A quick recap for anyone living under a rock Heavy Rain is the latest game by developer Quantic Dream; creators of the critically acclaimed Fahrenheit (aka Indigo Prophecy) and is being released exclusively on PS3 on February 11th.
I'm going to echo the concerns raised by analyst Michael Pachter on Gametrailers Bonus Round...He doesn't think Heavy Rain is likely to be a commercial success and it saddens but I have to agree with him.
Gamers seem to be a habit driven bunch, we bemoan the lack of creativity and more than half of us probably think we could do better as game designers, but when it comes to what we spend our money on, in general it's tried and tested brands with massive marketing behind them, and lets face it, most of them are aimed at the teenage, or "young adult" crowd...where are the games for older gamers with real stories, with real choices with real consequences? Games like Dragon Age and Mass Effect may contain mature elements in their narrative, but why can't we have the same thing in a modern day setting?
Why? Because nobody will buy it.
Heavy Rain is trying to push the boundaries of storytelling in video games. It's trying to appeal to people that don't have to kill something every 5 minutes to feel like they are progressing, it's trying to take interactive entertainment seriously.
I would love to see an soap style video game (yes truly lol), an interactive soap opera could be so much fun. I don't think gamers these days need to feel like they are saving mankind against impossible odds in every single game...or am I the only one who thinks this way?
So please, do gaming a favour and support mature games like this. Give publishers a reason to make similar games for this demographic and BUY Heavy Rain.
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Heavy Rain will never push the boundaries of storytelling in video games. Have you ever played Shadow of Destiny, Shenmue, Yakuza 1 or even the old point and click game, The Snatcher? Please tell me how Heavy Rain storytelling is better then those old games..
Sure, Heavy Rain is refreshing for a market filled with shooter. But it is far from innovative..
Let's just hope for the best, shall we?
I love my FPS like halo or MW but i'm also a huge person on experiences. Things like ME and having to think of your consquences ect i think are great.
I really think heavy rain could be good and really help enhance an experience....like a drama or opera. so it's definately on my radar.
will have a chance!
I've played it now and thoroughly enjoyed. I've heard it's already broke even! I really want more mature experiences like this.