Heavy Rain Tops Bestseller List After Flood of Reviews

PSLS writes:

Today the embargo lifted on Heavy Rain reviews and across the web, the game received stunning review scores from top gaming sites. Because of the deserving acclaim, Heavy Rain has taken one retailer's bestseller list by storm…

[Sev]

Well, if this keeps up the game will certainly sell well. It truly deserves it.

I am sure the Heavy Rain Chronicles DLC as a pre-order bonus is a big help as well. Sucks I wont get it until it is live in the PS Store.

[Myst]

You already have the game? You make me sick...:p
/joking

I think the scores will help, at least people will look to it; but quite a few are more than likely going to be put off because of how it plays. Although if we [ as gamers ] can get more people to buy the game and support the developers then it means their will be more games of this field. Perhaps it could be introduced into other genres just as well. I mean modern is good, but if it can be stretched either into the fantasy or sci-fi field that would be even better as well. With a compelling story to boot it would be awesome.

I'm hoping this game sells well, and hopefully people will help spread word about it to those who don't know about it. Could be a good change from all these fast paced games we are getting.

[Sev]

http://playstationlifestyle...

3 playthroughs, 3 different endings. Completely floored. One ending in particular, my jaw dropped.

@ Evo, you could have hit me up. Damn near all 99 other of my PSN friends did. LOL. Whatever you do, DONT look at my trophies! You don't want anything spoiled and I've got around 80%. I should have purposely not synced to save everyone from being tempted.

[-EvoAnubis-]

I saw you playing it, Sev, and felt it best to not disturb you. When I get the game, notification = OFF anytime I'm playing the game. I don't want anything drawing me out of that world.

Edit: @Nuri: I steered clear of reading many reviews as well. I've also ignore about 80% of the videos on the Net for this game...I wanted tot go in fresh. There was one thing Sev mentioned that I'd wish he hadn't, but from my understanding there's LOADS more to this game that anything even someone who'd read and seen everything on the web doesn't compare to the final product.

2nd Edit: @Sev: EXACTLY why I didn't do the same! It was tempting though! As for the trophies, I wouldn't worry about it. "???" trophies can only appear to someone that already has them. If I were to look at them, all I'd see is the dates and times you got them. I really like the fact that they do that.

Great review, BTW; it was no accident that your review was one of two I actually read.

[Myst]

@Sev

Hmm, currently wondering if I should read that review or not Sev. So far I've been looking at a few scores but primarily I have steered clear of reading any of them. Even though the game has multiple branching paths, still trying to keep myself "clean" before the game comes out.

@Evo:

That's a good idea, I need to do that to when the game comes out...

[edit]
@Evo:
That's good to know that it can't be spoiled that easily, I guess I may read one review tomorrow in between classes and see what's up. Though tomorrow a demo is supposed to be released anyway isn't it? I suppose that could be played instead of reading about the game which would probably be a bit better.

P.S. Did Sev say something that was a major spoiler on the part of the game or just a bit of information that kind of tells you the gist of the game as a whole?

@Cyborg:

Yep doing the same thing, bookmarked the site and now just waiting for the copy to land in my hands now. I'll read while it does it's install time I suppose or play a bit then read it to get the gist of an event that I may encounter. Though as of right now I really don't want to :p.

{edit II}
@Sev: There seem to be a lot of spoiler videos floating around N4G these days, kind of wish the embargo for reviews was lifted next week instead of this week. Since we pretty much still have a little over a week to go anyway. Also I agree, a game that is primarily driven more so on story can be hard to review without giving away something. I guess if you stuck toward the first two minutes it wouldn't be much of a spoiler :p?

[cyborg]

@Sev- Your a lucky guy Sev, getting to play the game so early...m jealous. I did check your score out but have steered clear of any reviews so far save one.

