Heavy Rain

Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine (OPM) ( )

We're enjoying it immensely... It is a game like none other.

TotalVideoGames (TVG) (10 out of 10)

Heavy Rain is not perfect, and we're certainly not saying this is a game for everyone. We are however celebrating Quantic Dream's determination to create a unique experience and one that manages to shift our perception of what a video game is. If interactivity is a key factor then perhaps Heavy Rain could disappoint; it could be cynically viewed as little more than stringing together cut-scenes - a thoroughly pedestrian affair. But ultimately, the sense of fulfillment both throughout the game and once the end credits roll is something that other games struggle to match.

Gaming Nexus (A)

Everybody can breathe a sigh of relief, because Heavy Rain was definitely worth the long wait. This is an intriguing murder mystery that will have you guessing all the way to the end. Best of all, the narrative is one of the strongest I've seen in years. Even with some inconsistent voice acting and the unorthodox controls, Heavy Rain is a must-own PlayStation 3 game!

GamesVault (10 out of 10)

Naprawdę ciężko jest słowami przekazać to, co czułem podczas gry… tego trzeba po prostu doświadczyć. Nieważne, ile przygotówek masz na koncie, Heavy Rain wciąż będzie bardzo intensywnym, emocjonalnym doświadczeniem którego szybko nie zapomnisz. PlayStation 3 zyskało naprawdę mocny exclusive.

Brash Games (10 out of 10)

It is literally impossible to create a perfect game, and developers themselves will attest to this. Yet, many games still receive this “ultimate score.” So what does a 10/10 really mean? To me it means getting lost in a game. It means having a completely new experience that catches you entirely off-guard. It means the game will make your jaw drop in awe at what the developers were able to accomplish, and where every minute improvement you could possibly think of has already been implemented into the game. It means when you look at a stack of games and glaze over all of the generic blasé titles that run together, this one always catches your eye. To me, this describes Heavy Rain.

Tap-Repeatedly/Four Fat Chicks (5 out of 5)

In my opinion however, to place too much concentration on the negatives would be to miss out on the greater good. Heavy Rain tells a gripping and harrowing murder mystery story in an adult and thoroughly engaging way, heaping rewards on the player at every opportunity. It’s a story driven by emotion, building a sense of connection with the characters that will pull you into their plight. You’ll care about the characters, you’ll care about catching the Origami Killer, and on the rare occasions that you’ll get the chance to pull a trigger, you’ll care about the outcome. In that regard alone, Heavy Rain stands as one of the most unique and captivating games I’ve ever played. Heavy Rain might well be one of the most flawed games you play this year, but as an overall package, it might also be one of the most unique and rewarding.

411mania.com (10 out of 10)

Heavy Rain is the first true next generation game I've played in years. Never before has a game captivated me as much as Heavy Rain did. With its powerful soundtrack, power dialogue and revolutionary gameplay mechanic, Heavy Rain manages to do something no other video game has done: I cared about every decision I made. This was not a gaming experience as much as it was a breath of fresh air - and the next step to revolutionizing video games if we are to keep going forward. If you consider yourself a fan of video games, you owe it to yourself to pick this one up.

IGROMANIA (10 out of 10)

По большому счету неважно, провели ли вы последние двадцать лет, неотрывно сидя у телевизора с геймпадом, или же Heavy Rain будет поводом купить первую в жизни консоль: и в том и в другом случае эта игра не потеряет своей удивительной способности поражать. Тех впечатлений, которые останутся после двух плотных вечеров у телевизора, хватит на два десятка современных игр, а похожих эмоций и переживаний вы просто нигде не найдете.

Defunct Games (A)

Everybody can breathe a sigh of relief, because Heavy Rain was definitely worth the long wait. This is an intriguing murder mystery that will have you guessing all the way to the end. Best of all, the narrative is one of the strongest I've seen in years. Even with some inconsistent voice acting and the unorthodox controls, Heavy Rain is a must-own PlayStation 3 game!

Electricpig ( )

Heavy Rain isn’t quite Citizen Kane, but it’s better than the latest season of 24 – and every other videogame plot out there. A gripping, proper grown-up game – but perhaps, sadly, too arty to be the Sony PS3′s killer exclusive.

GamePro (US) ( )

An emotionally engaging thrill-ride from start to finish, Quantic Dream's Heavy Rain is a superbly crafted interactive experience, told expertly through it's stunning visuals and believable characters.

Gamervision (10 out of 10)

Heavy Rain is without a doubt one of the most impressive games of the last five years, and it shouldn't be missed by anyone.

D+PAD Magazine ( )

Debate will rage long and hard as to whether not Heavy Rain is a work of genius, or simply a case of the emperor’s new clothes and accusations that it is an extended cutscene with minimal interactivity will inevitably haunt it. It definitely treads a very thin line, balancing interactivity and spectacle, but it is a balancing act that it gets absolutely right. It engages you every step of the way, constantly requiring your input and demanding your attention, delivering a stunning blend of player interaction and on-screen drama tied together with a plot stuffed with twists and turns. While it obviously draws on the language of cinema it offers an experience that simply could not be achieved with any medium other than videogames. So, is Heavy Rain the future of gaming? Well…it has without question kicked open a number of doors…we just hope that other developers choose to walk through them.

Boomtown (10 out of 10)

I have never played anything so momentous or revolutionary as Heavy Rain. In the coming years I expect the game's influence to be felt throughout the industry in terms of gameplay, storytelling and interactivity. This is a game that deserves all the plaudits it can get.

