PS3 Review: Heavy Rain (Spoiler Free)

I remember reading about this game when I first bought my PS3 in the autumn of 2007 and at that point there were only a few screenshots floating about but the quality and atmosphere and tone that emanated from those few shots caught my attention straight away. As the months (and years) passed and the video game landscape became more and more cluttered with 3rd tier CoD rip-offs my desire to play this game grew. When it was finally announced that this Sony AAA title was finally to be released in February 2010 I was ecstatic.

The story centres around four protagonists involved with the mystery of the Origami Killer, a serial killer who uses extended periods of rainfall to drown his victims. Ethan Mars is a father who is trying to save his son from being the next victim, while investigative journalist Madison Paige, FBI profiler Norman Jayden, and private detective Scott Shelby are each trying to track down clues to the Origami Killer's identity.

You won't be surprised to learn that a game that has been advertised as an 'interactive film' is indeed very cinematic. Saying that the game draws from several mediums including TV (Dexter) and comics (check out the sequence in the nightclub where the owner is talking to a shadowy 'Rorschach'-esque figure)

Before release there were many comments made by David Cage saying that the game is all about emotions and choices. Now if i was being honest when I read that I really didn't know what to make of it and really didn't think that you could get that emotionally involved in a game, regardless of how good the graphics and characters were. However I am glad to say that I was wrong. For once, we have a game that is all about the story, atmosphere and characters. The combination of the rain soaked setting and some genuinely disturbing set pieces it feels it could easily be the lovechild of Saw and Seven (Se7en?) - cheery this game is not!

It is a truly original and ground breaking game where you genuinely feel that the choices you make all have consequences. Certain sections of the game are incredibly tense. However while the effects of your decisions can been felt there are obviously not infinite choices. While there are several 'linear' sections they never feel restrictive or signposted. Furthermore it is also perfectly paced, from the completion of mundane daily tasks at the start (to familiarise people with the controls) to the nerve shredding climax it has the pacing of a well main film.

As the game is story driven I was very angered to hear (see 'Musings...' - 25/02/2010) that a few selfish individuals had leaked the ending online prior to the games release. This news annoyed me for two reasons:
1) I wanted to experience every twist and turn as the creators had intended without the knowledge of knowing what happens always in the back of mind, potential guiding my hand and dictating how I play it and,
2) The leaking of plots points could effect the sales of the game (as people might not bother buying it if they know what happens) and could result in developers/publishers being more reluctant to take a chance on exciting, fresh, story driven titles in the future, which would be bad news for anyone with a interest in video games.

With the risk Quantic Dream took with the gameplay (none more evident in the fact that all four main playable characters can die) and unusual controls it could have fallen flat on its face. However it has all come together perfectly and with its numerous QTE sections and what some may describe as 'limiting' controls on paper it really shouldn't be this exciting! Before its release most concerns were surrounding the control system. Personally I liked the controls and they complimented the game play and make you feel that you are genuinely in control of the characters. Instead of the usual pressing 'X' or 'R2' to open a door you have to move the joystick/or even joypad in a fashion that simulates (roughly) the required action. The use of the Sixth Axis is brilliant and suits the game perfectly. It becomes apparent pretty quickly that the game was built with Sony's new motion controller ('Arc'?) in mind. However the delay in Sony's new hi-tech peripheral hasn't hindered Quantic fully realising their dream.

While it could be argued that this game is nothing but a fancy 'point and click' mixed with Dragonslair all topped off with sumptuous graphics, it would be doing it a huge injustice. While my first play through only took me about 7-8 hours it doesn't end there as there are still many hours to be had replaying the game and seeing how the story pans out after making different decisions. To be honest its one of the only games I've played in recent times that I've wanted to play through again almost immediately on completion.

With its top notch graphics, great use of sound and compelling story line this is a definite must for all PS3 owners and the first great PS3 game of 2010. (JB)