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. RobC
    Mar 10, 2010
    9
    The beauty of Heavy Rain is that it is one of the few games where you can truly FEEL the emotions of the characters, which range from agony, to desperation, to complete and utter fear. The moments are extremely tense; success is extremely rewarding, while failure leaves you breathless and emotionally drained. And no game will let you feel the true consequences of your actions. It's a The beauty of Heavy Rain is that it is one of the few games where you can truly FEEL the emotions of the characters, which range from agony, to desperation, to complete and utter fear. The moments are extremely tense; success is extremely rewarding, while failure leaves you breathless and emotionally drained. And no game will let you feel the true consequences of your actions. It's a great reprieve from the traditional video game; the first-person shooter where you kill solider after solider without a second thought. If you're willing to submit yourself to the characters' emotions in these tense situations, you'll be pausing the game often - for example, to take time to decide whether you'll kill a villain or negotiate with them - to make sure your actions don't come back to haunt you. You'll care so much for your characters, that any wrong move can be emotionally devastating. This is not an interactive movie with quick-time-events, as some people would suggest. It's not perfect, but it is different than any game you've ever played before. It is definitely less interactive than most games - but the impact of your choices will be felt like no game you've ever played before.… Expand
  2. ChristopherS.
    Mar 2, 2010
    9
    What a great game! I am a large proponent of entertainment software as a legitimate art form -- just like literature, drama and films, so this game is a step in the right direction. It is also a gripping, entertaining and emotionally moving experience. There are, however, some serious flaws with this game. The most jarring to me as an American is that this game was clearly made by What a great game! I am a large proponent of entertainment software as a legitimate art form -- just like literature, drama and films, so this game is a step in the right direction. It is also a gripping, entertaining and emotionally moving experience. There are, however, some serious flaws with this game. The most jarring to me as an American is that this game was clearly made by foreigners who don't really understand the way things work over here. Someone from Europe or Asia might not pick this up, but if you're going to release a game in a market set in that market's culture -- GET IT RIGHT! The voice acting was not "bad" at all, but, as many pointed out, it is clear that many of the actors were foreigners trying with varying degrees of success to emulate an American accent. The private eye, Ethan, and Madison all have believable (or close enough) American accents but many of the other actors have jarringly affected accents (no Hugh Laurie's here). The second thing that stands out -- (and this is admittedly trifling, I suppose) is the U.S. Citizen ID Card. Such a thing is not only non-existent, but it sends shivers up my spine even contemplating the idea of such a thing! There are other little things that show lack of polish in getting the setting right -- I won't go into them. But, hey Quantic Dream, if you set a game in the States, make sure to hire a consultant expert in American culture so you get it right. I will mention that a legal expert might have been nice too -- the whole scene with the cop, fbi agent, and psychologist show a profound lack of understanding of the American legal system. (I don't think even a Cop like Blake would be THAT blatant in his disregard of the law especially with an educated citizen who could do something about it). I am totally willing to forgive these flaws because the overall theme, "How far would you go to save someone you love?" does not fail because of these flaws. They do make suspension of disbelief a tad more difficult for Americans, particularly educated ones. I'd imagine a Euro or Japan audience wouldn't even notice though. Finally, with Fahrenheit/Indigo Prophecy and Heavy Rain, has demonstrated the concept of the interactive drama as a medium of expression. My sincere hope is that rather than focusing on new engine's, better graphics for these type games, Quantic Dream and imitators will focus on maturing the NARRATIVE -- make more like this but don't expend so much effort on graphics, etc. Focus on maturing the narrative both the plot and technique. Don't let the technology tail wag the narrative dog. Because it's an incredible, rather unique and emotional experience that can pave the way for the maturation of entertainment software, the game deserves a 9.… Expand
  3. EoinF.
    Mar 2, 2010
    10
    Fantastic, all the way through, fantastic. Now if your basing the option whether to buy this game or not on these reviews: DON'T. Mostly action junkies post reviews on this site. In my opinion, this is definetely one of the BEST games on PS3. Don't let the beginning put you off, get a bit into it and you'll see why!
  4. KritU
    Mar 3, 2010
    10
    This is one of the BEST games I played so far this year. I understand many reviewers may not like it because of many reasons (I bet the paycheck from Microsoft is one of them). But I quote this from X-Play Morgan Webb "This game is not a game for everybody, but everybody should play". I think people should give it a try and see for themselves. I cannot promise that all of you will like This is one of the BEST games I played so far this year. I understand many reviewers may not like it because of many reasons (I bet the paycheck from Microsoft is one of them). But I quote this from X-Play Morgan Webb "This game is not a game for everybody, but everybody should play". I think people should give it a try and see for themselves. I cannot promise that all of you will like it. But I bet most of you out there will. Just set your mind straight before you play it, this is not a GAME. You will be watching a movie that your decision mean something in it.… Expand
  5. AlexM
    Mar 5, 2010
    10
    Truly stellar. A compelling narrative that, while it may suffer from some presentational flaws, reveals something different and exciting with each subsequent playthrough. Heavy Rain is an example of cliches done right, with characters that the player truly feels for. A well done endeavor and worth the purchase, if you think the departure from normal gameplay conventions is something that Truly stellar. A compelling narrative that, while it may suffer from some presentational flaws, reveals something different and exciting with each subsequent playthrough. Heavy Rain is an example of cliches done right, with characters that the player truly feels for. A well done endeavor and worth the purchase, if you think the departure from normal gameplay conventions is something that you might be able to tolerate. This is certainly a love it or hate it affair but those willing to detach a bit from previous notions will be rewarded with a well crafted story.… Expand
  6. 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
  7. SeanD
    Feb 23, 2010
    8
    In a gaming environment where CoD X is the top of the list of twitchy action entertainment and Bioshock is the extent what most gamers consider "intelligent" games, Heavy Rain doesn't stand a chance. Which is a shame, because the game narrated and plays like reading a great book; and the attention span of the Youtube generation most likely doesn't even allow for that slow a hobby.
  8. DustinL
    Feb 24, 2010
    9
    Despite minor a/v glitching, the game itself stands as an example of what gaming should be, engaging. I had to force myself to stop playing last night to get some sleep, its that good. The control scheme won't be for everyone, but if you really give it a chance it'll grow on you. I've been gaming for over 20 years, and this game is by far one of the most enertaining games Despite minor a/v glitching, the game itself stands as an example of what gaming should be, engaging. I had to force myself to stop playing last night to get some sleep, its that good. The control scheme won't be for everyone, but if you really give it a chance it'll grow on you. I've been gaming for over 20 years, and this game is by far one of the most enertaining games I've ever seen.… Expand
  9. JustinF
    Feb 24, 2010
    9
    Despite some noticeable flaws(terrible tank style controls for character movement, sub-par voice acting, and some questionable plot choices), Heavy Rain is still a very engaging, immersing, and unique experience. If you are primarily an FPS or action game player, there is a good chance you might find the game to be slow paced and awkward, but if you are a fan of story driven games that Despite some noticeable flaws(terrible tank style controls for character movement, sub-par voice acting, and some questionable plot choices), Heavy Rain is still a very engaging, immersing, and unique experience. If you are primarily an FPS or action game player, there is a good chance you might find the game to be slow paced and awkward, but if you are a fan of story driven games that make a strong emotional connection then I highly recommend Heavy Rain.… Expand
  10. RandyB
    Feb 24, 2010
    10
    Heavy rain is...,well perfect! i bought this expecting a different way of storytelling and what i got was so much more, this game goes above and beyond and achieves what few games have, the wolrd and its characters are are so rich that you will want to play this game for ages to come. I didnt expect to like this more then bioshock 2 and mass effect 2 but after playing through multiple Heavy rain is...,well perfect! i bought this expecting a different way of storytelling and what i got was so much more, this game goes above and beyond and achieves what few games have, the wolrd and its characters are are so rich that you will want to play this game for ages to come. I didnt expect to like this more then bioshock 2 and mass effect 2 but after playing through multiple times i just have too say, this is the best game i have ever played!… Expand
  11. SamH.
    Feb 25, 2010
    10
    Heavy Rain was a surprise to me. I loved Indigo Prophecy and so I was hyped up for Heavy Rain. It completely hit my expectations and sometimes surpassed them. Heavy Rain fixed a lot of problems that its predecessor had. First of all the story doesn't just drop off half way through, it actually keeps getting better and better. There was probably one or two plot holes but nothing Heavy Rain was a surprise to me. I loved Indigo Prophecy and so I was hyped up for Heavy Rain. It completely hit my expectations and sometimes surpassed them. Heavy Rain fixed a lot of problems that its predecessor had. First of all the story doesn't just drop off half way through, it actually keeps getting better and better. There was probably one or two plot holes but nothing major. The graphics are excellent and the music is amazing. Though on a few rare occasions (happens maybe 5 times for 1 second out of 10 hours of gameplay) the sound would drop out but instantly come back. At the ending of the game, which can be completely different from another ending, I found myself standing up and didn't realize it until the credits, that was definitely a first.… Expand
  12. JoeS.
    Feb 25, 2010
    9
    Anyone who enjoyed the journey with Indigo Prophecy (also know as fahrenheit) put out by Atari on Xbox in 05 will have fun playing this next in awesome games from Quantic Dream. Glad to see we still have games from time to time that don't stick to the first person shooter cookie cutter mold! Kudo's!
