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Written by Giang Cao
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Friday, 26 February 2010 04:50 |
I think we all remember The Casting video that was shown at E3 almost four years ago. We watched in disbelief (or belief) as the female protagonist demonstrated a raw emotion that was unheard of in videogames back then. It was a realism, not only in graphical detailing and animation, but also in how compelling and convincing she was. I think we were all intrigued by the conceptual basis of the demo and how it would translate into a full game. Once we saw gameplay footage, we were once again curious of how those seemingly simple button presses would evolve into something plausible. Not only does its idiosyncrasies make Heavy Rain what it is, it takes all of the elements of the traditional adventure game and makes them shine in a progressive and thoughtful piece of entertainment.
David Cage preludes the Heavy Rain with the forward, "How far would you go to save somebody you love?" It may not be the most nuanced question when it comes to modern day narratives, but in the videogame world it automatically sets it apart. It has more in common with films (think Magnolia) than it does with any other games. Don't expect epic fight sequences; battles are fought with sheer will and desperation. Fitting neatly in the psychological thriller genre, the focus is on the characters; father and architect Ethan Mars, insomniac reporter Madison Paige, FBI agent Norman Jayden and P.I. Scott Shelby. All of them are somehow involved with the Origami Killer - a serial child abductor and murderer that haunts the city.
Your playtime alternates between between the four main characters; with each thread eventually weaving into each other. Unlike Quantic Dreams' previous effort, Fahrenheit (Indigo Prophecy in the US), the plot isn't overly complicated, leaving room for the characters' personal conflicts as the focus and main impetus to propel the story forward. This sort of storytelling should be applauded - it's often you see plots overwhelm character development, eschewing emotional pause for empty action.
The game could very easily pack more elaborate sequences in, but it's the restraint and emptiness that is the most striking about Heavy Rain. Even the little things, like watching your son eat dinner, has a profound impact. The depiction of everyday life shows a real-life humanity to the characters and becomes the basis of your emotional investment. The game might have a slow start, but it pays off because you're going to do everything in your power to make sure your characters survive. Suddenly, choices have real weight and threats to your morality are panicked, intense experiences.
Heavy Rain does an interesting job of complimenting and amplifying the physical distress of your characters through its control scheme. The controls aren't necessarily QTEs; they're more elaborate, more involving, requiring sweeping movements of the analogue sticks and series of, sometimes very complex, holds of the face-buttons and shoulder triggers. When the most basic QTEs do occur, they're placed within the moving action, so your focus isn't confined to one area of the screen. The purpose is to mimic the physical involvement of your characters and distill them into figurative gestures. At one point you have to roll the right analogue stick back and forth to rock a baby to sleep - but not too fast as to disturb him. It's an interesting metaphor and it adds another layer of action on your behalf. It makes you wonder if the concept of cut-scenes to tell the story is relevant anymore.
It's obvious that David Cage wants you to empathise with these characters; the control scheme compounds the stressful moments and has you put in a physical and emotional investment that games have never done before. By the end of some sequences, I was left emotionally drained. Others, I was left wondering if you've made the right decision.
Of course, there is no right or wrong answer. The story will just evolve from your actions (or inactions). Do you stand up to the convenience store robber, or do you hide in the aisle? The game is constantly asking you what you would do in those circumstances. The situations may seem extraordinary, but they're always grounded in reality and pull at instinctual emotions we all know; Love, anxiety, guilt, revenge. Heavy Rain will be a highly personal experience for everyone.
While it may not be the graphical marvel that it was once touted to be, the game does excel in many animations and general atmosphere. As the title suggests, the rain plays a heavy hand in setting the grim tone of the story. The constant downpour is an omnipresent theme in Heavy Rain, revealing itself to be a significant contrivance to the narrative. Its dark and urban aesthetic may not look pretty, but it's a convincing setting. Suburban Philadelphia and its run-down buildings look downright depressing but it's where, appropriately, the Original Killer calls home.
It's obvious that Heavy Rain may not appeal to everyone out there, but if you're willing to invest yourself into its gritty, mature story and expect more in videogames in general then Heavy Rain may be exactly what you're looking for. I can't compare Heavy Rain alongside its contemporaries; it stands by itself as a profound, deep and rich experience that throws away gaming norms with abandon for the benefit of creating a highly provoking story. You may not be able to accept its unconventionalism, but you can't deny its ability to create an emotional connection.
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