With Heavy Rain, developer Quantic Dream set out to create what it calls an "interactive drama." The result is as entertaining as any good Hollywood thriller, but far more engrossing -- and thought provoking -- than one could ever hope to be.

It's the interweaving story of four very different characters (and a modestly-sized supporting cast) who all find themselves involved in one way or another with the case of the Origami Killer, a serial kidnapper and murderer of young boys. The story draws on elements of film noir and science fiction, movies like Se7en, Saw and The Big Sleep, to create a compelling mystery -- a book you can't put down, if you will.

The real magic of Heavy Rain -- a title which not only sounds cool, but is central to the plot -- is how it draws upon you, as the player, and your ability to make some very difficult decisions befitting of the game's tag line, "How far are you prepared to go to save someone you love?"