PSXE Poll Update: Heavy Rain Nudity Under The Radar

Only after I put up this poll last weekend did I realize we really can't answer it until the game is made visible to the mainstream media...and that won't be until February 23.

So unfortunately, I don't think we can answer the question, at least in regards to how it pertains to the anti-game activists that absolutely must tear down a game for having questionable content. These people still think all video games are for kids so of course, the nudity in Heavy Rain is destined to get a lot of flak, right? Guess we'll still have to wait and see but at least we can say the nudity didn't affect critics; most all of them mentioned it, but few - if any - considered it a detriment. The reason most critics don't harp on it is for two major reasons: first and foremost, the artistry and atmosphere of the game, which lends itself to brutal authenticity and human realism. Secondly, the nudity is hardly "required viewing;" you have to go out of your way to see Madison strip down, either early on in her apartment or later at the club, or in the hotel room with Ethan. If you want to see her body, you're gonna have to opt for that. If you don't want to see it, you don't have to. After all, if choice is the primary driver for this game, how could we not have the option?

Feel free to read our review if you haven't already; clearly, it impressed us. For this week, due to the explosion of reviews for this game, we're wondering if the critical reception has altered your view in any way. Obviously, most all major sources let fly with their reviews the instant the embargo listed this past Wednesday, and the majority of those reviews consider Heavy Rain to be a great title. Many, if not most, claim it's a pioneering, revolutionary experience. So what sort of impact has this critical reception had on you, if any?

2/14/2010 9:48:40 PM Ben Dutka

Put this on your webpage or blog:
Email this to a friend
Follow PSX Extreme on Twitter

Comments (67 posts)

Toggle Scrolling | Reload Comments

godsman
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 10:15:40 PM
Reply

No spoilers but is it true that the first hour of Heavy Rain is a bit dull and gets intense in the middle of the game?

0 up, 2 down

Kowhoho
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 10:20:47 PM

I suppose the character developement and build-up to the main storyline could make it seem slow.

1 up, 1 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 11:06:03 PM

I found none of it "dull." It depends on how involved you are in the atmosphere and story; I was instantly involved.

Besides, one of the most intense moments of the game (the end of the prologue) happens in the first hour.

8 up, 1 down

inkme101
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 10:20:20 PM
Reply

i dont care about the reviews i'm a big boy and will form my own opinions!

16 up, 1 down

Kowhoho
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 10:22:11 PM

Yeah but you can't always make an entirely educated decision from gameplay videos etc. can you?

3 up, 6 down

inkme101
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 10:30:06 PM

no you cant. that is why ill buy it play it then form my opinion. i have enough info to know its a buy for me.

10 up, 1 down

Kowhoho
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 1:08:23 AM

Yeah this is a game that one can buy confidently. It's like handing someone uncharted 2 and saying have at it; a no-brainer YES. HR is history in the making wether or not it's your cup of tea.

Last edited by Kowhoho on 2/15/2010 1:09:45 AM

3 up, 2 down

sonic1899
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 @ 5:08:03 PM

I'm going to have to make a disagreement. I don't have the expenses to buy and or EVERY game I'm interested in. That's one reason people turn to reviews; to see how other people feel about the games

0 up, 0 down

SnipeySnake
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 10:22:52 PM
Reply

Not into heavy rain...

4 up, 22 down

SnipeySnake
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 10:28:49 PM

-1 you suck

3 up, 20 down

GuernicaReborn
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 10:48:52 PM

you are the same person.

9 up, 2 down

HeXeN
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 10:57:06 PM

You'd probably be into HR if it had side quests.

1 up, 2 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 12:11:13 AM

That's alright it's not really for kids...

11 up, 3 down

Qubex
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 12:28:14 AM

That was a very low blow World, but someone's got to do it...

