Heavy Rain

 PlayStation 3
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3314 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,533 out of 3314
  2. Mixed: 254 out of 3314
  3. Negative: 527 out of 3314
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. KarthXLR
    Mar 28, 2011
    6
    I don't think I've ever been this split on a game.

    I enjoyed the story half the time, and loathed it the other half. It's the strangest combination of terrible and fantastic dialogue and plot twists. I think I had the most issues with Madison because her character was inconsistent and was the source of the dumber parts of the story (psychopath ex-surgeon drug dealer anyone?). The controls    I don't think I've ever been this split on a game.

    I enjoyed the story half the time, and loathed it the other half. It's the strangest combination of terrible and fantastic dialogue and plot twists. I think I had the most issues with Madison because her character was inconsistent and was the source of the dumber parts of the story (psychopath ex-surgeon drug dealer anyone?). The controls were either fine or terrible, especially in some of Ethan's segments. Due to a control glitch (I think) Jayden got killed. Right before the end too. As far as vocal performances go, I'm not even sure what to say. Each character had great acting, but at some part of the game, each one of them had terrible deliveries.

    I'm kind of split on this one. I can't recommend buying it, but it's worth a rental I guess.    … Expand
  2. Samson
    Mar 1, 2010
    6
    First, I play quite a few games and feel that I'm very objective when it comes to critiquing and reviewing a game. Being completely honest... I don't see how so many critics (and users) are giving this game 9 and 10 scores. I'll start with the good points. The graphics are pretty good, although I don't think they're as good as people proclaim. The gameplay is First, I play quite a few games and feel that I'm very objective when it comes to critiquing and reviewing a game. Being completely honest... I don't see how so many critics (and users) are giving this game 9 and 10 scores. I'll start with the good points. The graphics are pretty good, although I don't think they're as good as people proclaim. The gameplay is obviously what this game is built around, and is its strongest point. It does exactly what they intended, and makes for very fun action sequences. For the most part it does play like a movie and flows fairly well, although very poor movement controls can make it feel cumbersome in some areas. I think they should have done without the quick-time events in the slow scenes that aren't time-sensitive. Now for the bad points. I don't understand how anyone can overlook how terrible some of the animation, facial expression, voice acting, etc is. Also, the story is fairly entertaining and not too predictable, but is full of massive holes and is overall not that great. Uncharted 2 is cinematic and has a very very good story. That's what Heavy Rain needed to get a good score. If your game is centered around the movie-like story and gameplay, those should be your strong points. But alas, Heavy Rain isn't much more than a bad movie. I completely agree with other reviewers who say the characters look, act, and sound like robots, due to poor animation and voice acting. With all this taken into consideration, my only thought is that people must be falling for the hype machine, and rating this game high based off of a few intense / thrilling action sequences, rather than objectively looking at the quality of the different aspects of the game (compared to other titles with similar scores). For the people rating this a 10... Go play Uncharted 2, and then ask yourself if you really think Heavy Rain is as good (or even close). Uncharted 2 = close to perfection = 96% Heavy Rain = many flaws = ~65%… Expand
  3. timw
    Mar 1, 2010
    6
    Imagine having cutscenes like these in games like uncharted2.. where u actualy have to interact with the scenes.. that would be amazing. Anyway. this game has way to many flaws. Voice acting, facial animation, some of the textures look like it came from a 1990's video game, some of the physics are covered up in smart ways which makes it even wors in my opinion, i had frame drops many Imagine having cutscenes like these in games like uncharted2.. where u actualy have to interact with the scenes.. that would be amazing. Anyway. this game has way to many flaws. Voice acting, facial animation, some of the textures look like it came from a 1990's video game, some of the physics are covered up in smart ways which makes it even wors in my opinion, i had frame drops many times(could be my ps3 i dunno and i dont care.. its no excuse since its a exclusive), hard to see if you have to press or hold a button at times, the story is made out of failure.. i gave it a 6.4/10 as a game. and a 0/10 as a interactive movie.… Expand
  4. Makaveli
    Apr 14, 2011
    5
    Wow, this game had bad acting, no gameplay and a stupid story. It was kind of innovative but just plain boring. Ethan when he talks he sounds like a retard who is dumb and he keeps losing his kids, he's a bum and he isn't interesting at all. The only character that had some talent in voice acting was the oragami killer. Even the name of the killer is lame. What next? are they going to makeWow, this game had bad acting, no gameplay and a stupid story. It was kind of innovative but just plain boring. Ethan when he talks he sounds like a retard who is dumb and he keeps losing his kids, he's a bum and he isn't interesting at all. The only character that had some talent in voice acting was the oragami killer. Even the name of the killer is lame. What next? are they going to make Heavy rain 2 where the killer leaves a cucumber in the victims pocket and they will call him the cucumber killer?… Expand
  5. JanW.
    Mar 3, 2010
    5
    First of all, I've really liked Fahrenheit/Indigo Prophecy, Quantic Dream's earlier game in the same style. Despite its story shortcomings, Fahrenheit still stands as THE most intense gaming experience I've ever had. Unfortunately, that includes having played Heavy Rain. After Fahrenheit I thought if they just fixed the mindless, over-the-top fantasy story it'd be First of all, I've really liked Fahrenheit/Indigo Prophecy, Quantic Dream's earlier game in the same style. Despite its story shortcomings, Fahrenheit still stands as THE most intense gaming experience I've ever had. Unfortunately, that includes having played Heavy Rain. After Fahrenheit I thought if they just fixed the mindless, over-the-top fantasy story it'd be gold. I really like the QTE approach though, as I find it a very enjoyable way to "play" a movie. It really brings together the best of both worlds, movies and gaming. More interactivity isn't always the most entertaining, at least not for me. Now, what about Heavy Rain? While I still support its general approach to gaming and while I won't even bother to criticize the graphics, voice acting or stuff like that (let me just say, it's all at least "good enough"), the story is simply a disaster. OK, David Cage now got rid of (most of) the fantasy stuff, adhering to the Fahrenheit critics, and yet the story still stinks. It just contains a plethora of plot holes and inconsistencies, it sometimes leaps without enough explanation, and, worst of all, it's very predictable, yet trying to sell it's completely unsurprising revelation as a giant twist. Furthermore, but that is personal, I think it is also very boring, and that includes most of the uninspiring cast. In the end, I think Fahrenheit was actually the much better game. Granted, it was way too weird, but at least the story was much more thrilling, less predictable, and featured much better characters. Heavy Rain, though, is a failure. While everyone should applaud David Cage for actually inventing this type of video game, I think it's obvious by now that in terms of writing skill, he just isn't capable of taking it to the next level. Someone else please!… Expand
  6. ArkonBlade
    Dec 15, 2010
    6
    i was really excited about this game when i first started reading about it . i heard so many comparisons to shenmue (which i loved) i couldnt wait to try it . i remember seeing the videos and just being blown away by the look of the game . every thing was so detailed and amazing looking . after playing the game im not that thrilled . first ill start with the story because this game isi was really excited about this game when i first started reading about it . i heard so many comparisons to shenmue (which i loved) i couldnt wait to try it . i remember seeing the videos and just being blown away by the look of the game . every thing was so detailed and amazing looking . after playing the game im not that thrilled . first ill start with the story because this game is driven on it and its not bad but not great eather . it is nice that you actions will dictate how the story unfolds but the story is very slow to take off and go any where for abit. this games gameplay is best summed up as Dragons lair if you remember that game its basicaly all QTE which im not a big fan of and thats just about all of what heavy rain is outside the fact you can move your charicter around so he or she can get to the next QTE event . with the addition of PS Move the game may be abit more fun to play i dont know i dont own one. the voice acting is very well done and the animations are great looking. you are also stuck on a path and have no say on where you wana go. i was really hoping like shenmue you could decide where you wanted to go and was open world . if they copied more of the shenmue model i would have loved this game but as is its just ok mainly because i do like the fact its trying to be abit innovative and the story is more adult orrrianted.… Expand
  7. CubbyM
    Mar 1, 2010
    5
    A hollow game that only has its graphics going for it. The story is generic, the characters are unmemorable and the twist ill-conceived. As someone who was looking forward to the game for the better part of the year, I knew to expect passive gameplay and tedious tasks but didn't expect to be left with such a poorly written story and unmoving experience. Being teased with the promise A hollow game that only has its graphics going for it. The story is generic, the characters are unmemorable and the twist ill-conceived. As someone who was looking forward to the game for the better part of the year, I knew to expect passive gameplay and tedious tasks but didn't expect to be left with such a poorly written story and unmoving experience. Being teased with the promise of choice only to discover that most of the scenes will end with the same conclusion was perhaps the most upsetting aspect of the game. The unimaginative, average-at-best story was a close second.… Expand
  8. KevinR
    Feb 26, 2010
    6
