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. AndyS.
    May 2, 2010
    8
    I have played through this game, and while the plot is wonky (characters following leads I don't remember them coming across), the ending a bit weak and the controls sometimes frustrating, I also am happy I purchased it, and glad that I own it. Heavy Rain is a pleasure to look at, and despite its faults, it's quite engrossing. I'm not a fan of titles like God of War, Final I have played through this game, and while the plot is wonky (characters following leads I don't remember them coming across), the ending a bit weak and the controls sometimes frustrating, I also am happy I purchased it, and glad that I own it. Heavy Rain is a pleasure to look at, and despite its faults, it's quite engrossing. I'm not a fan of titles like God of War, Final Fantasy, etc... it's this kind of game that I enjoy spending time with. Games that attempt to be different. Though they didn't knock this one *quite* out of the park, there is more to like than hate. I look forward to the next Quantic Dream title.… Expand
  2. 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.
  3. GeniusSuper
    Feb 23, 2010
    10
    One of the best games this generation. I'm so impressed by this games. Its different, you need to understand it. Too bad that most gamers dont understand games like this, they only care for big explosions, shooting etc. Heavy rain has deep story, great graphics, incredinble atmosphere. Simply one of the best games. Must have for PS3 owners.
  4. JosephJ
    Feb 23, 2010
    10
    First let me start off my saying that Indigo Prophecy is my second favorite game of all time. When I heard that Quantic Dream was making a new game in the same style as Indigo Prophecy I flipped. I'm about an hour and half into the game and so far so good. I love the whole interactive movie style, there really aren't enough games out there like this. This game isn't really First let me start off my saying that Indigo Prophecy is my second favorite game of all time. When I heard that Quantic Dream was making a new game in the same style as Indigo Prophecy I flipped. I'm about an hour and half into the game and so far so good. I love the whole interactive movie style, there really aren't enough games out there like this. This game isn't really for everybody, if the reason you play games is for non stop action and shooting then you probably won't like Heavy Rain, but if you have an open mind and enjoy more sophisticated game play styles then you'll enjoy this ;) Again, this is so refreshing considering 90% of the games that come out are generic shooting bald space marine garbage.… Expand
  5. AlexR
    Feb 24, 2010
    10
    This is one of the greatest games to ever come out. It is a revolution in gaming, and I hope everyone gets a chance to play it. Even if you don't personally like it it is an experience that is not to be missed. The interactive storytelling is amazing. There were times in the game where I literally thought, "Oh crap, should I have made a different choice?" The intensity was crazy, This is one of the greatest games to ever come out. It is a revolution in gaming, and I hope everyone gets a chance to play it. Even if you don't personally like it it is an experience that is not to be missed. The interactive storytelling is amazing. There were times in the game where I literally thought, "Oh crap, should I have made a different choice?" The intensity was crazy, from trying to talk down an insane man with a gun without shooting him, to failing to sneak up on a man holding up a convenience store and having to negotiate with him instead. When that happened, I actually felt a twinge of regret that I hadn't been able to stop him immediately, but I was then vindicated when I talked him out of the store with no negotiations, and I actually felt glad that I'd screwed up earlier. It's these kinds of emotionally involving moments that make the game such a revolution. This is not a mindless game for anyone. But it represents the future of the industry, so don't miss out on this one!… Expand
  6. 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.
  7. TylerM
    Feb 24, 2010
    10
    Incredible game. There is no finer example of mature and compelling story telling in this industry. And to add to it, the game is filled with choices, many of which can truly challenge the player. These aren't the kind of black and white two dimensional choices you see in games like Fallout 3 or Mass Effect that give you choices and try to pretend that they matter. You'll face Incredible game. There is no finer example of mature and compelling story telling in this industry. And to add to it, the game is filled with choices, many of which can truly challenge the player. These aren't the kind of black and white two dimensional choices you see in games like Fallout 3 or Mass Effect that give you choices and try to pretend that they matter. You'll face some very tough decisions with no clear "right" answer. Let yourself get lost in this games world and it gives back ten fold with one of the most compelling and unique experiences I've ever seen. This is not a game to be missed.… Expand
  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. PrestonJ
    Feb 24, 2010
    8
    Clunky movement, but is everything most of the reviewers told you it was. Those dissappointed are those expecting something the game wasn't.. I was expecting another Indigo Prophecy, or for those of you who played sega saturn, a filmed live action game with a similar control scheme. All in all i've enjoyed the game and will most likely play it multiple times.