  13. EdB
    Feb 26, 2010
    10
    Absolutely Amazing. Truly never played anything like it. It isn't right to even call it simply a game, because it truly is so much more. It is an interactive masterpiece. A type of visual storytelling never seen before. It is an experience that defines why gaming should be accepted as a form of art. Brilliant. Do not listen to any of the Xbots who are jealous of this games success. Absolutely Amazing. Truly never played anything like it. It isn't right to even call it simply a game, because it truly is so much more. It is an interactive masterpiece. A type of visual storytelling never seen before. It is an experience that defines why gaming should be accepted as a form of art. Brilliant. Do not listen to any of the Xbots who are jealous of this games success. Pathetic Fanboys like that are not even real gamers. Real Games are open to ALL games on ALL systems without any Bias. Fake Gamers (Fanboys) purposely limit themselves because of a juvenile and pathetic bias towards the competition. They willingly refuse to experience games, not because they aren't good, but because of some blind loyalty. How is it fair to call both of these groups "Gamers" when only one is willing to experience games to the fullest? Fanboys have no business playing games.… Expand
  14. ErickG
    Feb 26, 2010
    8
    Let me begin by saying that this game is a welcome addition to the video game industry. In an industry getting drowned by endless shooters and whackers, H.R. (Heavy Rain) is such a soothing relief. The gameplay alone is very different as a mere button press will result in different angles and plot in the game. And such actions are reflections of your decision making. Either you let the Let me begin by saying that this game is a welcome addition to the video game industry. In an industry getting drowned by endless shooters and whackers, H.R. (Heavy Rain) is such a soothing relief. The gameplay alone is very different as a mere button press will result in different angles and plot in the game. And such actions are reflections of your decision making. Either you let the game control you or you control the game yourself. I let myself dictate the story with my decisions and actions and I failed miserably. After the game, I was so sucked into the outcome that it made me think what could be the possible bad decisions I made that reflected the outcome of my first playthrough. Like I said, I failed the first time. I have never felt so sorry for my actions in a video game (or shall I say, a mini-movie) until this one. Not even Bioshock 1 and 2 can come close to it. Sadly, it could be a showing of my real-life subconscious that dictated me throughout the whole game. And it failed me. Honestly, it made me think about my own life as well. Could I be already doing something that may fail me in the future? I hope I am not. But then, I am just human. In terms of mechanics, it takes a while getting used to it and it may not be easy as you think it is (well, I played the hardest level though) as you should think on your feet when playing this game. There are no turning back when making decisions. You press a button in a big scene, it's locked in. Like in real life. When something's done, it is done. And judging by the number of trophies I got (I got only about 20 my first playthrough), I know there is more to this game. And the very ending was so disturbing. Made me jump out of my seat (I didn't know it has a horror part lol). I'll definitely replay this game over and over again. Graphics-wise, H.R. will not take the crown this year. Yes, it looks good over-all but screen tearing and framerate lags are just unbearable. Yes, my TV can only output to 1080i but I also tried running the game at strictly 720p and it didn't do anything at all. Hope Sony/Quantic will do something about it. There were also some nagging issues at the beginning of the game wherein the screen just goes black and the sound of the rainfall becomes so loud and glitchy. This happened specifically where the FBI agent (don't want to name names...spoils it...) met with the local cop and also the scene where Dr. Mmmm met with patient Mmmm in a psyche session. I had to re-start the game but luckily it didn't brick my PS3 (whew!). Sound is great and pairs well with my surround sound (again, with the exception of the above mentioned glitch/bug). Worth the money, worth the hype and definitely worth trying for MATURE people out there. I say mature as this game isn't for kids at all. Again, I don't wanna spoil it but just take my word for it.… Expand
  15. PaulS
    Feb 26, 2010
    10
    I don't normally vote, but I am truly wondering if any of the people who are trashing this game have actually played it for any length of time. I'm about 60% of the way through the game, and I have been on the edge of my seat the entire time. Without giving any spoilers, the story is fantastic, and you are often forced to make split-second decisions that have lasting I don't normally vote, but I am truly wondering if any of the people who are trashing this game have actually played it for any length of time. I'm about 60% of the way through the game, and I have been on the edge of my seat the entire time. Without giving any spoilers, the story is fantastic, and you are often forced to make split-second decisions that have lasting repercussions throughout the remainder of the game. This game is action-packed, albeit interactively, so there is no Halo-style shooting or God of War-esque button-mashing. The action contained in these scenes, though is frantic and fast-paced, and the story will continue on if you fail and your character dies. Lastly, the voice acting (which seems to be a major complaint) does sound a little strange, but you have to consider the fact that these are not American actors. Overall, a fantastic game with a thrilling and tense story. Well worth the price of admission.… Expand
  16. LongJ
    Feb 26, 2010
    10
    Best story for a video game ever!!!!!!!! I can easily see how some people won't like it but as I think OPM UK said 'This is an unmissable experience, YOU HAVE TO PLAY IT!' and I agree with that in every single way! Sure the controls are a little bit stupid but overall... AMAZING! It really is unmissable, YOU HAVE TO PLAY IT! And its a shame that fanboys are polluting this Best story for a video game ever!!!!!!!! I can easily see how some people won't like it but as I think OPM UK said 'This is an unmissable experience, YOU HAVE TO PLAY IT!' and I agree with that in every single way! Sure the controls are a little bit stupid but overall... AMAZING! It really is unmissable, YOU HAVE TO PLAY IT! And its a shame that fanboys are polluting this comment page! I know it is a love it or hate it but I would say it is a 85% love 15% hate and it has been patched so it doesn't screw your PS3 up! And if they rated it 0 then why the hell did they play to the end? FANBOY SPAM!!!!! This is a story telling experience that can't be missed! And although it would be brilliant as a movie it just wouldn't work out! I would highly reccommend this game! HIGHLY!!!!!! But unless you are really interested then just rent it and see all endings like me :( I regret renting it instead of buying it! I thought this game would be a useless game about pressing buttons! WRONG!… Expand
  17. JeffS
    Feb 26, 2010
    9
    It is a very correct statement to say that this game is NOT for everyone. This is certainly for a more mature gamer, someone that doesn't need to be killing someone or something every 5 minutes or less. It is interactive storytelling at its finest and has many innovative qualities including stellar graphics. The gameplay itself boils down to a combination of quicktime events, precise It is a very correct statement to say that this game is NOT for everyone. This is certainly for a more mature gamer, someone that doesn't need to be killing someone or something every 5 minutes or less. It is interactive storytelling at its finest and has many innovative qualities including stellar graphics. The gameplay itself boils down to a combination of quicktime events, precise analog controller movements and clue investigation all of which comes together very nicely. If you need a game your girlfriend can get into, this could be the one. If you only play Space Commando or Football games, this is a rental for sure. I love this game. I'm halfway through my second play and am already thinking about what I will do the 3rd time through.… Expand
  18. LouisS
    Mar 1, 2010
    10
    Heavy Rain is very much like fine art. Either you like it, or you hate it. It is a very polarizing "game." I say "game" because it is not a typical game. I must agree with the developer in calling it an Interactive Drama. There is no leveling system. There are no points.There is no "princess" to save in a far-away kingdom. There is the story and how you help mold it. The experience is the Heavy Rain is very much like fine art. Either you like it, or you hate it. It is a very polarizing "game." I say "game" because it is not a typical game. I must agree with the developer in calling it an Interactive Drama. There is no leveling system. There are no points.There is no "princess" to save in a far-away kingdom. There is the story and how you help mold it. The experience is the reward. Like a good book, suspend your disbelief while engaged with it. The characters lives, cares, worries, fears, accomplishments and joy become yours. The more seriously you take the experience, the more you get out of it. Heavy Rain is an extrapolation of the classic adventure games of bygone years. Story, art and music command a greater focus in the "gameplay" (for lack of a better word) than the mad smashing of buttons. Unlike most adventure games, both action and inaction cause change in the world. Also, unlike adventure games, the game doesn't necessarily wait for you. Time is always passing, things are always moving forward. The first "act" starts off slowly in order to get you accustomed to the interface. While this undoubtedly has turned some people off for being "slow" or "boring" it is necessary to build an emotional bond with the on-screen character. Like a fine wine, or piece of exquisite art, Heavy Rain is more suited to a more sophisticated palate.… Expand
  19. richardb
    Mar 1, 2010
    10
    This is the game (or maybe it isn't even a game) that I have been looking for all my life. If you are an action junkie this isn't for you. Voice acting is tremendous for everyone. Can't wait for the secoond in the trilogy. Doesn't have a cliffhanger ending but great ending(s).
  20. KeithR
    Mar 1, 2010
    10
    Look, let me just say right off the bat that i'm a 360 fanboy.My cousin left town for a weekend and lent me her ps3, she had just gotton heavy rain. THE GAME IS AMAZING, this game alone made me want to get a ps3, i mean dude, this is one of, if not the best games of 2010, and i mean the entire year, unless the holy savior of games comes withen now and the end of the year, looks like Look, let me just say right off the bat that i'm a 360 fanboy.My cousin left town for a weekend and lent me her ps3, she had just gotton heavy rain. THE GAME IS AMAZING, this game alone made me want to get a ps3, i mean dude, this is one of, if not the best games of 2010, and i mean the entire year, unless the holy savior of games comes withen now and the end of the year, looks like ps3 will have the best game of the year title again.… Expand
  21. 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.
  22. JonC
    Mar 12, 2010
    9
    One of the best games I've ever played and definitely one of the most intense. The graphics are uneven in some parts, but as a whole it's a amazing looking game. It is a bit slow going at first, though once it picks up I really couldn't stop playing. Only complaints would be the walking controls are a bit clunky, and some of the voice acting could be better. Other than One of the best games I've ever played and definitely one of the most intense. The graphics are uneven in some parts, but as a whole it's a amazing looking game. It is a bit slow going at first, though once it picks up I really couldn't stop playing. Only complaints would be the walking controls are a bit clunky, and some of the voice acting could be better. Other than that, It's one of the best experiences I've ever had playing a game.… Expand
  23. 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
  24. openminded
    Mar 2, 2010
    9
    Heavy Rain boldly goes where the vast majority of developers wouldn't dare tread, and does so with one hell of a kicker. Let's get this straight right off the bat.. This game is certainly not for everyone. FPS junkies with ADD beware, there is a ton of thought, consequence and emotion in this wonderful title so if you're looking for the a quick fix, I suggest you stay away. Heavy Rain boldly goes where the vast majority of developers wouldn't dare tread, and does so with one hell of a kicker. Let's get this straight right off the bat.. This game is certainly not for everyone. FPS junkies with ADD beware, there is a ton of thought, consequence and emotion in this wonderful title so if you're looking for the a quick fix, I suggest you stay away. To those with a little patience who want to experience something totally new and insightful, you owe it to yourself to pick this title up today. It is one that will be on your mind when you're not playing it and one that will make you press pause and ponder the right decision for some time. No, it isn't perfect (my only issue being that of french actors doing the voice overs) but in a venture that took massive courage, it is pretty close. Congratulations Quantic Dream, you hit this one out of the park.… Expand
  25. MinbadThefourth
    Mar 3, 2010
    9
    Not so many real choices, and one big disappointing fact imo, but I won't spoil it here. Overall the game is beautiful, the ideas are original, and most important of all, you feel emotions playing it. Fun, anxiety and suspense rise the player's levels to "very high"... If you're just not that open-minded, then walk away.
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. Icekyng
    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.
