There has been a lot of talk surrounding Quantic Dream's innovative approach to video game storytelling in Heavy Rain ; we've already heard about the four main characters, the 2,000-page script, and the unbelievable amount of player freedom concerning choices and decisions.
But at the same time, everyone is wondering if the team is already thinking about downloadable content that would expand on the original adventure. And according to VideoGamer , Quantic Dream founder David Cage wanted to clarify that, above all else, Heavy Rain will be complete out of the box. None of this paying for extra stuff that should've been in the original production in the first place. He did, however, add that they're considering branching storylines in the form of "prequels or sequels." Said Cage:
"It's a self-contained experience. We won't release the end of the game as DLC that you need to pay for. The game has all the scenes it's supposed to have. It's a complete story. But we are talking with Sony at the moment about having maybe extra downloadable content, maybe with prequels or sequels about the characters. I'm sure people will get attached to some of them and will want to know them even better."
Also, even though this doesn't appear to be the type of game that would have any online segments, Cage confirmed there would be some form of online content. "It won't be of course multiplayer," he said. "It's a single-player experience." As for the length of the game, Cage is on the fence; while he doesn't want it to be too long because it's tough to create and maintain intense emotion "through 40 hours," but you can still go back through it for an entirely new experience.
"I didn't want the game to be too long, to be honest. I'm telling a story and I want to create a very intense journey. It's difficult to create this emotion through 40 hours. So depending on how you play, I think that one typical walk through would be between eight and ten hours depending on how much you want to explore. It's really up to you."
That's all four characters. Their destinies are interlaced, so you play one scene with one and another scene with another, so it's not like you pick up one at the beginning and you play all the way through. Everything is interlaced. So I would say eight to ten hours would be a typical walk through, but of course you can replay scenes. There is a big replayability value."
At some point, we're going to have Heavy Rain in our hands and when that day comes, we're gonna be very happy campers. We don't yet have an official release date, but the most recent guess puts this hotly anticipated PS3 exclusive on February 1.
Related Game(s): Heavy Rain
I would love for Quantic to set a date.. Im already sold on the game..
Last edited by bebestorm on 8/26/2009 9:53:29 PM
Yeah, I've been sold on this game for a while now. It was one of my most anticipated games of this year until it got delayed.
Awsome! i will deffinitly be getting this game and that dlc.
The more I hear from David Cage, the more I respect him. He truly knows what the hardcore gamer wants.
1. A mature and well written story
2. Controllers, not silly motion controls
3. Not paying extra for a download that should've come in the game.
I really do wish more developers and publishers (I'm looking at you, Activision) would pay more attention to guys like Cage. He really knows his stuff, and he certainly knows how to listen to the hardcore gamer's demands.
They are contemplating motion controls.
This game looks fun, I'm just not sold yet and I don't know why! but by making a DLC that should have already been their without paying extra lets me know the developers care about the consumer. So I will definitely be looking into this game.
Last edited by MadKatBebop on 8/26/2009 10:21:38 PM
This is the way all developers should view dlc. Instead of scheming against our wallets they should focus on creating a great experience and people will beg for dlc.
An episodic style game would be awesome too.
I thought they didn't want us to play through it more than once.
Cage knows it won't happen but thats what he prefers.
I repeat…Day 1 cop-ege.
I as well will be getting this day 1. I'm looking forward to this game more than Uncharted2. Let the hate begin!
Last edited by LimitedVertigo on 8/27/2009 1:26:09 AM
"commence" would have been better 😉
I'm not sure I would go that far, but this is for sure the game I'm most looking forward to next to Uncharted 2!
I definitely agree.
Absolutely nothing against 'Uncharted', as that was the second PS3 exclusive to truly blow me away and the sequel has somehow managed to appear to be considerably better. But 'Heavy Rain' was one of few factors (BIG factors, though) that made me decide to fork over full price for a PlayStation 3 on launch date.
I've been following Quantic Dream since 'Omikron', and this title looks to be a rather defining moment in the history of gaming.
http://www.gametrailers.com/video/gc-09-heavy-rain/54813?type=flv
this does sound like excellent DLC, it could be quite expensive, but by the sound of these guys i reckon it will be worth the cash.
I reckon i'd do a lot of exploring, and as this is less RPGing i reckon i'd do better. Im playing me second ever rpg right now, fallout 3 and having a damn good time. But pokemon… those were the days. who remembers pokemon emerald?
Sigh…. if only the Shenmue series was made in this generation. We'd have expansive DLC content too..
Everything I've seen, I've liked Heavy Rains shaping up alright…
The guy who looks to be the male lead, anyone else think he looks like a Baldwin brother?
I can see that, didn't think of it before you mentioned it. I'm cool with it too, I'm a fan of the Baldwin family. (Watching 30Rock right now)
Sorry man I don't see the resemblance, but I do see this game turning into a one of a kind experience that only the fortunate PS3 owners get to play.
For f*** sake, i really cant stand DLC this gen. Its a horrible market cash-in scheme.
But i will no doubt get Heavy Rain, it really looks like a title to break boundries.
This is one of the reasons I love PC gaming. DLC has been around for a long time on the PC and the best part is a vast majority of it is free. I agree DLC in regards to consoles was originally thought of as a great way for developers to offer something fresh and new to preexisting content but I now get the feeling they are holding back on content so they can make a quick buck on it at a later date (Resident Evil5's bullshit DLC)
I guess games just aren't cool unless they've got dlc.