Heavy Rain demo

Gurantsu · Post by **Gurantsu** » Wed Feb 24, 2010 9:20 am

y buddy got the game yesterday morning, finished it last night. Pretty short if you ask me, but he said it was a hell of a ride.

AJColossal · Post by **AJColossal** » Wed Feb 24, 2010 11:49 am

I can tell you right now that this is not a game for everyone. The controls, as others have stated, are reminiscent of old Resident Evil Games, and the "gameplay" seems to be basically a series of joystick tricks you have to complete before the story can move forward.

Even the voice acting isn't all that hot, which isn't good news for a game that is largely driven by cinematics. It definitely feels that it was written and or performed by people whose first language is something other than English.

But what has me excited at this point (which is very early in the game) is the story, which I find gripping in ways I very rarely find any video game story.

To me, most video game stories are either incredibly convoluted/incomprehensible or good to a point until they think they have to rely on really dumb cliches (the supernatural, zombies, monsters, etc.)
to be compelling.

It appears to be a story that is attempting to be emotional on some adult level that you rarely see. And it's attempting to blur the lines between entertainment/movies/games that another poster pointed out.

I think it's worth checking out games like this; games that at least attempt to push the medium forward.

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Wed Feb 24, 2010 12:05 pm

As I was diving into it last night, my wife and I were having a pretty in-depth conversation about it.

This isn't a game targeted at teens, because they'd simply lose interest in the first portion of the game. I never played the demo and bought it simply out of curiosity. The early segments certainly get you used to the controls, but there's a lot of domestic stuff in there that I'd never have considered putting in a "game". Which brought me to my realization that it's the closest any game has come to being an interactive movie, if you will.

The simplest description I have for it (not sure how far I am through it, but I've just hit a few very intense scenes that will stick with me for a while) is that it's like a movie where you get to explore every scene. You're not force-fed a camera angle and story--you can go check out something that may be interesting and then continue the scene at your pace (most times).

The other thing it reminded me of is a very hopped-up version of the old point-and-click adventure games on PC like King's Quest. It's a strange correlation, I know, but you're still finding "hot spots" and performing actions there.

It's almost like the point-and-click adventure for the 21st century.

WillHunting · Post by **WillHunting** » Wed Feb 24, 2010 12:54 pm

TCrouch wrote:As I was diving into it last night, my wife and I were having a pretty in-depth conversation about it.

This isn't a game targeted at teens, because they'd simply lose interest in the first portion of the game. I never played the demo and bought it simply out of curiosity. The early segments certainly get you used to the controls, but there's a lot of domestic stuff in there that I'd never have considered putting in a "game". Which brought me to my realization that it's the closest any game has come to being an interactive movie, if you will.

The simplest description I have for it (not sure how far I am through it, but I've just hit a few very intense scenes that will stick with me for a while) is that it's like a movie where you get to explore every scene. You're not force-fed a camera angle and story--you can go check out something that may be interesting and then continue the scene at your pace (most times).

The other thing it reminded me of is a very hopped-up version of the old point-and-click adventure games on PC like King's Quest. It's a strange correlation, I know, but you're still finding "hot spots" and performing actions there.

It's almost like the point-and-click adventure for the 21st century.

Agreed, it is an evolution of the adventure genre (which I never really cared for). I enjoy this more because there is no "right" solution to anything.

RallyMonkey · Post by **RallyMonkey** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 10:49 am

Man alive, this game has me pretty wrapped up. Just completed the highway scene as well as the scene with Jayden at the dude's house with all the crosses hanging. Wow. Tense stuff. Can't wait to see how it all plays out.

There haven't been many games that i've played that a) made me want to finish it and b) i knew i was going to hate to see end. This one is doing both for sure.

NOTE: A thank you to the developers for the "make up" shower scene later after having to watch the first one earlier in the game!