    I am honestly surprised at how high the metascore is for this game. I can only believe that all of the reviewers out there gave their rating before completing the game. Heavy Rain is an okay game, but that's about the best I can say for it. The character animations are ridiculous in places. The game has lots of glitches and clipping errors. It locked up my PS3 at one point, and at at I am honestly surprised at how high the metascore is for this game. I can only believe that all of the reviewers out there gave their rating before completing the game. Heavy Rain is an okay game, but that's about the best I can say for it. The character animations are ridiculous in places. The game has lots of glitches and clipping errors. It locked up my PS3 at one point, and at at the end of the game my character was stuck in one spot for the better part of 10 minutes. What's worse, is that this "game" is an interactive movie that should revolve around a well-designed plot. If the plot, script and acting were decent... it would be an amazing experience. The plot is full of holes, however, with many of the attempts at shock-and-awe coming off as just cheesy. So many events happen in the game with little or no plausible explanation. Things just happen and you are left to either accept the fallible event at face value, or quit playing. The game is not without it's good points... and may well be worth the first playthrough. I was moderately pleased that the ending did surprise me somewhat, but there is little shock in that when the game was full of so many plot holes that it would be impossible to make heads or tales of it. So in the end... it was moderately enjoyable for a first playthrough, but it also has many many issues. I fully expect the gaming communities opinions on this title to change in the month(s) to come post-release.… Expand
  9. pongsifu
    Apr 7, 2010
    5
    + One of the few games where it actually feels like the choices you make have weight, and may be the game with the most real consequences. + A genuine sense of "this character can die at any moment" when you are trying to get out of whatever situation you are in. + Maybe it is the part of me that likes B-movies but I liked the overall story. + The different characters all felt actually + One of the few games where it actually feels like the choices you make have weight, and may be the game with the most real consequences. + A genuine sense of "this character can die at any moment" when you are trying to get out of whatever situation you are in. + Maybe it is the part of me that likes B-movies but I liked the overall story. + The different characters all felt actually different even though you make all their decisions - Some of the worst walking controls I have ever used and sometimes the QTE don't respond correctly, especially the ones where you have to shake the controller. You have to hold the controller in just the right way and can't be, say, laying down. - The first 2-3 hours of the game are mind numbingly boring. - The floating text is too small, I had to struggle to read the text and could barely tell circle from square, I have an average sized wide screen and even with the screen zoomed in to the point that it was cut off on all sides I still could barely read it, which often lead to choosing the wrong text. - Some of the mundane things the game asks you to do well after the "tutorial" is over. Changing and feeding a crying virtual baby is about as fun as changing a real baby. Overall the game was enjoyable, especially at the end but the crippling controls persisted throughout and the small text was very detrimental. But the biggest flaw of the game by far is the incredibly boring opening few hours, I almost gave up on the game. I can't even remember the last time I was that bored playing a game. If they make a sequel or a game in a similar fashion, they need to redo the walking controls and they really, really need to cut down the tutorial to 15 minutes or at the very least make it optional. 3 hours in, the player should not be asking themselves "ok...when is this game going to actually start?"… Expand
  10. SteveK
    Mar 1, 2010
    5
    Pretty graphics with a few glitches, very poor story with a few high points, this game is doomed to be divisive as all get out. It definietly could have used more pollish, better actors, and some more effort put into actually letting you effect the story. Average to Mediocre overall, but worth a rental.
  11. Daniel.
    Mar 10, 2010
    6
    I really wanted to love Heavy Rain, I really did. I liked Fahrenheit a lot, it had its flaws, but it was unique. With Heavy Rain, it could only get better now, couldn't it? Unfortunately, no. Heavy Rain sounds so good in theory, but when I played it it just didn't work. That is thanks to the lackluster voice acting, the unconvincing storyline, the lack of any dynamics in the I really wanted to love Heavy Rain, I really did. I liked Fahrenheit a lot, it had its flaws, but it was unique. With Heavy Rain, it could only get better now, couldn't it? Unfortunately, no. Heavy Rain sounds so good in theory, but when I played it it just didn't work. That is thanks to the lackluster voice acting, the unconvincing storyline, the lack of any dynamics in the cinematic action scenes and poor direction. This was marketed as a game for adults, but apart from the theme of the story, it isn't. It just doesn't really come together. When you focus so much on story and emotions, you better make damn sure your story is cohesive and you got the best voice actors there are. I partly blame David Cage for hyping this game so much, maybe my expectations were too high for it. Since he wrote and directed it I say most of the game's fault are his, because I was expecting an experience unlike anything else. With better writing and directing (somehow, Quentin Tarantino always comes to my mind) this could have been a milestone for gaming. Unfortunately the specks of brilliance are overshadowed by mediocrity. I won't even comment on the technical issues, as these have been convered in enough detail. All in all I am saddened by the whole affair. I really wanted it to be great.… Expand
  12. JimR
    Mar 8, 2010
    5
    Well I started off enjoying this game for the forst couple of 'scenes' but as the hours bore on it bacame clear that there is actually very little control , and decision making largley depends on if you can get to grips with some very random and sometimes utterly confusing controls. There are moments of brilliance here but I really felt let down in terms of gamplay and value for Well I started off enjoying this game for the forst couple of 'scenes' but as the hours bore on it bacame clear that there is actually very little control , and decision making largley depends on if you can get to grips with some very random and sometimes utterly confusing controls. There are moments of brilliance here but I really felt let down in terms of gamplay and value for money. my advice is to rent this or buy it when it's about 1/4 of the price. As for my score of 5/10 , at times i utterly hated this game and would have given it 1/10 , at it's best i felt it was worth 8/10 so i've been generous and settled for 5.… Expand
  13. AlexC
    Mar 8, 2010
    6
    I want to start off by saying that I proudly support PS3 exclusives, so my opinion would, if anything, be biased in favour of the game. Everything about this game screams atmosphere and for that I give it credit. The graphics are quite beautiful and the music/sound effects are superb. The story isn't necessarily predictable, but it feels familiar. That said, I found this game to be I want to start off by saying that I proudly support PS3 exclusives, so my opinion would, if anything, be biased in favour of the game. Everything about this game screams atmosphere and for that I give it credit. The graphics are quite beautiful and the music/sound effects are superb. The story isn't necessarily predictable, but it feels familiar. That said, I found this game to be extremely buggy and awkward. There were times when I needed to reboot the game because the character wouldn't register my prompts. As well, the characters would get caught up on pieces of furniture and would bring me to frustration. This game is more of an interactive movie than a game, as I'm sure you've read/heard. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but you should be aware of that heading into it. This game requires at least a rental; however, buyers beware: this game isn't worth the $60-70 price tag! 6/10.… Expand
  14. DaveS.
    Apr 6, 2010
    6
    I was worried about gameplay mechanics and I was excited about story and characters. Unfortunately - gameplay is quite good, but story and characters are crazy. Main heroes are acting like stupid kids, theyre not believeable at all. I was dissapointed about whole "drama", which make no sense. Somone says to me "don't play it, feel it". But I don't like to feel stupid. Sorry I was worried about gameplay mechanics and I was excited about story and characters. Unfortunately - gameplay is quite good, but story and characters are crazy. Main heroes are acting like stupid kids, theyre not believeable at all. I was dissapointed about whole "drama", which make no sense. Somone says to me "don't play it, feel it". But I don't like to feel stupid. Sorry Quantic Dreams, after passable Omikron and horrible Fahrenheit - this is nice try, by try to force Cage to quit, get a real script editor, use Google to get knowledge, how things REALLY works and try it again. Maybe your next game will be good. And please send me $60 back, this 8 hours of B movie is not worth it.… Expand
  15. PfillipT
    Feb 23, 2010
    5
    If a 10/10 is supposed to represent a pefect title, you should do yourself a favor and ignore any reviews over 90 for this one. As one person points out, it is an experiment that has both failed and succeeded. The truth about Heavy Rain is that it plays better than it's spirital ancestor Indigo Prophecy but suffers from the same problems. Poor writing, poor voice acting, poor pacing, If a 10/10 is supposed to represent a pefect title, you should do yourself a favor and ignore any reviews over 90 for this one. As one person points out, it is an experiment that has both failed and succeeded. The truth about Heavy Rain is that it plays better than it's spirital ancestor Indigo Prophecy but suffers from the same problems. Poor writing, poor voice acting, poor pacing, and in trying to hide "character development" and control tutorials underneath hours of tedious unentertaining things, we still have to sit through said hours of boring content. To say this game is beautiful and boasts really good ideas but give it a high review despite horrible voice acting and wild twists that feel unsatisfying is to review this game out of despair. They don't want to acknowledge that, after several delays, Heavy Rain isn't ushering in the platinum age of interactive drama on a good note. It's sad to know that its 88 is really born from fear of betraying the hivemind of videogame journalism. I have played the demo and enough of the full game to know that it is undeserving of its metacritic rating.… Expand
  16. austinbond
    Jul 3, 2011
    5
    $60 for a game that plays itself more than half the time? Yeah, that seems worth it! The story is blatantly dumb in parts, with character motivations and events that make no sense and feel incredibly out of place. If this was a movie, the critics would tear it down, and rightfully so.

