I think people's focus on the storytelling in Heavy Rain -- while completely logical -- is also missing the point a little. The storytelling is not what makes Heavy Rain an excellent game. It's the way we interact with the story (or "play" the game) that gives it such emotional impact.
The way the game managed to squeeze genuine emotion out of me through situation and choice; emotions that I rarely (if ever) feel while playing a game...that is why Heavy Rain has artistic merit. It takes skill, innovation and balls to pull that off in a medium so focused on instant gratification.
I haven't played Riven. In fact, Revelation was the first Myst game I'd ever bought and played. The interface and style of the game was so alien to me that I never made it out of the first environment! It was kind of overwhelming.
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