  11. JalexD
    Feb 24, 2010
    10
    A truly unrivaled experience in video games. Surely, many a narrow-minded person will criticize the game's lack of hundreds of NPCs to slaughter, platforms to hop from and to, and experience to be accumulated thru random exploration and culminating in a higher number being placed next to the character's name. But anyone can easily realize that 'Heavy Rain' is a video A truly unrivaled experience in video games. Surely, many a narrow-minded person will criticize the game's lack of hundreds of NPCs to slaughter, platforms to hop from and to, and experience to be accumulated thru random exploration and culminating in a higher number being placed next to the character's name. But anyone can easily realize that 'Heavy Rain' is a video game by definition as it contains more interaction in 10 hours (give or take a few) than most game franchises have put together. To summarize: The themes are mature ; The characters are very human and it shows ; The script is mostly excellent, with a few sour spots ; The voice acting can be both here and there, with some characters maintaining complete believability while a couple others achieve the opposite, and most have their ups and downs ; The pacing of the story is wonderful, and everything moves along nicely. Nothing feels rushed or dragged out ; The story itself is a joy, as it highlights many topics alien to video games but keeps everything high-quality AND manages to put it's own unique mark on the narration. This is a game EVERY adult gamer should try.… Expand
  12. JustinW.
    Feb 24, 2010
    10
    Outstanding game that really allows a novice to play and get into the story. I've been playing video games for 20+ years now and have barely been able to get my wife to pick up a controller (except for the Rock Band microphone). With this game she is as engrossed with the story as I am and can't wait to come home from work to continue the story. While the game is not perfect it Outstanding game that really allows a novice to play and get into the story. I've been playing video games for 20+ years now and have barely been able to get my wife to pick up a controller (except for the Rock Band microphone). With this game she is as engrossed with the story as I am and can't wait to come home from work to continue the story. While the game is not perfect it definitely pushes the medium forward in a very adult way. Here's hoping more publishers learn a few lessons from Heavy Rain and start to cater to us "older gamers" who value deep plots and complex narratives over the all too common point and click shooters....… Expand
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. RamoneJ
    Feb 25, 2010
    10
    Amazing!! I've never cared so much for the well being of video game characters like i have for Heavy Rain's. Try it, you will never forget it.
  17. alexisfs
    Feb 25, 2010
    10
    Masterpiece. Never played something so good like this game. Dont skip it!
  18. SluggoC
    Feb 25, 2010
    10
    Looking at the player's reviews you can spot the fact that Heavy Rain is a ground breaking piece of entertainment. The little "shooter kids" don't like it because they can't use guns to blow up things, and the little "fighter brats" don't like it because they can't use "ninja moves". But, if games are ever going to move past the little nerd boys and out into the Looking at the player's reviews you can spot the fact that Heavy Rain is a ground breaking piece of entertainment. The little "shooter kids" don't like it because they can't use guns to blow up things, and the little "fighter brats" don't like it because they can't use "ninja moves". But, if games are ever going to move past the little nerd boys and out into the real world of entertainment, things like Heavy Rain need to happen. The player is emotionally invested in the game to a level not seen to date. Choices have consequences and, at base, this game teaches. The graphics had to be good in order to involve the player. The story is set to a novel level and not (as many reviewers seem to prefer) a cartoon level (which explains why so many consider this a "boring game"). Worth buying and worth playing.… Expand
  19. 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.
  20. TravisC
    Feb 26, 2010
    10
    This is easily one of the best games ever. The story is fresh and keeps you guessing all the way. The gameplay may be simple but if you think it can't be as intense as a game like call of duty then you are so wrong. My stomach was in knots the entire time. This has some of the most intense sequences in gaming ever. Get it now. if you don't have a ps3 then buy one of those and This is easily one of the best games ever. The story is fresh and keeps you guessing all the way. The gameplay may be simple but if you think it can't be as intense as a game like call of duty then you are so wrong. My stomach was in knots the entire time. This has some of the most intense sequences in gaming ever. Get it now. if you don't have a ps3 then buy one of those and then get heavy rain. It is worth it.… Expand
  21. 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
  22. Shad0wCK
    Feb 26, 2010
    10
    This game is awesome, a contender for Game of the Year 2010 for sure. Graphics are amazing, and the storyline took my breath away. A must buy! I'm so glad I own a PS3.
