Heavy Rain Chronicles Episode 1: The Taxidermist Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critics What's this?

User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 39 Ratings

  • Summary: Heavy Rain: Chronicle One – The Taxidermist features investigative journalist Madison Paige in one of her first cases tracking down a serial killer.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. 100
    A brilliant start. [Issue#192, p.97]
  2. The Taxidermist captures the atmosphere from the main game, and really wets our appetite. Although it's a bit short the six different endings at least makes the DLC last a bit longer. More stuffing please!
  3. An intriguing but all-too-brief 3.19 curiosity. [July 2010, p.118]
  4. Despite its issues, The Taxidermist is a tense, atmospheric delight and a promising start to the Heavy Rain: Chronicles.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. JalexD.
    10
    I'm not the biggest fan of what downloadable content generally represents (unsubstantial content for extortionate prices), but the first piece of said content for 'Heavy Rain' is one of the few examples of how it can be done right. Now, 'The Taxidermist' doesn't really add anything to the main story (it is only referenced once in the main game, in an off-hand comment by the star of this piece, Madison). It's merely an unnecessary, yet extremely interesting, layer which gives Madison more depth. To be perfectly honest, there's a lot of potential nitpicking to be done with this release, but the deciding factor for each person is really wether or not you loved 'Heavy Rain.' If so, do not delay another moment and do yourself the favor of downloading this. But if not, there's really nothing here to change your original opinion about the game. Expand
  2. I received this DLC free of charge when pre-ordering, so I cannot comment on the value-for-money ratio. But I find it a very good and enjoyable addition to the main Heavy Rain game. The atmosphere is really excellent and very very creepy. Although you can finish the level in about 20 minutes, you really feel you are part of an interactive movie. I know some people don't like Heavy Rain because it is essentially an interactive movie that you control through your game play, but for me this is definitely a great way to spend half an hour in a Psycho-like environment. **** would have loved it, i'm sure Expand
  3. There are too many floors in this DLC to give it a positive review. Although the fantastic core game mechanics and the solid graphics remain, there are a few definite issues that should have been fixed. The voice acting of Madison is weird but that's not the only drawback. The fact the story takes place before the story of the core game, there isn't as much excitement because you already know the fate of the only developed character - Madison. With story being the major driving force behind the game, this DLC is fairly lacklustre and is flawed. The entities of the original game hold up a '6' because the original was so good. Overall, if the original left you wanting more, then for just £3.99 you can add this frankly 'lazy' dlc to the game. Ultimately though you will be left unsatisfied. Expand