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
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  1. WagnerPaiva
    Feb 21, 2013
    10
    My favorite and most beloved PS3 game, I will never forget how it make me fell when I played, back to back, 6 times.
    It is a powerful and unforgettable experience that stays with you months after playing, this game is the LOUIS C.K. of video games: sincere, original and creative.
    If you like intelligent and mysterious games, PLAY IT.
  2. MShadows17
    Feb 19, 2013
    9
    "Heavy Rain" is either going to be a game that you are going to love or hate. In this review, I am going to tell you why I loved this game.

    Here's the basic run-down of the plot (which is very important, as the game is very story-driven): We start the game off with Ethan Mars, a normal everyman who is happily married with two children. However, his life takes a tragic turn after one    "Heavy Rain" is either going to be a game that you are going to love or hate. In this review, I am going to tell you why I loved this game.

    Here's the basic run-down of the plot (which is very important, as the game is very story-driven):

    We start the game off with Ethan Mars, a normal everyman who is happily married with two children. However, his life takes a tragic turn after one of his sons, Jason, is killed by an oncoming car. Ethan, who was also hit by the car while trying to save Jason's life, falls into a coma and, upon awaking, his life is in shambles. He now suffers from numerous psychological problems (schizophrenia, agoraphobia and blackouts) and is also estranged from his wife and has fallen out of favor with his other son, Shaun. Soon, things get worse, as Shaun is kidnapped by the infamous Origami Killer, who drowns his victims in rainwater and dumps the bodies (who are left with an origami figure) out in open wastelands for the world to see.

    We are soon introduced to 3 other playable characters, who all have certain problems they are facing and who all have their own motives for tracking down the Origami Killer:

    Scott Shelby is a former cop turned private eye, who suffers from chronic asthma.
    Norman Jayden is an FBI profiler who has an experimental pair of glasses (ARI) that allow him to investigate crime scenes and efficiently analyze evidence. He suffers from a dangerous drug addiction that is believed to be used to combat effect from using ARI.
    Madison Paige is a journalist who is conducting an investigation into the Origami Killer case. She struggles with insomnia and nightmares (which she attempts to remedy by sleeping in motels).

    Per his modus operandi, the Origami Killer sends the father of his recent kidnapping victim (which, here, is Ethan) a box with 5 origami figures, a cell phone and a gun. The cell phone features a hangman puzzle which, when completed, reveals the address of where Ethan's son is located. The 5 origami figures give Ethan the location of certain trials which he must complete in order to get letters to the hangman puzzle. The trials are very rigorous tests of faith that get harder and harder as they go.

    While this happens, the other 3 main characters conduct their own investigations into the Origami Killer case. All manage to meet a bunch of seemingly normal, yet psychotic people who will do their best to impede the characters' progress.

    It's a bit of a mouthful, but the game is very story-based, so it definitely needs to be known. It's a very interesting story that will draw you in more and more as it goes on.

    Anyway, the gameplay is about 45% quick-time events, 45% decision-making and 10% investigating. The investigating is a little bit of a chore, but it's VERY important for Jayden's actions, especially when he is trying to figure out who the killer is.

    Where the game is made is in the decision-making and quick-time event aspects. Every little thing you do can change the way the game plays out. If you fail enough quick-time events, you could end up having a character killed off (one that could end up breaking the case). If you don't make the right decisions, it could have dire consequences. One prominent way to make a wrong decision is to not complete one of Ethan's trials. If you decide to not attempt the trial, you may end up not finding out the address of the killer. And believe me, it is VERY easy to get tempted not to do some of the trials. On my first playthrough, I got to the 4th trial and realized I just couldn't bring myself to complete the trial after a revelation was made (I don't want to spoil it). This game just really had me thinking what I would do in the situation given, and I just couldn't go through with it. I saw myself in Ethan and wanted him to do the "right" thing, but it ended up in him not completing the trial and, therefore, not getting the letters to the puzzle. The 5th one was much in the same.

