Games: Heavy Rain

Heavy Rain(£39.99, PS3)

Exclusive to Playstation 3, David Crane's thrilling crime epic Heavy Rain sets new standards in storytelling and delivery. When the elusive Origami Killer abducts the son of architect Ethan Mars, a thrilling race begins. Also trying to find the culprit are drug-abusing FBI agent Norman Jayden, journalist Madison Paige and detective Scott Shelby. The personal trials of each character converge at the finale, which leaves a lasting impression.

The control method is contextual, throwing on-screen prompts at the player to indicate a specific motion, direction or button press. For example, opening a car door may require a sweep of the right analogue stick.

The aim is to draw players in by having them perform the character's motions. A bold ambition, it occasionally fails, particularly in over-long fight scenes. But for the best part you will be too drawn into the plot and believability of the visuals to care.

While it won't revolutionise the way developers create games, it will have a knock-on effect on the way games tell a story. Many critics dismissed this as no more than an interactive movie, but that is a disservice to French developer Quantic Dream. Mature, gripping and shocking, this is a gritty assault on the senses, which will have you feeling strong emotions from the word go.

This article was originally published in The Scotsman on 27 February 2010