Heavy Rain: A Perfect Example Of “Smoke and Mirrors”
The true value of a game is measured by a few elements such as gameplay mechanics, graphics, replay value, etc… In most cases, games “fall short of the glory” because they are deficient in one or more areas previously mentioned. In order to compensate for their shortcomings in addition to making a profit, developers often become magicians by using “smoke and mirrors” to pull the wool over gamers eyes. An example of this would be the common hysterical shock value used in below average games such as X-men Origins: Wolverine, Rogue Warrior etc…
Nevertheless, it pains me to say that developer Quantic Dream is a guilty party when it comes to the overcompensation. With their highly anticipated game beginning to surface, Heavy Rain, it becomes very evident that their graphics are the only focus and selling points of this game. It would be safe to say that Heavy Rain is the true definition of “Smoke and Mirrors”
To begin with, it is without a shadow of doubt that Heavy Rain delivers a graphical masterpiece but that’s where it ends. What about the gameplay? From the little we have seen of this game, QTE (Quick Time Events) seems to be only way to control this game. Now do not get me wrong, QTE’s are a great compliment to any game but when it is the main element in a game it takes away from the true essence of gaming. Although it does give the game more of theatrical feel but it seems that becoming more theatrical is the developers main objective.
Furthermore, according to the Gameinformer Magazine (issue 195) Quantic Dream stated that Heavy Rain will cap at 8-10 hours of play. Now for a game that is not highly anticipated or a movie based video game, this would be an acceptable amount hours of gameplay. Nevertheless, it seems as if Quantic Dream was mostly concerned with beguiling gamers with an attractive graphical masterpiece rather than supplying gamers with an overall great gaming experience.
Overall, Quantic Dreams is taking a short cut with their upcoming release. With the suffering economy it is very understandable that developers/publishers would do what it takes to generate revenue but it should not be at the expense of true gaming.
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Well, few things are clear…
1. You haven’t played indigo prophecy.
2. QTE’s aren’t the only way to play the game..(see #1)
3. Heavy Rain isn’t an RPG (see#1)
4. Heavy Rain is a “movie” that is told over 10 hours. (see #1)
You aren’t even a journalist at this point. Any journalist would have at least played Quantic Dreams previous offerings to see what to expect. Any real journalist would have seen Heavy Rain is right along the same lines as Indigo Prophecy. The focus is on the story telling, which is why they have spent 100’s of hours capturing emotions, they want to tell a mature tale of a murder mystery. Not running around collecting red pokemon badges…
You’re whats wrong with the gaming industry. A newbie gamer who hasn’t touched anything, yet knows how to register a website. Its sad that you wont even bother trying to pretend you can write, or that you’re objective.
How daft do you have to be to think that its going to be a 10 hour string of QTE’s back to back? I mean do you think anyone would make this game, let alone buy it? God damn man go back to school.. figure out how to write an article, then post garbage on n4g but at least it might hold up to the reality of the world.
Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
You don’t make any sense man… I think that you should wait to play the game before making such claims.
“With the suffering economy it is very understandable that developers/publishers would do what it takes to generate revenue but it should not be at the expense of true gaming.”
And again, whut?
Posted on July 14th, 2009 at 11:56 pm
GTFO
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 12:05 am
Heavy rain is not an RPG!!!
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 12:55 am
You have obviously never played Indigo Prophecy.
That game had crap graphics as well.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 1:02 am
Are you serious? I’ve seen gameplay and the game looks excellent. The QTEs are great, and perfectly implemented. I believe they are on the right track with what they’re going for. As for length, well supposedly there are different ways to play the game with different outcomes. Maybe you should look for a 360 exclusive to rag on, I’m kinda sick of PS3 exclusive bashing.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 1:06 am
i think you need to look back at there old game indigo prophecy it is all QTE and i had alot of fun with that game. games like fallout and other rpgs get a way with long gameplay hours because they dont have to spend time on cut scenes and all the voice over acting. this game has over a 2,000 script that is alot of work. Most games that come out now are know for short gameplay time like gears uncharted infamous starwars gears 2 shall i go on no but i think you get the point this game looks awesome.