  33. 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
  34. Daybreak_Garden
    Mar 17, 2011
    8
    Heavy Rain is not your usual game. If you are faithful to a specific genre (such as RPG, FPS, etc.), stay out of this one for Heavy Rain creates a genre of its own. In all honesty, this is can be described as a Game-in-a-movie or Movie-in-a-game. Graphics are incredible and the story on par as well. The game-play is the part where it would be a hit-or-miss to the player. Some may find itHeavy Rain is not your usual game. If you are faithful to a specific genre (such as RPG, FPS, etc.), stay out of this one for Heavy Rain creates a genre of its own. In all honesty, this is can be described as a Game-in-a-movie or Movie-in-a-game. Graphics are incredible and the story on par as well. The game-play is the part where it would be a hit-or-miss to the player. Some may find it unique while others bland and tedious. With such an intricate and complex structure, this game has many pro and cons but don't let that bother you. It is a good game. If there is one thing that this game truly succeeds in, it is the fact that it can be enjoyed by both sexes. Yes, it is for male and female. This, I can absolutely guarantee. And that alone is an achievement games rarely attain.… Expand
  35. Netcutter
    Jun 3, 2011
    10
    Heavy rain is truly revolutionary in design. This game changes the whole concept of what a game is, what it can be, what it should be. Heavy Rain is a riveting thriller that grabs you and makes you care about the characters, the decisions you have to make and the ramifications of those decisions. It is awesomely spectacular in the most mundane ways (which is a feat in itself). IHeavy rain is truly revolutionary in design. This game changes the whole concept of what a game is, what it can be, what it should be. Heavy Rain is a riveting thriller that grabs you and makes you care about the characters, the decisions you have to make and the ramifications of those decisions. It is awesomely spectacular in the most mundane ways (which is a feat in itself). I eagerly look forward to the next Quantic Dream title. Who says that video games cannot be art? This game just proved that it is.… Expand
  36. the_blueprint
    Dec 17, 2013
    10
    This is not a game but a movie which gives you some choices and gives you different endings. I recommend not to play it twice, the second times just doesn't feel like the "right" story anymore.
    The acting is just as good as in any well acted movie or tv-series and the motion capture works well. The story is very emotional and I really felt for all the characters and wanted to keep every    This is not a game but a movie which gives you some choices and gives you different endings. I recommend not to play it twice, the second times just doesn't feel like the "right" story anymore.
    The acting is just as good as in any well acted movie or tv-series and the motion capture works well. The story is very emotional and I really felt for all the characters and wanted to keep every one off them alive. This game will bring a tear to your eye and is more emotional then most dramatic movies because you feel you are actually responsible for all the choices. Only one comment though: the gameplay and controls feel a little "stiff", as is seeing the characters walking.
    One of the best and certainly most memorable games of this generation. Highly recommended to everyone.    … Expand
  37. SoGayGames
    Nov 12, 2011
    10
    I think giving games perfect 10's is generally pretty gimpy, but Heavy Rain is just the bee's knees. It deserves to be playing in theatres, not just on your LED HDTV's... though if it were made into a movie it probably wouldn't be as good as Heavy Rain the video game. Whatever, I'm getting distracted by my own illiteracy - the point is, oh my god, Heavy Rain... it's super-duper. Granted, II think giving games perfect 10's is generally pretty gimpy, but Heavy Rain is just the bee's knees. It deserves to be playing in theatres, not just on your LED HDTV's... though if it were made into a movie it probably wouldn't be as good as Heavy Rain the video game. Whatever, I'm getting distracted by my own illiteracy - the point is, oh my god, Heavy Rain... it's super-duper. Granted, I should probably ding it by one point for the questionable "American" accents, but if that's the only thing I can find wrong about a game, that's pretty damn good. The story is awesome, and is even still fun to play if you know "whodunnit" though it's best revealed in-game. Ethan is pretty much the sexsiest guy in a video game, and Madison isn't too bad either (you get to see both of their butts! Yay!) so there's even something for late-night enjoyment. If you own a PS3 and haven't yet given yourself a day or two to experience Heavy Rain, well, that's just very sad. It's AWESOME.… Expand
  38. CapnCrumbles
    Nov 24, 2011
    10
    The most amazing gaming experience I have had in the last 5, maybe even 10 years. (Owned every console and I play all the blockbuster hits).This really pushes gaming in a whole new direction. For the most part it's a moral dilemma that involves mystery and some puzzle aspects. Its very cinematic in its styling the story is fantastic! The plot gets better and better as you go along. ItThe most amazing gaming experience I have had in the last 5, maybe even 10 years. (Owned every console and I play all the blockbuster hits).This really pushes gaming in a whole new direction. For the most part it's a moral dilemma that involves mystery and some puzzle aspects. Its very cinematic in its styling the story is fantastic! The plot gets better and better as you go along. It became very addicting for both my brother and I.You become completely absorbed in the story of these characters and you really feel for them. You feel as if you ARE the characters themselves. Many games stake the claim that the story developments hinge upon the choices you make in the game. For many games it doesn't completely flesh out that way. For this game it's absolutely true! Decisions you make drastically change to direction of the story. There are substantial rewards and consequences for you decisions, different cinematics, play sequences and endings. Much of the game pushes you to make difficult decisions that make you really dig deep into your own value system and deeply held convictions. It is NOT an action game, though it does have action elements. Many people get frustrated because they seem to be expecting something different, and they are disappointed that its not like other games on the market. This is not Call of Duty or Batman. Take it for exactly what it is and you will be happy. At least four of my friends have played HR and everyone loved it. We all played through more than once. Graphics are top notch (especially given that it is slightly dated). In no way should it be rated anything close to a 6.8! I give it a solid 10; a rating I give VERY sparingly. This game is revolutionary and impactful to the future of gaming. At the discount you can get it for these days it SHOULD NOT BE MISSED.… Expand
  39. ages5andup
    Jul 22, 2013
    9
    Heavy Rain is in short, a dramatic mystery investigation movie. However, in this movie you get to interact with the objects and people around you. You play as four very different characters an FBI agent on the case of the origami killer, a Privet investigator who has been on the case for years now, a depressed father who has enough on his plate already, and a journalist. At first you haveHeavy Rain is in short, a dramatic mystery investigation movie. However, in this movie you get to interact with the objects and people around you. You play as four very different characters an FBI agent on the case of the origami killer, a Privet investigator who has been on the case for years now, a depressed father who has enough on his plate already, and a journalist. At first you have no idea how they are connected, if at all. As you delve deeper into the plot you uncover clues and leads and you get to make your own opinions. With these opinions you can make actions, and every action no matter how small plays a part on the outcome. Speaking of outcomes there are over 20 different endings to the game. The story is perplexing and riveting giving this game a 10/10! Wait a minute... Didn't I score this a 9/10? The reason behind this is simply because of how clunky the controls are I went through the entire game many many hours of game play. Still after all those hours there are points in the game where I can not walk in the direction I please. The camera angles switching 180 degrees only ads to my confusion. Although, all in all this is a must have game for the play station owner and I feel as though it is one of the best games of this generation. You know a game really strikes you when your emotions start to influence the decisions you make in the game. I caught myself yelling at my screen full of nothing but prescript-ed animations. I was not yelling at another player on Battlefield 3 for killing me with the modded M26 Dart I was yelling because the story had sucked me into the game. That is when you know it is good.… Expand
  40. umut4598
    Jul 25, 2013
    10
    My friend told me that a FPS or a TPS game is going to come out. let me guess the summary of a game. Get to cover, move out and kill the bad guys again, again and again. Yes, this game is more like a interactive movie than a video game. But the story and the graphics are awesome. If you want a real and a different experience you should check this game out.
  41. Lykon
    Dec 13, 2010
    0
    hey , I know user reviews of exclusives are full of hilarious butt hurt fan boys illiterately stating that system x is better than system y.....I am not one of those. I just HATED this game, the most disappointed I have ever been by a game. IMO this game is appalling. so boring i was yawning with tears rolling down my face. the story is FULL of plot holes. OH I can't even be bothered to gohey , I know user reviews of exclusives are full of hilarious butt hurt fan boys illiterately stating that system x is better than system y.....I am not one of those. I just HATED this game, the most disappointed I have ever been by a game. IMO this game is appalling. so boring i was yawning with tears rolling down my face. the story is FULL of plot holes. OH I can't even be bothered to go into detail I just HATE it . utter utter ****… Expand
  42. 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
  43. MaxL
    Mar 11, 2010
    10
    This game is one of the best experiences ever and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Sure, it's not really a game, it's more of a player-directer story. Sure, it has issues - I didn't really dig the way you move the characters around. And sure, there are some (very) minor inconsistencies in the story. But overall, it's an awesome experience. Me and my two This game is one of the best experiences ever and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Sure, it's not really a game, it's more of a player-directer story. Sure, it has issues - I didn't really dig the way you move the characters around. And sure, there are some (very) minor inconsistencies in the story. But overall, it's an awesome experience. Me and my two roommates were practically glued to my PS3 until the minute I finished the game. It's a thrill ride from start to finish. The characters are great, they feel like humans and you feel sympathy for ALL of them. The graphics are mindblowing, the music is fantastic... the voice acting has some issues, but that doesn't make Heavy Rain a bad game. It's a great game. I bought a PS3 + HR bundle and I don't regret doing it.… Expand
  44. 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
  45. Jobadkins
    Aug 3, 2011
    10
    This game is nothing less than revolutionary!Are you kidding me,this is the future in gaming.At the same time Sony is showing us how powerful it's system is and kinda a"put it in your face 360"kinda way.I'm honestly more of a 360 gamer but The PS3 has some of the best games period.See the PS3 has games that are so evolutionary that we can't even see the whole picture rightThis game is nothing less than revolutionary!Are you kidding me,this is the future in gaming.At the same time Sony is showing us how powerful it's system is and kinda a"put it in your face 360"kinda way.I'm honestly more of a 360 gamer but The PS3 has some of the best games period.See the PS3 has games that are so evolutionary that we can't even see the whole picture right now,seriously!LBP2 is a game that contains millions of games within a game,pure genius but I'll stick to this review that saying,you will pop this game in in 2015 and still get goose bumps and experience something different.Some choice different to change things.That's how good this is.It's not a game or an interactive movie its a evolution of life.Think about that.… Expand
  46. tsavostfu
    Mar 17, 2011
    10
    This is the greatest game ever made. There really isn't many games out there that could give a gripping story with so many twists and endings and do it an believable way. It really is a melding of game and cinema and if you play it - you will thank me and you will also never forget the experience.