Kombo.com (10 out of 10)

Heavy Rain pushes limits on what was thought possible for graphics on a video game console and creates a city that feels immersive with characters that feel real. The gripping plot is controllable to the players to certain degrees and facilitates lots of moments where life or death choices are made. There shouldn't be any problem picking up Heavy Rain time and time again just to find out what would happen if… (fill in the blank). There hasn't been an experience like this that calls on gamers to tap into their emotions that way Heavy Rain does. Heavy Rain transcends the current definition of a video game and blazes a beautiful, artistic trail with a psychological thriller that features shades of Hitchcock.

Impulse Gamer (9.9 out of 10)

Even though gameplay is a strong part of Heavy Rain, it’s the story that is the success story which combines crime, drama, action and romance together that is at times, quite a mind F#@K.

GreatGamer.Ru (9.8 out of 10)

Релиз Heavy Rain состоялся вот уже практически год назад, однако, и по сей день, он остаётся лучшей игрой в своём жанре. Проект, за которым не стыдно провести время, тайтл который доставит вам столько впечатлений и эмоций, сколько не доставит ни одна игра. И такого великого нагромождения QTE вы гарантированно не увидите ни в одном из существующих проектов. И, кроме того, для детища Quantic Dream был написан просто шедевральный саундтрек, который, кстати, сейчас, можно услышать во множестве телереклам(прим. автора). И, в завершение - Heavy Rain стоит свеч.

Console Monster (98 out of 100)

Heavy Rain is the Marmite of gaming, and one of which I hope gains enough respect for the developers to continue working their magic. I would typically recommend any fan of the adventure genre to make sure to pick up the game, but in all honesty I wish everyone to do so. For every person that hates this breath of fresh air for gaming, a dozen will love it. For me, Heavy Rain has been the highlight of the last ten years and a ground-breaking event in video games that I am glad to have experienced; a masterpiece of gaming.

Everyeye.it (9.7 out of 10)

Heavy Rain, molto probabilmente, non farà grandi numeri, non dominerà le classifiche di vendita, ma rimarrà unico e per questo per sempre scolpito nel cuore dei videgiocatori.

GamingExcellence (9.7 out of 10)

Heavy Rain, like a good book, will keep you breathless until its gripping conclusion.

Wonderwallweb.com (9.5 out of 10)

Although it can be at times, this game is not the all action shoot fest that most are used to, instead it’s a slow mover which drags you in and gets such a grip on you that no amount of button presses will make you let go. Unfortunately for Heavy Rain though, I feel that most gamers may not have the patience to stick with it, which is a shame because if you do then you begin to realise that this game is a technical marvel, with a story told like none before it.

GamesCollection (9.5 out of 10)

Heavy Rain è un film interattivo, anzi è un'esperienza, come dicevamo a inizio recensione. Quattro personaggi, ognuno con i propri tic e le proprie fobie, ognuno interessante (ma anche i personaggi non giocanti non sono da meno), ognuno caratterizzato da una voce scelta ad hoc - anche nel doppiaggio italiano, capitanato da Pino Insegno (Aragorn nel Signore degli Anelli) nei panni di Ethan Mars e Claudia Gerini in quelli decisamente più succinti della giornalista insonne Madison. La trama parte lentamente ma si evolve con un susseguirsi di colpi di scena sempre più veloci fino allo scioglimento finale, intenso e sconvolgente, che lascerà di sasso tutti quelli che ancora parlano di videogiochi come di "giochini". Peccato per i bug che minano un'esperienza, è il caso di dirlo, davvero cinematografica.

Game Informer Magazine (9.5 out of 10)

Heavy Rain makes groundbreaking strides in storytelling and character development.

Atomic Gamer (95 out of 100)

Still, if he can deliver a game whose narrative focus is on emotional connection, and is ultimately about love (which he has), a few incidental tangents are acceptable. Missteps or not, Heavy Rain’s legitimacy to the medium is a commentary against the often too-myopic approaches to game design—a quality that should be both recognized and lauded.

PSX Extreme (9.5 out of 10)

If the only games you’ve played in the past year are shooters and you aren’t having any fun unless there’s blood or explosions or a combination of both, you’ll probably just play this game and laugh at its “lameness.” At which point, I start to feel sorry for you. But to each his own and as amazing as Heavy Rain is, this 9.5 score doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a must-buy for everyone. But I will say this may very well be the most “human” game ever made, and an absolute triumph for the industry. Take from that what you will.

Gamernode (9.5 out of 10)

Heavy Rain reigns supreme. PS3 owners, do yourself a favor and play this game.

AusGamers (9.4 out of 10)

Heavy Rain is epic, flawed, and brilliant. I'm hoping it's a sign of things to come, with more games picking up this technique and running with it. There's so much to improve on here, but as a start, it's one of the more exciting things I've seen in gaming to date. If you're looking for something just like everything else, keep moving - but if you want to be challenged, emotionally affected, questioned and inspired, pick up Heavy Rain.

Game Over Online (94 out of 100)

While a few flaws keep it from being a higher-rated game, the overall experience in Heavy Rain makes it one that you absolutely must play. It’s one of the most unique and well-crafted games this generation with an incredible story and some of the most realistic, sympathetic characters ever seen in a video game. If you’ve enjoyed past blends of gaming and movies, like Indigo Prophecy or Shenmue, you’ll love Heavy Rain - it takes that sub-genre to a whole new level of immersion with the in-game world and your interaction with it using an innovative control scheme that takes very little time to get used to and makes great use of the PS3‘s button layout and Sixaxis motion controls. Despite some rough edges, Heavy Rain is an unforgettable experience.