Late
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 1:07 am
have you ever heard about a game called Indigo Prophecies aka Fahrenheit?
if you want to know how HR will play all you have to do is try that PS2 masterpiece and then you’ll see how wrong you are, Heavy Rain is the succesor to that previous Quantic Dream game
it really seems that most people writing these articles have no idea what they’re talking about and they started playing games this generation
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 1:19 am
Did you ever play Fahrenheit? It doesn’t seem like you did, because it was a REALLY good game, but you don’t even mention it in the article. If Heavy Rain plays like it, then it WILL be a good game!
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 1:26 am
How old are you? 12? 13? Heavy Rain an RPG? You fail at life and has no knowledge about the things you write.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 1:27 am
complain much? It is an adventure game, except it’s not point and click.
Plus 8-10 hours is more than enough for an adventure game.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 1:31 am
Indigo prophecy?
Maybe you just don’t like that type of game.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 1:47 am
The game is QTE on a very complicated level. You don’t just press one button to get through a scene. You decide how to react and the game reacts to you. The way you make it sound the game is 8 to 10 hours of pressing whatever button the game tells you to. 8-10 hours on one run through…theres tons of different endings and different situations you experience in one play through and not another, so that adds about 40…in one game you may die right away as the first character in another that character may survive and totally change the ending of the game, Also Heavy Rain isn’t an RPG…
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 1:47 am
You’re an idiot. Heavy Rain’s only redeeming feature is it’s graphics? How about the most important feature? THE STORY. You and this site are such a joke. I’m sick and tired of no name gaming websites being created, piloted by fucking idiots, publishing articles that are completely incorrect and false. This site should not be the evolution, but the de-evolution of humanity brought about by fuck-wads like you!
Peace out bitch.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 1:50 am
You have no idea what this game’s actual goal is. Also, just to clarify - it’s not an RPG.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 1:52 am
Not trying to be mean, but you should do research before writing stuff.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 1:57 am
The game is not all about QTE’s. Choices, movement, and thought processing are all involved as well. It’s a much more slower-paced real life type of game as Quantic Dream have explained before.
Also, this is be no means an RPG. It seems as though you haven’t read enough into this game so I cannot take you at all seriously.
Ever played Indigo Prophecy, by the way? If you have, then you would know what to expect from the gameplay and would not have made this article.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 1:57 am
Yeah, you need to get your facts straight.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 2:03 am
Do at least a little bit of research. Have you never played farenheit/indigo prophecy? QTEs are NOT the only way to control the game.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 2:06 am
what? rpg? do you even know what the game is? how do you know what the game is like without playing it?
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 2:09 am
Yea I agree with ABE do some F*CKING research before you open your peace of sh*t mouth and bash a great F*cking game!!!! You sir are a grade A F*G!!!!
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 2:12 am
Wow, you make this assesment from what in your own words is “little we’ve seen” . This article is ridiculous.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 2:21 am
did you play Fahrenheit?
maybe it’s highly anticipated because it’s trying something different, because it is theatrical.
maybe it clocks in at 8-10 hrs because the plotline is maleable and can be changed entirely at whim.
and maybe you should read up on how said QTEs actually work, or (god forbid) actually play the game before you write incendiary nonsense slighting a game and studio that are trying something a little different - no doubt you’ll hack together another article soon enough complaining about the lack of innovation in todays games when whats lacking is you’re article/post.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 2:26 am
This game is going to fail and fail hard/.
These types of games, just don’t sell that well.
I think Sony are doing some very good stuff, but need to use the money to put out good advertising, instead of more and more i.p’s.
SONY - Advertise Uncharted 2 like there is no tomorrow. And you’ll see Machines shift in nanoseconds.
Remember Halo 3 had a budget just for advertising of 20million dollars. That’s the only reason it sold.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 2:26 am
I’m trying to be mean. I think you should fuck your dog before you even write articles like this. Are you Eurogamer now, or perhaps GamesRadar. Fuck yo’self before you wreck yo’self muthafucka! Your mom’s all smoke and mirrors, your site is all smoke and mirrors, your fukkin’ face is all smoke and mirrors. BITCH ASS NIGGA! DIE CUMSUCKFUCKSHIT!