    This game has an uncanny ability to make many people, especially me, think about what they would do in a given situation. It tries to make you think on your feet and make your own decisions to shape how the story goes based on the decisions and reactions you make. It's an interactive movie, as the makers of the game explained it. You start to feel a connection to the characters, because they are ordinary people with everyday problems placed in extraordinary circumstances. The epilogues especially hit you hard because YOU had a direct influence on how the story ended up. When someone does something good, you rejoice because it was your decision-making that influenced it. When someone dies, you feel guilty because it was of your inability to help the person.

    All in all, this game just drew me in and didn't let go. There is a ton of re-playability, as well, as there are 22 different individual endings. I'd recommend it to anyone who is interested in an empathetic and captivating experience.    … Expand
  3. LilD
    Feb 8, 2013
    9
    If you take the game for what it is, an "Interactive Movie" then you will find this to be an awesome experience. The experience is unprecedented because you have an overall plot and continuously moving story like a movie, but a more detailed story and ability to influence events and endings Allowing you to play increases tension and the overall mood and atmosphere. The writing,If you take the game for what it is, an "Interactive Movie" then you will find this to be an awesome experience. The experience is unprecedented because you have an overall plot and continuously moving story like a movie, but a more detailed story and ability to influence events and endings Allowing you to play increases tension and the overall mood and atmosphere. The writing, characters, and the themes, etc. are all memorable. Definitely worth a try for PS3 fans. It definitely seems a love it or hate it type of game.… Expand
  4. fulltimespy
    Feb 2, 2013
    10
    This is one of the games together with the metal gear series with the highest replayability, I finished heavy rain dozens of times just to see how different choices change the story and how losing certain characters will affect it.
    I can't tell how much I loved this game, absolutely brilliant in every way.
    Even tough people say quick time events are bad in most games, it isn't in heavy    This is one of the games together with the metal gear series with the highest replayability, I finished heavy rain dozens of times just to see how different choices change the story and how losing certain characters will affect it.
    I can't tell how much I loved this game, absolutely brilliant in every way.
    Even tough people say quick time events are bad in most games, it isn't in heavy rain, everything works very well and it feels very intense with the action going on.
    This game is for anyone who loves a good story for a change of all the mindless action games.

    If you loved this game, you certainly want to keep an eye out for beyond two souls.
    The next game of quantic dream.    … Expand
  5. EvanM29
    Jan 22, 2013
    10
    This game is absolutely mind blowing!!! Never played a game that let you control the ending result. I must say that this game is the best that I have ever played! This game pulls you into the drama, you consistently will think about it towards the middle. Feels like you are in a movie no joke. I highly recommend this game to gamers. VERY GOOD GAME!!
  6. 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
  7. 6xdandangp
    Dec 29, 2012
    0
    Acceptable story (Nothing that stands out), terrible gameplay. In fact, there's no reason to be so many plot holes and inconsistencies in such a plot-driven game. Being forced to play this game should be a new form of torture.
  8. Regal4point1
    Dec 28, 2012
    9
    This is always the game I cite when people say consequence and branching storylines aren't possible to the extent people demand it. Perhaps it is because Heavy Rain set the bar so high in that area that makes it so influential and amazing. The game is also addicting and thrilling, and the organic, no game over design makes everything more intense. The aesthetics, especially the score, helpThis is always the game I cite when people say consequence and branching storylines aren't possible to the extent people demand it. Perhaps it is because Heavy Rain set the bar so high in that area that makes it so influential and amazing. The game is also addicting and thrilling, and the organic, no game over design makes everything more intense. The aesthetics, especially the score, help to make a depressing mood that makes it a wonderful experience. The illusion of choice, it turns out, isn't an illusion in this game.… Expand
  9. theforeveverwar
    Dec 11, 2012
    10
    Wow! I talk a lot about how some games are experiences and not games at all, heavy rain is probably the reason I think like that now. I loved this game, loved everything about it. The graphics, the story, the characters, the different paths, the music is some of the best in gaming. This is one of my all time favorite games every. Now this may not be for everyone granted, because this isWow! I talk a lot about how some games are experiences and not games at all, heavy rain is probably the reason I think like that now. I loved this game, loved everything about it. The graphics, the story, the characters, the different paths, the music is some of the best in gaming. This is one of my all time favorite games every. Now this may not be for everyone granted, because this is more of an interactive movie of sorts, and you just follow along but you still get to choose how you want it to play out. I loved the tense parts and actually I was a bit dissapointed when I played backed some earlier sections and found out that had I failed the correct button presses, I would have lived anyway, but at the time I didn't realize that and so I felt tense and knew (or at least thought) that my character could die and I needed to be careful. I love perma-death in games. It is what made demon souls so great the consequences of dying, and is why im looking so forward to until dawn. In fact had death had more of a consequence in amnesia it probably would have been even better, but I knew it would just load right back up so I never really felt that tense.… Expand
  10. 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
  11. TheNeoboy
    Nov 23, 2012
    8
    Heart breaking decisions and a great story. Downsides are that this game is reaaaaly depressing and that you realy have to like to do every single endings.