  47. JamesS.
    Mar 3, 2010
    3
    [***SPOILERS***] Rather than deal with the two-dimensional characters, the rushed relationships between them, and the awkwardly forced way in which Origami Killer suspects are created, I want to focus instead on Heavy Rain's worst and most glaring fault -- the Origami Killer himself. This revelation, and all the problems it causes, absolutely wrecked the plot for me, and was easily [***SPOILERS***] Rather than deal with the two-dimensional characters, the rushed relationships between them, and the awkwardly forced way in which Origami Killer suspects are created, I want to focus instead on Heavy Rain's worst and most glaring fault -- the Origami Killer himself. This revelation, and all the problems it causes, absolutely wrecked the plot for me, and was easily the biggest reason that myself and many others refuse to hail it as a masterpiece. Obviously, huge spoilers are contained in the rest of my comment. If you have finished Heavy Rain, or don't intend to play it, feel free to read on. I enjoyed playing Heavy Rain. However, judged as a piece of fiction -- as a story -- Heavy Rain is awful. If it were the movie David Cage so desperately wishes it to be, it would be laughed out of a film festival and torn to shreds by critics who are used to far better. Hell, even as gamers, we are used to better stories than this. The game starts slow, begins to get quite interesting in the middle section, and very nearly achieves something special. However, just when things are really ramping up, Quantic Dream throws in one of the worst twists ever seen, pulled from the bowels of M. Night Shamalan's most convoluted nightmares. Scott Shelby is the Origami Killer. Wait, what? The overweight asthmatic in his fifties whom we play as for a majority of the game? WHAT A TWIST! Of course, that's the reaction Quantic Dream was hoping to achieve. The developers of Heavy Rain had attempted to pull the wool over our eyes and dazzle us with something we could not have predicted. For a few gullible people, it worked. They were so amazed at this highly innovative approach -- to make our very own hands guide the Origami Killer unwittingly -- that they failed to see not only how predictable such a move would be, but also ignored all the plot holes, red herrings and blatant lies that the game included up to that moment. First of all, let us tackle the idea of a player character being the killer. It was predictable. I called that the moment I started playing. The game even introduced the idea to us by unsubtly attempting to make players believe that Ethan Mars, another playable character, was the killer. Ethan's blackouts, and his outright statements that he was the killer, were not only part of a vary obvious and underhanded attempt to fool the player, but also helped to telegraph the "twist" of a player character being the shocktastic antagonist. Speaking of Ethan's blackouts, were they ever explained? Not during my playthrough, and not during the playthrough of anybody else I know. I mean, outside of an "oh he's got trauma which we'll mention in a brief aside to try and cover up this deus ex machina and then we'll never mention it again LOL!" Such an integral plot device ought to have been definitely addressed, cleared up, and had more of an impact on the story rather than be used as a cheap excuse to cover the game's own bullshit, should it not? Not in Heavy Rain, apparently. Not in this alleged tour de force of a videogame narrative. It was nothing but a flagrant deus ex machina, one that was then conveniently tossed out of the story once it became an inconvenience. Not only is this intellectually dishonest, it's downright insulting to assume that the audience would happily forget such a significant part of the plot in order to play along with Quantic's rather convoluted conclusion. Speaking of the game's dishonesty, let's get to the most duplicitous crime the game commits. While a player character being the killer is predictable, it could still have worked quite well and even been hailed as a masterpiece, were it not for one major problem: the game allows you to read player characters' thoughts. Throughout Heavy Rain, you are constantly able to press a shoulder button to read Shelby's mind, and not once does he EVER mention the fact that he's a child murderer, which you'd think would be a predominant thought in the mind of a child murderer who murders children. In fact, he thinks only like a detective trying to catch the Origami Killer. Yeah, that's what he's pretending to be, but why is he pretending it to himself? His actions and feelings don't seem to add up, either. He feels genuine sympathy for other characters, even though serial killers are not known for their ability to empathize with fellow humans. Just take his relationship with Lauren, the mother of one of his victims. His feelings toward her never indicate that he might be worried about, y'know, hanging out with the mother of a kid her killed. At worst, his feelings toward her are summed up with the thought, and I quote, "I don't do partners too well." There is one scene in particular where Shelby has a chance to get rid of Lauren, when she storms out of the car during an argument and says she'll find the killer on her own. Rather than let her go, Shelby feels bad for her, brings her back, and even gives her his coat to shield her from the rain in a touching scene that just wouldn't happen. Shelby seems to have a habit of doing this, too. In moments where he could get away with evidence, which is apparently his goal, he seems to dig himself into a deeper hole. There's a scene with Mrs. Bowles, another mother of a victim, who has attempted to commit suicide. When Shelby sees the suicide note, he laments and curses, and then hurries to save her. The Origami Killer would surely be elated and let her die, giving him full reign to search her trailer for evidence without fear of getting caught. Instead, he potentially incriminates himself by reviving a witness and risking not having an opportunity to search the house without raising suspicion. Going back to Shelby's thoughts, there are too many deliberate red herrings to name, but a few that I took note of are highly conspicuous in the fact that a serial killer would simply not think them. Here are a few prime examples: * "I need a rest, I haven't been sleeping since the murders started up again" -- would he really refer to his own work as "the murders," not only in such an incriminating tone (I've not heard of many serial killers so honest with themselves), but in a way that very clearly implies that they involved somebody else? * "All the newspapers are talking about Shaun Mars, the kid who disappeared" -- again, it's so impersonal. Why would he refer to Shaun as the kid who disappeared when he knows exactly where he is? * "Can't breathe with all this goddamn rain. I hope it stops soon" -- considering Scott uses rainwater to kill his kids, he obviously doesn't want the rain to stop soon. Why would he tell himself that he does? * "Maybe she knows something about the circumstances surrounding her son's death" -- nobody but a private detective thinks like this. If he were the killer, he would not, in such a roundabout way, reference the murder like this. Not unless he's trying to fool someone, and since this is an internal thought process, he can only be breaking the fourth wall and trying to fool the player. * "Said he didn't wanna talk. Might've known something" -- said of the father of one of his victims. Considering Shelby knows exactly what he's sent to the fathers, he knows exactly what he "might've" known. These are just some examples of the thoughts Shelby has, and none of them make sense. There are only two reasons for Shelby's thoughts to be so impersonal and staged. Either Quantic Dream knows nothing about how serial killers or even real people think, or Shelby knows he is in a videogame and is deliberately thinking things to throw us off the scent. Neither are really very good excuses, and one of them means the game is dishonest. The fact of the matter is, the whole mind-reading gimmick was clearly a bad idea because it completely undermined the big plot reveal. You can't delve into the thoughts of a serial killer who hasn't been revealed as a serial killer without those very thoughts making no sense whatsoever. You can't do it without simply ignoring common sense or outright distorting the truth. Then there are examples of evidence that don't work. The killer is determined by Madison and Ethan to be in his forties. Indeed, Scott Shelby was meant to be a child no older than ten in 1977. Why, then, is Scott Shelby clearly a man in his late fifties? Sorry, but don't try to tell me that the character model for Shelby is supposed to represent anybody below the age of fifty. If we're to believe that Scott Shelby isn't on the wrong side of fifty, then I'd say that's a stunning indictment on Quantic Dream's graphics department. No, they were able to construct the faces of the other characters perfectly well. The only explanation that makes sense is that it was another deliberate attempt to lazily hide the truth. Ultimately, Heavy Rain falls victim to its own ambition. It tried too hard to be clever and overshot. Not everything has to have a grand plot twist, and frankly I'd have preferred to see an NPC revealed as the killer. Sure, it may not have been as "shocking," but at least it would have been sensible, and that is more important to me than some gimmicky and hamfisted attempt to surprise. Perhaps something like this could have worked with more care and attention, but it seems that Heavy Rain favored quick fixes and discarded plot devices to actually dealing with any fallout from its plot twist, and anybody with a mind of their own ought to be smart enough to figure that out. If Heavy Rain is truly the pinnacle of video game narrative, then I fear our standards are horrifically low. Sending out the message to publishers that this is what we consider an artistic triumph is terrible. Games can do and have done better than this, but we've now set the bar incredibly low. The high praise for Heavy Rain has effectively sent the message that game writers don't have to try and create a tight, cohesive story. All they need to do is clumsily copy a bunch of classic movies with less than half the care and attention to detail in order to trick people into thinking their game is mature. The overall message seems to be this -- what would be unacceptable in a movie is okay for a video game, because gamers are effing stupid. That's really not the message I'd like to see gamers sending.… Expand
  48. KarlC
    Feb 25, 2010
    4
    If I wanted an interactive experience where my actions and choices were reflected in the story, a chose your own adventure book would have done the job far better than this game. Graphics aren't everything and all the game achieves is to be a semi interactive movie that has mind numbingly dumb plots.
  49. PierreC
    Mar 1, 2010
    3
    If you talk away the "interactive" aspect of the game, all you'll get is an interesting story with even more uninteresting characters. Oh and here's something else to make you not buy the game. In one scene that lasts about, say, five minutes, you don't have to touch the controller... AT ALL. You could fail at every QTE, get stabbed and you still won't die, I've If you talk away the "interactive" aspect of the game, all you'll get is an interesting story with even more uninteresting characters. Oh and here's something else to make you not buy the game. In one scene that lasts about, say, five minutes, you don't have to touch the controller... AT ALL. You could fail at every QTE, get stabbed and you still won't die, I've tried. However, the scenes completely pointless anyhow because if you DO fail, it was a dream anyhow. Haaaaaaaa, I hate humanity.… Expand
  50. criticA.