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 2:33 am
Ugh… yeah, this was NEVER smoke-and-mirrors. We knew from the get-go that it would be a heavily QTE-based, on-rails story-telling game.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, google Quantic Dreams and take a look at their previous titles. This game is just their “next gen” installment of the same game concept.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 2:33 am
WHAT THE FUCK ? Are you really that stupid ? Please do more research…
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 2:38 am
WTF!!! ARE YOU SERIOUS?!!! The quick time events take away from the “essence of gaming” what is the essence of gaming? because apparently you neglected to point out what the fuck it is unless you really don’t know yourself. Quantic dream didn’t want to make any other fucking action game with great narrative, lord knows we’ve got plenty of those. They wanted to give us an adventure game like those old pc adventure games and the best possible way to do that is with QTE’s you crotch pheasant! and it’s the way they present the different choices to the player that’s also the one of the most interesting things about it. As far as the length goes… ARE YOU FUCKING STUPID?! your going to criticize it because it’s 8-10 hours long? and compare it to Fallout 3. IT”S NOT AN RPG YOU INBRED!!! The game is designed to be replayed up the ass because again, of all the choices you get to make! I don’t hear anybody complaining about Left 4 Dead’s 4 hour length, why? because of it’s REPLAYAFUCKINGBILITY! You obviously don’t understand the beauty of video games is that they can be so different from one another and thus give you more choices of what to play. Don’t ever try to talk about this game again nor mention “the essence of gaming” because your not knowledgeable enough. Sorry for all the cussing.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 2:45 am
I think Greywulf said it best… minus the petty insults. Heavy Rain is being marketed as an interactive story and not a game. Quantic Dream has made this abundantly clear. Please do more research before you add more “fluff” to N4G.com. Thank You!!!
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 2:54 am
Thanks for the big laugh! You obviously have no idea what you are writing about but it is funny as hell.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 3:04 am
WOWO I guess this guys nickname is Duece cuz he’s such a piece of S H I T wowo dude epic fail @ life now go play Indigo Prophecy
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 3:05 am
Dear Ronald Tillmon II aka R2 Deuce i can see that you havent seen or read about the game more than once and that you havent played other Quantic Dreams games (Fahrenheit for example). People who has seen Heavy Rain only once could say things like that about the game.
If you would have played Fahrenheit or researched more about Heavy Rain you would know that its main focus is in the plot and characters and yes its also a beautifull game. Quick time events only way to controll this game? are you kidding? havent you seen gameplay videos per say on Gametrailers.com? just check it out and you will be proven wrong.
Fahrenheit was easily the best plot game of ps2 era, the game had many elements as for example about puzzles, searching clues, talking to people and trying to get them to talk to unveil the plot, movie like cinematics with QTE. Yet there were lot focus on the characters itself.
Typical RGP? who said tha Heavy Rain is RGP? Only RGP element is that you can relate to the character, there isnt stats or magic in this game. like Quantic Dream producer said “there isnt genre to this game”. Its like movie like plot game with different action, puzzle, communication actions. your doing affects to the plot, your conversations affects to the plot. Tell me like who could make a movie game which has many many different endings and it would last 40+ hours…it would be a movie full of fillers. Even MGS4, Geow1-2, Cod4 dont last even 8h to play trough. yes they are not in the same genre, but even the biggest games this gen dont last normally over 6-8 hours.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 3:13 am
Not once did they not say what the game was going to be….. Its a game based on the story is told, the gameplay that they give u is to simply help that…. Im sorry ur not a fan buts its not smoke and mirrors no even close
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 3:28 am
Sorry, guys, but I kind of agree with this article. It always seems that for most articles about Heavy Rain, it’s always talk about how real the game is and not how good the game is. Fun is the main thing about games, it’s all about having fun. Just remember that.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 3:31 am
Pathetic article. People above said how you failed in every way, No need to add anything.
I just need to remember never coming back on this stupid website…
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 3:56 am
SONY DEFENCE FORCE
ACTIVATE!!!
Amazing how many people have played Fahrenheit.
I would be more inclined to believe that you all or most have played it if your responses weren’t the same insecure rabid Sony fangirl comments that we get in every single gaming article regardless if it’s about Sony or not.
I’m amazed at how only people who have played Fahrenheit have commented here.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 4:22 am
Journalistic FAIL.
What a truely crap article. Unaccurate, mis-informed useless piece of writing.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 4:42 am
what?
this game is going to be amazing.
if you die in the game your character is dead and you continue as another player, not only that but your death effects the story line and what hapens,
name 1 other game that does that.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 4:49 am
Ronald Tillmon, you sir, are the definition of moron.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 5:08 am
To whoever wrote this story…
PLEASE do us all a favor and terminate your life. Immediately.
