User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3314 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. StevenS
    Feb 26, 2010
    9
    This arrived yesterday morning from HMV. I got the collectors edition and played it through in one sitting. It's a long time since I've sat at a computer overnight but it was too brilliant to put down. There are areas of the game where the controls get a little clunky and for that I marked the game down one point. Other than that it is amazing. There are hundreds of first person This arrived yesterday morning from HMV. I got the collectors edition and played it through in one sitting. It's a long time since I've sat at a computer overnight but it was too brilliant to put down. There are areas of the game where the controls get a little clunky and for that I marked the game down one point. Other than that it is amazing. There are hundreds of first person shooters released each year, multitudes of driving games. Yes, it has it's flaws but this game is different, it's original, and it's amazingly well done. Expand
  2. PsyminC
    Feb 28, 2010
    9
    Heavy Rain is a game unlike any other. I am not really sure why everyone bashes the gameplay- I had more tense moments in this game than any other game released this year, or last, and it was because of the gameplay. Obviously, the story is the REASON to play the game because it is enthralling, and the characters are well laid out, but don' t just brush off the fun gameplay Heavy Rain is a game unlike any other. I am not really sure why everyone bashes the gameplay- I had more tense moments in this game than any other game released this year, or last, and it was because of the gameplay. Obviously, the story is the REASON to play the game because it is enthralling, and the characters are well laid out, but don' t just brush off the fun gameplay mechanics. My only complaint comes with the sometimes wonky, often clunky controls. This was nowhere near a game-killing problem, though, and I was able to see play through it just fine. The real point that makes this game worth your time and money, though, lies in the repayability of the title. You can play through it making different choices each time, and get a different story. It is really unparalleled in that regard. Lastly, the graphics are stunning (I have never seen better hair in a video game)! Overall, Heavy Rain is a stellar title that is absolutely worth your time. 9 out of 10. Expand
  3. JCR.
    Mar 1, 2010
    9
    This game will make you feel intense emotion and engage you in feeling you are not used to be in in your everyday life on your first try. Some stuff are very low res in the environment but overall is a great leap in design. I suggest you give it a try.
  4. StephenN.
    Mar 2, 2010
    9
    This game is brave enough to be different and for me it works really well. I am enjoying my playthrough and even experimented with playing scenes again to work out if they turn out any different and to a degree they do. It's not perfect but I really hope that this sells well and pushes other developers to build titles like this. This game is a good place to start.
  5. TateO
    Apr 26, 2010
    9
    The only reason I didn't give this game a 10 is for one reason only (read to learn why). I read most of the reviews posted and I decided to treat this "game" like a choose your own adventure movie. I absolutely loved it. It was like a good book that I couldn't put down and finished it in two days time probably around 20 to 25 hours. The graphics are great...so why not a ten. The The only reason I didn't give this game a 10 is for one reason only (read to learn why). I read most of the reviews posted and I decided to treat this "game" like a choose your own adventure movie. I absolutely loved it. It was like a good book that I couldn't put down and finished it in two days time probably around 20 to 25 hours. The graphics are great...so why not a ten. The controls for the most part are intuitive and work well...most of the time. There are a few places in the game where the timing is hard and although I wanted my character to do one thing (in my mind) I could not get him or her to do it and it changed the dynamic of the outcome. Without giving away a spoiler lets just say one of my characters died because I couldn't push the buttons correctly and that's not how I wanted my "movie" to go. I will go back and do the movie over in a couple of months and reload from save when I fail to achieve the desired outcome but the first time through I went with the flow of my inadequacy in button timing which frustrated me but didn't detract from the overall movie like experience. Expand
  6. RobertH
    Feb 23, 2010
    9
    Wonderful accomplishment in interactive storytelling. While it can't quite be classified as a game, it is definately a newfound pillar in this industry where innovation on this level is as rare as blue skies are in Quantic Dream's masterpiece. A few (hopefully patched) minor glitches keep this back from a 10.
