A QTE-LADEN CRIME THRILLER

Developer: Quantic Dream
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
Release Date: February 18, 2010 (PS3) ;
March 1, 2016 (PS4)

Heavy Rain was a technological masterpiece when it was released on the PS3 six years back, mainly due to its then ground-breaking visuals and facial animations. Recently, the game has been remastered for the PS4 and while its initial selling factors are no longer effective, there is still enough reason to play this game.

Heavy Rain tells the story of four protagonists – architect and loving father Ethan Mars, private detective Scott Shelby, FBI Agent Norman Jayden, and journalist Madison Paige whose stories are tied together by the mystery of the Origami Killer. The story mainly revolves around Ethan Mars going through five painful trials given by the Origami Killer in order to rescue his son, Shaun.

Heavy Rain draws inspiration from the film noir genre of movies. The noir elements have been excellently executed and that is what makes the game so special. I was completely immersed in the mystery of the Origami Killer and it kept bothering me even when I was doing something entirely different, far away from the console. The plot is not free from holes and ambiguities but the developers have done such a great job of storytelling that I did not even notice them until after having finished the game. To me personally, the highlight of the game was the plot twists it had to offer. When telling a detective story, there always remains the risk of giving away the solution much before the actual revelation. Fortunately, that was not the case with this game and the developers deserve full marks for that. The campaign is only ten hours in length but since there are lots of choices and endings, the game ultimately has great replay value. 

The graphics of the game can feel dated but since it is not a current-gen title, it is excusable. However, for a game that takes pride in its actors, the facial expressions and voice acting feel sub-par mainly due to how far facial animation technology has progressed in recent years.

Heavy Rain is a game that tries to be a movie and maybe tries a little too hard. The gameplay is mostly walking around by holding the R2 button and performing tedious and repetitive quick time events during intense sequences. Having to hold the same button for longer periods of time can prove to be tiresome and the fixed camera does not help either. 
The gripping storyline and mind-blowing plot twists are what save Heavy Rain from being a forgettable game. If the plot of the game was accompanied by a detailed gameplay with proper combat mechanics, the game could have been much more than it already is.

Nony Khondaker is an introvert with immense passion for tech and music. Feel free to send your constructive feedback at [email protected] or follow him on twitter.com/NonyKhondaker