Ben-DutkaQuick note: we are not to talk about Heavy Rain until February 10, so bear in mind that I won't be doing that in this article. I'm merely informing you of what to expect from the critical reception.
Here's the thing- although there's no such thing as a game that gets virtually the same score from every source, for the most part, there is majority agreement when it comes to most high-profile titles. For example, you will be hard-pressed to find any major source that gave Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots , Gears of War , Uncharted 2: Among Thieves , or the recently released Mass Effect 2 lower than a 9. Every professional critic, personal opinions aside, agrees that such games are worthy of the elite 9+ rating and will recommend a purchase. You can expect this same response to games like God of War III ; it's just…easier. I say "easier" because of the wider mainstream appeal and the fact that we can all recognize the inherent greatness of such titles. But I'm telling you right now: for Quantic Dream's production, you should expect review scores, even from top sources, that might be very different from each other.
You may have noticed some early discrepancy in European reviews; I've seen a 9 and a 6 already. Of course, these reviews shouldn't exist yet; they ignored the embargo date and Sony is none too happy about it, but the point is, don't be surprised to see – as an example – IGN give the game a 9 and GameSpot give it like a 6.5. The reason? Well, I can't really get into that right now – saving it for the review – but I just want you to be wary of the facts. Now, I'm certainly not going to tell you what we're going to give it (although I'm already almost done with my second play-through) and I'm not going to say either side – the side that doesn't get it versus the side that does get it – is "right." Just…a forewarning.
I would suggest picking your most trusted source, making sure you read and understand the review carefully, and then make a decision based on that. As for PSXE readers; we know we're your trusted source, right? 😉
Related Game(s): Heavy Rain
The reviews here are usually one of the deciding factors for me. =D
I'll most likely enjoy this game, just because I'm the type who enjoys a plotline more than anything. Can't wait to see what people think of it.
I can't wait to get this game, Those game sites that review this game with low score, Just don't get it! It's to complex for their narrow minds, They'll stick with their Modern Warfare 2. Nevertheless, this game will rock and it's different. Bravo! Sony and Quantic Dream for always thinking outside the box.
Actually they give it low scores in hopes of generating hits, just like they did for UC2 and ME2.
I think this is one of those games where reviews aren't really going to help a person. I'm buying it regardless of the reviews just as I've done with WKC. IGN's 5.1 is just laughable. I'm 20hrs into it and it's not a 9 in my book but it's entertaining and it sure has given me my JRPG fix I've been craving.
Seriously. I didnt know what to think when i saw IGN's 5.1. The game is much better then that.
whaaaaaaaa? only 0.1 better than Dark Avoid? naah it can't be that bad.
It is. I dont understand what he was griping about. So far the story is decent and the game play is fun. He complained about the battle system. So far im have no problems with it.
Its not a perfect game but it gets the job done.
IGN sucks.
Last edited by Jawknee on 2/5/2010 2:32:02 AM
totaly, i dont get it, IGN gave 5.1, Gamespot gave it 6.0, i got the game on day one and it is exactly like wut i want, typical JRPG with this gen technology, with a big town to start, a world map and turn based battle, standard level up system, good looking monsters and environment, i dont really see wut went that wrong.
these days, the reviewers all tend to either hype up the scores or hype down the scores, and other reviewers just follow the hype, thia is not what i want to see– i mean, by any judgment, WKC deserves a 8.0+ score if not perfect 9+ or more. i know the graphics might not be super sharp or vibrant, and the story is not that deep or unexpected, and the characters might not look as cool as FFv13, but it is still a typical JRPG has all those classic JRPG elements with this gen technology, has decent this gen visual and fun fighting system, everything we can ask for in a JRPG in this gen.
it is just a shame that IGN and Gamespot are so biased and so irresponsibly ditched the game so fast.
p.s. look at Lost Odyssey, it only has a 7+ score, and I think this is by far the best this gen JRPG and most classic JRPG this gen. for all these reasons, I rarely followed reviews these days although PSX is one exception, i just follow my own gut feeling about the games .