    The game tries to be so much smarter and mature than it actually is. It saddens me that many people are    $60 for a game that plays itself more than half the time? Yeah, that seems worth it! The story is blatantly dumb in parts, with character motivations and events that make no sense and feel incredibly out of place. If this was a movie, the critics would tear it down, and rightfully so.

    The game tries to be so much smarter and mature than it actually is. It saddens me that many people are using it as examples of 'gaming as art' when it really is a disservice to the medium. BioShock and Super Mario Galaxy are examples of games as art. Not this.    … Expand
  17. Tokyochuchu
    Apr 6, 2012
    6
    The proverbial 'interactive movie', Heavy Rain undoubtedly had the potential to be brilliant. Unfortunately, most of that potential is squandered by sloppy writing, ridiculous twists and stretching it's thin concept too far. The game isn't a total loss, though. For the duration of It's first play-through, Heavy Rain manages to hold attention and entertain. It's only after the game endsThe proverbial 'interactive movie', Heavy Rain undoubtedly had the potential to be brilliant. Unfortunately, most of that potential is squandered by sloppy writing, ridiculous twists and stretching it's thin concept too far. The game isn't a total loss, though. For the duration of It's first play-through, Heavy Rain manages to hold attention and entertain. It's only after the game ends that you realize just how bad the writing was. A game like this lives or dies by the quality of it's script, and this one definitely leaves you with a bad taste in the mouth. Still... It does inspire the hope that it's template could be built upon and perfected into something great. But only with a different writing staff.… Expand
  18. Libra85
    Jan 26, 2011
    7
    Heavy Rain is an innovative game that really pulls you in. Once you play it the first time, it's hard to stop because you just have to see where it goes. But this is also what kills it. When you know where it's going, it then becomes clear just how boring many parts of the game were. The characters were all so bland and I didn't care about them. Visually it was amazing with some niceHeavy Rain is an innovative game that really pulls you in. Once you play it the first time, it's hard to stop because you just have to see where it goes. But this is also what kills it. When you know where it's going, it then becomes clear just how boring many parts of the game were. The characters were all so bland and I didn't care about them. Visually it was amazing with some nice tones. Sometimes it doesn't even feel like a game. But again that strong point is also a weak point. For reasons I've already stated. Rent the game and beat it. You won't want to play it again afterwards.… Expand
  19. Gary
    Mar 3, 2010
    5
    The game is fantastic and deserves a 9 or 10 out of 10. but it has one massive flaw: The game is broken. The game crashed and froze my PS3 at one point so I had to shut it down. Once i turned it back on, it will no longer load any of my autosaves, and I can't even load my game from an earlier chapter. A game has to be playable, and this is just not acceptable. Apart from that massive The game is fantastic and deserves a 9 or 10 out of 10. but it has one massive flaw: The game is broken. The game crashed and froze my PS3 at one point so I had to shut it down. Once i turned it back on, it will no longer load any of my autosaves, and I can't even load my game from an earlier chapter. A game has to be playable, and this is just not acceptable. Apart from that massive flaw, this is one of the most interesting and intense games I have played in a long time. It is a shame that I can no longer continue playing apart from starting a new save game. I hope they release a patch soon because this game deserves better.… Expand
  20. ClintF
    Apr 20, 2010
    6
    This game was a very interesting experiment in interactive storytelling. I hope to see future attempts at this type of experience with good controls, meaningful interactivity, and original, well told stories. Heavy Rain itself lacks all of these. Despite my appreciation of what it was attempting, I was frustrated by the possibilities it flushed down the drain in a deluge of meaningless This game was a very interesting experiment in interactive storytelling. I hope to see future attempts at this type of experience with good controls, meaningful interactivity, and original, well told stories. Heavy Rain itself lacks all of these. Despite my appreciation of what it was attempting, I was frustrated by the possibilities it flushed down the drain in a deluge of meaningless choices, bad controls, and a derivative mess of a story. In spite of all that, it could be exciting at times, and overall it felt new and fascinating, and I was left thinking this type of game has serious potential. If the player approaches Heavy Rain as an experiment, not as anything even remotely approaching a masterpiece of design or storytelling, then it can be appreciated as a precursor for hopefully better games to come. Worth a rent only, as the replay value you might expect from a story changing because of your choices is simply not achieved here.… Expand
  21. VixR
    Mar 7, 2010
    7
    So it's different - something we're not quite used to. Obvious flaws are what others have said...being really nothing more than a collection of clips with a few control points and heavily driven by quick time events...but interesting enough to play through the first time however playing a second, third, etc. time will only start to bore you as you're forced to watch 95% of So it's different - something we're not quite used to. Obvious flaws are what others have said...being really nothing more than a collection of clips with a few control points and heavily driven by quick time events...but interesting enough to play through the first time however playing a second, third, etc. time will only start to bore you as you're forced to watch 95% of the same thing over and over again. Sadly not worth the asking price - this should have come in at a lower price point since it's not really much of a game than it is a slightly interactive movie (your choices don't really affect that much).… Expand
  22. WillC
    Mar 1, 2010
    5
    The story is very poor but as an interactive experience it's good. Other developers will improve on the mechanics in this game ten fold. If you want to experience something new then pick it up. If you want to experience something amazing, look elsewhere.
  23. MiguelZ
    Mar 23, 2010
    5
    Nothing else needs to be said that hasn't been said already about the graphics in this game, the story, the innovation, etc. etc. I really want to give this game a 10, but I can't. This game is poorly programmed and suffers from massive glitches. For many users, these glitches render the game almost unplayable. It has really ruined what should have been a great game. The Nothing else needs to be said that hasn't been said already about the graphics in this game, the story, the innovation, etc. etc. I really want to give this game a 10, but I can't. This game is poorly programmed and suffers from massive glitches. For many users, these glitches render the game almost unplayable. It has really ruined what should have been a great game. The developers should have held this one back to test it for an extra month. The other issue that I have with this game is the voice acting. Children growing up in the United States simply should not have French accents. If they do, there should be some explanation for it. I know the developers are french, but you'd think they could have found voice actors with proper accents.… Expand
  24. RSKnight
    Aug 14, 2010
    7
    I'm surprised that this game got such a high score. This is one of those cases were good graphics take most or all the attention. I'm not saying this game is bad either, to me it was just OK. The good things besides fantastic graphics are the style of the game, I really liked the change from traditional games. Here you don't have to run, jump, shoot, etc. It's like a movie where you haveI'm surprised that this game got such a high score. This is one of those cases were good graphics take most or all the attention. I'm not saying this game is bad either, to me it was just OK. The good things besides fantastic graphics are the style of the game, I really liked the change from traditional games. Here you don't have to run, jump, shoot, etc. It's like a movie where you have some control, not too much, but just enough to keep things working, and there are some moral choices you'll have to make. Also the characters do a great job to transfer their feelings and emotions, this is not a game with generic, empty characters. One thing I feared before playing it was the quick time event sequences. I played Indigo Prophecy before, and I didn't like those at all, but in Heavy Rain they actually make sense, this was a great improvement from Quantic Dream.
    But then there are the bad things. Continuing on the control of the game, you use the left analog stick to move your character. Well, I can't believe that after all the thought and great implementation of the QTE controls, Quantic Dream forgot about something as simple as moving the character around. It is incredibly frustrating to do something so simple as walking, the character won't turn, or will turn too much, it will get stuck, etc. This is one of those problems that are simply not allowed to happen in a game. Fortunately, this game is more a "movie" than a game, so there is not that much walking around anyway and the game is at least playable.
    And the other big problem is the story. In general it is a good, original, interesting story, where you must find a killer and save his last victim before it's too late. The problem comes when the story tries to keep you confused about who the killer might be. I like that in a good story. I liked in Six Sense that I never suspected that Bruce Willis character was dead all the time. I like when a movie makes you to suspect about a character when in the end turns up to be innocent. But when this things happen in a movie/story there is always a good reason to justify the behavior of those characters, something that in the end will make you think "ahh, so that's why he/she did that, and I was thinking he/she was the bad guy, shame on me!". This is not the case in Heavy Rain. The story has so many holes, so many situations where a character just does something to make you suspect he is the killer, but this things they do go to the point of being just ridiculous and nonsense, and have nothing to do with the story. Don't expect that by the end of the game there will be some explanation or something that ties things up, there isn't. I imagine David Cage (game writer and director) saying something like "lets make this character do this so gamers will think that's the killer. Oh! and lets make this other character do that so gamers will then think that one might be the killer too, it doesn't make sense but who cares, is just a game".
