This has turned out to be in my list of favorite games, but unlike any other video game where you go to war, hunt for treasure, save princesses, this game is very, very unique as it is an interactive movie. And the most interesting part of it, is that the decisions you make, can dramatically change the fates of the protagonists. With video games being slow this year, this is one of the many games that I wanted to play so bad.
Plot. In the beginning, a successful architect named Ethan Mars had it all; a loving wife, two sons, and a nice house in a nice neighborhood. One day at a busy mall, he loses sight of his son Jason, who ends up going out to the streets. Ethan tries to save his son from an approaching car, and tragedy strikes as Jason dies and Ethan goes into a coma for six months. Two years later, Ethan is now divorced and shares custody of his other son, Shaun. Meanwhile, there are a series of grisly murders caused by the mysterious Origami Killer, and Shawn goes missing one day. There are others trying to find out the true identity of the killer: Norman Jayden, an FBI agent who is on his trail, Scott Shelby, a private detective who tries to find out who is the killer, and a beautiful journalist Madison Paige who becomes involved in the case.
It is possible to obtain multiple endings depending on your actions. And the cool thing about it is, that once the game is complete you can replay the chapters in order to obtain other endings. That is what I truly like about Heavy Rain. As for controls, you can play with your Wireless PS3 controller or your PlayStation Move. You can engage in conversations, fights, and so on.
Concept. The game is divided by a number of chapters that centers on the four main characters of the game. Playing as Ethan Mars will start in the prologue, and in later chapters you embark on a desperate search for your son by either passing or failing of trials that are set for him by the Origami Killer. Playing as Scott Shelby is about searching for clues on the Origami Killer's identity. As FBI agent Norman Jayden, you are on the killer's trail to apprehend him before he kills more victims. And finally as Madison Paige, who meets Ethan and helps him several times.
Design. The game's graphics are very impressive and the great thing they did about them is by making the game seem like "a very dark film noir thriller". What's great about the characters is that they are modeled after the actors that play them. British actor Pascal Langdale voices and is Ethan Mars' likeness, British model Jacqui Ainsley provides the likeness of Madison Paige but voiced by Judi Beecher. Sam Douglas provided the likeness and voice for Scott Shelby, Leon Ockenden voices Norman Jayden and also has his likeness. And finally French American actress Aurelie Bancilhon provides likeness and voice for Lauren Winter.
1st Impressions. First time I played this game I thought I was watching a movie. Also, this is one of many games that made me cry in many scenes because, some of these scenarios just about hits you that you break down. The multiple endings were a great addition to the game, and also getting all the trophies were like a cakewalk because of replaying all of the chapters once you beat the game, thus unlocking new bonuses. Another thing that got me impressed is that there are some scenarios that have some nudity and sexual content, I was like "Oh man. What kind of a game is this?".
Music. The music of Heavy Rain was composed by Normand Corbell. The music was very beautifully composed and it was like if I was watching an Oscar winning film. Some of them actually made me sad, others were suspenseful that would send chills down the spine.
Rantings. Well, even a game like this could have some flaws. For example, sometimes the controls can be a little bit excruciating when pressing buttons to either successfully cross through obstacles, avoid getting hit by a car or getting caught, and so on.
Good Aspects. This game is so original that it distances itself from your typical "alien invasions, invading empires, wars on the front, and over the top fantasy games". It is so emotionally compelling that it's replay value is ultimately at it's all time high.
Overall. My final score for this great game is a 10 out of 10
God Bless and Play Hard Gamers!