    Mar 10, 2010
    2
    Awful. Just pure and simple. I can't seem to find any reason to justify this games existance. It's pretty er... pretty... But thats it. Okay, imagine playing one long ass cutscene, and being able to kind-of-sort-of direct what a character does. Not that fufilling. Now alot of people are gonna call me an Xbot ebcause I don't like paying $60 for a shit movie. But I don't Awful. Just pure and simple. I can't seem to find any reason to justify this games existance. It's pretty er... pretty... But thats it. Okay, imagine playing one long ass cutscene, and being able to kind-of-sort-of direct what a character does. Not that fufilling. Now alot of people are gonna call me an Xbot ebcause I don't like paying $60 for a shit movie. But I don't own an Xbox and I don't care to spend $250 to get another few game options. I've played this game twice to the ending and I still haven't enjoyed it. Okay, let's compare it to other, better games. In terms of CSI type gameplay. Phoenix Wright has better writing and cases. When it comes to what you may call "gameplay" just play the knife scene from resident evil 4 4-5 times. This game was just not good. Bad game, bad movie, just bad.… Expand
  51. GeoW
    Apr 4, 2010
    3
    A really dreadful "game." And I'm being pretty charitable calling this a game in the first place. It's really more of an interactive cgi film. I thought at first to call it a "choose your own adventure" novel, but it's not even that interesting. The narrative chugs along more-or-less regardless of what "choices" you make or how you "play." At some point, it becomes clear A really dreadful "game." And I'm being pretty charitable calling this a game in the first place. It's really more of an interactive cgi film. I thought at first to call it a "choose your own adventure" novel, but it's not even that interesting. The narrative chugs along more-or-less regardless of what "choices" you make or how you "play." At some point, it becomes clear that if you choose to simply watch and not mash buttons and the game encourages you to do, it will more or less roll along and accomplish what it wants. It's a game for people who'd really rather see a movie, and frankly, it's not even a very good movie. Easily the dreariest most depressing story I've ever been subjected to--luckily, you can finish it in a weekend.… Expand
  52. Ryusennin
    Feb 26, 2010
    4
    You've already heard everything about Heavy Rain. It's the best thing since sliced bread. Its graphics blow Uncharted 2 out of the water. Its interactive storytelling is a revolution. Bullshit. Heavy Rain is a souped up spiritual and technical sequel to Fahrenheit. It presents the same qualities (an intriguing yet repetitive gameplay which tries too much to copycat Shenmue You've already heard everything about Heavy Rain. It's the best thing since sliced bread. Its graphics blow Uncharted 2 out of the water. Its interactive storytelling is a revolution. Bullshit. Heavy Rain is a souped up spiritual and technical sequel to Fahrenheit. It presents the same qualities (an intriguing yet repetitive gameplay which tries too much to copycat Shenmue without ever being able to equal it or even understand it) and the very same flaws. Technically, it's not stunning. Character graphics are nicely done, but the whole affair is largely inferior to other mocap achievements like Uncharted or Heavenly Sword. The game is littered with glitches -- I personally didn't encounter any serious showstopper, but apparently many people have suffered from aggravating bugs and even profile corruption. The most serious flaw of Fahrenheit was its downright mediocre ending. Just imagine David Lynch concluding his Twin Peaks series with an over-the-top air fight obviously inspired by Matrix 3 (complete with conspiracies about artificial intelligences and Mayan prophecies). Yeah, I bet you didn't see that coming either. Heavy Rain unfortunately goes the same way with an impossible Deux Ex Machina final twist, and once again proves that the failed moviemaker David De Grutolla (aka David Cage in English-speaking countries) is a decent director but an awful and amateur scriptwriter. Is Heavy Rain the "revolution" of videogaming? Heck no. Not even close. In five years, it will be remembered the same way as the FMV games from the mid-1990s. A strange yet futile gameplay experiment, with an appaling narrative by a wannabe David Fincher. David Cage is really turning into the Uwe Boll of videogames.… Expand
  53. Mikey
    Feb 28, 2010
    1
    Came in knowing very little about the game and wish I had stayed completely oblivious. I just beat my first play through and whole heartedly recommend that this game be skipped. where to begin, controls that won't move your character where you want him to, embarrassingly horrible voice "acting", plot holes, just...it doesn't work. I don't biuy into these characters, they Came in knowing very little about the game and wish I had stayed completely oblivious. I just beat my first play through and whole heartedly recommend that this game be skipped. where to begin, controls that won't move your character where you want him to, embarrassingly horrible voice "acting", plot holes, just...it doesn't work. I don't biuy into these characters, they move, talk and react like robots almost toa point where it's laughable. No one is supposed to laugh when a kid gets hit by a car but you'll get that only here. Don't know what to say about gameplay. The QTE tricks you into thinking you're part of the action but let's not fool ourselves.… Expand
  54. Spartacus1871
    Jan 22, 2012
    0
    Not even a video game , it's like a semi interactive movie if you like watching a movie pausing doing something else then returning to your movie you will like this. If you like playing video games you will hate this. Its so boring take it from someone with 55000+ gamerscore & level 12 trophy level I DO NOT recommend you buy rent or ever touch this game in your lifetime
  55. 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.
  56. DanielT
    Feb 23, 2010
    0
    Wow, what a disappointment. Pretty, but not much else. The gameplay leaves much to be desired, as it involves just watching a movie with a few correlating button presses as indicated on-screen. Is this what gaming has come to? This isn't art, this is a failed attempt at trying to be different, and ultimately ending up with nothing more than a shiny frisby disc for your dog.
  57. EmberD
    Feb 23, 2010
    0
    The controls are rubbish. When I say bad, this does not do it justice. The controls are HORRIBLE. Almost not playable bad. Than we have the glitches that get you totally out of the story. People floating in the air when you talk to them... really floating... And the low resolution textures look absolutely last gen. This game is more like a bad B movie. You think you will at least have The controls are rubbish. When I say bad, this does not do it justice. The controls are HORRIBLE. Almost not playable bad. Than we have the glitches that get you totally out of the story. People floating in the air when you talk to them... really floating... And the low resolution textures look absolutely last gen. This game is more like a bad B movie. You think you will at least have SOME fun but you will not. You will be frustrated and bring the game back to the store.… Expand
  58. BrianL
    Mar 7, 2010
    2
    I was very open minded about this game as being something different and fresh in the world of games that has become so filled with shooters and sandbox titles and looked very much forward to playing it. But it is awful. I think the first thing that the developers should have gotten right in a game they describe as an "interactive" drama, would be the story. The story in this game, while I was very open minded about this game as being something different and fresh in the world of games that has become so filled with shooters and sandbox titles and looked very much forward to playing it. But it is awful. I think the first thing that the developers should have gotten right in a game they describe as an "interactive" drama, would be the story. The story in this game, while initially interesting, has more holes in it that a swiss cheese. Characters who don't know each other at all suddenly have one another's phone numbers to contact in emergencies and some plot threads lead absolutely nowhere. The case does have a definitive ending but it is hammed up in garish Hollywood finale style that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Truly awful storytelling. The game's mechanics of QTEs and dodgy motion controls, coupled with a ludicrous movement system that requires holding R2 to move forward as the camera shifts about changing your control direction is so shabby it defies reason that it was kept after playtesting. Some of the game's visuals are marvellous while others are PS2 quality. Some of the characters work, some don't. The inconsistency kills this title dead and it is a shame as it had potential. Avoid at all costs.… Expand
  59. ClarkG.
    Feb 23, 2010
    0
    Bad acting, weird facial animation, absurd and cliche story. How are we supposed to feel concern about what's happening on screen. I finally understand how overestimated it was, when I had this reflex to skip the cut-scene. But well, I couldn't, because the whole game is a bad cut-scene.
  60. gnapoug
    Feb 23, 2010
    1
    Interactive movie. Why not... But the main problem is that Heavy Rain, is just a interactive BAD movie. With the "brownish" color palette, Heavy Rain could intrigue with the David Fincher's Zodiac look, but the Story telling is amateurish, the acting is bad. Characters have nothing to rely on emotionnaly. Heavy Rain gave the player the feeling that David Cage is too busy watching Interactive movie. Why not... But the main problem is that Heavy Rain, is just a interactive BAD movie. With the "brownish" color palette, Heavy Rain could intrigue with the David Fincher's Zodiac look, but the Story telling is amateurish, the acting is bad. Characters have nothing to rely on emotionnaly. Heavy Rain gave the player the feeling that David Cage is too busy watching himself "creating" instead of offering the player, at least, a satisfying movie to watch. Heavy Rain is not even as interesting as a non-interactive benchmark demo. You want a interactive-cinematic experience? Get Uncharted 2. You'll have the thrill, the emotional and charismatic characters, without the pretention.… Expand
  61. WilliamT
    Feb 23, 2010
    1
    The most exciting parts in Heavy Rains are... the trailers. Heavy Rain is 30h long, if you have enough courage to get all the ending. But before watching those, you'll have to endure 20h of approximative, repetitive, useless sequences. It looks more like a unedited movie, where all the rushes have been put into the final cut. In the end, Heavy Rains lacks of substance, and emotion.