    In the end, a good rent.
  12. APOLLO_SOL
    Nov 19, 2012
    10
    What a blast! Incredibly innovative usage of the six-axis controller, invigorating story line, simply amazing character feel and backstory and thriller factor. THIS IS WHAT GAMES THESE DAYS SHOULD BE LIKE! New, fun to play, and addictive. I wish it was a longer game or at least had a few strong side plots that could have extended its life.
  13. Critic-al
    Nov 14, 2012
    2
    Its a shame that such bogus games in playstation 3.any player will get bored easily as you just keep pressing square circle move etc etc . dont waste your money on this game
  14. carloseduardoxp
    Nov 5, 2012
    9
    Its a different game, i don´t think everybory will like, but i liked =D. The history(es) is(are) intriguing, excelent graphics, with many knurled, but ok.
  15. WSOMCast
    Nov 5, 2012
    8
    The game is great! The graphics are pretty, the story brought me to tears, and the descions you make actually do effect the outcome. With that said, the voice's are horrible. From Ethan's famous, "jason, JASON, jason, JASON, jason, JASON!" to the police saying "We got to catch this ORIGAUMIA killa!" The voice over work really hurts the game. Other than that, and the cutscenes being aThe game is great! The graphics are pretty, the story brought me to tears, and the descions you make actually do effect the outcome. With that said, the voice's are horrible. From Ethan's famous, "jason, JASON, jason, JASON, jason, JASON!" to the police saying "We got to catch this ORIGAUMIA killa!" The voice over work really hurts the game. Other than that, and the cutscenes being a little dry, there aren't really anything wrong with this game. Don't worry, the game and the story EASILY make up for these issues.… Expand
  16. GreenDragonGirl
    Nov 2, 2012
    10
    A game with beautiful graphics, half the time you feel like it's a movie witch makes in memorable from all other games out there. It has such emotion, Ethan Mars is my favorite character because you really feel his pain especially if you get a sad ending. The voice acting is GOOD and the soundtrack is OUTSTANDING.
  17. AlienSpaceBats
    Oct 28, 2012
    10
    If there was a reason to buy a PS3, here it is. I loved Fahrenheit (aka Indigo Prophecy) but it was a shame Heavy Rain didn't make it cross-platform. I'm going to keep this short, as lengthy critique will just involve my gushing about the game ... (one word - wow). Heavy Rain is everything a modern game should be, compelling, cinematic and complex, it makes other games (and many films)If there was a reason to buy a PS3, here it is. I loved Fahrenheit (aka Indigo Prophecy) but it was a shame Heavy Rain didn't make it cross-platform. I'm going to keep this short, as lengthy critique will just involve my gushing about the game ... (one word - wow). Heavy Rain is everything a modern game should be, compelling, cinematic and complex, it makes other games (and many films) seem mundane by comparison. Very close to being a masterpiece.… Expand
  18. ReaIistiC
    Oct 17, 2012
    9
    Apsolutely amazing game. everything about this game is amazing, Can be a bit boring at times but once ya get into it you will not sleep! very addictive storyline
  19. 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
  20. MarcoRossi
    Sep 21, 2012
    2
    The game is pretty good and there are a good deal of areas that test the players ability, not only to play the game, but also to react to prompts quickly. However, these only account for 25% of the playing time IMHO, the rest is really really dull. At least with films they cut out the dull bits.......
  21. HoodNation
    Sep 17, 2012
    10
    So much fun. I don't consider this a game. I consider this a movie just because the scenes can be so good at times. A must own if you own a Playstation 3 console. Can't wait for Quantic Dream next game.
  22. Karma_police
    Sep 11, 2012
    9
    This game is just something different something i would want to see again and again in this industry.
    obviously you can`t find a rock solid game play here you just need to know what are you playing and rate it like that.
  23. riferrari
    Aug 18, 2012
    8
    Heavy Rain gives you a great experience (if you are not hoping to play a game where you blow things up), the storyline is breathtaking and superior than the ones in many games around, the gameplay is slow and all about the storyline (despite having some action parts) and the game isn't very lasting, so I would say, rent it.
