Only a handful of games can consider themselves to be the quintessential pinnacle of gaming development, ranging from Mario 64 showing the industry how 3D platforming is done, to Final Fantasy VII and showing how truly cinematic in scope the medium can be. Heavy Rain can now be considered a part of this esoteric and exclusive echelon, as its combination of gaming controls and pure cinematic presentation merges into one of the most unique and best titles thus far for 2010.
Take two parts Shenmue with its Quick Time Events and one part Wes Craven (his good movies) and that's basically the idea. With Heavy Rain, you control four different characters whose events both directly and indirectly affect and influence each other. You can of course move the characters around the environment holding down the R2 button and the directional stick, and once in awhile an action command will pop up. They'll range from manipulating the environment to finding out what the characters themselves are thinking.
And all of this unfolds with some of the most spellbinding graphics any system has seen in a long time. Characters genuinely emote (more so than the ho-hum voice acting), allowing for a rare connection with the four as they try to stop a murderer.
The story is basic thriller fare; each is trying to track down the Origami Killer, named for his penchant for leaving origami figures with his victims. Of course there are the twists and turns that are almost cliche with the thriller genre, but with Heavy Rain they're at least used effectively.
But how the story turns out is up to you; you can choose to be snippy with your jerk cop partner, lie to a drug dealer, or just die. Death in this game isn't treated as "Game Over;" the game continues on whether or not the character is alive. It's really quite brilliant, and there are quite a few ways for the story to branch out, making RL Stine's Goosebumps adventure books seem limited.
In short, Heavy Rain is going to be notable for its all out blurring of the gaming and movie line. It starts out slow for the first hour or so, but the pace quickens rapidly, and before you know it, you're gasping for air.
Definitely should be checked out by all gaming enthusiasts, because we may not see a revolution like Heavy Rain for a long time.
Rank; A+
What do you think?
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!