The Human Race Thanks You.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 5:17 am
I’m sorry…but what a load of nonsense. How can you say:
‘ it pains me to say that developer Quantic Dream is a guilty party when it comes to the overcompensation. With their highly anticipated game beginning to surface, Heavy Rain, it becomes very evident that their graphics are the only focus and selling points of this game. It would be safe to say that Heavy Rain is the true definition of “Smoke and Mirrors”’
The game hasn’t even been released yet. You haven’t played it. Very few people have.
‘graphics are the only focus and selling points of this game’
From what I’ve read, Quantic Dream seem to be trying to deliver something far more ambitious than a simple show piece for graphics. Let’s wait and see if they deliver shall we?
It’s great that you’ve taken the time to write your opinions of the game, but as the previous commentator has said, maybe do a little more research next time…
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 5:28 am
Ronald Tillmon II aka R2 Deuce I cannot believe you get paid to write these articles dude because you are not a gamer at all you are just trying to get hits it may of worked but your reputation is SHOT!!!!!
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 5:37 am
Shut the fuck up.
You haven’t even played the game yet and you’re already bashing it? What the hell is wrong with dumbass people like you? Didn’t you learn your lesson when you underestimated Killzone 2?
Take down this disgraceful article and shove it up your ass.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 5:38 am
Are you gay?
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 5:40 am
First things first: you have no idea whatsoever.
I believe you are just a young dude that started playing games this gen and who simply have no tiem to at least do some research before starting an “article”.
I cant say much about Heavy Rain aside from what Ive seen on so far, and I could ve sworn I saw some gameplay there besides QTE. But guess what: It doesnt really matter if they shown this or that, because if you know ANYTHING about last gen, you know how good Farenheit AKA Indigo Profecy is. I wont blame you for not playing that masterpiece, but at least READ some before writing something so unfounded as what you just wrote.
Heavy Rain is the spiritual successor of that game, and as such, we can expect at least that kind of gameplay, and that, my friend is gold (not QTE heaven).
Another thing…8-10 hours? Read my prior paragraph… 8-10 hours of a game that can last over 40 or 50 if you get into it as it is meant to. Do yourself a favor…. go and play Indigo Profrcy, another 8 hour game, and tell me you cant get over 20 or 30 out of that one enjoying every minute of it.
Cheers, and better luck next time dude.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 6:04 am
Err, what happened here then? Did the Quantic Dream dev team shit in your sandwich or something? Why are you so heavily slating something you clearly know nothing about?
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 6:16 am
who gave the retard a dictionary? one of the worst writers i’ve ever seen.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 6:23 am
HAHAHAHA…. dude… you must really like getting bashed… i’m just having fun just reading these comments….. you obviously just wanted to get some traffic to your site…. well… congrats.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 6:31 am
PLAY INDIGO PROPHECY/FARENHEIT YOU DIRTY BASTARD.
Quantic Dream knows what type of game they are trying to make. It’s not their problem that people like you don’t get it.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 6:47 am
“Ronald Tillmon II aka R2 Deuce”, wait and play the game 1st you idiot.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 7:00 am
doesn’t even make a single mention of the STORY. which is the real main draw of this game. its an interactive narrative. that’s the whole point of the game, not to goggle at pretty graphics, its to control characters through a compelling story and make decisions that have serious consequences. and sure the game might take 10 hours to play through once. but your gonna have to play it a half a dozen times to really get the full gist of the game. this article was written by a flame baiting idiot.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 7:00 am
“I’m amazed at how only people who have played Fahrenheit have commented here”
Hahahah, isnt it simple? because we know what kind of game Heavy Rain will be trough the experience of Fahrenheit. If gamers like you and Ronald Tillmon II talk about games that you got no idea at all, whats the point in that? none!