    Yep, some times the story is just that bad, this speaks a lot about the lack of writing abilities of David Cage.
    So for a game that is focused in telling a story, I can't believe it got such high scores from most of the critics when the story is full of holes. I see most of them only rate a game based on graphics, too bad.    … Expand
  25. hit925
    Nov 22, 2011
    5
    I played this game at a friend's house all the way through in one sitting because he said it was amazing. Hmmmm. This game is full of glitches, the controls in some parts were terrible and overall it's just a horrifying mess to be called a game. It's on a gaming console so stop trying to be a movie. It's full of glitches and no game has ever made me emotionally distraught after playing. II played this game at a friend's house all the way through in one sitting because he said it was amazing. Hmmmm. This game is full of glitches, the controls in some parts were terrible and overall it's just a horrifying mess to be called a game. It's on a gaming console so stop trying to be a movie. It's full of glitches and no game has ever made me emotionally distraught after playing. I have to say though, the story is incredible, the game can look great at times and the characters are complex as well as being just stupid at times. Controls did work for the most part the quicktime button presses could get intense in parts. A very flawed game that I won't play again.… Expand
  26. vixvicco
    Dec 6, 2012
    6
    This is not really a conventional game. It's a point and click adventure, a genre that seems to be slowly becoming popular again. The only issue I have with this game is that focus is clearly more on the story than the gameplay. It feels like the story was written, couldn't be made into a movie or book,(as this plot is not exactly original), so it was made into a game to be "innovative".This is not really a conventional game. It's a point and click adventure, a genre that seems to be slowly becoming popular again. The only issue I have with this game is that focus is clearly more on the story than the gameplay. It feels like the story was written, couldn't be made into a movie or book,(as this plot is not exactly original), so it was made into a game to be "innovative". Lets be real. there are better point and click adventures out there with much more original story-lines and less frustrating controls. I'm not saying its a bad game, but I don't see why its considered a great game.… Expand
  27. wesker2012
    May 28, 2012
    6
    Great graphics. Okay story and gameplay.
  28. Syriamn
    Jan 13, 2013
    7
    Heavy Rain is a special game with a great story that can easily go to the movie industry. The storyline is great and the plot sucks you right into it. And if you are a parent like me it hits you right in the gut. Having said that you would think i should have rated it higher. If it was just for the story it would easily reach a 9. Why doesn't it then? The control system is not the best andHeavy Rain is a special game with a great story that can easily go to the movie industry. The storyline is great and the plot sucks you right into it. And if you are a parent like me it hits you right in the gut. Having said that you would think i should have rated it higher. If it was just for the story it would easily reach a 9. Why doesn't it then? The control system is not the best and the camera view is deficient. Hope that Quantic Dream has this right in their next installment. Despite this it's a must play. Oh and this is not a kid's game. Adults only.… Expand
  29. trarantino
    Dec 29, 2018
    5
    Игра шидевр! Просто лучшая игра всех времён и народов. Какая графика, какой графон!
  30. kezzyhko
    Aug 3, 2020
    7
    ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍
  31. LachlanS
    Mar 1, 2010
    5
    Amazing game on the first playthrough(~10 hours), but subsequent playthroughs - one of the big selling points of the game - leave very little new content to be discovered. Perhaps if Quantic Dream focused less on using motion capture and making every minute detail perfect, and spent more time on the important parts of the game (writing, gameplay, length), Heavy Rain would be a lot more enjoyable.
  32. Aegisa
    Mar 13, 2010
    7
    Overall I thought it was an alright game. Nothing groundbreaking, especially if you played Indigo Prophecy. On that note, this game feels like what Indigo Prophecy should have been like in terms of plot instead of the mess it became about half way through. I enjoyed the story and being able to shape it based on my actions, but what held the game back for me was the simply massive amount Overall I thought it was an alright game. Nothing groundbreaking, especially if you played Indigo Prophecy. On that note, this game feels like what Indigo Prophecy should have been like in terms of plot instead of the mess it became about half way through. I enjoyed the story and being able to shape it based on my actions, but what held the game back for me was the simply massive amount of quick-time events. Not because I can't handle them; I can pull them off perfectly at the hardest difficulty until the sun dies. Difficult, they are not. My problem with them is that when they're happening, you're immersed more in watching for the next prompt than the action. For example, in that real tense part near the beginning of the game where you drive against traffic, I can't remember 90% of that other than X, right, right, square, right, etc. Was it tense? I don't know, maybe? I wasn't truly paying attention. Essentially it's like trying to do sudoku to continue an action scene in a film. I know why David Cage did it, but I'm just not sure it was necessary. It's not all bad though, and I really did enjoy a lot of it, but it just wasn't as fun as other story driven games I've played lately like Uncharted 2 or Mass Effect 2. Definitely worth a rental; buy at your own discretion.… Expand
  33. ColinB
    Mar 4, 2010
    7
    I was absolutely enjoying this game all the way through. Sure it had it's issues (voice acting, unconvincing characters, character movement), but I had a great time with my first playthrough. That is, until I reached the end. The ending almost made me upset that I played it all the way through. I understand that they wanted to throw in a huge twist, but come on now with the origami I was absolutely enjoying this game all the way through. Sure it had it's issues (voice acting, unconvincing characters, character movement), but I had a great time with my first playthrough. That is, until I reached the end. The ending almost made me upset that I played it all the way through. I understand that they wanted to throw in a huge twist, but come on now with the origami killer's identity. This part of the game was absolutely ridiculous, you have a guy searching for the killer and helping the entire game, only to find out that HE is the killer. Just plain horrible writing. If this was a movie it never would have seen the light of day. All that said I thoroughly enjoyed most of the game and if the story was a little better, I'd say it deserves a 9 or 10. Still, it is worth a playthrough. And I may play it though again, at least to make the killer do bad things in the story, to make the ending plausible.… Expand
  34. RichO
    Feb 26, 2010
    6
    Amazing graphics and storyline can't carry this game. Boring gameplay consists of interacting with objects, selecting dialogue choices from a spinning undulating and hard to read list, and matching button presses that flash onscreen. The horrid controls add to this underwhelming experience. That said this is still a revolutionary game which will hopefully inspire a game that will Amazing graphics and storyline can't carry this game. Boring gameplay consists of interacting with objects, selecting dialogue choices from a spinning undulating and hard to read list, and matching button presses that flash onscreen. The horrid controls add to this underwhelming experience. That said this is still a revolutionary game which will hopefully inspire a game that will deliver what this game cannot.… Expand
  35. mearshall
    Aug 13, 2011
    7
    Heavy Rain is different than the usual GAME but it is a game... I rented it and enjoyed playing it over the course of a week ( I work long hours ) but for something different that you can delve deep into and actually enjoy the story and change the way it turns out ( to a point ) its nice. I dont think it would be worth £40 to £50 though. Im very picky to what iHeavy Rain is different than the usual GAME but it is a game... I rented it and enjoyed playing it over the course of a week ( I work long hours ) but for something different that you can delve deep into and actually enjoy the story and change the way it turns out ( to a point ) its nice. I dont think it would be worth £40 to £50 though. Im very picky to what i want to spend my money on-even after reviews and although it was like interacting with a really good movie/book... i didnt buy it. Still, its a really nice change from the norm.… Expand
  36. RT_ViraL
    Mar 13, 2012
    7
    A game that refuses to let itself to pamper into what so many games try to do, fit into the mainstream. An experience worth looking at at a discount price, and a story that can compel to any individual. The design is flawless and the controls fluid. The lasting appeal only caters towards people that loved this game, but usually only a one-time fun experience. A well deserving 7/10 .
  37. Garfailed
    May 18, 2012
    7
    I didn't know this game had so much decision making when I bought it, but it was a pleasant surprise. The plethora of possible endings really gives the game some replay value although being forced to watch full cutscenes over and over again when you know what will happen can be a bore. Adding a feature to skip dialogue like in ME would've been nice, especially for trophy hunters likeI didn't know this game had so much decision making when I bought it, but it was a pleasant surprise. The plethora of possible endings really gives the game some replay value although being forced to watch full cutscenes over and over again when you know what will happen can be a bore. Adding a feature to skip dialogue like in ME would've been nice, especially for trophy hunters like myself.