AJColossal · Post by **AJColossal** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 11:32 am

I'll just say that if you were annoyed by the demo/beginning parts of the game, hang in there and you'll be rewarded for your patience.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 12:01 pm

I picked it up yesterday and popped it in last night. I played through everything up until what the demo offered and the scene after that. The scene with Sean in the park is the next one for me. I loved every minute of it and could not believe what time it was when I called it a night. That old expression about time flying when you're having fun was in full effect here.

I really hope this starts a new genre because it truly combines the best that movies and videogames have to offer. I can't wait to play more. This game is defitely a love it or hate it affair and I love it.

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 5:16 pm

This thing has some serious emotional pull as you play through. I've never been affected by a game quite like this one. Very deep stuff from chapter to chapter.

SPOILER TEXT BELOW:

I just finished the "suffering" mission at lunch, and holy crap, no video game has ever made my stomach queasy like that. It's not so bad the thought of doing what you have to do, but the gestures you make are so similar to the actual act that you'd be doing that it really got to me.

Pretty amazing (and twisted) game that can bring out raw emotion like that.

fletcher21 · Post by **fletcher21** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 8:13 pm

How do I save my progress? There doesn't appear to be any way to save in the middle of the game?

Zlax45 · Post by **Zlax45** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 1:59 am

fletcher21 wrote:How do I save my progress? There doesn't appear to be any way to save in the middle of the game?

It saves automatically after scenes.

fletcher21 · Post by **fletcher21** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 8:22 am

I spent 3 hours with this game last night. I am extremely impressed so far! I really dislike the way they deal with action scenes, but that's one of my only complaints. I kind of wish this game was a budget priced title like World of Outlaws, but I still picked it up. I read there are countless endings, but I am worried this game won't really have much replay value at all since most of the fun is the story and you will already know who is who and what the end result is. I know you can change things by different actions, but I don't know if it will be enough for 2-3 plays. I think Gamestop will be flooded with used copies in a few weeks. Anyone beat it or planning to play multiple times? So far I give it a 9/10 since it is a genuinely NEW experience, even with the flaws.

RallyMonkey · Post by **RallyMonkey** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 10:48 am

I read there are countless endings, but I am worried this game won't really have much replay value at all since most of the fun is the story and you will already know who is who and what the end result is.

My only issue with the game right there. At first i was thinking the fact that different decisions resulting in a different path was going to be enough to finally make me play through a game a second time, but knowing that regardless of path, the outcome is the same, i'm not sure it will hold my interest for another 8-10 hours.

Question for anyone who's finished, i'm about to enter the Blue Lagoon. Where is that in time played?

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 12:17 pm

Played the demo yesterday and loved it. Unique experience. Too bad The Show and BFBC2 come out Tuesday. Maybe I'll get it down the line.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 12:23 pm

Diablo25 wrote:Played the demo yesterday and loved it. Unique experience. Too bad The Show and BFBC2 come out Tuesday. Maybe I'll get it down the line.

That's the beauty of a ten hour game...rent it, beat it, return it...all before tuesday. At least that's my goal.

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 12:27 pm

That's the funny thing to me with this Gamestop trade in bonus.

I traded in Mass Effect 2 for $56 and bought Heavy Rain for about 4 bucks and tax.

I'll beat Heavy Rain and turn it back in for the same amount and pretty much have spent the money on a rental.

Zeppo · Post by **Zeppo** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 1:24 pm

TCrouch wrote:I traded in Mass Effect 2 for $56 and bought Heavy Rain for about 4 bucks and tax.

where the heck did you get that kind of money for trading in ME2? I can't imagine getting more than $30-$35 at one of the chain stores for a game even as recently released as that.

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 1:37 pm

Gamestop. Went in to get that Splinter Cell copy and (as you're probably not surprised to hear), the employees there know me pretty well. He mentioned some 50% bonus credit, plus 10% edge card, I dunno--he goes "I know you beat ME2 like 2 or 3 times, you can trade it in for $56 right now".