Extreme Gamer (9.4 out of 10)

Unfortunately, this leads me to the decision that renting is probably the way to go for most gamers who are still unsure after this review. Heavy Rain can be completed in one or two sittings, and unless you really loved the experience, you won’t be back for more. For me, I loved the game, and I am glad it is in my collection. I have already played through the game twice, and I am looking forward to my third round. Ironically, Heavy Rain is the rainy night type of game, one to pull out when you are in the mood... and even though it is not a game you would play everyday, it is one you will likely revisit from time-to-time. No matter what you get out of Heavy Rain, one thing is for sure, Heavy Rain is one of those one-in-a-million releases that should not be missed.

4Players.de (94 out of 100)

Das ist ein ganz wichtiges Spiel. Das junge Medium demonstriert nicht nur wie so oft seine audiovisuelle Kraft, hier erzählt es eine bewegende Geschichte, hier reift es endlich zum interaktiven Drama. Dabei spannt es dramaturgische Muskeln, die der Film gar nicht hat: Es lässt mir nicht nur die Wahl der Worte, der Gefühle und der Perspektive - es lässt mich in einem offenen Thriller über Leben und Tod entscheiden. Mit diesem Abenteuer ist Quantic Dream weit über sich und Fahrenheit hinaus gewachsen, was die Qualität der Interaktion und Präsentation angeht: Die szenische Gestaltung ist exzellent, die düstere Musik ist ein Genuss, die Charakterisierung ist grandios.

OMGN: Online Multiplayer Games Network (9.4 out of 10)

I enjoy a game that challenges my very core, and this only happens in games with choices -- moral decisions, choices on what to do, where to go, etc. It doesn't have to be all of those, but at least one. Cue Heavy Rain, as it has, at its very base, the most evil morality system any game could possibly ever have. All in all, I would recommend playing Heavy Rain at least once because you really won't know what you're missing until you do.

Vandal Online (9.3 out of 10)

La cuestión de Heavy Rain es que es un juego que todo aficionado a los videojuegos debería probar, jugar, terminar, le guste o no, se le haga aburrido o no, simplemente por interés en el mundo del videojuego y por experimentar uno de los títulos más innovadores de los últimos años. Quantic Dream ha puesto todo al servicio de la historia, una historia en la que el jugador influirá en todo momento con sus acciones, y eso es algo que muy pocas veces se ha visto en el mundo del videojuego, y nunca con semejante despliegue de medios. La cuestión de si el juego logra o no transmitir esas emociones humanas que se plantea como objetivo da un poco igual; lo logre o no, es de lejos el que más cerca está. Un juego especial, que ojalá logre traspasar la barrera de juego de género para llegar a todos los públicos y que así puedan ver lo que puede lograr el videojuego como medio para contar una historia interactiva.

Cheat Code Central (4.6 out of 5)

Heavy Rain blurs the line between film and gameplay gloriously. Some will not like the game, due to the conditioning this generation of games has built into players. However, if you are in need of experiencing something that is not like the norm but draws you into an immersive story unlike anything before, Heavy Rain is definitely worth your attempt. Just be prepared go back repeatedly for the various experiences from each play-through. Believe me; you will care enough about these characters to want to see just how things play out differently each time. Heavy Rain potentially marks the beginning of something new in the industry and I hope the rain continues to fall.

Gamer.co.il (92 out of 100)

אם אתם אוהבים סיפורי מתח טובים ומוכנים לנסות משהו חדש, לא תתחרטו לרגע על הקנייה. חישבו על Heavy Rain כעל ספר משובח שאפשר לקרוא שוב ושוב - ובכל פעם תתקלו בעלילה שונה לגמרי.

Adventure-Treff (92 out of 100)

Spiel oder nicht Spiel, das ist nicht die Frage. Die Kombination aus filmischen und spielerischen Elementen in Heavy Rain sorgt für ein einzigartig intensives Erlebnis, das es in dieser Form kein zweites Mal gibt. Die Story fesselt vom Anfang bis zum Ende, die Spannungskurve steigt kontinuierlich an. Denn anders als in Fahrenheit ist die Story eine der großen Stärken und kein Schwachpunkt. Daran können die kleineren und somit absolut vernachlässigbaren Logikfehler nichts ändern.

XGN (9.2 out of 10)

Heavy Rain is iets unieks, iets verfrissends, iets wat de gamesindustrie nodig had. De controls zijn gewaagd, en werken, jammer genoeg, niet altijd even lekker. Gelukkig staat daar tegenover een episch verhaal, dat ook nog eens verschillende eindes bevat. Je kunt de game binnen tien uur uitspelen, maar door de verschillende eindes wil je het gewoon nog een keer spelen. En als je alle trophies wilt halen, moet je dat dan ook doen. Op grafisch gebied is de game geweldig en ook de audio is erg goed. Heavy Rain moet je beleven, en is dan ook zeker een titel die het aanschaffen zeker waard is.

Hooked Gamers (9.2 out of 10)

There are a lot of bugs in Heavy Rain, most of the non-lethal ones won't get fixed either. It's up to the gamer to decide if he wants the story and the involvement badly enough to disregard some technical stuff that is not there in games like Uncharted 2.

1UP (A-)

Though shorter than other epic, multi-disc titles, there's more than enough content in Heavy Rain to warrant a purchase. At the end of my first playthrough I was left utterly satisfied with the conclusion of the story and wanting more titles of this caliber. Heavy Rain may not appeal to every twitch-shooter fan out there, but if you believe games can evolve beyond Pac-Man and Mario then I suggest supporting the amazing work Quantic Dream has done.