    The plot, along with the characters are very well put together and will undoubtedly surprise you. I would've like to have seen more variation in confrontation situations in terms of actual gameplay. The story and environments kept it fresh, but I still felt like I was playing a reaction game repeatedly and it was usually some physical fist mash up between two characters.

    Overall, it's a great game and one that I'd recommend people experience because of its uniqueness.    … Expand
  38. TheXenosReview
    Apr 8, 2012
    7
    I never got around to playing Indigo Prophecy simply for the fact the graphics were plainly god awful, though the concept of interactive movies has never been original but always something we wanted. Heavy Rain found some way to make the concept just fit right, where decisions made by main protagonists affect the overall out come. The problem is with this is that each of the protagonistsI never got around to playing Indigo Prophecy simply for the fact the graphics were plainly god awful, though the concept of interactive movies has never been original but always something we wanted. Heavy Rain found some way to make the concept just fit right, where decisions made by main protagonists affect the overall out come. The problem is with this is that each of the protagonists only have 3 different out comes; they either die, solve the mystery, or whine about not getting a small essential clue they were suppose to and cry them selves to sleep. The first play through on Heavy Rain was on of the most satisfying experiences I've had playing a game, but after I finished the story and failed half the plot lines i realized the only thing keeping me playing Heavy Rain was to tediously play through everything again and get 100%, it was then I realized Heavy Rain is like a one night stand, sure its fun the first or second time, but after a while you look at yourself in a mirror and ask yourself " why am I still even do this". Heavy Rain is an essential to any PS3 collection, just don't expect to get much in the way of replay value. P.S. for all of the hormonal teenage boys who rub-one-out to games there is 2 scenes of boobs if your on the line about this game.… Expand
  39. sityoazzdown
    May 18, 2012
    7
    Very divided on this game. The positives: Extremely addicting story-line, the ending was brilliant, the graphics were superb, characters very likable. The negatives, it costs $60 just to press x,o,square, etc. Its like a really expensive movie. I really wished the game could've been more interactive. But this game was suspenseful all the way through. I actually liked the beginning,Very divided on this game. The positives: Extremely addicting story-line, the ending was brilliant, the graphics were superb, characters very likable. The negatives, it costs $60 just to press x,o,square, etc. Its like a really expensive movie. I really wished the game could've been more interactive. But this game was suspenseful all the way through. I actually liked the beginning, whereas some say it start slow. Like I said,my score would've been higher if there was more to pressing/twirling the stick/button at a time.… Expand
  40. friendgood
    Jul 3, 2013
    7
    How much you enjoy this game will largely depend on what you value when gaming. Gameplay: 6, Story: 8, Immersion Experience: 10. Yes, the controls are sometimes lacking, and it's not a game in the traditional sense. Yes, the story can be a little far fetched (like every other story in the "serial killer" genre) with mixed quality of acting range. The experience, however, is superb. TheHow much you enjoy this game will largely depend on what you value when gaming. Gameplay: 6, Story: 8, Immersion Experience: 10. Yes, the controls are sometimes lacking, and it's not a game in the traditional sense. Yes, the story can be a little far fetched (like every other story in the "serial killer" genre) with mixed quality of acting range. The experience, however, is superb. The world really sucked me in with its detailed environments and choices that ACTUALLY MATTER; this is the 1st game I have played when I can actually say that. Characters live or die by the actions you take. And there are many possible endings, adding replay value. If you know what you like as a gamer, then the choice should be easy. It's a fantastic experience, and it challenges what one may think a game can be.… Expand
  41. guest1321
    Oct 11, 2012
    6
    Okay, I get the whole trying a different approach to a game and make it an interactive experience, and to that extent I thought it was cool. Actually, I had no problem getting used to the gameplay for the first half of the game and thought it was really good. Then I started to get into the meat of the game and I really started to like it. Then the last quarter of the game really ruined it.Okay, I get the whole trying a different approach to a game and make it an interactive experience, and to that extent I thought it was cool. Actually, I had no problem getting used to the gameplay for the first half of the game and thought it was really good. Then I started to get into the meat of the game and I really started to like it. Then the last quarter of the game really ruined it. I got annoyed with the controls, I got annoyed with the game presenting me with options that didn't matter then sprinkling in one or two that do. I really liked the concept and really wanted to like the game but by the end I was so frustrated with how difficult it was to act upon the game through the medium of poor control mechanics, that I just did not care. I got to a point where I wanted the game to just end, I didn't care what the outcome was. If the goal was to get an emotional response from me, then David Cage succeeded; however, it was not the response I nor he (I believe) was intending upon. I do give this game a lot of credit for what it tried to achieve, and I was also a fan of the story until I got to frustrated to care. I'm not sure how I feel about Beyond: Two Souls now, as that was a primary reason for me purchasing the game.… Expand
  42. Rox22
    May 1, 2014
    6
    I'm kinda torn with this game.

    Heavy Rain has some of the best visuals on the PS3 and the level of detail is just gorgeous. This is elevated even more when you consider when it came out. Story is also really great and is superbly written with some great twists and turns, but also leave a bit open so you can take a different path and see another outcome. Praise aside, I have a hard    I'm kinda torn with this game.