@Nori - Yea, I too am in two minds regarding whether if I should read any reviews or not for fear of getting anything spoiled for my playthrough, I don't want anything to spoil even the smallest of plot details for me. So, I think its better if we just wait for the game to release before reading the reviews. I have read only one review so far*|(IGN's) and that's all that I require to buy the game. Will def read this one, once the game's in my hands and am through with it! :D

Edit - @Sev - Yea, N4G has some really spoilerific videos doing the circles these days. Also, I make it a point to steer clear of any gameplay or other videos related to any game that I am sure will offer a decent experience and looking forward to and if its about a game which I am really excited about, then there's no way in hell that I am gonna watch a video before actually doing thing myself!

[Sev]

I know exactly what you are talking about Evo when you say there was one thing.

The problem is, it's difficult to describe just how far the game goes without providing some examples. For most games a couple examples of gameplay doesn't spoil anything. But because Heavy Rain is so plot and consequence driven, any mention of any moment in the game is a spoiler in itself.

Thank goodness you guys didn't see the video that was on N4G earlier. I mean talk about spoiling one of the games best moments. I reported it to the admin here right away. I really want people to be surprised by the game. So I chose one of the least dramatic scenes for an example, and yes, that WAS one of the least dramatic.

@Nori - There ya go. For me to properly tell you about the first 2 minutes, I'd have to spoil something about the plot. Tough game to review.

[-EvoAnubis-]

I figured as much. I wasn't too worried; I knew you wouldn't give away something too crucial.

Nah, Nuri, it was a minor thing overall.

I saw that link for the vid you're talking about, and totally ignored it. Can't believe they freaking did that.

[Myst]

@Sev: Are you serious? I guess I have to be blind to this game for a while and just immerse myself in other games and perhaps even *shutters* do a lot more school work to make time pass faster.

@Evo: Ah okay, something minor can be dealt with.

I also think I saw/see the video you guys are talking about. The graphic one? Yeah I think I may just stick to trying to decide on whether to get MAG or not for now instead of reading things about Heavy Rain :p.

[menoyou]

Yes this is awesome! Finally a game that takes a risk and gets good reviews and even more surprising good sales! This brings me tears of joy.

[sikbeta]

Just Epic, this Game deserve all the sales

Gamers FTW!!!

[nix]

yeah.. but apart from Destructoid and Games Radar's 7/10. they stick out like sore thumbs! man talk about being sore.

[bjornbear]

gameradar isn't a review site, they are a joke site

i mean, look at one of the "cons" they game HR:

"-You'll hate it if you're an action junkie"

Really? Does that even count as a negative factor to a game? absolute stupidity

[Dev8 ing]

When you have a couple data points that stick out like sore thumbs they are known as outliers. Usually they are discarded, metacritic doesn't do that though. It would be a good thing then sites that review low to get hits wouldn't show up and then the aggregate score would be more accurate.

[callahan09]

Metacritic's rubrik for averaging the scores is broken. There is no reason why a game with 28 scores between 90 and 100 and only 8 scores less than 90 should have a Meta score under 90. They need to incorporate weight to scores based on standard deviation. The further off the bell curve that a score lies, the less it should impact the average, because those critics clearly aren't on the same page as the rest of them, and the whole point of the Meta score is to give an indication of what most critics think. Incorporating the odd-man-out's score as equally as the median scores just makes the whole Meta score less accurate in its attempt to show what the average critic thinks. Now the Meta score is lower than the median and lower than what the majority of critics think, so the game doesn't get it's AAA status because a couple of goons don't think it's AAA, even though the majority of critics think it is? Seems like they need to rework their weights and measures for their averaging scheme.

[IcarusOne]

But then I read IGN's review and they LOVED IT! Given how retarded they are, you know, like saying ME2 is better than UC2, I figured they must be flamebaiting me. I mean, they're total xbots over there! Fanboys to the max! The only reason they'd like this game is to screw with my head. Right? Didn't we all agree that IGN doesn't know what they're talking about?

Sorry. Feels great to be snarky sometimes. But in all seriousness - two hours in and loving it so far.

[Anon1974]

Heavy Rain is a day one purchase for me. I loved Indigo Prophecy and have been waiting for them to make another game, but I didn't think Heavy Rain would be burning up any sales charts. It looks amazing but it's a niche title.