  62. NickM
    Feb 24, 2010
    0
    Heavy Rain is incredibly dull. The story is slow & dull, the gameplay is just a bunch of quick time events & overall the only good thing about this game is the graphics. But graphics don't make a good game! And I know Sony fanboys are going to say that I'm a 360 fanboy & this game rules & that I'm just some moron who can't appreciate a game with a good story & deep Heavy Rain is incredibly dull. The story is slow & dull, the gameplay is just a bunch of quick time events & overall the only good thing about this game is the graphics. But graphics don't make a good game! And I know Sony fanboys are going to say that I'm a 360 fanboy & this game rules & that I'm just some moron who can't appreciate a game with a good story & deep meanings. But I don't care. Because I'm not a 360 fanboy & the story is just plain out slow & dull! So as a game Heavy Rain fails & as a movie critics would tear it apart because of its slow & dull story! So in the end the only thing Heavy Rain succeeds at is having great graphics. But like I already said, graphics don't make a good game! So I suggest that you avoid Heavy Rain, unless your one of those graphics whores who doesn't care about story or gameplay or stuff that makes a game GOOD!… Expand
  63. JustinJ
    May 14, 2010
    3
    As an avid Adventurer gamer since the time of the early Zork text-only games, I came to Heavy Rain desperately wanting to believe the hype. I had hoped that it could be the shot of adrenaline the entire genre needs to be taken seriously again by developers and consumers alike. Sadly, after playing, I am left at nearly a loss for words as to how this game has done so well for itself with As an avid Adventurer gamer since the time of the early Zork text-only games, I came to Heavy Rain desperately wanting to believe the hype. I had hoped that it could be the shot of adrenaline the entire genre needs to be taken seriously again by developers and consumers alike. Sadly, after playing, I am left at nearly a loss for words as to how this game has done so well for itself with the critics. Perhaps they, like myself, are nostalgic for the return of the "Adventure" genre in its pure form, and hope that by praising a game that attempts to bring back and evolve that experience, however flawed, the industry might be nudged toward producing more games with higher production values in the genre. At least, that's the only explanation I can come up with that makes the slightest sense. As for the gameplay itself; the brutal fact is, there essentially is none. It is indeed an "Interactive Movie," and you CAN make choices which impact the outcome. More often than not these choices simply devolve into allowing your character to fail a particular "Quick-Time" event, rather than offering actual, branching options within the context of the individual scene. Yes, the much lauded choices in Heavy Rain essentially come down to selective failure. Further added to the problem, on your first playthrough, it is unlikely you will even realize you are being given a choice in many situations. Not until successive attempts will the differences be recognized. That would be acceptable, save that the game is simply not sufficient to hold this reviewers attention for anywhere near the time it would require to complete it twice, much less more than that. And that leads directly into the final, and most egregious, of Heavy Rain's many flaws - the story is simply slow, boring, and poorly executed. As someone who has no problem admiting that I shed a tear or two during emotional scenes, especially those involving children or the reactions of adults to the loss of children, I was astonished when Heavy Rain failed to move me in the slightest. Never did I feel any significant attachment to any character, due to the poor dialogue, poor voice acting, and incredibly shallow character development, which seems to assume that you will grow attached to the protagonists without ever giving you any real reason to do so. While their problems are many, and in the hands of a more skilled writer and creative team, sufficient to create the type of emotional intensity that Heavy Rain strove for, here they are presented with so little context or development that it was nearly impossible for me to care. This is a game that makes many assumptions about the mindset and emotional state of the viewer/player, and fails to create that state in any significant way. Most of your average Made-for-TV or Serial dramas have significantly greater depth and emotional attachment, and certainly possess superior acting and dialogue. Overall, while I desperately wished that this game would be able to re-invigorate the genre, or even stand on its own as the forerunner of a new genre entirely, it falls completely flat, owing almost entirely to what appears to be a basic lack of understanding of human emotion and psychology on the part of the writers. Not only are there far, far better movies available, but there are no small number of games which will move you a good deal more than Heavy Rain.… Expand
  64. negativeions
    Jun 5, 2020
    0
    This game is objectively bad. If you like this game you:
    1) like bad play control or you just don't care about good play control in your game.
    2) You like bad movies that make no sense with ridiculous plot holes. Maybe Troll 2 is a movie you'd love. 3) Like to mind the ridiculous amount of pointless minutiae which ultimately amounts to nothing. This is not a good game, people. I just    This game is objectively bad. If you like this game you:
    1) like bad play control or you just don't care about good play control in your game.
    2) You like bad movies that make no sense with ridiculous plot holes. Maybe Troll 2 is a movie you'd love.
    3) Like to mind the ridiculous amount of pointless minutiae which ultimately amounts to nothing.

    This is not a good game, people. I just don't understand how anyone can think it is. The part where you're crawling through the sewers was so stupid it's beyond belief. Gameplay was so bad. Anyone who thinks this game is good must be taken by it's novelty. It's a ridiculous one or two trick pony.

    I honestly believe everyone disliking this review should be hit by a bus. You are the reason the game industry makes trash.    … Expand
  65. ZackN
    Feb 23, 2010
    0
    This game is just plain out boring. The story is slow & boring & the "gameplay" is just a series of dull quick time events. Heavy Rain is just so boring that its terrible! It fails at being a game, it fails at being a movie & it just plain out FAILS! And before anyone says it, I'm not a 360 fanboy! I don't care what platform Heavy Rain is on, its just plain out boring! Whether This game is just plain out boring. The story is slow & boring & the "gameplay" is just a series of dull quick time events. Heavy Rain is just so boring that its terrible! It fails at being a game, it fails at being a movie & it just plain out FAILS! And before anyone says it, I'm not a 360 fanboy! I don't care what platform Heavy Rain is on, its just plain out boring! Whether its on the PS3 or 360!… Expand
  66. AndrewB
    Feb 24, 2010
    0
    Heavy rain looks nice, but it crashes the Ps3 quite badly. After rebooting, my Ps3 brings up a blue service menu letting me know that Heavy Rain has damaged my profile and the data on the disc. Following that I was taken back to the PS3 initial setup menu. I've got my Ps3 back to "working", but my DLC seems to be wiped out. Heavy Rain also won't start. It looks like I need to Heavy rain looks nice, but it crashes the Ps3 quite badly. After rebooting, my Ps3 brings up a blue service menu letting me know that Heavy Rain has damaged my profile and the data on the disc. Following that I was taken back to the PS3 initial setup menu. I've got my Ps3 back to "working", but my DLC seems to be wiped out. Heavy Rain also won't start. It looks like I need to format the drive, and re-download things where I can.… Expand
  67. KayE
    Feb 28, 2010
    4
    Wow. I don't think i've been so stunned at how incredibly dull a game is. Heavy Rain is one of those silly critics favourite games that only attains critical acclaim because it 'juxtaposes the intricacies of suburban life with the...' blah blah blah. Dull for hours and hours, poor controls, the movement is woeful and the characters are awful, not to mention to voice Wow. I don't think i've been so stunned at how incredibly dull a game is. Heavy Rain is one of those silly critics favourite games that only attains critical acclaim because it 'juxtaposes the intricacies of suburban life with the...' blah blah blah. Dull for hours and hours, poor controls, the movement is woeful and the characters are awful, not to mention to voice acting which makes Arnie and JCVD look class. The father character is one of the worst videogame characters ive ever come across, i ended up trying to kill myself in the game he was such a tool. Heavy Rain has shown me a distrubing direction for gaming and i hope this is avoided, its an even poorer videogame version of the Saw films. Admittedly it has an addictive value and is tempting to continue playing but with depressing storylines and blandness throughout i'd strongly advise just a rental, purely in order to say wow this is atrocious.… Expand
  68. TheLastOne
    Apr 11, 2011
    2
    This game is an absolute disaster. Much of it is horridly tedious and boring. Yay, a teeth brushing simulator...just what my collection was missing! There are maybe 5-6 scenes in the entire game that are actually exciting in the slightest. However, we're told to overlook all of this because this game is more like a movie than a game. I can guarantee that if anyone had seen this "game" in aThis game is an absolute disaster. Much of it is horridly tedious and boring. Yay, a teeth brushing simulator...just what my collection was missing! There are maybe 5-6 scenes in the entire game that are actually exciting in the slightest. However, we're told to overlook all of this because this game is more like a movie than a game. I can guarantee that if anyone had seen this "game" in a theater, they would've walked out half way upset. The "acting" is ridiculous, often bordering on comical, especially with the terrible voice acting. The story has so many plot holes, inconsistencies and is just downright not well set up or delivered. As for the ending, I'm sorry, it may have just been the stupidest attempt at a plot twist I've ever seen. I won't go into details lest I "spoil" this "game" for anyone, but any self respecting person knows exactly what I'm talking about. The controls are abysmal and often are unresponsive or confusing about what exactly it expects you to do, leading to frustration. This game is truly a disaster in every way, which is a shame considering the developer's former work was actually fairly good. I am amazed at all the positive reviews both by critics and by users here. This is without a single doubt in my mind the worst game I've ever played. I see no redeeming qualities other than some claim that it's "new" and "different" and "like a movie". New ideas are great, and are always welcome, but they have to be done well, and this game is not. Anyone comparing this to a movie, as it was intended, will be left extremely disappointed. I am not, however, going to suggest you steer clear. Rent this game, don't buy it because I guarantee you'll be sick of it after one short play through, and test it out. Just remember to view it based on what it does itself, not what it does differently.… Expand
  69. notchedbandit
    Dec 11, 2013
    0
    There is one word that popped up in my mind after playing this game: Cheesy. I can see how shallow people would enjoy it, but halfway through I just wanted the game to finish already. It was just dragging along and the gameplay is just terrible. I would seriously prefer to go back and play some point & click adventure games by LucasArts. There is nothing revolutionary about these games,There is one word that popped up in my mind after playing this game: Cheesy. I can see how shallow people would enjoy it, but halfway through I just wanted the game to finish already. It was just dragging along and the gameplay is just terrible. I would seriously prefer to go back and play some point & click adventure games by LucasArts. There is nothing revolutionary about these games, actually I believe it's going a step backwards instead of forwards. Cage needs to ring Naughty Dog for some lessons on how to write a compelling story.… Expand
  70. NathanB
    Mar 16, 2010
    0
    While Heavy Rain's novel methods of conveying a story through the gaming medium are effective, the actual story Heavy Rain aims to tell is garbage. How can a serious, dramatic story be considered good when it's riddled with plot holes you could sail a boat through? The characters presented in the game are as much of a failure as the plot. The characters in Heavy Rain are only While Heavy Rain's novel methods of conveying a story through the gaming medium are effective, the actual story Heavy Rain aims to tell is garbage. How can a serious, dramatic story be considered good when it's riddled with plot holes you could sail a boat through? The characters presented in the game are as much of a failure as the plot. The characters in Heavy Rain are only fleshed out briefly when they are introduced, then fail to grow or change throughout the rest of the story. They often act with little to no motivation other than forwarding the game's senseless, hackneyed plot and consistently spout awkward lines covered in bad American accents. As a plot-driven game, these are all fatal flaws. I'm left wondering if those lauding Heavy Rain are just lying to themselves, have lower standards for what is considered "good" for a video game, or are just too ignorant to know any better.… Expand
  71. Siced
    Jul 22, 2013
    0
    Sorry for English, i am Russian. This is a game? Or Movie? I do not think that is a good game. Do not watch this movie. Do not buy PlayStation 3. PS3 Has no games.