    Heavy Rain has some of the best visuals on the PS3 and the level of detail is just gorgeous. This is elevated even more when you consider when it came out. Story is also really great and is superbly written with some great twists and turns, but also leave a bit open so you can take a different path and see another outcome.

    Praise aside, I have a hard time calling this a "game." It would perhaps be more accurate to call it an interactive movie. The character control and steering system it is using a really dated and the camera is sometimes really hard to either control or see what you want to see. If this had been a PS2 release, I would have been more forgiving to this aspect, but there are many other titles that have given better control mechanisms for this style of gameplay.

    Overall:
    While it has some flaws Heavy Rain is still a masterpiece of storytelling. Unfortunately it is a shame that they couldn't have flushed out the gameplay and control a bit more.    … Expand
  43. Underpants158
    Nov 24, 2014
    7
    What is this game?: You control 4 characters as they try to figure out who the Oragami killer is. An FBI detective, a Private Investigator, a man whose child has been kidnapped by the Oragami killer, and a lady who just so happens to be there and think the emotionally/physically distressed father is attractive. You all are trying to find the Oragami Killer and the kidnapped boy. The gameWhat is this game?: You control 4 characters as they try to figure out who the Oragami killer is. An FBI detective, a Private Investigator, a man whose child has been kidnapped by the Oragami killer, and a lady who just so happens to be there and think the emotionally/physically distressed father is attractive. You all are trying to find the Oragami Killer and the kidnapped boy. The game is practically an interactive movie that plays out similar with action scenes that consist of matching button prompts at the right time.

    Pros:
    -For the most part the characters are well done and work as real people.
    -Good story with multiple endings depending on what you do or don't do in the game. What you fail or don't fail at.
    -The action scenes can be intense even though all you are doing are hitting buttons the screen prompts you to.
    -Graphics, music, and voice acting are done well. At times just the sound of fearful breathing is enough to make you feel immersed.

    Cons:
    -The character of Madison has no believable motive. The love story(if you choose to pursue it) don't seem at all realistic.
    -The controls are clunky
    -The voice actors aren't American and sometimes a word is pronounced strangely.
    -Gameplay isn't actually fun but this is the type of game that is more about the experience.

    Conclusion: If you are skeptical of the whole "interactive movie experience" then this game probably won't win you over. If you liked The Walking Dead games and pine for a more serious Zodiac like story then this is up your alley.    … Expand
  44. iddqd4
    Mar 17, 2018
    7
    Достаточно скучно и утомительно. Так и не домучил досмотрев финал на YouTube.
  45. lnks
    Jul 28, 2013
    7
    Schönes Adventure, technisch sauber Umgesetzt mit interessanter Story. Für Leute die offen für neues sind und auch mal mehr einen interaktiven Film als ein Spiel genießen können defintiv Spielenswert.
  46. MP-SCOR7IO
    Jul 13, 2014
    7
    This is what I think: I play the game, loved the graphics, but what I liked even more was the idea!
    However I was very disappointed with the number of possible choices in each act, and further to the result thereof.
    Preferred it if they had not worked so hard in graphs and do a much bigger game results and choices. I no longer have patience for almost any game, are all very repetitive,    This is what I think: I play the game, loved the graphics, but what I liked even more was the idea!
    However I was very disappointed with the number of possible choices in each act, and further to the result thereof.
    Preferred it if they had not worked so hard in graphs and do a much bigger game results and choices.
    I no longer have patience for almost any game, are all very repetitive, only change the characters and graphics. This game promised so much and gave so little.
    I hope they do something in the genus ps4, but this time with more choices and 100x more different results! I even buy my choices on psn if i must, but do it!    … Expand
  47. william-james88
    Jan 3, 2014
    7
    From the reviews, you can guess ths is a mixed bag. While I don't think it's as great or innovative as many people claim it to be,(the same company made a very similar game called Fahrenheit a few years before), it is not as bad as others claim either. It falls in between. What I love, is that it takes the interactive narrative format from Fahrenheit to a new high. The cinematic storyFrom the reviews, you can guess ths is a mixed bag. While I don't think it's as great or innovative as many people claim it to be,(the same company made a very similar game called Fahrenheit a few years before), it is not as bad as others claim either. It falls in between. What I love, is that it takes the interactive narrative format from Fahrenheit to a new high. The cinematic story actually changes depending on what you choose. One of the people you are controlling can die and that has repercussions on figuring out who the killer is in time. More than one actually. And you wont know which choice determines what development. You really see a movie unfold before you and which is governed by your choices not knowing there are a bunch of other ways things could have turned out. This is very special.
    However, the execution is not always perfect. For an interactive story to work as a game, you need 2 things, a solid story and solid game mechanics and it falls short on both.
    The story has many, many plot holes and certain events just do not make any sense. The origami killer seems omniscient and supernaturally quick and stealthy which hurts any sense of realism the game is trying to achieve. It also does not help that anyone with half a brain can figure stuff out faster than either of the two people investigating the murders. A clue will be staring them in the face and they just won't get it.
    The other point to make is that the controls are not great. They are fine for quick time events but controlling your character's movements is sometimes very clumsy. Your character will sometimes wander off somewhere you never intended, or won't be prompted to use stairs or open a cupboard even though the character is aligned with the correct direction. There are also a few glitches here and there. I had to restart a checkpoint due to a series of prompts not appearing when they should have.

    Issues like these might be forgiven in other games where action style gameplay is the primary concern but since it is not the case here, the game really suffers for it. I still say it is worth your time since this is a very unique experience. However for an action adventure game with a noir setting, you are better off with LA Noir. And for a modern noir film (neo noir) experience, you are better off with Seven or Prisoners.    … Expand
  48. ernieandbert
    Jan 8, 2014
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Let me start by saying I really wanted to like Heavy Rain. I really did. I had heard good reviews from so many people, people giving it 10/10 and calling it a revolutionary game. I had even liked LA. Noire, surely I’m going to like this game! But I just don’t see it. Heavy Rain is mediocre at best, and there are many things wrong with the game. The voice acting, the controls, the character personification, the graphics, the overuse of the tiling videos in the cut scenes and the storyline, they all added up to create a game that in my opinion is overrated and does not deserve to be in the Play Station 3 essentials category.

    Usually, and in most cases I love games that focus on telling the player a good story. Dues Ex: HR, The Last of Us, Bioshock Infinite, Gone Home, The Walking Dead, The Wolf Among Us, there are plenty of games I can list that have kept me interested throughout the game, and in the case of having to save a character, made me feel compelled to save them as fast as possible in case for some inconceivable reason something may happen if I don’t get to them in time. But even after playing for a few hours I felt none of that with the characters from Heavy Rain. In fact, I felt the complete opposite.

    The father constantly looks bored and even while searching “frantically" for either of his sons looks like he’d rather be somewhere else. The fact that during these scenes the player is unable to make their character run only further adds to the feeling. I daresay if it weren’t for the fact the player was able to read the characters mind you could be forgiven in thinking he doesn’t give a rats ass about either of his sons.

    The voice acting is atrocious the two sons always sound whiny, please just shut up already! And the father as usual sounds like his kids are in the room next door not missing like they actually are.

    Control wise it suffers from the same problems Telltales Season One of The Walking Dead did. The controls are clunky and walking through doors especially, pushing forward on the analogue stick will more often than not make the character change directions walking back out the door. A frustrating experience, but given the game is several years old something that may have been able to be overlooked had the game not had so many other problems.

    Here I am probably being picky, but the graphics didn’t cut if for me. The father and the sons seem rushed and more often that not I would find myself looking at them strangely thinking for lack of a better word that their faces looked sometimes slightly retarded. And although Heavy Rain has been described as an interactive novel of sorts, I found David Cage’s overuse of tiling the same video from different angles particularly annoying. It worked great for the opening scene but just because it worked once doesn’t mean you should use it in every single cutscene. It’s like listening to a new favourite song. Listen to it too much (or in this case use) and eventually you’re going to start hating it.

