First Thought: Heavy Rain
Feb 28 - by Aleida
I first read about Heavy Rain in the October 2008 issue of EDGE magazine. Not only was I blown away by the screens of the ingame graphics, but I was also intrigued by the way the story unfolds and how the player can interact with the game. I received my special edition copy on Friday and I already managed to complete the game for a first time. Since different choices influence the outcome of the game I am planning on playing it again. I believe I have played enough to share my first thought about the game with you.
Plot
The story of Heavy Rain (2010) revolves around solving the mystery of the ‘Origami Killer’. The victims of this serial killer are found 4 days after they have disappeared and seem to have drowned in rain water. Next to the body the police always finds an origami figure and an orchid flower. The police has no clue who this ‘Origami Killer’ could possible be and now another boy has disappeared! The four lead characters in ‘Heavy Rain’ are all connected to the mystery of the ‘Origami Killer’. They follow their own clues to rescue Shaun. With every step they take they have to answer the question: “How far are you willing to go to save someone you love ?”
First Thought
The special edition of ‘Heavy Rain’ comes with a chapter of ‘The Heavy Rain Chronicles’, the soundtrack and a theme for your PlayStation 3. Unfortunately there are some problems with this extra DLC so buyers in Europe have to wait until March 4th before they can use their key and download the extra content. I really love the packaging the game came in, it has a special embossing making it look there are waterdrops on the box!
Inside of the box you also find a small piece of paper. During the installation of the game you are instructed to get the small piece of paper and fold an origami figure. It’s the same figure that is displayed on the box. I really liked this and thought it was a refreshing way to keep gamers busy while the game installs.
At first I was a little hesitant about the way you navigate your character in the game. You move your head with the left analogue stick and have to press and hold R2 to walk giving direction with your left analogue stick. In the end the controlls actualy felt very natural and weren’t difficult at all. Sometimes the ‘Thoughts Cloud’ was a bit tricky since I couldn’t always match up a thought with the right symbol or I ran out of time to actually choose an option.
I managed to complete the game after roughly 10 hours of gameplay. A friend commented that it was pretty fast, but I must admit I played nonstop. Next to that, different choices can influence the game so replaying it with different choices give another experience. I think ‘Heavy Rain’ has a nice replay value.
More thoughts on the special edition of ‘Heavy Rain’ can be found in my [in the box] video below. I will probably finish a ‘final verdict’ soon and share more thoughts about the way ‘Heavy Rain’ provokes an emotional response from gamers.
Heavy Rain is developed by Quantic Dream and published by Sony Computer Entertainment
February 28, 20104:32 pm
http://www.yearofthetigerlilly.com
You’re the second person who’s blogged about this game. I’m going to look up some info on it. I’ve had less time to keep track of upcoming games, I also don’t own PS3 or an Xbox… I know I’m a sad excuse for a gamer.
March 15, 20106:27 am
http://www.my-smartee.com
Oh wow, that sounds so intense!! That question always leaves me hanging, I have no idea whether or not I can fully or completely answer it. But I hope you can wrap the game! I heard Final Fantasy is just as great. Have you tried it yet?
March 15, 20104:01 pm
no website
I have completed Heavy Rain multiple times now, but it still suprises me :D Being able to do something different definitely an impact on the game.
Unfortunately I haven’t been able to play the new FF XIII yet. I did order the game online, but something went wrong when it was sent to me. Now it’s lost somewhere in the mail or something. I’m currently busy with customer service to come to a solution about it ~
March 20, 20102:18 am
http://amour-fou.net
Okay first of all, I LOVE the new look/style of this site!!!! So slick, and navigable. I’m excited to comb through and see your thoughts on lots of video games….
Also, this post just makes me realize AGAIN how much I need a ps3. Gah. So I take it you favored Heavy Rain’s story over gameplay? That seems to be the debate in the gaming press about the game.
March 20, 201011:06 am
no website
Glad you like the layout Elizabeth :D
When I first read about the gameplay I had my doubts, but in the end navigating through the game felt really natural. Especially the Quick Time Events had me sitting on the edge of the chair. I also like the story of Heavy Rain and the options to ‘do something differently’. So when it comes to story versus gameplay, maybe it’s 50/50.