Gamereactor (Denmark) (9 out of 10)

Heavy Rain er den filmoplevelse i spilform, som denne skribent har ventet på de sidste tyve år: forrygende, fængende og fandens flot.

Fragland.net (90 out of 100)

Don't play Heavy Rain as an average game though, but take on your director shoes and make the game. Open up for quiet scenes, real emotions and start with as little knowledge as possible. It's a very adult title with an exceptional script filled with question marks and plot twists which also got a great cast. If you're only looking for action then this title is COMPLETELY NOT your thing, but if you like original games like Fahrenheit or ICO then you'll certainly not want to miss this experience.

Tweakers.net (9 out of 10)

Heavy Rain laat de speler van traditionele games kennismaken met een nieuwe manier om met een game een verhaal te vertellen; een manier die tot nu toe alleen werd benaderd door Fahrenheit. Voor filmliefhebbers geldt het omgekeerde: zij kunnen Heavy Rain zien als filmisch drama waarop ze nu plotseling zelf invloed hebben. Die invloed krijg je middels een overzichtelijke interface, die af en toe gebruikt wordt voor iets te triviale handelingen, wat met name tijdens de intro van het spel enorm vertragend werkt. Je moet dus even door de intro heen bijten, maar daarna slokt het spel je op en kun je alle kanten op. Heavy Rain zal, voornamelijk door het lage tempo, zeker niet voor iedereen geschikt zijn. Wie zich er echter voor openstelt, kan zich opmaken voor een prima drama-avontuur, met bovendien een uitstekende Nederlandse lokalisatie.

Peliplaneetta.net (90 out of 100)

Aika kului Heavy Rainin parissa kuin siivillä. Tarinan keskushahmojen mielentiloja säntillisesti kuvaava peli imee päättäväisesti mukaansa eikä hellitä otettaan kunnes loppuratkaisu on nähty. Se on rikas kokemus, jossa käsitellään peleissä harvoin nähtyjä teemoja. Kaiken aikaa vankassa avainasemassa on elokuvamainen tyyli sekä pelaajan ja pelihahmojen tunteet. Poiketen valtaosasta pelejä, lopputulos kykenee puhuttelemaan pelaajaa aidosti ja väkevästi. Heavy Rain jättää jälkeensä muiston, joka piirtyy pelaajan tajuntaan lähtemättömästi. Aikuiseen makuun soveltuva Heavy Rain on erinomainen peli, joka luo tärkeän pohjan pelikerronnan kehittämiselle entistä pidemmälle.

Adventure Gamers ( )

Heavy Rain may not be for everyone, but for those who can appreciate its style, it’s one of the best games you’ll play this year.

GamersHell.com (9 out of 10)

Heavy Rain is a product for mature gamers, not just because of its language, sometimes disturbing imagery, or sexual content, but because it allows and encourages its audience to become emotionally connected to its characters and assume control of lives that are troubled, complex, and most disturbingly, finite. As a game, Heavy Rain is a shot across the bow of those lazy, complacent, or creatively bankrupt studios that persist in repackaging tired variations of the same garish product. More than anything, Heavy Rain is further proof that games have truly come of age and are a viable platform for telling stories that will haunt your dreams and color your days.

Gamereactor (Sweden) (9 out of 10)

I en perfekt värld skulle alla sitta med ett exemplar av Heavy Rain och uppleva sin berättelse. I en perfekt värld skulle också verkligen alla ha Heavy Rain. Chansen att det blir så är inte enorm. Att satsa så här mycket på en spelgenre som traditionellt inte har gett oss några storsäljare på femton år är vågat... och beundransvärt. Oavsett hur det går vet jag i alla fall en sak. Jag har upplevt Heavy Rain. Det borde du också göra.

Thunderbolt Games (9 out of 10)

That doesn’t mean this game’s for you. This is hardly the typical game, and you might prefer something a little more traditional. Maybe you don’t want to care that much about the characters. That’s great. Totally understandable. But if you’re open and willing to take a chance, Heavy Rain is worth it. The story is a twisted, chaotic tale of a murderer and the love of a father. Its dark themes force you to look at these ordinary characters in different ways. You’ll be drawn further into it with each passing scene. It turns something as simple as using a phone into a far more meaningful act. The game allows you to interact with its rain-drenched world, shaping its development in ways that you’ll never expect until it’s too late. The clunky movements and awkward controls kill some of the immersion, but the gorgeous graphics and emotionally assaultive scenes will keep you mesmerized. So go ahead, give it a try. Take a walk in the rain.

VideogameUK (9 out of 10)

Heavy Rain is a slow burner, one that expects more of its audience than the average game. It demands that you pay attention to its storyline and be captivated by the emotions that are presented throughout. At times it was slightly gruelling, but only if you allow it to swamp your feelings. Those after a more passive experience that simply requires switching your brain off and shooting, won’t enjoy this. Much like developer Quantic Dream’s previous title, Fahrenheit, it’s a game that will be misunderstood and won’t be for everyone. However if, like me, you adore a game with an emotionally rich storyline, that aims to do more than just mindlessly entertain, this is everything you could desire. If a game can surpass this as my Game of the Year, I will be both surprised and delighted as it’s been years since I played a game so powerful. It’ll resound with me for years to come, much like Fahrenheit did before it.

True Game Headz ( )

If you aren’t heading off to play one of the other epics that are out now, and want to give “Heavy Rain” multiple spins, you’ll find that there’s a lot of meat on her bones.