    One positive I can find from the game is the music. I felt Painful Memories by Normand Corbeil particularly befitting of the game and if I were an iTunes user would probably fork out $1.50 to buy the track.

    Overall it seems like Heavy Rain is bound to follow in the steps of a typical murder-thriller script. I say bound because while I didn’t finish it I’ve seen enough thrillers to know the basic structure. Sitting here writing this I can say with certainty that I didn’t like the game. The personification of Shaun and Ethan Mars combined with the acting do nothing for me and ultimately create characters that I don’t care about and don’t want to save. The son was abducted? That’s okay I didn’t really like him… Oh you can kill off the father? Sweet I might actually do that.

    While the game is certainly not bad and there are plenty of games far worse, the game is also not good and I can think of hundreds of games that I would prefer to play over this. If you want to get it go ahead plenty of people think it’s a brilliant game and you might fall into the same category as them. If however, you’re not too sure on whether to pick it up go and watch part one of a play through on Youtube. You may just save yourself wasting $20.    … Expand
  49. Michael-5
    Mar 11, 2014
    6
    I beat this game in a single 6 hour sitting, and correctly guessed the killer after only a couple hours. The big problem with this game is that it limits you in the options you can choose, and there are some inconsistencies. e.g. there is a specific item which gives the killer away, and that person isn't even wearing it in some scenes, despite claiming that they always wear it.

    The    I beat this game in a single 6 hour sitting, and correctly guessed the killer after only a couple hours. The big problem with this game is that it limits you in the options you can choose, and there are some inconsistencies. e.g. there is a specific item which gives the killer away, and that person isn't even wearing it in some scenes, despite claiming that they always wear it.

    The concept is great, but the implementation isn't. Plus the game was a bit glitchy at first, I remember one scene where you have to escape a burning building, and I was able to just walk right out (through the door). I had to walk back in to trigger the game scene.

    So 6/10 - Great concept, good plot, but poorly implemented mechanics. You should be able to guess the murderer earlier to alter the plot of the game if you have sufficient evidence.    … Expand
  50. CentipedeHime
    Apr 17, 2014
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. David Cage has done it again. And by done it again, clearly, I mean, Cage has taken Indigo Prophecy and thrown it in a wash machine, spun it around, and taken it out to look at his brand new, sopping wet masterpiece that is Heavy Rain.
    Hiding in the metaphorical center of France, David Cage sits in his office at Quantic Dream and churns out hit, after hit. Starting with the famously infamous thrill ride of poorly explained mystical powers given to a personality void protagonist. To follow up the award winning narrative, Heavy Rain was born.
    The story of a simple man, a simple, ridiculously futuristic FBI agent with unexplained technology, a simple reporter with insomnia, and a simple private investigator of considerable weight. The first man, Ethan Mars, having already lost a son and experienced a coma due to a car accident of sorts, finds his son Shaun to be missing. Upon this new discovery, the kidnapper, of his last remaining son, known as the Origami Killer, leaves Saw-like challenges for him to complete in hopes of getting a few letters of the address of his son’s location. Being introduced as playable characters, the supporting cast help fill in the rest of the mystery, however nonsensical it may be, with their own individual investigations.
    Assigned to the renowned Origami Killer case, Norman Jayden, a FBI agent with a serious dependency on some unknown drug that only exists in David Cage’s mind, jumps on the case with two feet. He uses his immense detective skills taught to him by the FBI to solve the case, in the form of a pair of glasses that literally show him where every piece of evidence is, what it means, and how its connect to other evidence.
    Scott Shelby, a plump private investigator with an apparent soft spot for kids and good deeds travels around looking for any clues the Origami Killer could have left behind with the parents of the young victims. Shelby uses his vast experience in the investigatory field to never get arrested for anything, including the time, if you so choose to go down the story branch, he shoots up an entire mansion of body guards. And Madison Page, a hardboiled reporter with insomnia is there to...be female. What else is there to say. It’s David Cage, after all.
    So, being a game specifically about the narrative, let’s talk about the narrative first. Being one to have experienced both Indigo Prophecy and Heavy Rain, I can definitively say that the similarity between several scenes in each game is astounding. Coming from that standpoint, it is only slightly disappointing to have essentially paid for the same experience with different characters, and a vaguely more revealing gratuitous shower scene.
    In addition to the similarity with Indigo Prophecy, Heavy Rain has been known for it’s massive plot holes, and over exaggerated storyline and plot points. The most noticeable plot hole being, just before Shaun’s disappearance, Ethan Mars experiences several blackouts, always coming-to in the middle of a street somewhere, grasping an origami figure in his hand. This made the player believe that maybe Ethan was the killer, especially since Ethan’s ex-wife, Grace, mentions to the police that Ethan had come to her house, mumbling something about drowning kids sometime around Shaun’s disappearance. But when this is never addressed again, and just forgotten about by every character involved in this God forsaken game, its leaves the audience baffled. It’s almost as if David Cage had written an entire supernatural plot where Ethan shares a special connection with the killer, experiencing his memories of drowning children, but decided not to include it, took it out, but left all of the signs and foreshadowing of that plot in the final product. Oh, wait. He did.
    To further give the player a sense of utter confusion, Cage makes sure to include multiple murders all over the rainy city. Nearly everyone who is interviewed in the sake of the case is a murderer. One of which, a calculated serial killer who is just interviewed about an apartment he owns, but doesn’t even use.
    The police in Heavy Rain really aren’t any better. A branch of the storyline that remains constant is the arrest of Ethan Mars by the police. They make this arrest with the most circumstantial evidence ever to be thought up. The testimony made by his ex-wife, Grace. With this “solid” evidence against him, the entire police force, and what appears to be an off-brand SWAT, track Ethan down and chase him onto the roof. But if you decided that Ethan should jump off that roughly five story building, the police look down at him, walking off with a minor limp and seemingly say to themselves, “Nah, that’s too much work. He’s gone for good.”
    Well, it is a game, right? How is the gameplay? The gameplay is the most important part of a game, right? No, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but that is not the case for this “Playstation’s Great’s Hit” title carrier. But,    … Expand
  51. carlosgtardon
    Jun 10, 2014
    7
    Interesante historia, aunque tal vez menos que Farhenheit, en la cual puedes participar hasta cierto punto. La lástima es que el 90% de las mecánicas sean botoneo y precisión y a veces reviente la experiencia narrativa, eso sí para cualquier persona que quiera ver lo que es la disonancia ludonarrativa este es su programa.
  52. DEMAXUS
    Oct 3, 2015
    6
    i would have given this game a 10 if i reviewd when playing it the 1st time(a time i didnt understand things) but know i think this game isnt that good. the story is great but this game has some horrible acting and a lot of glitches. giving it a 6/10 because it had some nice gameplay and a great story but one of the worst executions.
  53. Broyax
    Apr 15, 2017
    5
    Heavy Rain a le mérite de l'originalité et de l'audace pour avoir tenté un thriller (plus ou moins) interactif au scénario classique mais bien ficelé (malgré des incohérences), le tout avec des graphismes de bon aloi, une excellente VF et une ambiance intrigante.

    Cependant il est victime de nombreuses tares au niveau de l'interface et de trop nombreuses phases de QTE aussi maladroites    Heavy Rain a le mérite de l'originalité et de l'audace pour avoir tenté un thriller (plus ou moins) interactif au scénario classique mais bien ficelé (malgré des incohérences), le tout avec des graphismes de bon aloi, une excellente VF et une ambiance intrigante.

    Cependant il est victime de nombreuses tares au niveau de l'interface et de trop nombreuses phases de QTE aussi maladroites qu'inutiles rendant caduque toute tentative de rejouabilité. Bref, après la surprise de la première partie, on y revient pas. D'autant plus dommage que le jeu est très court ! on aurait aimé plus de "jeu" et moins de cinématiques à QTE (le chemin de la facilité pour les développeurs branleurs comme Quantic Dream).    … Expand
  54. greenndreams
    Feb 23, 2018
    6
    시도는 좋았다. 많은 어드벤처 제작자들에게 영감을 준 의미있는 실험이었다고 생각한다.