I was already bracing myself for all the articles and posts calling Heavy Rain a flop if it doesn't move a million copies on day one despite the fact that 90% of games don't hit one million their entire lifetime. We see it time and time again when a great PS3 exclusive comes out. When sites can't bash a game for quality, they attack it because of "poor sales" They did it with LittleBigPlanet, Killzone 2, Uncharted 2 and on and on it goes.

The haters will do it with Heavy Rain too. Mark my words. Luckily I'll be too busy enjoying another outstanding PS3 game to care.

Edit @ Callahan09 above: Metacritic doesn't give all scores the same weight. They have certain publications that carry more clout than others. It's not a perfect system but there's no denying that the industry pays attention to Metacritic scores so it's not so easy to dismiss them. However, I believe they need to start removing some publications. Destructoid, for example, has become a flame baiting joke these last few years. And Edge has demonstrated time and time again a obvious anti-PS3 bias.

[Myst]

Already have this baby paid off, and now to play the waiting game for February 23rd. Gamestop and other retailers better not pull that "day after release date" stuff on this title. We have waited long enough and we want it now!

Now Let us on February the 23rd rush into the stores and get our copies of Heavy Rain. For the games!

[cyborg]

I am really pleased with the rave reviews its getting worldwide, the game is truly deserving of them coz it has bought something unique in terms of gameplay experience to the table. People should really buy this game and I can vouch for it that they won't be dissapointed. The fact that the reviews seem to have increased the interest of gamers revolving around the game is also very welcome indeed. Pre-order it people, the game's gonna rule!

[slave2Dcontroller]

Sony release the demo tomorrow. I've been playing it for awhile and I love it. I just think that there are ALOT of uninformed people out there who think its just a QTE movie and no actual game play is involved. They couldnt be any more wrong.

Sev you lucky SOB XD

[T3mpr1x]

Glad to see it is selling well, I know I placed my order after playing the demo!!!

[Trexman89]

i preordered the other day :D

[eagle21]

the AAA playstation hits again baby... :)

[commodore64]

AAA?

http://www.metacritic.com/g...

[Noob]

Great way to start the year off! Feels good to be a PS3 owner. Can't wait to play this game.

[PirateThom]

AAA?

http://www.metacritic.com/g...

Seriously, the whole metacritic system was shot to hell once Demon's Souls got below 90.

[snaz27]

oh please dont be so pedantic, for a start its 1 point! secondly this is a game you get or you just dont, for whatever reason, its not going to appeal to everyone! and hey there are 8 reviews under 90, 27 reviews over 90! the majority has spoken there! its AAA in most peoples books, a few lame reviewers cant change that, they better get back to 94 percent COD! that game getting 94 makes a mockery out of the whole system, and reviews in general.

[silvacrest]

if you need meta to tell you if a game is AAA or not i think its time to start playing games instead of reading other peoples opinions

[commodore64]

well goddang it!

I seem to have tripped the sony defence force activation switch again.
Sorry!

[N4BmpS]

I see yellowlightofdeath thinks he's funny, that's the kind of stupidity and immaturity only a mother can love, nah not even that. I kind of agree with Silvacrest you don't need Meta to tell you if a game AAA or not most of you disagree with some scores anyway, but some people(like me) wanna play it safe but regardless I am getting Heavy Rain. BTW if you were wondering I was calling Yellowlightofdeath an immature idiot.

[BWS1982]

Commodore lurching around in articles picking fights about opinions all the time, and sadly, since they're opinions, he's always losing. Since he's the only one fighting while the rest of us productively discuss games with optimism and excitment, he's the only one losing.

AAA designation does not go off Metacritic, hell, how "good" a game is doesn't go off Metacritic, I thought we understood that by now? Guess not. Sales don't make a game. Reviews don't make a game. Fun makes a game. Remember that one? Fun? Probably not.

[bjornbear]

AAA

AAA =/= 90+ on metacritic

AAA = high quality game

unless you mean to say demon's souls (as many have said here) is not an AAA game, even though it won more GoTY awards than any 360 exclusive last year =O

AAA is if the game is amazing in general

to me HR is AAA, and nothing butt hurt fanboys say can change that ;)

[commodore64]

yegads where is the 'off switch'?

