The Latest on Quantic’s Heavy Rain
Not much is known about Quantic Dream’s latest project, entitled Heavy Rain. All the info thats been released on it thus far is a trailer called “The Casting” and a movie poster – neither of which are even necessarily representative of what the game will actually be.
While details on the actual game are fuzzy, Quantic Dream has been more liberal when talking about the technical aspects behind the game. In all of their previous projects, Quantic Dream has aimed at achieving a theatrical experience that could compete at the same level as a Hollywood production. They have always put strong emphasis on using motion capturing technology , which they believe delivers the best sense of realism. Over the years, they went from working with outsourcing studios to developing a specialized in house motion capturing system. With Heavy Rain, they’ve further upgraded their motion capturing system, able to capture even small facial movements.
What this means is that Quantic Dream has moved beyond just needing motion capture actors – they need real actors, people capable of delivering a Hollywood quality performance. Thus, Quantic Dream has been in contact with several A ranked actors, most notably Leonardo Di Caprio. Heavy Rain could very well set the bar for theatrical performances in video games.
As is the case with just about every PS3 exclusive game, many are wondering why QD has chosen to remain with the PS3 exclusively. Outside of the fact that Sony is publishing the game, there are a few other reasons. One of the main factors seems to be that the Cell processor is extremely good at the number crunching mathematics used by the physics system of the game. Guillaume de Fondaumière, co-founder of QD, also mentioned in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz “it’s extremely difficult to create games of the same visual quality on both platforms[360 and PS3]. Even from an economical standpoint, if you really want to give the best shot on both platforms you have to invest far more money than just spending the money on the one platform. Or you have simple ports, which are of less quality”.
As for details in regards of the game itself – its expected to have a noire atmosphere, and will also not have any of the criticized sci-fi elements of Fahrenheit/Indigo Prophecy. Beyond that, details are slim. Quantic has stated they are working on something playable, so the possibility of demo is there, but they maintain that its up to Sony.
Heavy Rain is due out sometime in 2008, although its doubtful this deadline will be made. Surfer Girl told us that Heavy Rain is “shaping up to be nothing short of astounding”, and from what we know, we are with her. As big fans of both Omikron and Fahrenheit/Indigo, we are heavily anticipating this title, and hopefully we will have some more information soon!
exgn 
looks very promising indeed doubt we’ll see any big name actors tho or at least I hope not has it would take away from the games imo….
He did develop his own method of videogame creation. It is a different approach, some sort of interactive cinema. But if that allows the games to have a deeper storyline, then… I’m all for it. I just hope he can do a better conclusion for his game this game.
I’m so FUCKING ANNOYED at Quantic Dream!
I supported them with Fahrenheit on the Xbox 1. And I was really looking forwaqrd to playing this on my 360. But by making this a PS3 exclusive its like a stab in the back to all loyal fans of the company. EVERYONE knows the 360 is easier to program for. Everyone knows it would have sold more copies on the 360. Everyone knows that if they had made it for the 360, a simple PC port would have worked out nicely. But no, QD had to support gamings most expensive waste of silicone since the 3D0!
1!
I really hope that the game turns out to be good and they do get grade A Hollywood actors like Leo. If they do it properly, the atmosphere and the acting could keep players deeply immersed into the game. Kind of like when I played Bioshock and Uncharted.
Michael Clark is a retarded piece of shit XBOT.
Yo, the game is going to be well developed by a team that by no doubt has a track record for attention to detail. With the mathematical power of the Cell and the growing base of tools at their disposal this will turn out to be a great game for the PS3.
Micheal Clark = Fanboy…awww you jealous? It even says they went with the PS3 to get the most out of the game. Looks like PS3 proves why it’s going to be #1 again.
I agree with THX7168,i supported it on the PS2 but you wouldn’t hear me complaining if it was a XBox 360 title
I’m glad to see devs beginning to give the PS3 the proper amount of attention!!! I have 2 or 3 games I’m looking forward to on the 360, but truly the PS3 is THE system to own this year!!! All sorts of awesome exclusives already announced & hopefully a few surprises left to go.
michael clark = wank
xbox is easier to program for….so is a tandy TRS-80, but being easy to program just means that it has NO POTENTIAL. the PS3 is harder to program for because its the next generation, not a suped up version of a pc, and much more complex than the xbox by everyone’s favourite head wank gatesy