    중요한 분기점에서 플레이어의 선택이 실제로 스토리와 엔딩에 나름 큰 영향을 미치는 점이 인상적이다. 엔딩만 무려 23가지라고 한다. 그리고 데이빗 케이지 감독 특유의 QTE 씬들은 잘 활용된 경우 아주 효과적으로 긴장감을 유도한다. 실패할 때마다 그 컷씬의 처음부터 다시 해야하는 콜옵이나 배틀필드의 억지스러운 QTE와는 다르게, 헤비 레인에선 QTE를 실패해도 매번 적절한 결과가 발생하고 스토리가 그대로 진행된다. 물론 좀 불필요한 QTE도 제법 있지만, "게임 오버는 게임 디자인의 실패다"라던 데이빗 케이지의 철학을 반영한 나름 독특한 디자인이다. 이렇듯이 게임플레이 요소들보단 스토리의 비중이 큰    시도는 좋았다. 많은 어드벤처 제작자들에게 영감을 준 의미있는 실험이었다고 생각한다.

    중요한 분기점에서 플레이어의 선택이 실제로 스토리와 엔딩에 나름 큰 영향을 미치는 점이 인상적이다. 엔딩만 무려 23가지라고 한다. 그리고 데이빗 케이지 감독 특유의 QTE 씬들은 잘 활용된 경우 아주 효과적으로 긴장감을 유도한다. 실패할 때마다 그 컷씬의 처음부터 다시 해야하는 콜옵이나 배틀필드의 억지스러운 QTE와는 다르게, 헤비 레인에선 QTE를 실패해도 매번 적절한 결과가 발생하고 스토리가 그대로 진행된다. 물론 좀 불필요한 QTE도 제법 있지만, "게임 오버는 게임 디자인의 실패다"라던 데이빗 케이지의 철학을 반영한 나름 독특한 디자인이다.

    이렇듯이 게임플레이 요소들보단 스토리의 비중이 큰 게임이다 보니 당연히 스토리가 더욱 중요하다. 심지어 판타지나 코미디와 같이 비교적 유연한 장르도 아니고, 어둡고 심각한 미스터리 스릴러이니 스토리는 두 말할 필요 없이 치밀해야 한다. 그러나 헤비 레인은 그저 연쇄살인 B무비 스토리에 수많은 플롯 구멍의 향연이다. 중간중간 어색한 대사들과 오그라드는 성우 연기는 금상첨화.

    (스포일러)

    일단 주인공 에단은 유저를 헷갈리게 하는 데에 편리한 매우 희한한 증세들을 보이는데 이에 대해선 끝내 아무 설명이 없다. 예를 들면 필름이 끊기고 나서 정신이 돌아왔을 때 난데없이 종이접기를 손에 쥐고 있는 건 대체 뭔가? 범인이 필름 끊길 때마다 찾아와서 손에 쥐어주고 갔나? 그리고 평소에 상담사와 부인에게 물에서 익사하는 아이들 모습이 아른거린다고 헛소리를 흘려놓기까지 했단다. 이 게임 시나리오 작가는 일이 참 편한가보다.

    그리고 이 동네는 경찰들이 비현실적으로 막장이다. 영장 없이 주거 침입, 폭행, 고문 및 살인은 물론이고 말도 안되는 명분으로 주인공을 용의자로 지목하여 (무능하게) 추격하는 한편, 정작 범인이 보안 철저할 크레이머 저택에 들어가 수십명을 학살하고 나오는 실제 범죄 현장에선 깜깜 무소식이다.

    결정적으로 앞뒤 안 맞는 범인의 정체가 참 실망스럽다. 도대체 그는 왜 범인이 아닌 줄 뻔히 알면서 크레이머를 범인이라며 추궁해댔던 것인가? 그리고 타자기 가게에서 거사를 치른 뒤에 경찰을 부를거면 뒷정리라도 하고 부르던지. 정리하기도 전에 애써 다급하게 경찰에 신고한 이유가 무엇인가? 애초에 타자기 가게 씬 자체가 순전히 유저들을 낚기 위한 어설픈 편집 트릭이다. 그래놓고 막상 실제로 검거되도 별 문제 없이 유유히 경찰서에서 걸어나온다.

    그리고 무려 30여년을 기다린 끝에 이런 온갖 복잡한 장애물들을 설치해가며 이 장대한 연쇄 살해 음모를 꾸민 그의 동기도 모호하다. 그는 그토록 애타게 희생적인 아버지를 찾아서 뭘 증명하려 한 것인가? 그 아버지를 죽이려 했다면 왜 마지막에 독약을 가짜로 쓴 건가? 살려주려 했다면 왜 마지막에 에단에게 총을 겨눈 건가?

    10시간 동안 열심히 플레이하고 남은 건 수많은 플롯 구멍들과 찝찝한 뒷맛 뿐이다.    … Expand
  55. Soldiergamez
    Jul 29, 2018
    7
    It's not everyone's cup of tea, but if you're interested in interactive dramas with storytelling so dark and brutal it could be in a Stephen King novel, then look no further than Heavy Rain.
  56. AbhinavDasiga
    Jul 8, 2020
    7
    Heavy Rain might play out like an interact-able movie rather than a conventional video game, but the thrilling narrative makes up for it and more. The multiple turns the story can take also do a good job of making the player feel invested.
  57. Rustick
    Jun 23, 2022
    7
    хороший сюжет со значительными дырами на втором прохождении, персонажи весьма неплохие, есть весьма депрессивные моменты
  58. SewAwOw
    Jun 30, 2020
    7
    Игра неплоха, очень даже. Но есть ряд презентий к некоторым механикам, да и интрига какая-то не интригующая, быстро понять можно было, кто злодей. А так, кинцо хорошее.
  59. Dnische
    Aug 30, 2021
    6
    This game could be the most iconic interactive movie for its time, but those sci-fi elements ( such us detective's cheat glasses for example) killed the whole atmosphere of mature grim noir for me. Frequent plot holes and overtly boring characters ultimately corrupted my experience. Due to the absence of gameplay itself the story becomes the most important part of Heavy Rain, so it isThis game could be the most iconic interactive movie for its time, but those sci-fi elements ( such us detective's cheat glasses for example) killed the whole atmosphere of mature grim noir for me. Frequent plot holes and overtly boring characters ultimately corrupted my experience. Due to the absence of gameplay itself the story becomes the most important part of Heavy Rain, so it is unacceptable for writers to spoil it.

    6/10 only becouse of that Madison's dance in club    … Expand
  60. F3T1W
    Aug 20, 2021
    6
    A detective with a good start, high-quality QTEs and well-written characters, but closer to the middle it starts to become incredibly stuffy
  61. aaronnmp96
    Feb 1, 2023
    7
    great visual novel, although a certain thing in the story tasted bitter to me, it is very good that you can choose possibilities and have consequences
  62. Lezzly
    May 30, 2023
    7
    Produkcja, która wywołała u mnie smutek i żal. Oczywiście pozytywnie postrzegam tę grę pod kątem historii oraz tego jak bardzo gracz jest w niej interaktywny. Polecam każdemu, kto lubi życiowe gry i jest empatyczną osobą.

Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best PS3 Game of 2010
3
#3 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2010
4
#4 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 107 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 99 out of 107
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 107
  3. Negative: 3 out of 107
  1. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    90
    Put gaming conventions aside, go in with no expectations other than this is something new and massively good-looking, and you'll be rewarded with a unique experience that lurches between genius and madness, manages to be genuinely emotional, and that you'll be bursting to talk about with your friends. [Feb 2010]
  2. GamingXP
    92
    For many people Heavy Rain won’t be more than a progression of quick-time-events, but for me this game has everything a great game needs. The thrilling story, the beautiful graphics and the innovative controls will let you play on and on, till you just can’t look any longer into your TV.
    Read full review
  3. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    100
    We're enjoying it immensely... It is a game like none other. [Mar 2010, p.66]
See all critic reviews »