[BWS1982]

but if your head had instructions, I'm sure someone would have done humanity a favor and found it for you. :D

C'mon now, all in good fun... ;)

[blitz0623]

Bu bu bu PS3 owners don't buy games :(
Well, it's a Bestseller with no bot preorders

[robotnik]

Bots can't understand this game, they are that dense.

[Dutch Boogie]

bots will have a nerd rage when they realize there are no green power rangers with laser beams nor aliens. Their heads will explode from the maturity level the Heavy Rain requires lol.

I don't think QD wants that kind of blood on their hands. Stick with what you know best bots. There is a new COD game coming soon to sooth your pitiful tastes.

[toaster]

2. Just Dance (63 days in the top 100)

I lol'd.

[-MD-]

Hey Dutch Boogie, why do you play multiplatform games on your 360 if you hate it so much?

[CernaML]

That comment sounded like he hates 360 fanboys. Not the console. Too lazy to check his history however.

[YellowLightofDeath]

Yes Dutch Boogie, because you PS3 fanboys are soooo cultured and hip! Wow, please let me bask in your hipster glory. Your ignorant fanboy etiquette makes me want to be around you and your magnificent machine. It's like the PS3 is the museum of modern art and no one understands it!

[XDF]

If this game is successful, then Shenmue 3 might be a possibility.

[duplissi]

i like that idea...

[Forbidden_Darkness]

Thats awesome, i really hope this game sells well!

I also see FF13 is #4 for the PS3 and #37 for the 360 :)

[JonnyBigBoss]

Bestseller for GOOD reason.

[gamingisnotacrime]

i will pre order this baby tomorrow
:)
it will have to share the time with MAG, but that is fine by me

[Rip-Ridah]

Yes, by pre-ordering Heavy Rain at Gamestop, you will receive the free DLC when you pick up the game on launch day. I encourage you to do so.

[gamingisnotacrime]

i already did, so excited for this game
cant wait!

[DigitalAnalog]

Heavy Rain MUST sell, it would be justified being stuck as "niche".

-End statement

[Bordel_1900]

I have pre-ordered this game.

I challange you to do the same.

[jalen247]

Doesn't surprise me. I hope the game sells a lot so that Sony and Quantic Dream can make more games like this.

[saint_john_paul_ii]

this game is really unique.

it has already passed the test with the Big reviewers out there, its final test are its sales.

Yes, sales do not matter. but this is a game that Sony has dropped money for ih collaboration with Quantic Dream. They have lots of faith that this game is going to succeed; a game that is really different in all aspects.

if this game doesn't sell a million at least, then for Sony, this isn't a success. they will return to making games that are just overplayed(like the shooter Genre).

if you dont buy this game cause it "NOT A SHOOTR" or "I DONT PLAYZ TEH QTE (WHich is not true at all)" Then I hate you and I wish you burn in Hell and get raped by a 1000 monkeys.

Im pretty sure companies such as SEGA are looking at this risk that Sony is taking. if this game sells, then SEGA will look into the opportunity to Bring Shenmue back from the dead, as it is a game that plays similar as Indigo Prophecy/Heavy Rain. And I know Shenmue fans are poised into buying this game. Friends of Mine who are hardcore Shenmue fans are planning to buying this game because it has that Shenmue vibe to it.

[Dutch Boogie]

You tell em pope. Down with pubescent shooter frenzy brats.

[DigitalAnalog]

You tell 'em POPE!!

-Amen!!!

[thief]

Count me in for one copy, maybe two (so that I can pass it on to some of my heathen shooter-loving friends

[bjornbear]

but...shooter frenzy prepubescent kids are already burning in hell being raped by 1000 monkeys...thats their reality =/

[DarkTower805]

I hope this sells millions.

[SnukaTheMan]

wishful thinking maybe....uncharted 2 had great scores also and people passed it up for at least a month....cmon now people...common sense tells you if a great action/adventure game like uncharted 2 can get terrible sales....what does that say for a game thats basically a interactive book littered with QTE's....????