  72. ChrisC
    Feb 23, 2010
    0
    I'm sorry but this game isn't any good. I admit that the graphics are fantastic. But I don't care about graphics! Gameplay & story is what matters! And the gameplay is just a series of quick time events, the prologue is incredibly dull & the story doesn't start getting interesting until near the middle & overall this game is just boring. I mean Heavy Rain tries its I'm sorry but this game isn't any good. I admit that the graphics are fantastic. But I don't care about graphics! Gameplay & story is what matters! And the gameplay is just a series of quick time events, the prologue is incredibly dull & the story doesn't start getting interesting until near the middle & overall this game is just boring. I mean Heavy Rain tries its hardest to be a video game & movie at the same time & ends up failing miserably! Now I know everyone is going to claim I'm a 360 fanboy, but I'm not! I'm just someone who is voicing his opinion on this overrated & dull game!… Expand
  73. RubenK
    Mar 6, 2010
    8
    Er werd aan dit spel toch heel wat ruchtbaarheid gegeven en Sony zelf beweert dat dit hun beste spel ooit is. Eerlijk gezegd kan ik dit slechts tot op een bepaald hoogte volgen. Grafisch en game-technisch gesproken is dit inderdaad een game van de bovenste plank en boeit de story line tot op de laatste seconde. Bovendien wordt er toch op de emoties van de gamer gespeeld. Ik heb zelf het Er werd aan dit spel toch heel wat ruchtbaarheid gegeven en Sony zelf beweert dat dit hun beste spel ooit is. Eerlijk gezegd kan ik dit slechts tot op een bepaald hoogte volgen. Grafisch en game-technisch gesproken is dit inderdaad een game van de bovenste plank en boeit de story line tot op de laatste seconde. Bovendien wordt er toch op de emoties van de gamer gespeeld. Ik heb zelf het spel 2 keer gespeeld om even te testen of de intelligente story line ook werkt en inderdaad de tweede keer lag de uitkomst van het verhaal toch helemaal anders. Naargelang je keuzes speel je ook meer of minder verschillende scènes. Los van dit alles zijn er toch een aantal minpunten die het vermelden waard zijn. De game komt in het begin nogal verwarrend over, het verhaal op zich is niet helemaal duidelijk en het helpt dus zeker niet dat je met 4 totaal onafhankelijke personages speelt. Verder duurt de overgang van één speldeel naar een ander (lees van één spelkarakter naar een ander) toch wel soms tot 1 à 2 minuten wat een beetje de atmosfeer breekt. Ook werd er reeds bij andere gamers vastgesteld dat het spel crasht, iets wat toch niet zou mogen bij dit soort hoogstandjes. Persoonlijk heb ik dit een 4-tal keer voorgehad, niet zo leuk dus als je net midden in een spannende scène zit. Ook de manier hoe de controller gebruikt moet worden in deze game, bracht hier en daar wel wat ergernis. De manier hoe je je personages moet laten lopen is verre van handig. Ook het feit dat je hele toetsencombinaties moet gaan gebruiken (al dan niet vasthoudend) om je personage bepaalde activiteiten te laten uitvoeren maken deze game niet erg gebruiksvriendelijk. Als laatste punt toch ook even aanhalen dat indien je een paar foute beslissingen maakt of één van je personages sterft, tja dan heb je echt wel pech want dan speel je dit speel op een regenachtige namiddag in één ruk uit. Je kan er natuurlijk voor opteren om het spel opnieuw te spelen en proberen beter te doen of andere beslissingen te nemen, maar dan nog speel je het spel in een mum van tijd uit. Ik had toch verwacht dat dit spel langer zou meegaan, zeker voor het prijskaartje wat er aan vasthangt. Besluit: al bij al zeker geen slechte game als je van adventures houdt, maar toch nog heel wat ruimte voor verbetering.… Expand
  74. 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
  75. AlexP.
    May 15, 2010
    10
    This is a love it or hate it game. It is so far outside what most (video) gamers consider "gaming" that for some it is impossible to understand. There is a genre of video game that strives to become interactive television. Some JRPGs have pushed these boundaries (Final Fantasy), but Heavy Rain brings you much closer to that experience. While QTEs feel out of place in most games (Resident This is a love it or hate it game. It is so far outside what most (video) gamers consider "gaming" that for some it is impossible to understand. There is a genre of video game that strives to become interactive television. Some JRPGs have pushed these boundaries (Final Fantasy), but Heavy Rain brings you much closer to that experience. While QTEs feel out of place in most games (Resident Evil), or simply artificial in others (Arkham Asylum), they are perfect in/for this slow paced thriller. If in the proper mindset, this game grabs you an puts in in the story more than any other video game EVER.… Expand
  76. BarryH.
    May 17, 2010
    10
    The best story driven game ever made. Any review by anyone claiming different just doesnt enjoy story as much as the point and shoot games EVERYWHERE. With an industry full of just shoot em in the head games I cant be the only one sick of just shooting things. any reviews below a 7 are made by people who just want another shooter to blast through and move on and dont understand a need for The best story driven game ever made. Any review by anyone claiming different just doesnt enjoy story as much as the point and shoot games EVERYWHERE. With an industry full of just shoot em in the head games I cant be the only one sick of just shooting things. any reviews below a 7 are made by people who just want another shooter to blast through and move on and dont understand a need for story and meaning. This game is better then all the God of Wars, Call of Duty's, and Assassins Creeds put together and I have payed them all.… Expand
  77. PatrickB
    Feb 23, 2010
    10
    I'm only going on what I played in the demo but my family and I had alot of fun playing through the demo and each getting different experiences. Can't understand the teletext review though.
  78. ConradsS
    Feb 23, 2010
    9
    Just received my special edition copy and played the first two scences. Amazing. The game really requires you to get emotionally involved. I'm enjoying it immensly. Havent figured out how to access the special edition content yet and the background visual style made me think there's something wrong with my TV.
  79. RobertH.
    Feb 23, 2010
    10
    One of the most compelling story lines in any game ever, mixed with a unique, fresh twist on gameplay and storytelling makes this the best game of 2010 so far and will take some beating. With infinite replay value based on every single decision you make, this game will go down as one of the greats.
  80. JordanR
    Feb 24, 2010
    10
    Im giving a 10 to balance out all the prepubescent teens who are giving it terrible scores. Honestly what did you guys expect, another shooter? Get over yourselves. This game deserves a 10 because it is a HUGE step forward for the industry. It helps to cement the "videogames are art" theory, pushes the Mature rating better than any game Ive seen before it, and forms a bond with the gamers Im giving a 10 to balance out all the prepubescent teens who are giving it terrible scores. Honestly what did you guys expect, another shooter? Get over yourselves. This game deserves a 10 because it is a HUGE step forward for the industry. It helps to cement the "videogames are art" theory, pushes the Mature rating better than any game Ive seen before it, and forms a bond with the gamers on an emotional level. Idk about you, but whens the last time you actually had to make a TOGUH decision in a game? There are tons in Heavy Rain. ITs sad to see it getting such poor user reviews, and even a couple poor media reviews. My advice is: if you are mature enough to handle the title, and you go in knowing its not the next Call of Duty or Uncharted.... you will have an experience like you never have in gaming.… Expand
  81. joed
    Feb 24, 2010
    10
    Heavy Rain is a breath of fresh air in a market polluted with over the top shooters and hack and slashers. In the world of innovation Heavy Rain is a breath of fresh air which other than maybe Uncharted has done more to advance storytelling in video games than anything else. It's so nice to finally play a game where your choices affect the outcome and that choice is more than just Heavy Rain is a breath of fresh air in a market polluted with over the top shooters and hack and slashers. In the world of innovation Heavy Rain is a breath of fresh air which other than maybe Uncharted has done more to advance storytelling in video games than anything else. It's so nice to finally play a game where your choices affect the outcome and that choice is more than just blowing away a couple hundred baddies who come pouring in through some adjacent hallway. I think just for innovation alone in the gaming medium, Heavy Rain is an unquestioned 10, not to mention the unbelievable story it boasts that by the time the credits roll leaves you as if you've just outlasted a real rainstorm, leaving behind a sweet smell to ponder all your memories and think about the choices you just made and how they could have played out differently if you'd just waited one more second instead of pulling the trigger or pushed yourself just a little bit further instead of walking away a bruised and beaten coward... In the end Heavy Rain is an easy 10 and I hope to see more companies use this form of media as a basis for this type of storytelling in the future.… Expand
  82. VoltageXxV
    Feb 24, 2010
    9
    A true experience of a game. Storyline is a bit transparent, but that's okay given it's NOT like other games. Anybody not understanding the importance of this type of game in the landscape has forgotten that video games are supposed to be on the forefront of telling stories. They go where movies will never be able to. First game in awhile that actually had me thinking, massive A true experience of a game. Storyline is a bit transparent, but that's okay given it's NOT like other games. Anybody not understanding the importance of this type of game in the landscape has forgotten that video games are supposed to be on the forefront of telling stories. They go where movies will never be able to. First game in awhile that actually had me thinking, massive props for that.… Expand
  83. Krisa
    Feb 24, 2010
    10
    this game is amazing. i finished it in 2 days because i couldn't put it down. it has an amazing plot and it's a very unique game. i recommend it to people who have been waiting for a video game that isn't a cheap, unreal, video game type of game... it has very mature content. there's little repetition. the graphics are stunning. the low reviews are ridiculous. this this game is amazing. i finished it in 2 days because i couldn't put it down. it has an amazing plot and it's a very unique game. i recommend it to people who have been waiting for a video game that isn't a cheap, unreal, video game type of game... it has very mature content. there's little repetition. the graphics are stunning. the low reviews are ridiculous. this game deserves many awards. there was a lot of effort put into this game. please, ignore the low reviews. they come from video game reviewers who are closed minded and are ignorant about games that don't appeal to their tastes. trust me, this game is amazing!… Expand
  84. Dr.Ghettoblaster
    Feb 24, 2010
    9
    If the walking controls were a little better, I'd have given this game a perfect 10. It is incredibly progressive, beautiful to look at, deeply engrossing, and overall a very impressive and enjoyable (near addicting) experience. HIGHLY recommended.
  85. MichaelK
    Feb 24, 2010
    9
    This game is "THE" most memorable, entertaining nail biting experience I've ever had in a video game. You really second guess your choices, they have weight to them and you feel genuine remorse. Once I loaded the game and started playing I couldn't stop until the credits roled... (about 11-12 hours later) "No matter what the consequence to my choices I continued playing." I This game is "THE" most memorable, entertaining nail biting experience I've ever had in a video game. You really second guess your choices, they have weight to them and you feel genuine remorse. Once I loaded the game and started playing I couldn't stop until the credits roled... (about 11-12 hours later) "No matter what the consequence to my choices I continued playing." I eagerly enjoyed every bit of it and want more, oh sooo much more. I'm going to play through it again ASAP anxious to see what different results I get in certain situations!!! The reason for the 9 and not 10, -1 for walking around it can be frustrating at times but not too big of a deal. There was one scene shortly after you begin where you watch Shaun and I didn't do everything on the list and kind of got stuck watching the clock (in real time). I just reset that one and only scene the whole game in order to do what was on the list and move forward faster. Oh and I have to admit the shower scene with Madison (Perfect Pixels... Wow how graphics have improved over time!!!) I played it an extra time because I pushed a button too fast and didn't get to see the full scene haha. I had to absolutely play that one over again. ;) ***Simply Amazing, Beautiful, Exciting and Completely Original Game!!! Much Luv, one of those games you just can't wait to show off to friends!!!… Expand
  86. EllT
    Feb 25, 2010
    9
    Its a very good game,but its kind of a gamble. It isn't for everyone. if you don't like quick time event games then this game just isn't for you. If u have played Indigo Prophecy and you liked it then u will love heavy rain. Long story short, you will either love it or hate it. Its a game that is definitely worth a try though.
