Grade: B+
Today's videogame industry is beginning to concentrate more on online multiplayer game play than on the single person campaign. Many games overlook the actual story of the game. Luckily the Playstation 3 exclusive, Heavy Rain, breaks this trend.
Heavy Rain is one of the most original games in recent years. The game tends to focus more on the story element of the game rather than it's gameplay.
The main story tells the tale of Norman Jayden, an FBI agent, and Scott Shelby, a private detective, as they search for a serial killer, who goes by the alias of the Origami killer. There is even a secondary story, which focuses on Ethan Mars, a father who is searching for his son.
The characters are given unique personalities and are well implemented into the game. No matter if it's a potential psychological issue or a drug problem, the characters' flaws are not only inserted into the game but also have ramifications when playing as the specific character. Even the smallest actions can have major consequences.
Heavy Rain's story involves psychological as well as detective elements. However, the player's interactions can vary depending on the decisions they make. During much of the game play, the characters are forced to make quick decisions that have a heavy impact upon the story.
When the going gets tough reaction times get quicker and the options shake and become harder to read. Sometimes this can lead to a panic attack, which can cause faulty decision-making and button mashing.
Heavy Rain offers a unique set of controls when guiding the characters through the mystery. The whole game feels as though it is an interactive cut scene, which is better known for being incorporated into the God Of War series. The game also makes use of the controller's motion sensor, often giving it that Wii game feel.
These interactions are not just limited to the major parts of the game. Even things as small as brushing your teeth or opening doors utilize the control scheme.
There is one downside. Minor tasks such as standing or walking can become a bit redundant and cumbersome.
The game plays very linear, so it is very hard to get lost; it also avoids game overs, so even in the scenario where a main character is lost, the game will just continue on. This results in multiple different scenarios for how the story ends.
The replay ability is the greatest asset of this game. Since almost every situation has multiple choices to make, each with its own ramifications, the game and ending can be altered based on the most miniscule decisions the player makes.
Add the fact that Heavy Rain does not end till the last page of the story, and the fact that the story is different whenever you play it, and this makes for an experience gamers will want to replay the several times over.
Unfortunately, the beginning of the game can be slow and continues well beyond the basic tutorial. The unique control system does give the game a fresh feel, although it also seems to hold Heavy Rain back at some points. The game seems to drag a bit at certain points, especially when you're stuck doing mundane objectives.
Visually, the game is stunning. Since the game isn't focused on its gameplay, Sony uses its Blu Ray capabilities to add to the game's appeal. Characters look very lifelike and are limited to reasonable motions, avoiding glitches. Graphics usually are not a good way to judge a game but it is always nice to have something pleasant to look at.
Even though the gameplay isn't the best, Heavy Rain's originality and story warrant at least one play through. But be warned: after playing through once, it is likely the gamer will to want to go back and try out different scenarios.
E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