  24. JDConspirator
    Jul 28, 2012
    10
    Heavy Rain is the best game on PS3. Was that not enough to compel you to buy it? Well let's scrape the false claims out of the way first. Heavy Rain is NOT a quick time event driven game. It may feel like it as you fiddle with the thumbsticks and follow direction cues. But Heavy Rain makes so much sense out of them in context. For example when you fuss around trying to undo your seatbelt,Heavy Rain is the best game on PS3. Was that not enough to compel you to buy it? Well let's scrape the false claims out of the way first. Heavy Rain is NOT a quick time event driven game. It may feel like it as you fiddle with the thumbsticks and follow direction cues. But Heavy Rain makes so much sense out of them in context. For example when you fuss around trying to undo your seatbelt, the feedback feels dynamic. Now to the game itself. Quantic Dream has given us a masterpiece of storytelling and design. There are 18 diiferent ending scenarios. Above all else though is the story that drives them. The game asks you how far will you go to save someone you love and all the way through the protagonists are torn by the past and want to save the future. Ethan Mars clearly defines this. He loses his older son Jason by a vehicular rundown and throughout the game he struggles to live with himself, especially when Shaun goes missing. Heavy Rain pulls you in with plenty of action sequences and spins a yarn which is truly phenominal. If you don't feel anything by the end of the game (no matter how many run throughs you do) something is definately wrong with you.… Expand
  25. EnigmaReviews
    Jul 24, 2012
    8
    Quantic Dream is known for their amazing storytelling so you would expect the Heavy Rain to be no different. Well you're right. Heavy Rain has a blockbuster story. What makes it better is the graphics design of the character. Then there is the gameplay itself. That's what makes a game. But Heavy Rain does't have much of that. Everything seems like a giant interactive movie. There isn'tQuantic Dream is known for their amazing storytelling so you would expect the Heavy Rain to be no different. Well you're right. Heavy Rain has a blockbuster story. What makes it better is the graphics design of the character. Then there is the gameplay itself. That's what makes a game. But Heavy Rain does't have much of that. Everything seems like a giant interactive movie. There isn't much to do other than push the buttons that pops up on the screen. To put it simple it isn't much of a game. It's more like an interactive movie. Although the game is great it isn't a masterpiece. A game can have an amazing story but without the gameplay to back it up it just goes to waste. I like what Quantic Dream was aiming for which is why I am giving this game an 8/10. It was something new rather than another shooter but still I would've much preferred this be a movie rather than a game.… Expand
  26. Jouna92
    Jul 20, 2012
    9
    A great game. First the bad: there were a few glitches and the sound bytes were a bit sparse in some sections. The good: great graphics, compelling story with a messed up killer and outrageous tests for the father, and ways to get more than one ending! A couple of bits that I found with faults like why the troubled nightmares and insomnia? The game has a story and plays out like a movieA great game. First the bad: there were a few glitches and the sound bytes were a bit sparse in some sections. The good: great graphics, compelling story with a messed up killer and outrageous tests for the father, and ways to get more than one ending! A couple of bits that I found with faults like why the troubled nightmares and insomnia? The game has a story and plays out like a movie enough that your friend would enjoy playing with you.… Expand
  27. ilovegames32
    Jun 24, 2012
    9
