Heavy Rain - PS3

Mostly PC, but console and mobile too
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Leisher
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Post by Leisher »

I'm honestly not sure if this can be called a game. In fact, the developers refer to it as an "interactive drama" multiple times in the manual and in help screens.

So pretend you're watching a movie except you control the actors as they go through their linear scenes. Occasionally, you get to make a decision that could affect the plot. You also go through action scenes requiring you hit buttons as they appear on screen, and if you fail too many whatever character you're controlling could die.

It's more Dragon's Lair than Oblivion.

The story is really well told, even if the story itself, while interesting, loses a lot of steam once the killer is revealed. I really want to discuss this, but I can't without spoilers. So I'll just leave it at that.

The graphics are fantastic and really show off what the PS3 can do, but let's be honest, it's still way behind the PC. Still, it'll impress your friends and spouse.

That brings us back to the "interactive drama" thing. This game can actually be played with your spouse. The story should get their attention. Granted they'll be watching, not really playing, but still this is a game that you could go through together or have him/her try out, even if they're not a gamer. It's really the story that makes the game interesting and keeps you playing.

I started playing this game Thursday night for an hour or two, and finished last night. Probably 10-15 hours of game play. Oh, and I recommend using an online guide to help you play. There are a bunch of endings, and a lot of stuff that you'd never know about without reading about it. Normally, I wouldn't recommend this, but saves are completely automated. Meaning if you really screw a scene up, and trust me, you will, you're game is screwed. To fix it, you'll have to restart before the save or start over. "Interactive dramas" are not the type of game you'll want to play through repeatedly. P.S. If you're a trophy hunter (PS3's version of achievements) then a guide is a must.

Absolutely worth a play through, but rent it. (Or pay no more than $5.) The fact that this game is a different experience than most anything else you're ever played makes it a must try, imho.

As a video game: 3 out of 10.

As an "interactive drama" 7 out of 10.




Edited By Leisher on 1307327536
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