Last edited by BigBoss4ever on 2/5/2010 2:56:44 AM
oops, meant *it isnt.
Ok, everyone always says "the graphics aren't anything special" but it really doesn't matter! I dare anyone to go questing on the Balastor Plains at sunset and not be impressed by the virtual beauty. The art direction in this game is just one more underappreciated bit of brilliance from Level 5.
-Arvis
My feelings are, from what I have read so far, the average score across the types of reviews it will attract will probably be around the 8.6 to 8.8 mark – on average. If the average score is this across numerous critics, i think for a niche game, its a darn good show anyhow…
Let's see…
Q!
"i am home"
if the videos are anything to go by this is a definite used pick up; primarily for trophy hunting an less for gameplay.
I know this site will do Heavy Rain justice. Ben, I don't even need to ask. From someone who tries as little as possible to incorporate a biased opinion when formulating an argument to defend his position and score for the title in question, I give my complete faith to.
There are many factors I consider when deciding wether or not to purchase a game, but I mostly only use reviews to pick facts from.
And I'll be ignoring reviews for this game (as far as helping me to make a decision) as I've had the game pre-ordered for a few weeks now and it was one of the main reasons I was convinced I needed a PS3.
Anyway, come high or low scores, I really hope 'Heavy Rain' inspires more developers to function outside of gaming norms.
Just like ICO, Demon's Souls, Beyond Good and Evil
Games which later are known as legendary (revolutionary games)
Demon's Souls is my favorite Japanese made RPG on PS3 while Lost Odyssey is my favorite on 360. Hail for both games, a job well done!
ICO and SoTC are two of my all time favorite on PS2 and two greatest adventure games of all time.
All these are legendary or will become legendary.
Last edited by BigBoss4ever on 2/5/2010 2:59:42 AM
@Scarecrow,
Same as your list, but I'd add SOTC & Okami (PS2 game)in there too.
Bought Okami the other day just to add into my collection, but damn, was I blown away with the game play.
omg I love okami, was depressed at the Wii port, and even more depressed at Clover's closure =( wish the ps3 had a hd port, game looked amazing with it's art style.
I'm getting the game either way, but if this site gives it close to or above a 9, I will be more confident before purchase time. This is definitely my go to site when I am on the fence about buying or renting a game.
Heavy Rain's reception is very much similar to that of it's spiritual predecessor "Indigo Prophecy". That didn't stop me from having one of the MOST unique experiences in gaming history.
FIRST DAY PURCHASE! I don't care if this game gets a 0.0 out of 10 in Metacritic.
If it gets bad reviews, i will be suprised i wont lie. I read that 6/10 review and it was down to the reviewer not liking the QTE sysytem. which has never bothered me, Infact i quick like it, The controls of Farenheit were pretty unique, using the analouge sticks for interaction. I also liked the QTE in Shenmue, i dont see why people think its so bad, its more exciting than just pressing X which could be said for a lot of games.
If i hear people making comparison's to Farenheit, i know i'm really going to enjoy it.
i'll let you guys and girls know how i get on with the demo. downloading it now. why is it a love hate relatioship with Sony Europe i hate them for some things and then they win me over with access to the heavy rain demo early like they did with the god of war 3 E3 demo
How'd you get the demo early, just out of curiousity
the ARG answers are here if anyone's interested: http://kotaku.com/5464839/want-the-heavy-rain-demo-right-now-heres-how
D/L the demo now myself 🙂
@Ultimadream, I think the demo is available if you did that '4 days' challenge or whatever its called on the HR website, plus I think the demo is available to Qore subscribers
makes me wonder why someone would thumb you down for asking a simple question
Last edited by ed_winchester on 2/5/2010 8:57:15 AM
Ahhh i tried to sing up for that, put my details in adn then the page after never loaded..wasnt happy, still less than a week adn it'll be on the PS Store
the heavy rain ARG 4 day challenge (alternate reality game)
@ed_winchester completely agree with you.
I'm still buying regardless…
Most trusted gaming site indeed. The 3 main site I go to daily are google, yahoo and psxextreme.
