Heavy Rain Chronicles Episode 1: The Taxidermist

 PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Apr 4, 2010
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Play UK
    100
    A brilliant start. [Issue#192, p.97]
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  2. XGN
    90
    The well known exciting movie atmosphere of Heavy Rain is not lacking in this scene either, so it's definitely worth the purchase.
  3. Cheat Code Central
    88
    Part of the magic of Heavy Rain and even The Taxidermist is the experiences are always different for each player the first time through. I can say I anxiously await Chapter Two, I just hope it is a little longer and maybe next time with Norman Jayden and Madison Page.
  5. IGN
    80
    That feeling of suspense and all of those different endings are worth the price of admission for fans, but I wish it had been more polished.
  6. PS3bloggen.se
    80
    The Taxidermist captures the atmosphere from the main game, and really wets our appetite. Although it's a bit short the six different endings at least makes the DLC last a bit longer. More stuffing please!
  7. Destructoid
    70
    If the more mundane parts of Heavy Rain left you unenthused -- and if they didn’t, that’s even better -- you’ll enjoy this exhilarating condensed experience.
  8. Gamer Limit
    70
    After Grand Theft Auto’s Episodes from Liberty City set the benchmark for what is possible with episodic DLC, it’s hard not to be a bit disappointed with The Taxidermist’s shortcomings – it’s more of a light drizzle than heavy rain.
  9. Thunderbolt
    70
    Despite its issues, The Taxidermist is a tense, atmospheric delight and a promising start to the Heavy Rain: Chronicles.
  10. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    70
    An intriguing but all-too-brief 3.19 curiosity. [July 2010, p.118]
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  11. Gaming Age
    67
    In short, (pun intended) this is the least value for the money, as far as DLC is concerned, that I have seen to date. While it was enjoyable to play, I would be thoroughly upset, to put it mildly, if I paid my own hard earned cash on this.
  12. PlayStation LifeStyle
    60
    Rather than a true piece of DLC, The Taxidermist feels more like a deleted scene from the game–something that the developers began to work on, but, for some reason or another, never quite finished.
  13. GameSpot
    50
    There is little reason to play this disappointing prologue to Heavy Rain.

Awards & Rankings

86
#86 Best PS3 Game of 2010
95
#95 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2010

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 102 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 71 out of 102
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 102
  3. Negative: 15 out of 102
  1. JalexD.
    Apr 4, 2010
    10
    I'm not the biggest fan of what downloadable content generally represents (unsubstantial content for extortionate prices), but the first I'm not the biggest fan of what downloadable content generally represents (unsubstantial content for extortionate prices), but the first piece of said content for 'Heavy Rain' is one of the few examples of how it can be done right. Now, 'The Taxidermist' doesn't really add anything to the main story (it is only referenced once in the main game, in an off-hand comment by the star of this piece, Madison). It's merely an unnecessary, yet extremely interesting, layer which gives Madison more depth. To be perfectly honest, there's a lot of potential nitpicking to be done with this release, but the deciding factor for each person is really wether or not you loved 'Heavy Rain.' If so, do not delay another moment and do yourself the favor of downloading this. But if not, there's really nothing here to change your original opinion about the game.… Full Review »
  2. th0rg1l
    Mar 14, 2012
    9
    I received this DLC free of charge when pre-ordering, so I cannot comment on the value-for-money ratio. But I find it a very good andI received this DLC free of charge when pre-ordering, so I cannot comment on the value-for-money ratio. But I find it a very good and enjoyable addition to the main Heavy Rain game. The atmosphere is really excellent and very very creepy. Although you can finish the level in about 20 minutes, you really feel you are part of an interactive movie. I know some people don't like Heavy Rain because it is essentially an interactive movie that you control through your game play, but for me this is definitely a great way to spend half an hour in a Psycho-like environment. **** would have loved it, i'm sure… Full Review »
  3. Skitte
    Mar 7, 2014
    10
    A good DLC, as it follows the same concept and idea as the original. The episode is amazing and I know that there are many ways to play, hide,A good DLC, as it follows the same concept and idea as the original. The episode is amazing and I know that there are many ways to play, hide, hurt and kill that one.… Full Review »
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