Heavy Rain is labeled as an interactive drama by its developer, Quantic Dream. You follow the stories of four characters in a nameless city drowning in its annual autumn rainfall. Their paths slowly converge as they all try to answer the same question: Who is the Origami Killer? While it's nothing for hardcore gamers to go crazy over, this game game is great for casual gamers looking for a more mature approach.
The game's plot is affected by the choices you make as it unfolds. Some choices can be so important that they will determine whether characters live or die. This is great for the replay value, because once you're finished, you'll want to see all the alternate endings and plot twists that you missed.
Heavy Rain also looks and sounds great. I am so glad I invested in an HDTV before I got this game, because some of the close-ups of the characters' faces are very detailed. The story is also pretty good, and will keep you guessing until the very end.
Having said all that, there are a few problems. Controlling the characters' movement, for one, is pretty frustrating. Instead of just pushing the left analog stick forward, you have to hold down the R2 button. Camera angles can also be poor at times, and you are given limited control of visibility. Cutscenes are also unskippable.
I also can't recommend this as a buy for hardcore gamers, because there isn't much experience needed to get through this game. The most challenging thing is a series of button command mini-games, which include the motion controls. However, if you or someone you know is new to the world of video games, and in need of a more mature story, Heavy Rain is what you're looking for.
This game is rated M for Mature, and is available exclusively for the PlayStation 3.