So I went back and grabbed it. Not sure how long it's going on for, but it's basically a 60% boost to all trade ins while it's going on.

fletcher21 · Post by **fletcher21** » Sat Feb 27, 2010 12:17 pm

I just beat the game. I did not get one of the "good" endings, but unfortunately I have ZERO desire to play it again. Knowing who the killer is the whole time, and that he doesn't change is a deal breaker. I am wishing I had rented this game because I don't think I got my $65 out of it that I paid with tax @ Gamestop. Anyone on here wanna buy it for $45 shipped to their door?

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Sat Feb 27, 2010 12:26 pm

Whew that's tempting Fletch but my sentiment is similar to yours without playing the game so i'm going to wait till the price drops around $25 (Amazon.com). It appears the consensus in most circles is a love it or hate it game.

fletcher21 · Post by **fletcher21** » Sat Feb 27, 2010 12:56 pm

Gamestop said they'd give me $40 for it but that I should hurry since they already have over 10 used copies in stock. Buy it for $40 from me and re-sell it for $56.99 lol. I'd love to play again if the killer was totally random. You can play 100x and things will be different. The killer is always the same though, and it's not worth 8 hours of my time to play a game again that I already know how it will end and all I will get out of it is some new cut scenes and dialogue. Sucks. It was a hell of a thrill ride though! One part especially (TCrouch mentioned it above in spoiler white font) was the single most shocking scene I've EVER seen in a game in my entire life. I sat back and was like "s***, did that just happen?!" This title should have been sold at a discounted price around $39.99. The way they dealt with "action" really annoyed me, but the story was so intriguing I was able to look past it. Final analysis from me:

Graphics: 8/10
Sound: 9/10
Voicework: 6/10
Fun factor: 8.5/10
Overall value for the $: 6/10

I'd give it a solid 7/10 right now. Great rental if I've ever seen one!

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Sat Feb 27, 2010 12:58 pm

Fletch my post wasn't a ploy to get you to drop the price, honestly. You should take it in to Lamestop as the are offering 50% additional trade in credit.

Here you go:

http://www.gamestop.com/gs/specialty/tradeins/

fletcher21 · Post by **fletcher21** » Sat Feb 27, 2010 12:59 pm

Oh, I know. Gamestop told me they'd give me $40 for it, that's what I meant haha. I may just do that to avoid the hassle of putting it online. I feel like I got $25 worth of fun out of it in the time I've had it. Bad Company drops on Tuesday and as Vinny would say, that's gonna be a helllllllla game.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Sat Feb 27, 2010 1:02 pm

fletcher21 wrote:Oh, I know. Gamestop told me they'd give me $40 for it, that's what I meant haha. I may just do that to avoid the hassle of putting it online. I feel like I got $25 worth of fun out of it in the time I've had it. Bad Company drops on Tuesday and as Vinny would say, that's gonna be a helllllllla game.

It sucks that the game is already worth less than $27.50 and not including the 50% bonus. That's why I no longer shop at Lamestop.

vinny-b · Post by **vinny-b** » Sat Feb 27, 2010 6:13 pm

fletcher21 wrote:and as Vinny would say, that's gonna be a helllllllla game.

lol

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Sun Mar 07, 2010 4:56 pm

I'm enjoying this one ever more than I thought I would. The QTEs are so well done many of them simply feel like standard gameplay, especially in the action scenes. The only aspects of the gameplay that don't really work for me are the finger-twisting multiple button presses and holds that occur when a character is attempting to navigate some sort of difficult situation. The finger gymnastics noticeably take me OUT of the gameworld and put my focus on my fingers and the controller...the complete opposite of how well-synched some of the QTEs are to the game environment.

I'm even more invested in the game characters than I thought I would be, seeing as how I was spoiled on some of the early story and thought the developer took some rather heavy-handed tactics to exploit the player's emotions. While I still think this is true, it almost doesn't matter because of how well these folks are realized and animated. (And sometimes voiced)

I think I'm about halfway done, and it has been nice to be pleasantly surprised by a game that I already had some good expectations for.