@Snipey... I agree HR is not for everyone, but it still marks a major shift in the way video games will be played, enjoyed and experienced going forward. I posted previously that I think this is a game changer, a birth of a new genre... I am sure as more of these types of titles are crafted by main stream Hollywood directors and film studios, they will have their own dedicated fan base that will avidly follow their virtual stars, virtual worlds and favorite development teams...

Tis only the beginning...

"Jaaaaasssssoooonnnnn... Jaaaaaasssooonnn... now where is that damn kid..."

Q!

"The Wizard left Oz"

Last edited by Qubex on 2/15/2010 12:29:31 AM

6 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 12:41:17 AM

lol, it had to be done. The KH avatar inspired the gag.

5 up, 2 down

Kowhoho
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 1:03:09 AM

Kingdom Hearts is not just for kids. ):/

3 up, 3 down

SnipeySnake
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 1:13:33 AM

@HeXeN
Where'd you get that from? I never play side quests, i just go straight for the story. ;P

@Everyone else (o.eb)
Played the demo and im just not into it. And even if i was i doubt i could get it.

@Kowhoho
Agreed.

3 up, 2 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 2:12:19 AM

But you are a kid in it... so you see... oh never mind.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 2/15/2010 2:12:31 AM

2 up, 2 down

Banky A
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 3:33:58 AM

"And even if i was i doubt i could get it."

Yeah see? It all connects.
:D

5 up, 1 down

Nynja
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 3:07:26 PM

lol @ World

0 up, 0 down

Gordo
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 10:51:32 PM
Reply

The critical praise received for Heavy Rain has been good to see because it shows some maturity in the industry and means that there is more possibility for similar "grown up" games in the future.

I find high score reviews definately help focus the mind and channel your purchases but more importantly however, is your gut feeling and personal tastes and preferences.

If you like RPG's and a game gets a 9.5 then you will probably like that more than a FPS that gets 9.5.

Common sense but even personally I have found myself being swayed by high scored reviews for game in genres that I knew I wouldn't really like.

I was wowed by the reviews for GTAIV, MGS4 and Batman Arkham Asylum but got bored of these quickly and ended up trading them even before completing one play through.

Killzone 2, Uncharted 2 and Assassins Creed 2 have been the stand outs for me in the last 12 months.

Hoping Heavy Rain, God Of War III and GT5 are the stand outs this year.

3 up, 2 down

michiganfan1983
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 10:53:30 PM
Reply

It was nice to see but I have had this preordered since the begining of January.

1 up, 0 down

Alienange
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 11:07:18 PM
Reply

The reviews are very interesting. If it's had any impact on me it would be to not write it off completely. I certainly don't see the need to buy it on day one or even month one. A single player experience like that can be enjoyed at any time. But with all the rave reviews I guess I'll pick it up some day.

1 up, 1 down

Robochic
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 11:16:44 PM
Reply

I cracked and played the demo, now I want more...
I had it preorderd I think early January, I know once they call me I'll be running to pick it up ;) can't wait!

7 up, 0 down

inkme101
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 11:52:16 PM
Reply

i just replaced my broken ps3 today (died the day b4 the demo was released). i just finally played the demo (like 5 mins ago). i was always gonna buy HR, but now im positive it'll become one of my most treasured games.

6 up, 1 down

superben1990
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 12:07:50 AM
Reply

i am buying this indefinitely!

1 up, 0 down

MyWorstNightmar
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 12:04:42 PM

If you buy this indefinately (an indefinite number), will you have money for other games? And what will you do with all the copies of Heavy Rain, will you open them, or just keep the plastic wrap on them? When will you become broke? After buying the 100th copy, the 1000th copy? =)

Last edited by MyWorstNightmar on 2/15/2010 12:08:17 PM

2 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 12:12:38 AM
Reply

No affect on me, except to say I'm glad they are positive, all I had to do was play Indigo Prophecy to get an idea of where they would go with this, and with the PS3's power under their belt I was always going to get HR. I wasn't going to get it right away though until the demo. Now it's on preorder :)

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 2/15/2010 12:13:05 AM

5 up, 2 down

fooosie
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 12:16:33 AM
Reply

HOT!!!!