    WARNING:THIS GAME IS NOT FOR ACTION JUNKIES WHO NEEDS CONSTANT ACTION TO STAY INTERESTED!! Now for people looking for something different while playing a game may I suggest to you...heavy rain! Heavy rain lets you play as four protagonist one of which is trying desperately to find his son after previously losing his oldest son in a car accident! Two years later he's half the man he used toWARNING:THIS GAME IS NOT FOR ACTION JUNKIES WHO NEEDS CONSTANT ACTION TO STAY INTERESTED!! Now for people looking for something different while playing a game may I suggest to you...heavy rain! Heavy rain lets you play as four protagonist one of which is trying desperately to find his son after previously losing his oldest son in a car accident! Two years later he's half the man he used to be..his marriage is over he's constantly having nightmare's and is seeing a shrink and his bond with his son is all but broken! By this point in the game I knew I would finish it multiple times because the story is what makes it worth playing! I was sucked in by the attention paid to the story as well as the graphics which is down right beautiful to behold!this game also gives you complete control over the story by letting you decide who lives and who dies which gives you so many reason's to replay it after you finish one of the games multiple stories! One reviewer said he tried to kill a character but it was just a dream so it sucked because it was a dream....? Well you cant kill her there because...well its a dream but trust me she gets the worst deaths in the game lol. Everything isn't good in heavy rain like the controls which takes time to get used to. Many times I took a wrong turn or found myself kissing a wall but its not to distracking also parts of the story will not be explained like ethans nightmare's of drowning kids or what was he doing/where was he during his blackouts but again its not to distracting from the rest of the narrative! This is a must play for gamers but even more so for developers because they've clearly ran out of idea's when it comes to good gameplay and story telling vs weak story and run and gun rehash! Get this game its a true diamond in a sea full on shooters!… Expand
  28. C45M
    Jun 20, 2012
    8
    O jogo em si é muito bom, de um gênero único e inovador, não tinha experimentado nada deste tipo até o presente momento, o problema é que com o passar do tempo se torna maçante, e acaba não sendo aquele game que fica no alto da prateleira depois de platinado, e que a gente se imagina voltando a jogar em um futuro próximo.
  29. Zerrekk
    Jun 16, 2012
    10
    A ten may seem high to a lot of people, and even though this game does have some problems ( in my opinion the controls were sometimes difficult), when I completed it, I was in awe of what I had seen and done while playing. The haunting musical score is incredible as you make your way through the game. The graphics are simply amazing. And finally the story is one of the best written IA ten may seem high to a lot of people, and even though this game does have some problems ( in my opinion the controls were sometimes difficult), when I completed it, I was in awe of what I had seen and done while playing. The haunting musical score is incredible as you make your way through the game. The graphics are simply amazing. And finally the story is one of the best written I have ever seen in a video game. So even with somewhat awkward controls at times, I found myself thoroughly engaged by this game.… Expand
  30. muzziklover
    Jun 1, 2012
    9
    Probably one of the best told stories in a video game ever. I was enthralled from beginning to end, hook, line and sinker. The characters are very interesting and lifelike and the voice acting is good even if it stumbles a bit and the story is a roller coaster of emotions. To convey this amazing story, it has a brilliant interaction and quick time event mechanics that makes you think fastProbably one of the best told stories in a video game ever. I was enthralled from beginning to end, hook, line and sinker. The characters are very interesting and lifelike and the voice acting is good even if it stumbles a bit and the story is a roller coaster of emotions. To convey this amazing story, it has a brilliant interaction and quick time event mechanics that makes you think fast and make the experience more authentic. I could've easily given this a 10 if not for the god awful movement controls and awkward camera and while you do get used to it, it can mess up what you're doing from time to time but overall doesn't ruin the brilliant story for you. This is a game that anyone should experience and even if they didn't it, they have some appreciation for what is done here. One of the best games on the Playstation 3 and anyone who owns the console should get this.… Expand
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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 »