I believe that most gamers that dont know Fahrenheit, dont know about Heavy Rain and they dont know what they are missing.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 7:30 am
Give the man a break. When the hell did he say that Heavy Rain is an RPG? If I’m not mistaken, none of you have played the game either, so you can’t say that it will be great. What if the story sucks? What about gliches? You can’t be so sure that Heavy Rain will be amazing. Good article. *braces for flaming*
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 7:39 am
This is the dumbest thing I’ve read in a while. Were you bored so you decided you had to attack a game? You obviously know nothing about the game so you should just shut your trap. I have no idea how the game will end up but I sure don’t need some big mouth loser telling me the game is bad before it even comes out.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 8:03 am
Wow, whoever wrote this is quite uninformed and simply dumb.. Not even worth my time to elaborate as most posters here have already reinforced this.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Ok…I’m no fanboy..I love all systems…infact…I wanna own all 3….but I’m REALLY getting sick of the PS3 bashing. The exclusives are as ever bit as good as the other systems (have you played inFamous???). Everyone who’s seen, played or been in the grace of Heavy Rain…has loved it. Articles like this fan the fire of fanboyism…and it needs to STOP!
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 8:18 am
This is hilarious, guy writes his opinion on PS3 exclusive, opinion is less than the usual all things Sony are good and great, and dozens of vulgar little know nothing Sony defenders come out to trash guy.
Its funny because you same people will talk crap about all the fowl mouth kids on XBL, yet look at you all here. Either make a logical counter argument to the article, minus the personal attacks, or STFU, Sony is not god, you don’t need to get this offended when someone writes a negative about a PS3 exclusive.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 8:19 am
Stupid misinformed article is stupid
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 8:46 am
To the above poster… you obviously did not read the comments above did you? They are not mad cause it is a sony exclusive that took criticism, they are made because the author of this article did not use the correct facts. It doesn’t matter that this is a playstation exclusive, it matters that Quantic Dreams can make great games and showed they have in the past.
The author only mentioned the superiority of the graphics as the only plus… Mister Darkie try to find the facts yourself
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 8:49 am
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Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Have you read any of these comments, don’t post your ignorant bullshit. You obviously haven’t played their last game. Oh, and the graphics were never the selling point, the story and type of game * adult themed* are the selling points….ass hole
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 8:59 am
While it’s true QTEs are the primary form of interaction it’s obvious to me you haven’t seen the game played or had much of a grasp on what makes it unique.
I had a chance to sit down with the game at E3 on the VIP Sony booth tour. The real strength of this game that you can’t see in screenshots and videos is the narrative. Quantic Dreams is set to truly deliver an interactive thriller, complete with multiple characters each of which affects each others story lines. Each character has a unique feel and each has a unique agenda.
I suggest actually playing the game or at least sitting down with someone who is playing it before you give it a pass.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 9:00 am
The Only Smoke and Mirrors are all these fools posing as critics and journalist on these game site. Every day these so called gaming websites just show how incredible uninformed and irresponsible they are. If your going to write an article try not to make yourself look like a hack. There are many more informed gamers than apparently your aware of. Your creditability is now at 0
1) play Indigo prophecy
That game was a departure from traditional gameplay, and that is was made it unique. What made it great was the story, the actions you can take as a player and the characters. I couldn’t put it down and I still have it in my collection. I am anxiously awaiting Heavy Rain because I know it will be more than Indigo Prophecy.
2) They are taking no shortcuts - if you knew anything about making a game, creating an engine, coding and even creating the GDD and TDD you would know what a massive undertaking a game like this is to do right, especially given all the branching paths.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 9:18 am
A poorly written article without even the slightest knowledge about how this game plays. First, if you ever bothered to play Indigo Prophecy then you know what to expect and it was a very cool if flawed gaming experience. Secondly, while there are QTEs in Heavy Rain, you’re getting mixed up as 90% of your actions are actually CONTEXT SENSITIVE and therefore optional and branching, unlike QTEs where there is only one path and if you fail, you’re done. Thirdly the game is made to played over and over again, if you suck, you’ll probably finish in 4 hours. If you’re good, you’ll get around 8 hours. If you’re playing it over again and knowing what you’re doing you can make the story 10 hours long and see many new and different things. There is no other game like it. It’s a game that appeals to casual and hardcore players and it’s looking to be a sparkling gem for the gaming industry!
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 9:54 am
Everything I wanted to say has pretty much already been said.
I just wanna say the author is an idiot, you have no idea what you’re talking about, I’m sure that happens a lot in your pathetic life so I’d suggest you stop writing.
Seriously, take all pens or any means of writing from you hands/ feet/ whatever.
