Overall Feeling:
Whilst it's mechanics may not be to everyone's liking, the emotional connection that Heavy Rain forges between the player and the characters is unlike anything seen in the industry to date. An incredible plot with various different branches, all of which are entirely at the player's control, coupled with a phenomenal score and voice work makes this a truly unique experience.
The Pros:
A tense and engaging narrative. Player choices have a genuine impact on the outcome of the plot. Intuitive controls give the sensation of performing the on-screen action. A powerful score that invokes your emotions. Believable characters brought to life through fantastic voice work.
The Cons:
Movement can feel a little clunky and unresponsive.
“Interactive drama”. That's the term David Cage, Heavy Rain's director uses to describe the experience on offer. It's not so much a game in the conventional sense of the word, but rather a story in which you control the lead characters' every action and decision. It's this combined sense of freedom and control, couple with a terrific plot, that makes Heavy Rain so emotionally charged. Through an intuitive control scheme, you're drawn closer to it's characters than any traditional game could manage. It's precisely for this reason that you simply have to experience this game.