And before some moron says "uncharted 2 had terrible sales"????

total for the week of release= of all three regions=803,877

[gravv]

sev please post whose the killer here.... i'll give u bubble in return

[SnukaTheMan]

Ruin it for people who want to buy it....you are the disease that ruins this website...Please delete all your accounts as soon as possible.

[Sev]

I'm the Origami Killer

[ThePlaystation3guy]

This has to be awesome news for Sony and QD. A few of my friends believe Reviews DON'T matter. That's BS and this is just proof of what praise can do for a game. I've read plenty of reviews, including Antony's and everyone says Heavy Rain will make you pause and think about your decisions. Awesome! I can't freagin' wait. Heavy Rain is going to be EPIC.

[Ravage27]

i didn't buy QD's first game last gen, i'm making up now by preordering HR :)

[iceman06]

You should probably go back and check out Indigo Prophecy...it was a pretty unique game in it's own right. Probably get it dirt cheap too!!!

[gravv]

man i was joking, dont be so sensitive.. and why are you defending people who buy HR i know you're not one of them, you're a known 360 fanboy since 2007

[SnukaTheMan]

remember...being a child and seeking revenge is just as stupid as being the first to do this scumbag move. regardless of what console i own I know theres others on the other side who agree with my stance.

[mcnablejr]

=D

i lol'd

[Dtoxz]

you got balls calling someone else a fanboy. look at your name. YOU MADE A PROFILE TO TROLL YOUR FANBOYISM.

Got a better idea for you. Go hang yourself so you can stop wasting everyones time...

[S4NDM4N]

People who are buying this game, I applaud you.

This is my most anticipated game of 2010. I seriously can't wait for it. More games need emotion in them. Like no videogames make you feel regretful for your actions.

I'm hoping Heavy Rain can actually make me look back through my playthrough and regret some of my actions.

Seriously guys, if you are on the fence about this game, just take the plunge. Know that you at least bought something different in today's market.

[andron]

I can't wait, have pre ordered it already. Don't think this game will bomb at all. PS3 owners seem to really "get" this game...

[silvacrest]

if i had money to buy it day 1 i would, unfortunately i have to wait for a special discount offer to popup :/

[YellowLightofDeath]

Too bad the PS3 has mediocre games at best.

Wait a minute, this isnt a game, its a movie. We'll throw the droids a bone considering they've had nothing but flops so far this year. Bayonetta on the 360 has a higher score than Heavy Rain, now THATS pathetic. Heavy Fail.

[Karooo]

"Too bad the PS3 has mediocre games at best."

Really are you sure? or do you live in a cave check out the 2008 and 2009 goty awards again and go hide your face.

btw regarding 2010 its february god damn 10 months to go are you really that retarded.

360 still hasnt had an exclusive yet.

MAG
WKC
Last rebellion
heavy rain
yakuza 3
gow 3
mlb 10 the show ALL EXCLUSIVES before april to the PS3. 360 will have its first exclusive when it gets alan wake in may. how lame.

360 is such a bad console i thought bots would be humiliated seeing all multiplatforms in 2009 goty awards but nah they still need to make fools out of themselves.

why are you comparing heavy rain with bayonetta something really wrong with you? starving for exclusives i see.

Heavy rain is AAA 9 stamped you cant change that go sit in a corner loser.

[mcnablejr]

u2
kz2

The playstation three lacks games to play.
Trust.

[Karooo]

360 fanboys are so pathetic, uninformed jealous losers.

[saint_john_paul_ii]

you need troll school.
go learn Trolling 101 with Zhuk.

[mcnablejr]

its rubbish-- add me if u want.

[Dev8 ing]

Why not wait until GOW3 comes out to compare Bayonetta to. The latter is for fa_gs anyway, oh look at me I am Sarah Palin my hair is a weapon. Kratos would rip that b!tches head off. Not that it matters though PS3 owners can play both games.