I knew that the second I saw this article, fail was coming, I was right.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 10:27 am
The graphics aren’t the only thing the developers are talking about. If anything, they only made the character models so detailed so that they could make the story more emotional and real. If you have ever listened to the developers talk, they are more focused on how bendable the story is and how much choice the player has. I bet you know that too, but just decided to stir up some controversy and make yourself feel important by making a nonsense flameblog. Mission accomplished.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 10:28 am
So because the game has good graphics, they’ve only shown QTE, and it is said that it will be 10 hours of gameplay your automatically assuming this is all hype?
This is a terrible article simply trying to muster up hits.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 10:42 am
One word for this piece: FAIL
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 11:09 am
This game stands out by story not by graphics, graphics are not the defining quality of a game, not at all. And this game is not an RPG but an adventure game. How about you try to research the game, your vocabulary, and you should look into getting an actual degree in Journalism, because this obviously doesn’t reflect something of that quality and stature.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Project Natal lover!
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 11:52 am
You obviously have not played any of this developer’s previous titles. Indigo Prophecy in particular. This game is about much more than just QTE’s… and even then, there is no other game that uses QTE’s in the way that Heavy Rain does… that much is apparent from the E3 coverage. Obviously I have not yet played the game either… but they seem to have created an environment & gameplay style that is more immersive/interactive than the typical 3rd person adventure game. So if that is smoke & mirrors… I wish more developers would learn from this.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
I was going to say something about this article, however i have no need to as the countless people above me have stated what i was going to say. Oh and for the record go play indigo prophecy it is amazing and i mean that. I do have one thing to say though you stated that the game is going to cap out at 8-10 hours of gameplay and said that movie games and games that are not highly anticipated that would be fine but what about gears of war…highly anticipated game and that game capped at 7 hours or what about uncharted drakes fortune that game capped out at about 8 hours. Seriously do some research before you start making assumptions and writing things.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Woah hold the fuck on there Ronnald Faggold, why the fuck would you bring Gamesradar into this? They actually do research on games before they write articles about them. But really everyone here needs to hold the fuck up. The author has clearly not played the game, but then again neither have any of you.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
I honestly feel stupid for even justifying this article with a response. One of the most poorly written articles I’ve seen yet on this game. Little to no research was done prior to writing, that you can tell.
What’s also obvious is that this writer has never seen or played Indigo Prophecy.
This article is proof-in-point that the internet is full of cranks and idiots.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Kaze88
I know all about Fahrenheit but I’m not pretending to have played it like 90% of people on here.
And how do you know the game wont suck?
Have YOU played it?
Oh and LEARN TO READ LITTLE CHILD
I never have and never will say anything bad about this game UNTIL I play it and then only if I decide I don’t like it.
Tell me when did I bash it?
That’s right I didn’t. You’re making things up you idiot.
I was having ago at the comments on here and not the game.
LEARN TO READ and don’t let you’re fragile emotional state answer for you, instead try engaging your brain first.
Wow you fail
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Dis game is going to kick major ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
how are you gonna shit on a game when its not even released? you should probably play more games instead of writing
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
OK… now I’m going to block this site so that I never have to read any of your future articles. YOU are what is wrong with gaming journalism.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Alright first off a GAME cant take away from the essense of gaming. There is not just one type of game. Thats one of the greatest things about gaming. Diversity. Seccond of all, to the overcompensation accusation, did you even consider that this game is going to be in production for a total of 5 years, they would have had plenty of time to fine tune all elements of the game. Another thing; “What about the gameplay? From the little we have seen of this game, QTE (Quick Time Events) seems to be only way to control this game.” If common sense or experince with the developers previous game isnt enough to deter you from instantly believing that the game will be linear simply because of the lack of facts about the game, the keywords in this sentence (”FROM THE LITTLE WE HAVE SEEN”) should. THEY HAVENT FUCKING TOLD YOU YET! Give it time. Im not saying that it is impossible for the game to suck I’m just saying, dont jump to conclutions AT LEAST until you have accumulated some information on the game.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Another thing. I beat the SHT out of Indigo Prophecy and loved it. AND You know what your doing here? Your not bashing Heavy Rain. Your bashing innovation.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Another prime piece of evidence as to why gaming media sucks.
If people want gaming to evolve to an openly acceptable form of entertainment the media needs a complete overhaul. All the journalists are biased or misinformed.
RIP gaming media.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
I am KENNY! Tremble in recognition of my existence!
