You have to be instantly recognisable in order to be classified as iconic, and this PlayStation 3 era gem most definitely falls into that category.
If I say, “Press X to Jason,” you’ll know precisely which game I’m talking about – and if you don’t, well, how fortuitous that this latest offer will allow you to get in on this funny slice of gaming history.
Heavy Rain, first released on PlayStation 3 in 2010 and later making its way to PC, can currently be nabbed on PC storefront Steam for an exceptionally low price.
It’ll currently set you back just 84p / $0.99 with this 95% discount running until Monday, August 17. Pricing may vary by region.
Considering that Heavy Rain still currently commands a RRP of £16.99 despite being 16 years old, that’s a strong deal.
Admittedly, you probably don’t want to be spending too much on the game at this stage; it’s an important release of the PlayStation 3 era but perhaps not always for the reasons developers intended.
Developed by the controversial Quantic Dream, Heavy Rain is an action-adventure title that sees you predominantly control the character of Ethan Mars.
The game surrounds the Origami Killer, who leaves a paper origami creation at the scene of each of his crimes.
Having previously lost his son Jason, Ethan is swept up in the Origami Killer’s wrath when his remaining son Shaun, is abducted, prompting a worrying race against time.
If you’ve played any other Quantic Dreams games, Heavy Rain follows the same formula of participating in quick-time events and following along with what is essentially an interactive drama.
“Experience a gripping psychological thriller filled with innumerable twists and turns. Spanning four days of mystery and suspense, the hunt is on for a murderer known only as the Origami Killer,” begins the synopsis.
“Four characters, each following their own leads and with their own motives, must take part in a desperate attempt to prevent the killer from claiming a new victim.
“You need to think fast and act even faster, as every choice and move you make can result in dramatic, game-changing consequences – and even determine who lives… and who dies.”
Heavy Rain’s meme scene oftentimes outshines its respectable achievements
Heavy Rain is widely considered one of the greatest games of all-time having won Best Story, Best Original Music, and Technical Innovation at 2011’s BAFTAs.
It’s perhaps best remembered, however, for its aforementioned ‘Press X to Jason’ scene. It takes place early in the game, where Ethan loses sight of his son at a shopping mall.
The player has to make their way through a crowd looking for the boy, pressing X to shout Jason’s name. You can spam it as many times as you like, and admittedly, it makes a serious scene feel quite funny.
Heavy Rain commands a runtime of around 11 hours so you’re definitely getting plenty of bang for your buck for $0.99
On the other hand, Heavy Rain isn’t too long, so it shouldn’t overly harm your backlog.
Whether you respect this title’s technical achievements or you just want to see where the Jason meme originates, it’s worth picking up with, again, that discount expiring on August 17.
Featured Image Credit: Quantic Dream
