Since I am planning on writing my final research paper on the recent PS4 game Infamous: Second Son and, more specifically, how the morality affects both how we play and interpret the game, I thought it would be useful to include my opinions on the game overall as well here on the blog, since most of them wouldn’t have much relevance in my actual paper.
For those that don’t know, Infamous: Second Son is the third game in the Infamous series, created by Sucker Punch, and unlike previous games, ditches protagonist Cole MacGrath in lieu of Delsin Rowe, a sarcastic trouble-making young adult who, at the start of the game, learns that he is able to gain superpowers when he comes into contact with other power-wielding people, known as Conduits. However, in a world where Conduits are feared and rejected, Delsin’s newfound abilities lead to the endangering of his homeland, which forces Delsin and his brother Reggie to travel to Seattle, which has recently been occupied by the Department of Unified Protection, whose leader Brooke Augustine’s main goal is to capture all Conduits by any means necessary.
This naturally leads to some violent encounters between Delsin and the D.U.P, which serves as the core gameplay, with the player learning new powers and abilities throughout the game. The fighting is fast-paced and exciting, as players must constantly be dodging bullets and attacking the enemies with a unique arsenal of weapons, allowing for both ranged and close attacks. Each power Delsin gains comes with a basic shooting, grenade, and missile power, as well as a special ability, but the ways in which each affect the enemies vary greatly, especially as they become upgraded, and allow for a lot of experimentation within each combat scenario.
The plot is a bit on the short and simplistic side for an open world game, clocking in at under 15 hours if you also include side missions. However, the version of Seattle that Sucker Punch created is spectacular, with an incredible attention to detail, that is no doubt assisted by the game’s impressive graphics. These graphics also assist in the story sequences, with some of the most realistic facial ranges I’ve seen in a game, mainly due to the motion capture and voice work of stars Troy Baker and Travis Willingham. The sound design is pretty special too, enhancing the natural feel of this supernatural take on Seattle.
Despite the game’s hurried story, the action-packed and unique gameplay, realistic graphics, and astounding world make this the best Infamous to date, and is currently one of the best reasons to pick up a PS4.
To Play or Not To Play? Video Games in Contemporary Society 