlocks various artwork and movies all accessible from the main menu. And all Chapters and Parts can be revisited at a later date in order to gain a better ranking.

So far, I’ve only delved as far as Chapter 2, but initial impressions are incredible. Its a polished game, yet another of the next-gen games that delivers on the promise of superb graphics and awesome functionality.

I even got Kate to play this one for a few minutes, so you know its gotta be good.

Link: Heavenly Sword: Official Site

The new series has begun after plenty of ummm’ing and ahhh’ing as to its future. And the best news is that we’re actually getting a lengthy season too - 10 episodes.

Previews show some great prospects. The Bugatti Veyron is making an appearance again too, can’t complain about that.

Episode 1 of series 10. Really what can you say? The road test was amazing. James May starkaz in the Aston was sooo funny. Seriously though, these guys have the best jobs in the World. Paid (handsomely) to drive beautiful supercars and sport cars around some of the best roads in the world. Really… I’m in the wrong profession.

I’m still undecided as to whether I’d have picked the GT3 RS or the Gallardo Superleggera though.

Can’t wait for Monday to end - Episode 2 waiting for me when I get home.. Wooo!