  7. RyanH
    Feb 24, 2010
    9
    It's execution is not always perfect, but Heavy Rain creates an amazingly tense and emotional experience while taking video game narrative to a new level. Some clunky dialogue and misfit voice work (the "orig-yam-ee" killer) is easy to overlook in light of the greater picture. I played straight through until 4 in the morning because I had to see what was next.
  8. NickV
    Feb 24, 2010
    9
    Heavy Rain strives to break free of the conventional video game molds we have come to see and expect from our games, and to a large degree, it succeeds. For the first time in a long time, your choices actually matter in a game, and the conclusion can be dramatically different depending on those choices. Let's compare to Mass Effect 2 in terms of storytelling. In ME2, the story stops Heavy Rain strives to break free of the conventional video game molds we have come to see and expect from our games, and to a large degree, it succeeds. For the first time in a long time, your choices actually matter in a game, and the conclusion can be dramatically different depending on those choices. Let's compare to Mass Effect 2 in terms of storytelling. In ME2, the story stops at several places, waiting for you to be ready before you continue. This, in my opinion, pulls gamers from the experience. The only way you can miss some of ME2s story is if you basically choose to skip it, and there are only a few of your choices that make any sort fo significant difference (and these are largely just individual character based). Frankly, I never felt like I could actually lose in ME2. In Heavy Rain, however, you can lose your characters at almost any point in the story and thus miss IMMENSE story segments and plot details. You can reach an end in which you don't win, and there is not necessarily a happy ending. This creates a level of tension not seen in many games. I wish I had time to go further, but I'll leave it at Heavy Rain is a completely different beast than almost all of the games that have come out recently. It makes great strides in storytelling and interactivity. Many people will not understand what it has accomplished or only play it once through and assume they have seen everything, but this is not the case. Play it again, act differently or intentionally choose not to push the buttons once in awhile and see what happens. This is a huge step for gaming and I hope to see more games attempt what this has. A different control scheme might be great, but for what it is, this is a brilliant achievement. Expand
  9. PatrickL
    Feb 24, 2010
    9
    It's nice to have a change from absent-minded shooters which require no thought and don't really involve the player with the characters. Heavy Rain does. Astonishing soundtrack, visuals and a captivating ever-changing, multi-ended story mean this is a completely different experience to other mindless games. It's grown up adult gaming for once. Must experience this!
  10. SeanO.
    Feb 24, 2010
    9
    Wow. Looks like a bunch of 360 fanboys came and trashed it when they haven't even played it. This is a very good game. The graphics are top notch and the storytelling is awesome. It is a little slow in the beginning, but it really picks up and becomes thrilling after a couple of hours.
  11. MysticStrummer
    Feb 24, 2010
    9
    Wow what a bunch of slaves to the gaming status quo there are on here. This game is amazing. Controls take some getting used to, but I feel a sense of urgency when going through the action sequences just like I do when I'm controlling another game in the more traditional way. The main difference is the depth of these characters. Great story, too. I feel sorry for the people who hate Wow what a bunch of slaves to the gaming status quo there are on here. This game is amazing. Controls take some getting used to, but I feel a sense of urgency when going through the action sequences just like I do when I'm controlling another game in the more traditional way. The main difference is the depth of these characters. Great story, too. I feel sorry for the people who hate on this. You guys are fans of the same old thing, I guess. Expand
