Leading Character in Heavenly Sword Has Changed Dramatically

Remember the beautiful Nariko screenshot earlier this month? Ninja Theory's Heavenly Sword, a game in development for Sony's PS3, has Nariko as the leading character in the game, so naturally they had to emphasize on her looks. Thing is, Ninja Theory kind of exaggerated with their emphasis on the leading lady (last screenshot of her) as Destructoid also noticed. But they didn't stay with their hands wrapped around their chests and made comparisons between the old Nariko and the new one that has had a face lift.

Opinions may be very divided among gamers. Some will say they liked the old Nariko (like the gaming site did too) and some may find the new shiny-lipped Nariko more appealing. The improvement is stunning nonetheless. It shows what 2 years in technology advancement can do. But another thing caught my eye. Never mind that the new Nariko doesn't look like the old one at all, and I'm not talking improvements but about actual changes in her face structure - she's just not Nariko anymore. The new leading lady in Heavenly Sword strikingly resembles Half Life 2 female character Alyx.

Just take a look. Leave aside the fact that Alyx is 2 years old (visuals have improved much since) and look at the similarities. Eyes, lips, even eyebrows. Ninja Theory has all these great ideas for moves (Nariko's martial arts skills) and drama (a girl with only a few days left to live who embarks on one final act of redemption against a king and his invading army), yet they can't come up with an original face for the leading character. You know what, I'm with Destructoid and Kotaku on this one too. The old Nariko looked better, all angry and stuff.