It is not a new innovation by any means, but the horror genre in the video game market continues to grow exponentially with each successful release. However, as with horror movies, the genre continues to grow, evolve, and change every day...

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Since the NES brought video games into most of our homes, game developers have tried to recreate the experience by putting the character controls right into our very hands. I mean, how many of us can remember trying to navigate that nightmarish map on the original Friday the 13th for the NES. Yikes! Here comes Jason’s mom!

Anyway, the recent release of the PS3 exclusive Heavy Rain has most Thriller/Horror video game fans salivating. I had a chance to give the game one solid run-through and I must say – Wow! Let me start by saying it may not be a game for everyone out there. If you’re a casual gamer who likes burn the occasional evening by roaming around the world killing innocent bystanders, stealing cars, or picking up hookers, Heavy Rain may not appeal to you. However, if you’re looking for an interactive hybrid of video game and movie with a compelling story, multiple endings, and rich characters – Heavy Rain is for you.



In Heavy Rain, you follow four characters and their respective plights in relation to the “Origami Killer,” who has been responsible for numerous child abductions and murders in the town. Like most serial killers, the Origami killer is not without his or her own modus operandi. Each victim’s cause of death is drowning, each have an orchid placed on their body, mud over their face, and an origami figure in their hands, along with some other geographical nitpicks.

The gameplay mechanics follow a react and respond type control. While much of the gameplay revolves around some exploration – looking through cabinets, examining evidence, etc., the real bread and butter of the game lies in the action sequences. During a scene, you will be required to use several controller techniques in order to satisfy the game. A button will appear on the screen (while keeping flow of the action) and you will have to press the corresponding button on the controller. Sometimes you may have to shake the controller, tap buttons repeatedly, or use slow, careful presicion with the analog sticks. Whether you are in a fistfight, gun battle, or car chase type scene, these sequences will keep you on the edge of your seat while you try desperately not to fail. You see, there is no game over screen in Heavy Rain. Should any of the four main characters die in the game, the story will continue and adapt to this. This makes these action sequences much more entertaining, especially during your first playthrough. Trying desperately to keep all four characters alive is a challenge and each time you press the wrong button in one of these thrilling moments will have you cringing and your heart racing.



The visuals are excellent, though the game is presented only in 720p. You barely will notice this, however, and you will feel grateful as the action is rarely interrupted by a graphical choke or skip. Environments look wonderful. Edges can be rough at times, but during cutscenes, you can easily notice pores on the characters’ faces and the intricate detail of their eyes – which took me by surprise. Loading screens can be found at times, but only during chapter transitions, where you are greeted by a close up of the character that will be involved in the following chapter. They last only a few seconds and the time is usually satisfying as bonus content and trophy unlock notifications are displayed during this time.

The sound quality is good. The music is synchronized with the gameplay to assure that tense moments are felt rather than watched. It does a great job of making you more nervous and helping you push the wrong button during the powerful action scenes mentioned earlier. Some skipping was noticed at times during my gameplay and the most obvious blunder here is when you are prompted to shout for someone. Rather than adapt to the volume, it seems like it gets muffled when you are shouting and the voice sounds out of place. For example, during a scene when someone should sound scared, they almost sound mad when prompted by the player to call out a name.



As far as replay value goes, I can’t imagine how anyone could complain. Heavy Rain is not a 70 hour game. In fact, it’s not even a 20 hour game. However, most of the choices you make have an impact on the storyline. There are several different endings and trophies to earn by accomplishing different tasks throughout the game. Each time you make a pivotal choice in the game, you are left wondering what would have happened if you had taken the other route. Or, what if you just don’t do anything at all? I recently read a review in a popular gaming magazine where the critic advised not to go through and play the chapters, but to play the game in its entirety instead. I would agree. I play and complete a lot of video games, but it has been a while since I put down the controller and simply said “Wow.” That is how I felt after the conclusion of my Heavy Rain playthrough. I instantly wanted to hit reset and begin anew. I recently finished Mass Effect 2 as well, and though it was a blockbuster game that I enjoyed thoroughly, I felt different. At the end of Mass Effect 2, I was happy to be finished. At the end of Heavy Rain, I wanted more!

I’ve read many reviews of the game and terms like “revolutionary” and “like no other” have been used to describe its game mechanics. I will say that it is revolutionary in being a very successful version of an old genre in the modern generation of gaming. It beckoned memories in my head of interactive movie games of the CD-ROM era like Phantasmagoria. Hell, even Dragon’s Lair. Heavy Rain is very much an interactive movie, and a damn good one. Maybe the best I’ve ever played. That’s why I can say I’m glad it was made and I’m thrilled it has been successful thus far. I look forward to more games of its kind, and hope that series like Silent Hill can draw upon the successful elements of Heavy Rain and use them to revitalize the already successful, but repetitive action/adventure playstyle.



In conclusion, on a scale of 1-10, Heavy Rain is a solid 9.5. It is a game that I will not forget anytime soon, and one that will have me looking for a follow up. The developers have already released downloadable content for those who pre-ordered, soon to be available on the Playstation Network. I am itching to see it. I will definitely be playing through the game several times, so I can see just how deep the choices are. I would recommend this game to everyone, but it is a must for those who own a PS3 and love the horror/thriller genre.

OUR SCORE 9.5

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Review by the one and only, lord Keith Rankin