Heavy Rain isn't so much a game as it is an interactive movie. That doesn't change the fact it's one of the PS3's key blue chip exclusives, and one of the many reasons to buy the system.
I got my copy of the game later than most, and held off on reviewing it for who knows why.
Graphics - 9
I'm basing this off of how the graphics looked for a relatively early PS3 title. It can still sort of hold its own with several of today's games. The one place the game looks less than stunning is with the facial animations... but we can't all be L.A. Noire. The scenes are rendered beautifully, despite the darker look of some scenes. Also, the rain looks heavy. Which is fantastic.
Sounds - 7
Not fantastic. Not terrible. The voice acting could have used some work, and so could some of the hits you make in the game. All the times you crash into something it sounds sort of the same. As someone who has hit many walls, not all thuds sound the same. It's a minor complaint, so try not to make it a bigger deal than it is. The sound in the background accompanies the scene... but a lot of the times I found myself barely noticing it, because I was too preoccupied.
Addictiveness - 9
You will want to get this entire game done in one playthrough, and as it's not "terribly" long, it is certainly doable if you have a day off of work, and you start early. It's rewarding too, so you keep feeling like finishing just "one more scene". It stays like this from start to finish and keeps you engaged the entire time. The fact the game is all QTEs also makes it stressful if you put it on a harder difficulties. Especially with motion controls. This keeps your blood pumping even if you aren't aware of it. Nothing beats a good thrill.
Depth - 8
Multiple playthroughs are needed to really savor the choices you make in game. Multiple endings that vary in simple ways are influenced by characters living, dying, not finding things, or not doing things. Simple, but addicting. I have 3 playthroughs. All were different.
Story - 10
The best part of the game by far for all of the right reasons. Not to speak ill of the game, but the story is far and away the #1 feature of this amazing game. The story of Ethan Mars finding his son, who has been kidnapped by the Origami Killer has so many twists and turns that you will be on the edge of your seat from start to finish. You will meet (and play as) 3 other characters, from Scott Shelby, - a former cop turned PI, tracking the killer on his own watch - Madison Paige, - a photographer/reporter with insomnia, and a soft spot for Ethan's dilemma - and Norman Jayden - an FBI agent with a drug issue, hell bent on finding Ethan's son. Through the best and worst of times, they work together, whether or not they know it to get to the bottom of the crime. It's hell of a lot of fun.
Difficulty - Varies. 2 for me.
Technically, you can't lose... just get bad endings or good ones. QTEs are easy... and unless you use the motion controller, you can basically get things done the first time. But with all the adrenaline, you could make a mistake... and it could get you killed.
Overall - 8.8
I love the game. It is far and away one of the better exclusives on the PS3. If you own a PS3, get this game, you will not regret it, especially since you can get the game relatively cheap these days. Play it for yourself. Do yourself a favor.
The Good!
1. QTE's are extremely underrated
2. A twist is always fun
3. Beautiful scenes.
The Bad!
1. Too easy.
2. At some points, the game feels condescending.
3. Facial animations are kind of meh.