Eurogamer.nl (9 out of 10)

Heavy Rain is een bijzonder spel dat in het medium nieuwe thema’s, emoties en morele afwegingen aanbreekt. Het is niet een spel voor iedereen, juist omdat het zo anders is dan normaal; het is traag en is voor sommigen waarschijnlijk te veel film voor een game. Maar als je open staat voor eens wat anders, voor een nieuwe manier van verhaal vertellen en beleven, dan is Heavy Rain iets dat je niet wil missen.

HCL.hr Gaming Portal (90 out of 100)

Igra nas je oduševila svojom izvedbom koja se odvija glatko i bez problema. Grafički Heavy Rain izgleda odlično, iako ćete ponekad vidjeti koji grafički bug. Zvučna kulisa također je odrađena na istoj razini kao i spomenuta grafička prezentacija. No taj tehnički dio nije ono što čini igru, to su radnja, odabiri i emocije koje igra nosi.

PlayFrance (9 out of 10)

Heavy Rain ou comment vivre une expérience unique. David Cage réussit à nous plonger dans un univers bien loin des standards actuels d'un monde vidéoludique en manque d'originalité. Malgré quelques imperfections côté technique et une prise en main qui en déconcertera plus d'un au début, c'est la qualité de la narration et l'implication du joueur qui au bout du compte marqueront les esprits. Une fois les mécaniques du jeu acquises, le reste n'est qu'émotions fortes et immersion totale. Difficile de sortir indemne d'une expérience pareille, mais on en redemande.

Miasto Gier (9 out of 10)

Jeśli dacie szansę tej grze, to może ona zrobić z Wami rzeczy, których nigdy byście się nie spodziewali. Będziecie o niej myśleć, zarówno podczas grania, jak i po jej skończeniu. Jedno trzeba podkreślić – nie jest to rewolucja, nie jest to produkcja, która w jakikolwiek sposób wpłynie na to, jak tworzy się gry wideo. Jest to raczej jednorazowy wyskok, swego rodzaju ciekawostka, eksperyment, który jakimś sposobem okazał się spektakularnym sukcesem. Wspaniale, że został przeprowadzony!

GameZone (9 out of 10)

There are some flaws, but taken as a package Heavy Rain is a remarkable achievement in gaming that creates an interactive experience that goes beyond the pages of a good novel or film noir. This is a game that needs to be experienced.

Eurogamer.net (UK) (9 out of 10)

It would be a shame to look past Heavy Rain for these reasons, however, because while it is an intricate game that deserves to be debated for a long time, it is also a simple one to enjoy: a thrilling mystery, cleverly composed, and unlike anything else you will play this year. It may also be the only game you play this year where pulling the trigger makes you really feel something, and I can think of no greater compliment.

Games TM (9 out of 10)

If we acknowledge that Heavy Rain's role is to define a language and structure with which developers can tell stories in a way that is unique to the medium, then Quantic Dream has well and truly succeeded. The method has now finally been established and we can begin to concentrate on the message. As such, Heavy Rain isn't the ultimate narrative-driven videogame but the first, a template that should inspire other creators and open p a genre as limitless as imagination itself. And we can't wait to see what stories we get to play next...

Play.tm (90 out of 100)

The experience is an altogether impressive one, and while Cage's opus isn't without its frustrations there can be no doubting the conviction of Quantic Dream in pushing ahead with a control scheme some won't enjoy. The visuals and the film noir-inspired direction are a real treat, meanwhile, Heavy Rain enjoying some of the finest production values I've witnessed. Whether the title can attract non-hardcore gamers to the PS3 remains to be seen, much will depend on how Sony can position this ambitious game, but those of you willing to concede a degree of control, and embrace the game world, its characters, its ambience, will find that Heavy Rain is a slice of entertainment that stays with you between plays and compels you forward. It isn't perfect, but there's no questioning the gripping endeavour here. Meanwhile outside, in the night, the rain keeps falling, and time is of the essence. Get to it.

GamersGlobal (9 out of 10)

Ein extrem intensiver Thriller zum Mitspielen. Die Steuerung setzt zwar stark auf Quick-Time-Events, doch ersetzen diese größtenteils Aktionen, wie ihr sie in einem anderen Spiel eben "konventionell" auslösen würdet. In Sachen Spannung fast unerreicht, leider mit einigen Logik- und Designmängeln behaftet. Für PS3-Besitzer aber auf jeden Fall ein Muss-Titel -- für den es auf anderen Plattformen bislang kein Äquivalent gibt.

GameSpy ( )

The game can end in a variety of ways (as you're given several opportunities to kill or otherwise lose characters), and while you can reload from a previously played chapter, I implore you to resist the temptation and make your first play-through a "whatever happens, happens" affair. If you can buy into the idea that the ending you get is your ending, and that your characters are really your characters, then you just might find yourself feeling moved by a videogame.

IGN (9 out of 10)

Heavy Rain is a hell of an experience. Its controversial control scheme actually works really well in allowing the fantastic story to dictate how events play out, and many of the game's scenes will keep you on the edge of your seat. It starts slow and the presentation isn't perfect, but the character development, dialog and story twists will hook you like few games can. Heavy Rain is not to be missed.

GameZ (88 out of 100)

Heavy Rain is absoluut niet voor iedereen weggelegd en zal vooral door de trage opbouw veel gamers afschrikken. Het verhaal zit echter bijzonder sterk in elkaar, de personages zijn goed uitgewerkt en de manier waarop alles bij elkaar komt, maakt bijzonder veel indruk. Op grafisch gebied heeft ontwikkelaar Quantic Dream goed werk afgeleverd, waarbij vooral de emotie van de personages erg dicht in de buurt komt van de realiteit. Wel is de besturing af en toe bijzonder frustrerend en zijn we een aantal schoonheidsfoutjes tegengekomen. Dat neemt echter niet weg dat Heavy Rain een bijzondere ervaring is die gamers met een voorliefde voor thrillers en een sterk verhaal met een gerust hart kunnen aanschaffen.