  12. JordanA.
    Feb 24, 2010
    9
    This was one of the most creative games i've ever played. Without spoiling anything, it's a fairly short game (7-8 hours), with lots of unexpected plot twists, and good story telling. It's very addicting, and even after the credits roll, I was still hungry for more. I gave it a 9/10, because there are a fair amount of unanswered questions and potholes in the story, and This was one of the most creative games i've ever played. Without spoiling anything, it's a fairly short game (7-8 hours), with lots of unexpected plot twists, and good story telling. It's very addicting, and even after the credits roll, I was still hungry for more. I gave it a 9/10, because there are a fair amount of unanswered questions and potholes in the story, and because i beat it in less than 2 days. for sure worth playing, if not buying Expand
  13. BradA
    Feb 25, 2010
    9
    I don't understand all of the hate for this! I am not generally into story driven games...I prefer instant gratification and shooters...but I was intrigued and picked it up. After my first play through I am sold. This is an amazing "game" that really draws you in and makes you part of the experience. During my first play through I did not replay any choices or faults...ended losing I don't understand all of the hate for this! I am not generally into story driven games...I prefer instant gratification and shooters...but I was intrigued and picked it up. After my first play through I am sold. This is an amazing "game" that really draws you in and makes you part of the experience. During my first play through I did not replay any choices or faults...ended losing two characters to gruesome deaths and a sense of awe over the experience. I can't recommend this enough. The ONLY thing I saw that holds it back is the control scheme...most of the time it works fine, but other times it just doesn't. Expand
  14. WarrenV
    Feb 26, 2010
    9
    This is probably one of the most important games of this generation; its story is gripping and deep, the immersion achieved by the makers and their control system is truly astounding and the graphics are gorgeous at depicting dilapidated surroundings and almost photorealistic characters, all sprinkled with lots of rain. This is the next step in the age-old point-and-click adventure genre.
  15. JeremyC
    Apr 15, 2010
    9
    Lots of people complain about the plot, the voice acting, the graphics, continuity, etc. All of these are minor problems in the game, small glitches and distractions. Most of them are easily excused while you are playing the game. I've played lots of video games: RPGs, RTS, FPS, Puzzle games, Point/Click, Adventure, etc. The persistent problem in most is that the moment anything goes Lots of people complain about the plot, the voice acting, the graphics, continuity, etc. All of these are minor problems in the game, small glitches and distractions. Most of them are easily excused while you are playing the game. I've played lots of video games: RPGs, RTS, FPS, Puzzle games, Point/Click, Adventure, etc. The persistent problem in most is that the moment anything goes wrong, you hit esc and reload your game. In an absolute worst case scenario you start from the beginning of the level. These are true because to replay through an RTS campaign or a early FPS levels again after dying would suck. Heavy Rain is different, and not just because it doesn't let you reload at will. The intuitive control system immerses you into the game in a way that few others can. In most games a single button performs an action or to perform a combo multiple buttons must be pressed in sequence while the character then performs the move. In Heavy Rain you start to feel the emotion and the angst and the anger of the characters. I found myself swinging the controller around the room trying to evade a car, at one point I jumped when my character was supposed to jump, I found my hands contorted to mash multiple buttons in an awkward fashion as my character climbed through electrical wires. My experience with Heavy Rain was one of the most involved emotional experiences I've had with any form of media. Never before have I had a visceral reaction to the actions on screen. Expand
  16. Aug 18, 2010
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Heavy Rain is an extremely unique game and one of the best games I've played so far. The game has the best story of all games out there and is full of surprises. I've really enjoyed playing the game and I'm so happy for winning it. It will have it's space forever on my shelf. Expand
  17. Aug 25, 2010
    9