0 up, 2 down

coverton341
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 12:18:47 AM
Reply

I have wanted Heavy Rain since I found out about it, I wanted it more when I completed Fahrenheit, I can hardly contain the enthusiasm now that I participated in the Four Days Challenges and got the demo. Suffice it to say, I was well sold on it before the reviews ever appeared but I will say that they haven't hurt my opinion in any way. Super excited for this and can't wait for UPS to deliver it on the 23 from Amazon. That is assuming they don't screw it up and get it to me on the 27 or something.

4 up, 1 down

inkme101
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 12:19:13 AM
Reply

N E 1 know what time monday sonys making their BIG announcement?

2 up, 1 down

___________
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 12:43:33 AM
Reply

reviews never have any effect on me what so ever mainly because its been years since i actually found one i believe in.
almost every review from IGN, gamesradar, GT are either full of sh*t or are crying over spilt milk.
like Xplays review of darksiders would be a perfect example of both.
first he says its tame.
WTF?
tame?
ok if slicing a enemies legs off than twisting his arm back and impaling him with his own weapon is tame than god i think its the mental asylum for you!
than a perfect example of crying over spilt milk would be during the 5+ minute review he complained about the enemy types at least 10 times per minute.
for the love of god mention it than move on!
if i based my purchases on reviews alone i would of missed out on some of my favorite games, and i also would of ended up with some steaming piles.

0 up, 3 down

bridgera
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 1:14:15 AM
Reply

People are so stupid about nudity.

1 up, 2 down

MyWorstNightmar
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 12:12:05 PM

America, statistically being a mostly conservative country definately seems to have a hang up over nudity. I thought the rating system was supposed to fix all this hullaballo over nudity and violence in games. You put nudity in a movie, you slap it with an R rating, and everyone is happy.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 3:12:13 PM

@Worst

R rating is only required for full nudity. I believe that partial nudity doesn't guarantee an R, just as an isolated and minor f-bomb will not get you an R.

0 up, 0 down

MyWorstNightmar
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 9:37:59 PM

Highlander, you speak the truth. The list of PG-13 movies with a boob shot here, or a nip slip there is plentiful. Movie makers always try to push the bounderies as far as putting as much as they think they can into a movie that they want to be rated PG-13. However, it does bring out the Tipper Gores of the world out to criticize the movie. When you put an R on the movie, everyone knows to shut up. Same should go with the "M" rating on video games.

To see nudity in Heavy Rain, one will have to play quite a ways through it I would guess. What kid is going to do that, when all he has to do is google BOOB and he is all set. Much faster gratification that way.

1 up, 0 down

SnipeySnake
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 2:06:53 AM
Reply

Ok...the announcement was First Play, a Uk version of qore... =.=

0 up, 1 down

Oxvial
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 10:37:22 AM

lol that sucks .

0 up, 0 down

The X Factor 9
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 3:40:05 AM
Reply

I am so excited for this game that even though I have downloaded the demo, I refuse to play it. I don't want to spoil any part of this great experience that I have in front of me. It's been a while since I've been this excited about a video game.

4 up, 0 down

Richy
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 4:52:06 AM
Reply

hello ...

I understand The X Factor 9's point of view .. LOL

This game has a mature theme & rating, so nudity is only 'normal'

i pre-ordered the game long ago & i didn't use the code to download the demo (gave it to a friend), now i'm downloading the public demo (56%) which i paused twice for i'm not sure will try it, i know i'll love the game. Yet i'm organising a showcase soon for soon to be PS3 owners, maybe i'll give it a try then.

I own but never played Indigo Prophecy (Farenheit)so don't really know how HR would look like except for the tons of trailers i've watched.

i'm sure to love both games by quantic dream & cant' wait to start playing something new...

cheers!