  87. IHS
    Feb 25, 2010
    10
    OK let me get some minuses out of the way first: - Kid voice actors were really lame. - Sometimes the characters pick funny direction to walk in until you move your analogue again to where you want to go. That's it. Forget some of those reviews, I am not even going to dignify them beyond this point. This game was the most gripping and exciting thing I have ever experienced. I just OK let me get some minuses out of the way first: - Kid voice actors were really lame. - Sometimes the characters pick funny direction to walk in until you move your analogue again to where you want to go. That's it. Forget some of those reviews, I am not even going to dignify them beyond this point. This game was the most gripping and exciting thing I have ever experienced. I just sat through it non-stop, 9 hours of gameplay and literally EVERY scene had me on the edge of my seat or at the very least kept me entertained and the best bit? It was all realistic in it's universe. There was nothing in this game that made me think "pffft, yeah right" and that realism, along with the EXCELLENT interaction is unmatched in any medium. Seriously, books or movies can't even get close to this in my opinion, if gaming expanded more towards this angle, everyone will be craving the next videogame blockbuster and not movies. Everything was designed so perfectly, like the dialogue where you had limited time before saying something but in places where a long pause made sense, the game didn't rush you. And many many MANY more small touches all over the game shows so much care went into it and it's through that caring they give us something so very very special. I consider myself somewhat of a tough critic when it comes to crime thrillers as I love reading/ watching those types of stories and this story by any standards was very very good and blew my expectations away. It was so much more complex, so much more unpredictable and so much more intelligent than I expected. I can't sum up or express my gratitude towards this experience and how excellent it was, it was simply something out of this world. 10/10.… Expand
  88. EamonO
    Feb 25, 2010
    10
    I can't say anything that already hasn't been said about this masterpiece. All I can say is that if you're someone who gets antsy in a movie theater if the movie is over an hour and a half, this isn't for you, It's for people who appreciate good story, great characters and have that little something called patience.
  89. DylanR
    Feb 25, 2010
    9
    When I see all these '0's I'm actually ashamed. Ashamed that these people are involved in the same gaming community as me..albeit with their heads stuck up their butts. But none the less this game deserves at least a 9; the Metacritic score does do it justice. The main thing you need to keep in mind when approaching this type of game is maturity. The story is intriguing and When I see all these '0's I'm actually ashamed. Ashamed that these people are involved in the same gaming community as me..albeit with their heads stuck up their butts. But none the less this game deserves at least a 9; the Metacritic score does do it justice. The main thing you need to keep in mind when approaching this type of game is maturity. The story is intriguing and even more so are the characters...love the P.I. btw. Sure the tone on the voice acting can seem a little out of place sometimes but what do you expect from some low payed 'extra' sitting in a room with cameras surrounding them while they read from a script. Though much of the voice acting is spot on (see Scott Shelby) And as for the presentation, it can be choppy at times but for a game this ambitious it is easily permissible. Let me leave it at this...If you like Adventure games, then you should absolutely check this game out.… Expand
  90. NathanD
    Feb 25, 2010
    10
    I didn't like it. Even if the makers of this game are calling it an interactive movie then they have failed. The acting and overall story is flawed and anyone who has seen Saw should feel ripped off. If your idea of fun is being interactive in a movie where you have to do tedious things like make scrambled eggs and feed and change a baby then this is for you. There was a scenes that I didn't like it. Even if the makers of this game are calling it an interactive movie then they have failed. The acting and overall story is flawed and anyone who has seen Saw should feel ripped off. If your idea of fun is being interactive in a movie where you have to do tedious things like make scrambled eggs and feed and change a baby then this is for you. There was a scenes that was only in there so you could see one of the characters walk around in their underwear and take a shower naked. It did not contribute to the story or mean much at all or was a very loose thread. A big part of this game is replay to see the multiple endings and this is seriously hampered by a confusing saving scheme and a lack of skipping cut scenes that you may have to watch many times before you get it right and one mistake at any time means you have to start the scene again which means rewatching all cut scenes again. An attempt at something different but its got a lot of flaws in my opinion.… Expand
  91. DanB
    Feb 25, 2010
    8
    As these review's show, you will either love or hate this game. I played it from beginning to end in around 15 hours. This game is a who-done-it story about a child killer and the hunt to both find them and a missing child. Yes the game is based on Quick Time Events, some people bash the game for this - but isn't every game is about, pushing buttons to react to whats on screen? As these review's show, you will either love or hate this game. I played it from beginning to end in around 15 hours. This game is a who-done-it story about a child killer and the hunt to both find them and a missing child. Yes the game is based on Quick Time Events, some people bash the game for this - but isn't every game is about, pushing buttons to react to whats on screen? This is just done a little differently to most games. It's about decisions, while some will have little impact on the story or character others will have a larger impact - in fact i managed to kill one of the characters on my first play though though a decision i made. Graphics very nice, as are most of the animations. The game's biggest let down is some pretty average voice acting - this really should have been alot better for a game that is all about story and believable characters. In short I recommend renting this game first, as it will not be for everyone, but for those of us that enjoy this type of game/entertainment then it is a hugely enjoyable and unique experience!… Expand
  92. CarlW
    Feb 25, 2010
    10
    Shocking, heavy, and just purely amazing. This game may have received many negative reviews but its positives overall kill the bad. This game is amazing and is almost at par with the graphics of u2, its a must buy.
  93. Chris
    Feb 25, 2010
    9
    Brilliant game, the story is original, and the decisions affect you more than you could ever think. You feel apart of the story and its intriguing, and you want to know who the killer is. I can't see how some people think this is bad or average, brilliant.
  94. JohnB.
    Feb 26, 2010
    10
    This game reminds me of the good old days of the phillips CDI. graphics are awesome controls are very life like. this game is right up there with hotel mario and pushing a hoop with a stick. the biggest mystery of tis game is how they fit so much awesomeness into it. definitely recommend this to anyone who cant get a kick in the nuts for $60.
  95. JamesS
    Feb 26, 2010
    10
    First, as said many times, this game is not for 'everyone'. It is an interactive movie. There is no right or wrong in the game, just consequences from your decisions (or lack of being quick on the quick time events) I loved the story and was very engrossed into the characters you control. I wanted the best for them. My only complaint is the game is pretty short (10-15 hours but First, as said many times, this game is not for 'everyone'. It is an interactive movie. There is no right or wrong in the game, just consequences from your decisions (or lack of being quick on the quick time events) I loved the story and was very engrossed into the characters you control. I wanted the best for them. My only complaint is the game is pretty short (10-15 hours but does offer replay value to those who want to try different scenerios) so it maybe isn't a "must buy". But I highly recommend anyone who calls themselves a "gamer" to play this. Rent it, borrow it, buy it, or whatever. But DO check it out.… Expand
  96. DavidS
    Feb 26, 2010
    8
    This game really surprised me. I'd had high high hopes for a story central game where the quicktime events fleshed out scripted scenes with some level of choice, but the way it all comes together is astounding. The game is not without flaws of course. The beginning can be a bit slow, it has a pretty glaring plot hole that's never explained, the controls for walking around are This game really surprised me. I'd had high high hopes for a story central game where the quicktime events fleshed out scripted scenes with some level of choice, but the way it all comes together is astounding. The game is not without flaws of course. The beginning can be a bit slow, it has a pretty glaring plot hole that's never explained, the controls for walking around are pretty archaic, and some of the voice acting can be sub-par (what with how some are obviously Europeans trying to sound American). However the game makes you actually care about the 4 main characters, and it does this so well that the action scenes are made that much more intense because if you screw up (which admittedly can be hard to do) that character will die and you have to go through the rest of the game knowing its your fault. I could actually feel my heart pumping during the action scenes and was genuinely distraught when I thought I had screwed up. When you care that much about a character's well being then you know the game has nailed it's goal of drawing you in to the story. The plot is stellar for a game and it almost feels like you're watching a thriller movie, but the choices and consequences push it further and make this a truly personal experience. Anyone looking for a game that puts an emphasis on skill and/or mindless fun won't find what they are looking for in Heavy Rain, but if you want an experience that will keep you enthralled till you see the dramatic conclusion then you CAN'T miss this game. Some people don't even call this a game (and it's true the gameplay itself is kept to a minimum), but if it's not then whatever Heavy Rain is it's something special and I definitely wouldn't mind seeing more of it.… Expand
  97. BerneG
    Feb 28, 2010
    4
    Gameplay is horrible to begin with. The graphics are not everything, and this game is proof of that. The story is too predictable right from the start. And the development too. Sure, the graphics and the atmosphere were well done, but it is the only positive point. Furthermore, the length of the game is extremely short. Not the best, not the worst.
  98. 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.
  99. 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
  100. JohnA
    Mar 28, 2010
    3
    It suffers from some serious technical flaws, the likes of which I have not previously witnessed on a console - audio glitches, landscapes disappearing, freezes, crashes, etc. It kind of took me back to my pentium 2 and direct X days, performance-wise. The plot has too many holes to be perceived as anything other than a amateur's first go at scripting a plot. I completely agree with It suffers from some serious technical flaws, the likes of which I have not previously witnessed on a console - audio glitches, landscapes disappearing, freezes, crashes, etc. It kind of took me back to my pentium 2 and direct X days, performance-wise. The plot has too many holes to be perceived as anything other than a amateur's first go at scripting a plot. I completely agree with James S, as to what message we're sending by praising such mediocrity. I finished the game and I am still none the wiser as to the significance of origami, why Shelby killed 10 year old boys, whatever the hell happened to the cop who let Ethan escape (how did he get away with it?), and so many other questions that the more I think about it, the more let down I feel. The ending was laughable. Buy at your own risk.… 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.
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  3. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    100
    We're enjoying it immensely... It is a game like none other. [Mar 2010, p.66]
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