[Dev8 ing]

Too bad the 360 doesn't have any games. 1 good semi-exclusive game (ME2) in 14 months and you think the PS3 has mediocre games. In that same 14 months the ps3 had Killzone 2 (91), Uncharted 2 (96), Demon's Souls (89), Heavy Rain (89), God of War collection (91) and MLB 09 the show (90). The next exclusive game the 360 gets is 2 months away and in that time the PS3 will be getting God of War 3, MLB 10 the Show and Yakuza 3.

[dkgshiz]

I guess the PS3 is bad. With that awful UC2 game that is the GOTY king with 42+GOTY awards. LBP,GT5,GT5P,MGS4,KZ2,UC1,Infa mous,Resistance 1&2,Motorstorm,MAG, those games all stink!

[N4BmpS]

each review I see hypes me up more and more. Heavy Rain has that creeping hype effect it's weird, I like it.

[Colonel-Killzone]

Another great game added to sony library everyone should check this out it truly deserves the attention.

[Claudinho69]

doesnt it seem odd that the those 2 that gave it a low review, were the earliest reviews?

[Dance]

One retailer's bestseller list by storm...headline is a little misleading

[artsaber]

I keep repeating myself.

[sedx]

reading your comments ....... wow you guy's are dumber than 2x4......if your over 18 years old its embarrassing....

[mcnablejr]

You lack it.

[Johnny Rotten]

the problem with 2x4's these days is... well there not really 2"x4" the actual dimensions are closer to 1.5"x3.5".

[Allowen]

WKC game I was thinking to buy it but bc the avalanche of bad reviews I resolved to buy Mass Effect2 (PC) intead that exclusive PS3 rpg.

No one in sane reason will buy a $60 dollar game that recived lots of bad reviews when you can pick some other game.
This is more valid for PS3 /360 users bc most of then are teen or adults.
The Wii might still sell lots of bad reviewed games bc the kids and occasional players that normally buy by impulsive.

[taylork37]

Sorry fanboys..your game is now at 89 on metacritic..AAA no more. Keep hyping though.

[Moebius69]

What because it's on 89 you think that makes it a bad game,then you sir are a moron

[taylork37]

No, all you guys can say is AAA this and AAA that. So what happens when its not AAA....you guys have absolutely nothing to say, and I like that.

You guys stress metacritic as your primary review score, but what happens when that indicates that's its not AAA. Its somewhat ironic, and somewhat funny. Get over yourself.

Who the f*ck said that 89 was bad? Wasn't me.

[Myzer]

I think you need to learn what AAA means.

It definitely is not games that are 90 or above on metacritic.

[corneliuscrust]

No matter what system you own.

Proof that RISKY new IPs can sell like mad (if all goes well) as long as theyre made well

cant wait to play this game.

MORE LIKE THIS PLEASE!!

[maverick1191]

mcnablejr

you say ps3 is sh1t yet you have the console?

lmao another dumbass fanboy you must like it if you bought it you tool and guessing whos laffing at you sony because even though you dont like the console you still bought it lmao the money goes straight to sony haha

[CernaML]

Buyer's remorse. It's a want. Not a need. They don't have to buy it if they don't want it. The only people they can laugh at are themselves since that product bothers them so much.

[Samewire]

and i love it

awesome atmosphere :)

reminds me of some good thrillers

[FFXI101]

It is amazing, I love the game play, story, control, every part of it. It is a must buy for me, even a friend of mine who's pro M$ is loving this game and going to get it for his PS3.

[Madeline12]

And the flame wars continue... LOL

[level 360]

It's really good that Sony is investing on games that are forward thinking.

[mittwaffen]

I wish Xbox had that outlook a little more.
They do it, just not as much as i'd like to see.

Grats to Sony.

[HINDERIZATION]

TAKE THAT XB0TS!!!!

[horndog]

you can count on it. Don't you guys see the trend happening with your exclusives?? Just check NPD charts every month.

[TehCell]

Tons of gamers will be dissapointed.

[mittwaffen]

shouldn't a game like this be best 'rented'?

How do they implement real 'replay value?'? I haven't played this yet to know.