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
LMFAO!! This guys getting raped on his own site.lol you deserve everybit of it. I’m not even going to go through what’s wrong with this article. Everyone else already covered it for me. N4G should really filter amateaur stuff like this. I think I’m going to create my own site now.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
I would just like to say that I too am pumped for this game. I have never played this game and have only seen the few articles in Playstation: The Official Magazine and Gameinformer and I just have to say: Every time I see an article about this game, it pumps me even more to play this game! All of you who call us “fangirls” and “sony fanboys” or the like of that need to shut the hell up. I know taht is like 10 of the comments but honestly. You just don’t get it. I have never played the other QD games but I want to play this game soooooo badly. In fact, just to satisfy the wait, I think I’ll go out and get other games. So, yeah, Heavy Rain is at the top of my list for games that I want.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Allow me to correct something I said in my comment. Where, in the beginning, I said “I have never played this game”, I meant to say, “I have never played the other QD games”. So, again, excuse this error.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
So you played it? What do you think of the ending..oh wait. You never played it? So your opinion of a finished game is based off of a hand full of trailers.Your misinformation is overwhelming. Say the game is topped off at 8-10 hrs. With four characters that’s 24-40 hrs each. I’m certain the ending is different for each character. you have to play to each strengths. And if you enjoy the game who cares how long it is? that’s like saying the game would be good if only it had mind bending graphics.
I gotta idea, delete this article until after the game comes out. Then revise it.
My blog. blackpowerx.blogspot.com
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
It’s not that the people making these angry comments are fanboys, it’s that the writer doesn’t know what he/she is talking about so we’re getting angry, he/she states that HeavyRain will cap at 8-10 hours and that the games MAIN focus is its graphics. NO! HeavyRain has very high replay value, as those of you who’ve done your research will know, so it doesn’t end at 8-10 hours of short gameplay. And the main focus is certainly not its graphical prowess but its intruiging story and mystery.
HeavyRain is meant to be a drama, not just a pretty picture as the writer claims, yet the pretty picture plays a significant and key role in making the story telling experience all the more dramatic. If you’d only dig deeper into HeavyRain, read more about the story, and simply watch a few trailers then you’d know what I mean.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
On a lighter note, thank you for not TOTALLY trashing the game, instead only partially trashing it, lol…
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
this is the lamest excuse for a journo i’ve ever seen…
GTFO!!
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
WE NEVER FORGIVE, WE NEVER FORGET, EXPECT US.
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
This better be a joke article. For real. And you’re complaining about 8-10 hours of gameplay? Use your imagination (since you obviously can’t use your intelligence), and think about what 20,000 pages of script means. And the fact that you can kill off any and all characters. Let me ruin that for you. IT’S A DIFFERENT STORY EVERY TIME YOU PLAY. Get it?
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Poor Ronald
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Haha, this is a funny joke article…wait..you were actually being serious? God damn, what’s wrong with you? Seriously wait to bash a game until after it’s out and you have played it. If it’s at any other time, then you look like a complete idiot. You clearly have not looked into the game enough. I’m not even going to really delve into the topic, because, if you read the other comments, you will see an ample supply of stuff that support this game. Mind you, I’m in no way for or against this game. That is only because I have yet to play it and I have not seen enough of it yet. I’m kinda getting tired of people judging things before they play it, especially when it comes to PS3 exclusives. Never see anyone be so critical about 360 exclusives. (Not saying that they should, but I believe that PS3 exclusives shouldnt be bashed either.)
If you feel the same way after it comes out, then I applaud you (even though you will probably be closed minded towards it..).
Posted on July 16th, 2009 at 1:00 am
Congrats, you’re an idiot.
Even if Indigo Prophecy isn’t your cup of tea, you have to respect what they are doing. It’s clearly not smoke and mirrors. I don’t even think you understand the meaning of those words.
Your article is bullshit, and I hope every other article you write gets trashed and no one ever again takes you seriously.
P.S. Ben Dutka of PSXEXTREME is a faggot.
Posted on July 16th, 2009 at 2:23 am
Congrats, you’re an idiot.
Even if Indigo Prophecy isn’t your cup of tea, you have to respect what they are doing. It’s clearly not smoke and mirrors. I don’t even think you understand the meaning of those words.