I'm looking forward to Heavy Rain. Its gonna be the first game of its kind in my library. And I would think its gonna stay there along with other psxextreme recommends that i got (KZ2, UC1&2, MGS4, LBP, BF:1943, Flower). Traded in SOCOM though. That game is far too serious for me. I think hardcore SOCOM fans are the best to keep that. People there are way too elitist on the mic (based from my online experience).
well i'm gonna keep it spoiler free but the controls take bit of getting used to but feel intuative and graphically if far surpasses anything you've seen before. imo for those who have high expectations from the demo i've played you certainly wont be disappointed. read bens review though as he's been able to play the full game where as me i've had only a 30 minute demo. but wow, what a 30 minutes it was.
the graphics surpass U2?
imo on a par if not above.
its a hard game to review because theres nothing else to compare it to if you get me…its like Heavy Rain is jumping in to a whole new genre of its own… first of its kind…kinda…i hope it does well i really do…
This is my trusted source and the fact that you're on your 2nd playthrough kinda says alot without saying anything. Nice!
I want to play this game regardless of reviews. It's something different, something original. Too many people just want to play the same clan of games over and over again. I, for one, can't wait to play it.
I just got my new issue of the Official Playstation Magazine, which I got a 3 year subscription a few months back for only $13! Anyways, they gave Heavy Rain 5 stars and editor's choice, along with Bioshock 2 as well. I still have to actually read the article to see what they have to say about it but I'm excited! Although not as excited as I am for Ben and/or Arnold's review 🙂
I don't expect Heavy Rain to get 85% or above on Gamesranking.
So far 2010 Ps3 exclusives aren't garnering high score from everywhere.
We as gamers should expect not only differing review scores for Heavy Rain, but also differing experiences.
Judging by what we know about Heavy Rain so far, it is an experiment of sorts in gaming. And like experiments in any other field, there should be room for it to frustrate, tire and annoy you, if the the overall result at the end is worth it. Allow its developers the freedom to fail
I believe Heavy Rain will be the game that's…
"10 times to the power of the boom"!
FYI, if anyone wants to try out their other great hit, Fahrenheit/Indigo Prophecy, Gamestop/EB stores sell it used for only $9.99.
And at this price it's more than just one of the best gaming deals you'll ever get, it's a "real-deal steal"(and all without having to worry about those "LEO local yokels, County Mounties, or Fed Flintstones" using your melon for target practice.
Last edited by BikerSaint on 2/6/2010 3:05:18 PM
Buying the game regardeless, already paid off at EB Games so thats cool, although i would definately say that i would trust PSX more than any other site when it comes to the review….
what ever the score is ..as i usually say it is what it is…the game is different from the norm of shooters that we got..this game i think is gonna of course cater to the gamer that needs more than of a mature theme than the casual gamer movement…
Want to know if you'll like this game… play Indigo Prophocies… if you don't like the gameplay then don't even bother with Heavy Rain… better graphics and a different story, but both are the exact same in spirit. I don't need a review to know that this is going to be one of the first games I get when I can finally aford a PS3 (my effing ceiling caved in from vermin getting in through my collapsed chimney… *sigh*
hello …
lately i don't check out reviews to buy into a concept, i already pre-ordered the SE of HR & can't wait for it. I've got the code for the demo & won't go for it, so i'm blindly going for this game for all my senses say i'll love it.
even if i tried the GOW3 demo, was already certain would go for it & Dante's Inferno too was confirmed after playing the demo, for others they can wait.
now need to find the money & time to play the old games & wait for the new ones to be delivered.
cheers!
", I'm certainly not going to tell you what we're going to give it (although I'm already almost done with my second play-through) and I'm not going to say either side – the side that doesn't get it versus the side that does get it – is "right." Just…a forewarning."
lol, why bother? It's obviously going to get a good score from here, let's be real about it.
"As for PSXE readers; we know we're your trusted source, right? "
For news, articles, and some reviews, yes.
For reviews of high profile exclusives….sorry.