Play switches between these four characters frequently throughout the game, showing how each of them makes progress in their respective investigations. One of the most publicised aspects of the game is the “choice and consequence” gameplay. Every choice the player makes in each scenario has the potential to radically alter the outcome of the game, and there are a quite a few different endings to be seen. For instance, Ethan might be dared by the Origami Killer to do something bad in exchange for a clue to his son’s whereabouts – I can’t say what because it will ruin the surprise – and it’s up to the player to decide whether Ethan will go that far. Without the clue, it might be difficult or even impossible to find where Shaun is being held. Another example can be found in Norman Jayden’s scenarios. Often Norman will have to examine evidence and draw conclusions from his investigations, and it’s up to the player which conclusion he reaches. In my first time through the game, for instance, I managed to get Norman to the right place, but the conclusion I came to about the identity of the killer was way off.
The action game elements are handled in a very interesting way. Rather than the usual control scheme where the sticks move the character and the buttons control various actions, in Heavy Rain, the triggers control movement and the sticks control interactions. Anyone who has played Fahrenheit, another game developed by Quantic Dream, will know what to expect, since the system is very similar. The player is prompted to make gestures on the stick which mimic the action the character will perform. These could range from curling movements to make characters open cupboards, sit in chairs or even bash other characters on the head with household items during fight scenes, to quick directional moves to make characters dodge attacks or steer cars away from obstacles. Failing to complete these actions in time during certain events can have disastrous consequences.
Heavy Rain’s thrilling story is very well acted and as engrossing as any big budget Hollywood thriller, but what makes it even more impressive is the incredible graphics. Sometimes the characters look real, and their nuanced personal gestures really bring them to life thanks to the cutting edge motion capture technology employed by Quantic Dream. Other little details really sell the action, like creases appearing in clothing while characters move and hair and clothing becoming slick with water whenever they get wet. The backgrounds and lighting were as carefully established as any movie set and add to the high budget feel of the game. The voice work is of a very high standard and the soundtrack is simultaneously eerie and depressing, complementing the subject matter and the unsaturated grey colour scheme perfectly.
It’s a real pity this game didn’t show up back when the doubters were crying out for something unique, but when you look at it, it’s clear that something this pretty could only have been created once the developers were fully comfortable with the PS3’s hardware. The result is one of the PS3’s most unique and graphically amazing action games to date which almost everyone should play.
