Itagaki Disses Heavenly Sword
Itagaki Tomonobu, the designer behind the much-repackaged Ninja Gaiden games, threw some shade towards the designers of the upcoming PS3 exclusive Heavenly Sword in an EGM interview. He said their game is, “half assed, players will not get much from the title”. He specifically noted the timed action sequences, where you have to press action buttons in time to the on-screen display, were disappointing.
“I’ve never played a good game where the developers put a big icon of the button you’re supposed to press onscreen,” said the unsmiling one to EGM. Presumably, he isn’t too keen on the God of War or Shenmue titles either. “I look at Heavenly Sword and it seems really half-assed, because it’s asking you to do all these button-timing sequences but you are not getting much payoff from it.”
Faulting the game for including timed action sequences is pretty weak. As in God of War, when the timed action sequences start, it is about presentation and reaction. It would be very taxing on the player and the developers to create sequences that would be as complex with full freedom of control. The sequences are generally short and provide the “wow” factor that drives the action of the events.
Without mentioning his title Ninja Gaiden Sigma, he seems to be dogging another action game, while promoting his own. Ninja Gaiden Sigma is visually one of slickest on the PS3, and the controls are as tight as ever. Nice way to drum up a little business for your game before another steals the spotlight.
Has anyone else out there played both? Or all three Ninja Gaiden games. Sound off, how do they compare? What do you think, is it worth a third trip through?
Heavenly Sword called "half-assed" by Ninja Gaiden Guru [PS3 Fanboy]
Toots
Posted to Hot Stuff, Video Games on 7 August 2007
· Comments (7)
Other stuff like this: heavenly sword, Itagaki Tomonobu, ps3, team ninja
Heavenly Sword isn't even out and yet Mr. Jello-Boob-physics decides to diss it because it's getting more attention lately than his re-re-make game.
drunk douches say the funniest things.
You forgot the part where he bobbed his head and did the Z Snap.
Girl be a fierce hater! First Tekken, now this.
I can't say that I blame him though. The "Dragon's Lair" style of gameplay recently revived by Shenmue/Res Evil 4/God of War is quickly losing it's novelty with each use (at least in my opinion). From the statement I think that Itagaki sees these "Hero Moments" as a cheap way out of letting/demanding the player actually perform complex attacks, maneuvers, or fantastic physical feats while providing the player with the visuals. If the interaction doesn't match the input for the from player, the game is unbalanced. And that is simply not hardcore enough for him! To Itagaki, you let the player kick ass or don't bother at all!
At least he's commenting on actual gameplay. If he really wanted hit below Heavenly Sword's belt he would say something about... [ THE REST OF GAME-BOI'S JOKE ARRIVES IN SEPTEMBER! :P ]
I hate that the creator of my favorite series is such a tool ...
(P.S. - Since when did Itagaki start cosplaying as Bass =P)
I have demos of both games anyway and they're way different. Heavenly Sword is way more spectacle. You play that game to make a red headed lady make enemy kababs, not to use a bland ninja to perform technical game play feats.
I liked the timed action sequences from Farenheit. The character somewhat moved in the directions you had to push.
Actually I agree 100% with him on Tekken
Because its the cheapest fighter ever