Your article is bullsh#t, and I hope every other article you write gets trashed and no one ever again takes you seriously.
P.S. Ben Dutka of PSXEXTREME is a f@ggot.
Posted on July 16th, 2009 at 2:24 am
What kind of goon wrote this article, Indigo prophecy was one of the stand out games for me last generation and heavy rain looks to be one for this gen. Just watch the booth demo from E3 to get a real look at the game play in action, no smoke and mirrors other than this article.
Posted on July 16th, 2009 at 2:55 am
you fail.
RPG?
WTF dude GTFO
you havent played it yet so dont bash the game
Posted on July 16th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Ben Dutka is indeed gay. We knew it since high school.
Posted on July 16th, 2009 at 11:06 am
Ben Dutka is only gay when compared to straight men.
Posted on July 16th, 2009 at 11:08 am
^ I AM NOT GAY!!!
Posted on July 18th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Funny how things are always the same. I remember reading the same flame posts when Indigo Prohecy was going to ship 5+ years ago (before it got delayed a couple of times).
I did work on Indigo Prophecy so I know what I’m talking about, and nevertheless I somewhat agree with the author of this article (even if he is a bit off on some of the ideas expressed, the reasoning is right). I do expect Heavy Rain to be the same as Indigo Prophecy. Yes better graphics, more polished, bigger budget but the core game will be the same. After all this is QD’s signature.
When talking about HR (like IP), you’ll find three groups, one that says “This game is da bomb, you are a f*cking moron to not realize this, this is the future of the video game”, the 2nd group that says “This game is really boring”, and a third group (much much bigger than the 2 others that doesn’t care at all about this game). Hence these flame posts in some hard-core websites - unfortunately not the expected audience of this game. At the end of the day, you will always find a public for niche games (regardless if people realize it is a niche game or not).
So what is wrong with this kind of game? Nothing, if you like them. But what people don’t realize is that it is extremely costly to develop. Extremely. Every single combinations of interaction has to be thought, scripted, modeled, dialog recorded, etc… But the developper has to fit in budget. And this can create a distortion between what you can see in a constrained / very polished demo and the final game (i.e. the whole game may not be like that).
Although Quantic Dream is known to be constantly over budget, over schedule, and it seems HR is not different from that point of view (QD is trying to do like Blizzard without delivering the same quality of games
we’ll see if postponing because crowded Xmas 2009 is an excuse or not. Look if the game ships in March 2010, or Xmas 2010. 
So to fit in the budget, they have to keep the plot as simple as possible, and provide as little interactions as possible otherwise it becomes exponentially more costly to develop and tune. And that’s the reason why the first 35% of Indigo Prophecy were okay (not great but somewhat entertaining) and the remaining 65% were poor, because the game had to be rushed out to ship before getting cancelled.
About replayability, we can argue about it, but because the main plot is mostly the same, even if one replays it differently, one will see 80% of the same game. (only the alternative sub plots are different, but they mostly don’t change the main plot - remember otherwise it would be too costly to develop). The goal is to make sure that the main scenes are reused as much as possible. At the end, it’s a decision tree. Don’t expect the tree to be too big, it’s always much smaller that you think, or that the marketing is trying to make you believe (don’t believe the hype, see for yourself). But yeah, the designer can always try to make the tree look-like a forest
And sure, somebody could play Indigo Prophecy or HR 40-50 hours, in the same manner that one would play 1000 hours Warcraft 3, COD, Red Alert, or 10000 hours of Wow, etc… The difference is those games have a very deep gameplay and the online component gives another dimension. IP or HR do not have that, so they get old very quickly. Sorry for the big fans.
But I agree, Heavy Rain sure looks nice, especially when there is one character on screen. I would not expect less after almost 4 years of R&D.
In any case, I do hope that HR will be better than IP and will have more success.
Now flame away and get back to your childish “gay” talk. Try to at least bring something constructive and well-thought arguments.
Posted on July 19th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
BEN DUTKA IS A FLAMING FAG. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT.
Posted on July 22nd, 2009 at 12:10 am
[...] a month ago we here at Thevolution network(one E) released a rather controversial article entitled “Heavy Rain: A Perfect Example Of Smoke and Mirrors”. As you can imagine this did not sit well with the Heavy Rain following and we were recipients of [...]
Posted on August 31st, 2009 at 3:53 pm
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