    One of the most memorable single player campaigns on the Playstation 3, Heavy Rain isn't so much a game in parts but an 'Interactive film'. Nevertheless, it still delivers an experience which is actually very fun. The story is emotional, professional and if this were to be made into a film, it would be equally stunning. Everything from the voice acting to the real emotion of the charactersOne of the most memorable single player campaigns on the Playstation 3, Heavy Rain isn't so much a game in parts but an 'Interactive film'. Nevertheless, it still delivers an experience which is actually very fun. The story is emotional, professional and if this were to be made into a film, it would be equally stunning. Everything from the voice acting to the real emotion of the characters wouldn't look out of place in the cinema, that's how convincingly real this game is. There aren't a great deal of plot twists until the very end, but when it does come it is quite surprising. The sole complaint about this game is it's lack of 'lasting appeal'. All though you can go back to a few chapters before the end and replay the end a few times to unlock of the ending cutscenes, this won't be as enjoyable as your first playthrough when you'll be entirely immersed in the story. More than likely, you'll be trading this in a week or two after purchase, after finishing an immaculate story and completing a relatively easy trophy list. Also, added to that is the fact the 'choose who dies' emphasis on the story is pretty exaggerated. Likely on your second playthrough you'll realise your actions don't start taking huge effect until towards the end. But, there's no denying your first playthrough of the game will be more thrilling than almost any other. Expand
  18. Aug 30, 2010
    9
    Heavy Rain is an amazing experience. It is the kind of game that you play to be engrossed into the story. The story is very good and really pushes you to complete the game to see what happens to the various characters that you take control of during the entire game. The game-play is like that of Fahrenheit and requires you to do movements on the controller depending on what you are doingHeavy Rain is an amazing experience. It is the kind of game that you play to be engrossed into the story. The story is very good and really pushes you to complete the game to see what happens to the various characters that you take control of during the entire game. The game-play is like that of Fahrenheit and requires you to do movements on the controller depending on what you are doing in the game. All the characters are 100% genuine and you feel that these people really could exist. The graphics for this game are some of the best I have seen and the entire package plays out in a unique way that you may have not experienced with other games. This really is a true masterpiece in storytelling. Expand
  19. Feb 1, 2015
    9
    I wouldn't really class this as a game, more as a story that you interact with - and indeed, influence. It reminded me of the old Fighting Fantasy books that I used to read as a kid! I became more emotionally attached to the characters than with any other game I've played, and was genuinely upset by the ending that I created! Can appreciate that this won't appeal to all gamers, and I doubtI wouldn't really class this as a game, more as a story that you interact with - and indeed, influence. It reminded me of the old Fighting Fantasy books that I used to read as a kid! I became more emotionally attached to the characters than with any other game I've played, and was genuinely upset by the ending that I created! Can appreciate that this won't appeal to all gamers, and I doubt that I'll ever play this through again, but it was sure enjoyable whilst it lasted. Expand
  20. 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
  21. Oct 1, 2010
    9
    In my life, I have played a lot of AAA games. Some of them remain in my mind, and Heavy Rain is one of them. It an exquisite fruit of eden.

    Heavy Rain is one of these games you love, or hate. If someone wants a console to only play shooters... well, don´t play it. It is a game for those who love complex stories, those who like feelings, the cinema, those who want to be part
    In my life, I have played a lot of AAA games. Some of them remain in my mind, and Heavy Rain is one of them. It an exquisite fruit of eden.

    Heavy Rain is one of these games you love, or hate. If someone wants a console to only play shooters... well, don´t play it. It is a game for those who love complex stories, those who like feelings, the cinema, those who want to be part of a story.

    It hasn´t got the best technology, but doesn´t need it. Heavy Rain has the technology that is needed.

    Good Bless David Cage
    Expand
  22. Sep 29, 2011
    9
    Heavy Rain is a unique game. That being said, not everyone will like it. It is a game that taps in to your mind emotionally... and if you have the right personality and allow the game to immerse you in the world, you will experience so many mixed emotions that you will be dying for more. I became so immersed in the game that every action I performed, I felt like I was in the body ofHeavy Rain is a unique game. That being said, not everyone will like it. It is a game that taps in to your mind emotionally... and if you have the right personality and allow the game to immerse you in the world, you will experience so many mixed emotions that you will be dying for more. I became so immersed in the game that every action I performed, I felt like I was in the body of that character. Every desperate moment, every sad moment, every angry moment, it all channeled through to me. The only *bad* part of this game in my opinion was the intro... which starts off slow and starts you off in a "meh" kind of attitude. Get past this, and the game grows in intensity, and every choice you make will have some influence on the plot. Rent this if you own a PS3, you owe it to yourself to try it out and if you don't like it, then you can say you tried it. Expand
  23. Feb 7, 2014
    9
    I don't normally like this kind of game but it just goes to show that interactive story telling can work when it's done properly. It's a great looking game too.