1 up, 1 down

Milonakis
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 7:32:41 AM
Reply

I'm pretty sure it can't be a good game. It's not on the $hit box 360. I mean in order for any game to be good it has to be multiplat. (This is where I would use a sarc mark if I had bought one)

1 up, 2 down

dveisalive
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 8:05:09 AM
Reply

This game is so beautiful my jaw was on the floor the whole time I played through the demo! day 1 purchase for me :)

1 up, 0 down

JackC8
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 8:20:55 AM
Reply

It's good to see it getting high reviews, but it doesn't really influence my decision. Honestly, any rating between 8 and 10 is pretty much the same to me.

2 up, 1 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 10:19:40 AM

Uhhhh...it REALLY shouldn't be.

There's a colossal difference between an 8.1 and a 9.8.

5 up, 1 down

Jordahn
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 8:30:49 AM
Reply

Those trying to bring attention to "controversial" issue are just as guilty as ones who are trying to bring it down. If it really isn't an issue, don't make it one.

2 up, 0 down

www
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 9:22:32 AM
Reply

Getting Heavy Rain no matter what!

1 up, 1 down

TheRaPtuRe
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 10:04:36 AM
Reply

Just seen a couple of 7's for this game, my expectations have gone down, i don't think this game is gunna be really THAT good tbh. I'm quite disappointed considering how long its been in development for etc.

2 up, 6 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 10:19:09 AM

Because a couple 7s somehow override 20+ scores of 9+...?

That's lucid.

6 up, 0 down

Oxvial
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 10:29:09 AM

trolling? or you only have 3 or 4 games in all your collection xD.

2 up, 1 down

Orvisman
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 2:15:05 PM

Ben,

I think you meant ludicrous, not lucid.

I'll forgive you this once. ;)

Sorry, the editor in me couldn't resist. ;)

1 up, 2 down

Shams
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 2:35:46 PM

Or he could've been being sarcastic: ya know like, that's clear, and straight foward, NOT.

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 3:13:49 PM

That's lucid - NOT.

I think the word choice was precise and correct, although ludicrous would also work, but in a different way.

2 up, 0 down

Orvisman
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 3:14:03 PM

@Shams,

Maybe

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 3:14:40 PM

He was being sarcastic.

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 9:44:14 PM

Man, if I don't know the difference between "lucid" and "ludicrous," I'm really in the wrong business.

'twas sarcasm, of course.

Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 2/15/2010 9:44:28 PM

2 up, 0 down

Orvisman
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 @ 8:59:57 AM

Sorry, I didn't get it.

Sometimes sarcasm is hard to pick up in writing.

But to be fair, Ben, as an editor I work with writers who don't always use the correct word for what they are trying to convey.

So, just because you mess up a word doesn't mean you can't be in this business. Trust me, there are plenty of smart people where I work who can't write worth a lick but are employed as analysts/writers.

0 up, 0 down

TheRaPtuRe
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 10:34:19 AM
Reply

It's just when i see some bad scores it makes me think 'is it really as good as others say'

And by the way, i have it on pre order, im still getting it.

I'm just doubting its greatness, that is all.

0 up, 1 down

___________
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 @ 3:03:07 AM

you cant trust reviews, you should know that.
look at GTAIV that got a 10 across the board.
there is NO WAY IN HELL! that deserves a 10.
maybe a 8.
8.5 if your extremely generous.
even if you never played a game in your life, and think paint drying is as revolutionary as the wheel than maybe a 9.
but NO WHERE! near the 10 it got.
same goes for bayonetta, halo 3, halo 3 ODST, RE5.
the list goes on, and on.

1 up, 1 down

Bandit King
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 11:14:13 AM
Reply

I think the nudity is under the radar because Sony is not selling it as a feature. The big out cry over sex in games always comes from the Microsoft camp, because games like Mass Effect use the "sex mini game" like a bullet point for shock value and attention grabing headlines. Lets face it when Fox made that out cry about Mass Effect 1, parents and anti video game folks were all just doing one thing, making the game look more appealing to teens. This has happened before, anyone remember the Sega and Nintendo press storm that went down with Mortal Kombat? Thing is Sony is pushing Heavy Rain as a mature game from a mentality standpoint, not a "look I can seez da boobiez!" stand point. More power to them for doing so.