Absolute Games (AG.ru) (87 out of 100)

Эх, куда там «медленнее». Heavy Rain стремительна, жестока и очень эмоциональна. Не важно, что сюжет периодически спотыкается об избитые штампы и картинные «Не-е-е-ет!!!». На них стараешься не обращать внимания, поскольку героям по-настоящему веришь, невзирая на патологии и душевные болячки. Тут помогает и постоянный накал страстей, и проникновение в чувства и мысли персонажей. В самом прямом смысле — по нажатию кнопки. Что происходит в голове шизофреника? Что толкает людей на парадоксальные поступки? Каждый вынесет из игры немало интересного, пройдясь по второму, третьему кругу. Хотя над большинством этих вопросов возвышается одна неприкрытая истина (с изрядной долей цинизма) — самопожертвование ради счастья близких. Ждем Heavy Rain Chronicles и новых откровений.

Game Captain (87 out of 100)

Heavy Rain objektiv zu beurteilen fällt schwer. Es fällt vom „Gameplay“ völlig aus dem Rahmen, kommt sehr erwachsen daher, und verlangt neben schnellen Reaktionen vor allem moralische Entscheidungen. Die Atmosphäre ist herausragend und packend, sicher kein Spiel, dass man zwischendurch mal eine Woche nicht spielt. Wer einmal drinsteckt, will auch das Ende sehen, dafür gibt es unseren Award. Persönlich bin ich mit dem Erlebnis zufrieden, aber nicht restlos begeistert. Einige meiner Aktionen, die ich für folgenschwer hielt, hatten zu wenig oder gar keine Auswirkungen und die Auflösung der Geschichte stellte mich auch nicht ganz zufrieden. Schade finde ich aber vor allem, dass Quantic Dream sich für diese Art Steuerung entschieden hat. Damit hat man die Chance verspielt, eine ganz neue Zielgruppe anzusprechen. Wer QuickTimeEvents und SixAxis nicht mag, wird ab und an fluchen.

GameSpot (8.5 out of 10)

Though it suffers from its share of plot and technical problems, Heavy Rain is nonetheless a bold and visionary step forward in the medium of interactive storytelling. Part adventure game and part psychological thriller, Heavy Rain is far from the quick-time-event-powered movie that it may appear to be at first glance. Every action you perform or decision you make--from the simple and mundane to the dark and disturbing--brings you closer to the flawed but realistic characters you manipulate. Their stories become your story, and their hardships become obstacles that you feel compelled to overcome with them. No matter how your adventure plays out, Heavy Rain is a profoundly personal experience that should not be missed.

Lens of Truth (8.5 out of 10)

Heavy Rain is surely not the epic interactive drama we hoped for, but it is a unique game that deserves, at the least, one playthrough. If you’re into obscure games such as Ico or Shadow of the Colossus, this is a good one to pick up, but if action is your forte, Heavy Rain is better left alone.

GamingEvolution (8.5 out of 10)

Heavy Rain is one hell of an experience, which tops many movies released. The story is very engaging; having wondering what’s going to happen next, then all of a sudden the event plays out differently. Quantic Dream did an amazing job telling their story through interactive gameplay, quick time events/motions, dialog, atmospheric perspective and all around great writing. For those who have yet to pick up this game and are looking for an engaging gaming experience, look no further than Heavy Rain. While this game may not be for everyone, it’s definitely an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

The Review Busters (8.5 out of 10)

Heavy Rain is really like no other game of this generation. Will it cause a revolution in gaming? Probably not. What I hope it will do is cause gaming companies to start to care more about their stories and character development as much as they do their gameplay.

Game Observer (85 out of 100)

The story isn’t very original, even fairly predictable at times, and the dialogue can be just atrocious, but at the end of the day it’s enough to get the job done because Heavy Rain encompasses more than that. It’s a potential gateway for gamers to try something different. It’s beautiful, rewarding, and you’ll find yourself seated in a chair in-game doing nothing but watching your character think and you won’t question the time as wasted -- it’s the little things that Heavy Rain does so well, the subtle nuances reflecting real world problems that any of us can relate to. So it’s not perfect, but it’s distinct. More than can be said for a lot of games.

games xtreme (8.5 out of 10)

The game is without a doubt an experience, a personal experience what you get from it will be different to your friends and vice versa, the relatively short campaign is intense and has no padding to artificially lengthen the game and the storyline works on many levels and constantly keep you guessing as to who the murderer is. The controls are a little shaky no doubt about that and quick time events are not every ones cup of tea but if you can look past the faults you will find a game that that treats its subject matter with a maturity rarely seen in this industry. If you're after something a little different to all the FPS's or Brain Training simulators this title begs your consideration.

Rely on Horror (8.5 out of 10)

Hands down, Heavy Rain is one of the most unique games on the Playstation 3. An essential part of a game is it’s control scheme–if you can get the hang of Heavy Rain’s controls and get over the fact that it is what it is, this is an experience that should not be passed up.

