Oh, this game, so good!

I'm really torn between Ethan and Madison. With Madison, I loved the characterization, the way she really goes from wanting to get the next scoop to genuinely caring for Ethan. The way she can defend against herself (I loved kicking the doctor's ass!). My only real complaint is that I wish we got more chapters with her. Compared to the others I at least found it slightly threadbare.

But Ethan's story-line is just tragic. I think I mentioned this in the thread about game openings, but the opening of this game really sucks you into Ethan's plight. The way he felt traumatized from losing Shaun to dealing with his utterly horrible wife, to then having to do the trials. I adore Heavy Rain, and Ethan's story-line was just gripping. It helps that Ethan actually looks rather attractive and has a nice voice. I always ensure that end-game spoilers Ethan and Madison get together. They're just so cute and I love happy endings! .

I had to warm up to Jayden. At first I just thought he was a bit standoffish. It doesn't help that for the most part, he works alone. Ethan and Madison sort of pair up, and Scott and Lauren do; Jayden works by himself for most of the game. Once you get to understand his character more, I found myself starting to root for him more and liked it when he made some wisecracks. He isn't my favorite character of the big four, but he grew on me and his interactions with the rather poor police service were great. I need me his specs.

Scott Shelby finally was interesting, particularly with the interactions with Lauren. The scene at the party when you can make Lauren act drunk so Scott can slip past the guards was priceless. The other fantastic scene was the mansion shoot-out. For a game that was so realistic and gritty, it was quite tongue-in-cheek to include a massive shooter segment.

I could go on more, really. I just really loved this game. If Quantic Dream did another game similar to Heavy Rain, I would lap it up.