Last edited by Bandit King on 2/15/2010 11:15:46 AM

1 up, 0 down

Shams
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 2:44:25 PM
Reply

And I think the choice to see bathroom shots, or not, is more about not restricting the player in a game all about choices, rather than just blatantly "selling sex".

I mean look at the main female character (don't know her name yet, as I avoided playing the demo for the sake of saving surprises), but it's not like she's a Lara Croft, or a Pam Anderson. She's a very real looking lady, with normal proportions, and believable.

0 up, 0 down

buckoboy1
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 10:54:05 PM
Reply

I dont get the hype, isnt this whole game just walkin around and pressing buttons when they appear... sounds really fun!.... not

1 up, 2 down

buckoboy1
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 10:54:14 PM
Reply

I dont get the hype, isnt this whole game just walkin around and pressing buttons when they appear... sounds really fun!.... not

1 up, 2 down

buckoboy1
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 10:54:18 PM
Reply

I dont get the hype, isnt this whole game just walkin around and pressing buttons when they appear... sounds really fun!.... not

1 up, 2 down

buckoboy1
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 10:54:26 PM
Reply

I dont get the hype, isnt this whole game just walkin around and pressing buttons when they appear... sounds really fun!.... not

1 up, 2 down

buckoboy1
Monday, February 15, 2010 @ 10:54:54 PM
Reply

sorry 4 triple post, website farked up

1 up, 2 down

Silent_J
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 @ 10:03:27 AM
Reply

I was waiting for the reviews ,since I havent played Indigo Prophecy I really dont know what to make of Heavy Rain.Im definitely gonna get this game,just not right now.

0 up, 0 down

SmokeyPSD
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 @ 7:47:04 PM
Reply

buckoboy1, apart from ur post seeming like troll bait I'll give u the benefit of the doubt. It's just more an evolution of the old adventure games and point and click mouse computer games. I used to play games with only text and read choose ur path books.

If you love film noir, atmosphere and branched storylines then heavy rain is for you. If not then it isn't, but it certainly isn't how u describe.

1 up, 0 down

Please login or register to leave a comment.

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories cheats	PSP
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas cheats	PS2
Grand Theft Auto IV cheats	PS3
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories cheats	PSP
MLB '06: The Show cheats	PSP
Endgame cheats	PS2

Do you still care about Final Fantasy Versus XIII?
	Hell yes, I still can't wait!
	Sort of, I just wish they'd tell us more.
	Not really, I've started to lose interest.
	No. Don't care about vaporware.

Playstation 3

Playstation 4

PSP

Playstation Vita

Playstation 2

Playstation

Other

PSX Extreme

Site Stats

PSXE Poll Update: Heavy Rain Nudity Under The Radar

Comments (67 posts)

Leave a Comment

Latest Updates

Popular Cheats

Recent Reviews

Recent Previews

Popular Sections

Extras

Sponsor

Our Poll

Metro: Last Light review	PS3
Zombie Tycoon II: Brainhov's Revenge review	PS3
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon review	PS3
Star Trek: The Video Game review	PS3
Injustice: Gods Among Us review	PS3
Dead Island: Riptide review	PS3
Defiance review	PS3
Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 review	PS3
Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel review	PS3
Bioshock Infinite review	PS3

The Bureau: XCOM Declassified preview	PS3
Time and Eternity preview	PS3
Ride to Hell: Retribution preview	PS3
Call of Juarez: Gunslinger preview	PS3
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon preview	PS3
Spartacus Legends preview	PS3
Payday 2 preview	PS3
DUST 514 preview	PS3
Dynasty Warriors 8 preview	PS3
Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness preview	PS3