PC Action (Germany) (2 out of 7)

So was gab’s noch nie: In dem interaktiven PS3-Thriller Heavy Rain schminken Sie eigenhändig Ihre Spielfigur, wiegen ein Baby in den Schlaf, binden die Krawatte Ihres Chefs und greifen einem schmierigen Disco-Besitzer in die Kronjuwelen (siehe Bild oben)! Doch nicht nur diese denkwürdigen Szenen machen aus dem Adventure einen Spielspaß-Hit, auch die Story begeistert. Der Plot dreht sich um vier völlig unterschiedliche Helden, die alle auf der Suche nach einem Serienkiller sind. Wie sich die Handlung im Detail entwickelt, das ist nicht fest vorgegeben, sondern hängt von Ihren Entscheidungen ab! So erlebt jeder Spieler seine eigene Geschichte — ganz großes Kino. Die Steuerung dürfte PC-Veteranen allerdings abschrecken: Denn selbst das Öffnen einer Tür erfordert wilde Analogstick-Schwingereien. Egal, dieses Teil muss man gezockt haben!

Push Square ( )

Heavy Rain was bound to make a few missteps as a pioneering attempt at an interactive movie, one that matches the production values of many films whilst maintaining the level of involvement and excitement one would associate with a top-class action video game. It's innovative and brilliantly acted, and the Move controls bring a new level of engagement to the action scenes whilst registering subtler movements just as well. Like its lead characters, it's flawed and jarringly artificial at times, but you'll love it all the same.

Giant Bomb ( )

A few technical hiccups barely temper the emotional impact of this tense, character-driven thriller.

Trigames.net ( )

Heavy Rain isn’t an example of how the medium should be advancing, but it’s certainly a way in which it should be expanding.

HonestGamers (Staff reviews only) (8 out of 10)

Heavy Rain is neither flawless nor as innovative as one might have hoped, but it's still a terrific experience that benefits from next-generation technology. Add it to your collection if you're looking for something different.

Blend Games ( )

Heavy Rain combines innovative controls and cleverly staged moments to keep the player on the edge of their seat. The game allows you to replay chapters you've completed, so after finishing the 10+ hour campaign you'll probably find yourself revisiting many scenes in order to earn Trophies and try out alternate story paths. It's much less likely that someone would play the entire campaign over, though. Heavy Rain's great little moments are strung together in a story that can only be considered "good for a video game." This is not the revolution that you might hope for, but there is some occasional brilliance to be found and other developers should take note.

Console Obsession (8 out of 10)

It’s a shame that a milestone in gaming is tarnished by both technical and plot issues, but nevertheless, Cage has taken a visionary step in interactive storytelling, creating something bold, beautiful and engaging. Storytelling has come a long way since painting in caves and it’s slightly giddying for it to reach this evolution. To see what so many other titles have set out to integrate – a blend of tightly scripted story and player choice – to come this close to perfection is amazing. Every decision you make – from mundane to dark and unsettling – is an exhilarating, exhausting and emotionally gripping journey; Heavy Rain is something you just have to play. I guess if you don’t like stories and have no hands then you’ll hate it, but for the rest of you, Heavy Rain is an experience you will not soon forget.

Gamed (78 out of 100)

Het becijferen van Heavy Rain is lastig. Als we de game puur op het verhaal zouden becijferen, zou het toch wel tegen de 9 aanlopen. Maar de andere factoren moeten ook meegenomen worden en dan haalt de gameplay het cijfer toch iets naar beneden. Niet omdat deze bijzonder slecht is maar vooral doordat deze het verhaal regelmatig onderbreekt wanneer het niet nodig hoeft te zijn. Tevens gaat het lopen niet altijd geheel soepel wat voor hinder kan zorgen in krappe ruimten. Voor de rest is Heavy Rain een prima game waarbij het verhaal een hoop goed maakt. Alleen als het verhaal van een game je weinig tot niet interesseert, dan kun je deze beter links laten liggen.

Computer Bild Spiele (2.2 out of 6)

„Heavy Rain“ ist ohne Frage ein sehr ambitioniertes und ungewöhnliches Spiel. Und in seiner Art absolut einzigartig. Die Frage ist, wie viele Spieler bereit sind, zehn Stunden immer die gleichen Tastenkombinationen zu drücken, um danach ellenlanger Konversation zu lauschen, oder vergleichbar banale Handlungen auszuführen. Dabei ist die Spielmechanik oft sehr nachsichtig – Sie verlieren selten einen Kampf –, aber auch oft langweilig. Zum Ausgleich werden Sie reich belohnt. Denn wenn die Handlung wieder Fahrt aufnimmt und Sie sich an die Fersen des Origami-Killers heften, um den Sohn von Ethan Mars zu retten, wird es unglaublich packend. Dennoch ist „Heavy Rain“ kein Spiel für jedermann – schon gar nicht für Kinder.

Jeuxvideo.com (15 out of 20)

Plus posé et homogène que Fahrenheit, Heavy Rain se présente comme un livre ouvert sur un univers basculant rapidement dans l'horreur. Vrai film interactif ou faux jeu vidéo ? La question reste en suspens et de ce postulat de départ dépendra votre ressenti. En l'état, l'oeuvre de David Cage remplit certains de ses objectifs même si on eut apprécié une histoire sachant s'émanciper de ses influences directes. En outre, avec des personnages trop rigides dans leurs mouvements et évoluant constamment dans un univers amidonné, on aura un peu de mal à être impliqué dans leur quotidien et ce malgré l'effort fourni par Quantic Dream pour aller dans ce sens. Reste au final un polar numérique n'arrivant jamais à dégager autant d'émotion que son modèle cinématographique mais parvenant malgré tout à retenir l'attention du joueur/spectateur avide de découvrir le fin mot de l'histoire.