  23. JohnnyH
    Feb 28, 2010
    10
    It's a very deviding game - you'l either love it or hate it. It has an immersive and thrilling story line and sublime graphics, but doesn't offer much else. It sounds like a cliche these days but Heavy Rain really is like playing a movie. Every animation in every scene in the entire game is capture with real actors, and the graphics are better than the cut scenes of most It's a very deviding game - you'l either love it or hate it. It has an immersive and thrilling story line and sublime graphics, but doesn't offer much else. It sounds like a cliche these days but Heavy Rain really is like playing a movie. Every animation in every scene in the entire game is capture with real actors, and the graphics are better than the cut scenes of most other games. Graphics aside, the story is very well paced and thought through. The main characters are well defined and generally likable. Generally, buy this game if an "Interactive Drama" sounds appealing to you.… Expand
  24. JasonB
    Feb 28, 2010
    10
    This is an extremely fun game. It is story and emotionally driven, so if you are in love with the same old fps games you probably will not enjoy it as much as me, but you will still enjoy it. It is a game EVERYONE must try, no matter if people say its good or bad because it is a game unlike any other, a sparkling gem in a world dominated by shooting games. The people who usually This is an extremely fun game. It is story and emotionally driven, so if you are in love with the same old fps games you probably will not enjoy it as much as me, but you will still enjoy it. It is a game EVERYONE must try, no matter if people say its good or bad because it is a game unlike any other, a sparkling gem in a world dominated by shooting games. The people who usually don't like this game, no offense, are more apathetic than normal (Probably by playing all those shooting games). If you feel an iota of emotion, this game will have you engaged as you become involved. The decisions actually became really tough for me, especially at the end. The first hour or so is slow, but it really picks up. I did notice a few glaring plot holes, but this is a game I will probably play again and again to get the full effect. Trust me, try it. If you don't like it, at least you experienced a game that truly crossed a new threshold. The story is driven by one, central question, and if you can ask YOURSELF that question while you play, if you can imagine YOURSELF in Ethan's position and your son in Shaun's, How far will you go to save someone you love?… Expand
  25. JustinD
    Mar 14, 2010
    10
    I enjoyed this game immensely, I had to keep playing it until the climax/conclusion. It really had me guessing "who is the origami killer?" I will admit, this game is not for everyone. I am the typical "shooter" gamer, so I was quite hesitate prior to making the purchase. Quite frankly, I was satisfied. Though, the replay value of it in my opinion is the not the greatest. Like stated I enjoyed this game immensely, I had to keep playing it until the climax/conclusion. It really had me guessing "who is the origami killer?" I will admit, this game is not for everyone. I am the typical "shooter" gamer, so I was quite hesitate prior to making the purchase. Quite frankly, I was satisfied. Though, the replay value of it in my opinion is the not the greatest. Like stated prior, I am a "shooter" gamer, so after learning who is the origami killer, my interest subsided. I rated this game as a 10 because I believe it deserves it, but if I could rate the replay value separately, that would be rated about a 4. Anyone whom owns a PS3 should definitely try this title regardless of the type of gamer you are.… Expand
  26. lucas
    Mar 18, 2010
    10
    The way I see it, even the electric light garnered negative reviews when it was introduced and so it goes that a few negative reviews by a bunch of lemmings will not change the fact that Heavy Rain is a milestone in video game entertainment! The game is a journey in the truest sense of the word; a path one takes is truly different and has various emotional effect depending on the The way I see it, even the electric light garnered negative reviews when it was introduced and so it goes that a few negative reviews by a bunch of lemmings will not change the fact that Heavy Rain is a milestone in video game entertainment! The game is a journey in the truest sense of the word; a path one takes is truly different and has various emotional effect depending on the player's choices. Guys, if you want a game your girlfriends can and will get into this is absolutely a winner. I was impressed by how the changes in story came to pass when my girlfriend played. There where many "oh! That is so different from when I played" moments! Now nay-sayers may comment: "so what? Mass Effect and many games have plot changes based on what you choose as well", and I would agree. However the overall emotional attachment in those games vary from slight to none at all. Actually, the last time I experienced this level of emotional connection was when I played Crimson Butterfly. In short, this is a fantastic title, one you will be haunted by long after you set the controller down!… Expand
  27. 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
  28. bobbsyw
    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
  29. Pinocchio
    Oct 23, 2015
    10
    A great game with great graphics and story. Some parts are pretty boring, but after the game you know you played one of these rare masterpieces. For me, the game was much better than the telltale-games showing up these days.
  30. drlowdon
    Jun 17, 2018
    4
    These types of story led game (or interactive movies) have become increasingly popular over the last few years and in games like The Walking Dead and Life is Strange we've seen some interesting, if slightly flawed titles. Following on from PlayStation 2 title 'Fahrenheit' David Cage and his team at Quantic Dream have released Heavy Rain, a title that is certainly bigger budget and moreThese types of story led game (or interactive movies) have become increasingly popular over the last few years and in games like The Walking Dead and Life is Strange we've seen some interesting, if slightly flawed titles. Following on from PlayStation 2 title 'Fahrenheit' David Cage and his team at Quantic Dream have released Heavy Rain, a title that is certainly bigger budget and more ambitious than other entries in the genre, but not one that even comes close to matching the best examples so far.

    The game undoubtedly looks good and the story, taking on different characters points of view during the hunt for a serial killer known as the "origami killer", shows plenty of promise. Unfortunately everything is let down by the mind-numbingly dull gameplay that largely involves pressing buttons on command to perform actions as prompted and competing QTE sections, a concept that should have been consigned to history long ago. You do occasionally get to make a few choices during dialogue scenes but, as with many other titles in the "interactive" movie genre, they have virtually no impact until the final scenes of the game.

    There is the potential to make a great interactive movie experience, but this isn't it.    … 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 »