Skip to main content

Heavy Rain Review

Ethan Mars in an old, dark room
Credits: Image Source - Media Gallery/Quantic Dream

"Heavy Rain" is an action-adventure game developed by Quantic Dream where you take on the role of four protagonists and must make decisions based on the course of the story. Each of the four protagonists has their own story, and as the plot unfolds, some of them will cross paths.

It's up to you to decide what is right and wrong in this dramatic story and make decisions according to your principles and values. In this review (Spoiler-Free), I will address key topics and questions about the game Heavy Rain.

What is the story of Heavy Rain?

At the beginning of Heavy Rain, you take control of Ethan Mars, a successful architect with a stable family, two children, and a wife. A tragedy ends up causing the entire family to break apart, emotionally shaking Ethan and all other members. 

Three years pass, and another misfortune occurs in Ethan's life, leading the other three playable characters to investigate what happened. I’ll give a brief introduction to them:

  • Norman Jayden: An FBI agent investigating the most recent event in Ethan’s life.
Norman Jayden investigating a crime scene
Credits: Image Source - Media Gallery/Quantic Dream

  • Madison Paige: A young and independent journalist seeking the truth about what happened.
Madison Paige at a club
Credits: Image Source - Media Gallery/Quantic Dream
    • Scott Shelby: A private detective investigating another case similar to Ethan's and analyzing the situation as well.
    Scott Shelby at a convenience store
    Credits: Image Source - Media Gallery/Quantic Dream

      Is the game easy to learn? What kind of gameplay mechanics does it have? Is it more focused on action, exploration, or decision-making?

      The game is quite simple to master. The focus is more on the protagonists' storylines and decision-making. The gameplay mechanics mainly involve performing specific movements on the controller or keyboard/mouse and the speed of these actions.

      Are the graphics impressive? Does the soundtrack enhance the game's immersion? Are there any standout technical aspects?

      Being an older game, the graphics aren't great, but the PC version is more polished compared to the PlayStation version, running at 60fps. The soundtrack is one of Heavy Rain's highlights, keeping the player engaged during the most crucial moments.

      Ethan Mars holding a match in a tunnel
      Credits: Image Source - Quantic Dream/Media Gallery

        Does the story captivate the player? Do player choices really affect the outcome? Are there multiple endings?

        Yes, this is another major highlight of Heavy Rain, along with its soundtrack. The unfolding plot keeps you guessing what will happen next, and every decision you make affects the game's ending. Heavy Rain has 17 different endings.

        How long does it take to complete the game? Is there replay value?

        It took me about 10 hours to complete the game. You can replay it if you enjoyed it. Additionally, you can replay specific chapters, make different decisions, and see if these new choices alter the ending.

        Is there any content that might not be suitable for all ages? What is the age rating?

        Heavy Rain contains various mature themes such as robbery, prostitution, murder, and nudity, making it rated 18+. If you are below this age, please respect the rating or ask for permission from your guardians.

        Are there any bugs or glitches that disrupt the gameplay? If so, are they frequent?

        During my playthrough, I encountered a somewhat critical issue. It might be my fault, but at certain parts, the game required specific actions with my mouse, which I almost never managed to perform. I opted to play with a controller, which made the game much easier overall.

        Is Heavy Rain worth buying at its current price?

        Heavy Rain is currently priced at $19.99 on Steam and Epic Games Store. If you enjoy this style of game, it's definitely worth playing. Before buying, you can download the demo on Steam or Epic Games Store and try it out.

        For fans of which types of games would you recommend Heavy Rain?

        One game I played that most resembled Heavy Rain was Life is Strange, but with a more realistic world approach, addressing common societal issues.

        Does the game have additional content or DLCs?

        There are no DLCs available for Heavy Rain on PS4/PS5 and PC. I know there's an exclusive PS3 version called "Heavy Rain Chronicles," but I'm not sure if it's still sold.

        Does the game evoke strong emotions or deep reflections?

        Yes. Heavy Rain's story is designed to impact the player’s emotions and sense of justice. You’ll be tested on how you would act in a real-life situation.

        Ethan Mars being watched in a white room
        Credits: Image Source - Media Gallery/Quantic Dream

          Where can I buy Heavy Rain?

          You can purchase the PC/Steam version of Heavy Rain through my affiliate links below, without changing the final price. This way, you'll be supporting my work and encouraging me to bring more high-quality reviews like this one.

            Links to buy Heavy Rain for PC/Steam:

            Conclusion.

            Heavy Rain is undoubtedly one of the best decision-making games I've played, on par with Life is Strange. The game's strength lies in its well-developed plot and the distinctive characters who can act according to the player's decisions. 

            The downside is the controls on PC, where I had some difficulty with mouse movements at the start, such as opening a cabinet. Switching to a controller solved this problem. 

            I recommend the game to fans of story-driven games like Life is Strange. Remember, its age rating is 18+.

            If you want to watch any part of the game, I'll leave my YouTube playlist here.

            Comments