  24. Oct 10, 2010
    9
    A cinematic masterpiece, Heavy Rain is a game that deserves all the recognition and hype it received when it was first released in early 2010. Although the beginning of the title seems rather dull and slow, and the activities presented, such as the tedious and mundane task of brushing your teeth can be quite interesting and can leave the conventional video gamer turned off, Heavy Rain isA cinematic masterpiece, Heavy Rain is a game that deserves all the recognition and hype it received when it was first released in early 2010. Although the beginning of the title seems rather dull and slow, and the activities presented, such as the tedious and mundane task of brushing your teeth can be quite interesting and can leave the conventional video gamer turned off, Heavy Rain is a simply stunning game that will manage to captivate potential gamers who prefer a new taste of gaming with an innovative control scheme which delivers tremendously, with a incredible plot line and gripping characters which you take control of, ultimately having to decide the fate of the characters in the end. There are 19 endings, but a fairly short gameplay. overall, this game is fantastic. one of the most original and greatest games to hit the market. A must play. Expand
  25. Jul 23, 2011
    9
    Heavy Rain aims to create a new genre of gaming. It's an incredible, interactive experience for mature minded gamers looking to live an intricate plot through the eyes of the story's protagonists. Each choice you make, affects the final outcome. There are several main and sub-plot endings. There are numerous action sequences throughout the game, but all are story-driven. If you preferHeavy Rain aims to create a new genre of gaming. It's an incredible, interactive experience for mature minded gamers looking to live an intricate plot through the eyes of the story's protagonists. Each choice you make, affects the final outcome. There are several main and sub-plot endings. There are numerous action sequences throughout the game, but all are story-driven. If you prefer mindless violence and spend 90% or more of your gaming time playing First Person Shooters online, then this mature experience is probably NOT for you. If you love stories with complex characters who have substance and prefer, or are open-minded to, a great "whodunnit" interactive crime drama experience, you absolutely MUST try this game. It's like nothing you've ever played on a console before. Expand
  26. 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.
  27. Jan 28, 2011
    9
    An original gaming experience, nothing really like it. Cinematic and an interesting game. Strong engagement of the lead four characters really mean you feel something as the game moves on. Ground breaking.
  28. Jan 13, 2011
    9
    Simply amazing game. If you like good movies and good story telling but done in a game this is for you. So different to anything else and a true look into the future of gaming. Gorgeous graphics and so easily playable. If you own a PS3 you have to play this and if you don't own a PS3 its worth getting just for this game.
  29. Nov 19, 2011
    9
    An unusual and innovative title which I enjoyed immensely.A dark interactive story game is the best way I can describe it and I look foward to more games such as this one.
  30. Feb 23, 2011
    9
    This is the top-highest-best-ever-played-game i've seen and i've played in my entire life. This... hmm "product" (bad word, i'm sorry) is not just a game, but a bridge between the movie industry and a game development. We're living in a very good times, and i hope to live long enough to take a part of this incredible revolution. And... I'd hope i can work with a Quantic Dream studio inThis is the top-highest-best-ever-played-game i've seen and i've played in my entire life. This... hmm "product" (bad word, i'm sorry) is not just a game, but a bridge between the movie industry and a game development. We're living in a very good times, and i hope to live long enough to take a part of this incredible revolution. And... I'd hope i can work with a Quantic Dream studio in nearest not so far future... Expand
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 107 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 99 out of 107
  2. 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. 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.
  3. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    100
    We're enjoying it immensely... It is a game like none other. [Mar 2010, p.66]