Game Revolution (B)

Heavy Rain is an inspiration board of editorials waiting to be written. It is entertaining without being “fun” and explores the assumptions players make as a spectator and a participant, the extent at which literary drama can interconnect with games, and the uncharted space far beyond mainstream gaming. For navigating through all of these waters and producing an experience that is stirringly unique, that comes as close as ever to a true "interactive story", it is to be commended. Even if you come to oppose everything it stands for – and understandably so – Heavy Rain needs to be played.

Game Shark (B)

So, in what can also be described as a truly "parental" set of feelings, I love this game, but I'm also disappointed that it was not able to be all that it could have been. In it I saw the potential for greatness, for unparalleled excellence and it's hard to see that potential go unrealized. Perhaps that's my fault. It probably is. Then again, maybe not. After all, the game asked me to pour so much of myself into it to make the necessary emotional connections that, at that point, it's hard not to pour in my expectations for it as well. So I did, and I was disappointed as a result. But I don't love the game any less. I just need to love it for what it is. Thankfully, that should be enough.

Hellbored (7.1 out of 10)

Ultimately, the technical issues tainted the experience beyond what I’m prepared to take, which is a terrible shame considering the level of effort that has been put in to craft an engaging and thrilling storyline. Offering a multitude of endings is redundant if I don’t want to go back and play through the game again, and I had a strong desire to see this work. In a way, I still enjoyed my time with it and can definitely see myself returning to any similar games that come along, and with smoother controls and no technical issues, there is every chance that future titles could become masterpieces. Unfortunately, Heavy Rain isn’t there because of technical handicaps, but it has all the potential in the world.

Destructoid (7 out of 10)

Heavy Rain wishes to be compared to movies, but it is very lucky to be a videogame, a medium where a poor narrative is more readily forgiven. When compared to movies, Heavy Rain not only falls short, but is almost embarrassingly sub-par. Hell, compared to some of the leading narratives in videogames, Heavy Rain is below expectations. Less demanding players may be tricked into thinking the game is telling a brilliant story simply because it's not telling the kind of story that gamers are used to seeing, but make no mistake: its naive conclusions and impossibly weak characters would get Heavy Rain laughed out of any serious film festival.

GamesRadar ( )

Heavy Rain is an admirably ambitious creation capable of engrossing the mind and engaging the emotions like few games that have gone before. Visually and aurally it's a decadent feast for the senses, but its frequent descents into ham-fisted schlock and downright broken storytelling ultimately make it a clumsy case of style over substance. It's a likeable mess if you don't think too hard, but nevertheless, a mess it remains.

Edge (7 out of 10)

“How far are you willing to go to save someone you love?” asks the kidnapper. We’d put a similar question to Cage: how far are you willing to go for interactive drama? Scene by scene, Heavy Rain proves itself a worthy advocate, ripe with potential and mystery. But the bigger it grows and the more it threatens to collide and conflict, the broader the strokes become. Are you a champion of freedom and interaction or choreographed thrills? Do you make games or films? Like the scenarios put before our desperate father, the decisions are not easy, and the consequences often unsatisfying. But watching them unfold? Quite unlike anything else.

TheSixthAxis (7 out of 10)

Heavy Rain has arrived with a bang. It’s flashy, technically stunning but ultimately slightly empty. Characters vary from vapid to engaging, the FBI agent a highlight but lead Ethan tends to look bored rather than desperate. If you’re looking for a decent story with minimal interactivity to occupy a wet weekend, one cut with mystery and suspense, Quantic Dream’s latest might be right up your street, but gamers looking for anything else will be left out in the rain. A great idea, but unfortunately one not fully realised.

The Video Game Critic (B-)

Heavy Rain isn't consistently entertaining, but there are parts of this game that will remain with me for quite some time.

Gamekult (6 out of 10)

Hélas, si on se laisse porter assez facilement par l'histoire et qu'on veut en voir le bout, cet hybride mi-jeu vidéo mi-cinéma manque clairement de qualités ludiques, avec son gameplay lourdingue à la troisième personne et ses QTE trop souvent inutiles, et souffre de sérieux problèmes de rythme qui plombent la narration, comme si on avait étalé pendant dix heures un film de 1h30. Difficile, dans ces conditions, de souscrire totalement à ce récit interactif joliment réalisé, mais à la fois bien trop mou pour un film, et très ennuyeux pour un jeu vidéo.

Factornews (5 out of 10)

Avec Heavy Rain, David Cage va au bout du concept étrenné par Fahrenheit : oublier délibérément l'aspect ludique pour privilégier une narration interactive. A quelques maladresses près, force est de constater que ce pari est réussi : son oeuvre tient debout. Ceux qui cherchent à s'amuser en jouant passeront leur chemin, ceux qui aiment explorer des univers originaux aussi, mais cette curiosité, quand on sait où l'on met les pieds, mérite bien quelques heures d'attention à condition de ne pas la payer au prix fort.

Game Critics (4 out of 10)

It's an important step forward to be sure, and I think when we look back on the history of adventure gaming Heavy Rain will be listed as a milestone in its own right. However, it succeeds only in showing us what might be possible, and not what is possible. I really, really wanted to like Heavy Rain, but it has far too much working against it. So here's my advice—play it. Take a look at where the genre is going and try to see the potential here. Then discard it while it's still worth something at GameStop or wherever else and wait for another game to truly fulfill that potential.

Teletext (4 out of 10)

This is a terrible video game. It's also a bold and hugely ambitious experiment - and we congratulate developer Quantic Dreams for having the nerve to attempt it. But their refusal to acknowledge the limits of current technology, their own scriptwriting abilities and exactly what makes an interactive experience interesting has led to near disaster.