Sony fans finally get the big release they’ve been waiting for
Video games thrust its players into all sorts of awesome roles: space marine, professional sports superstar, medieval knight, moustache-wearing plumber who’s surprisingly adept at driving a go-kart.
But nothing tops a superhero. Scurrying up skyscrapers, floating across the skies and saving citizens from evil through the use of superstrength, speed or awe-inspiring powers never grows old.
It’s a big reason why Sony’s infamous franchise has become so beloved since its arrival in 2009. Players wield amazing powers, whether based on electricity, ice or smoke.
Of course, there’s another delightful wrinkle to the make-up of this series, represented most recently by the launch of inFAMOUS: Second Son for PlayStation 4: you can play the villain, too. And just like the first two titles, inFAMOUS: Second Son grows more thrilling with every super punch and fiery blast.
Second Son stars Delsin Rowe, a rebellious young man who inherits the ability to wield a variety of smoke-based powers. He can fire off smoke blasts, launch projectiles similar to missiles and even travel through vents in a smoky haze.
It turns out Delsin isn’t the only one with “gifts”. His quest to learn more about his new powers leads him to Seattle.
When players first arrive in Seattle, they’ll notice it’s occupied by the Department of Unified Protection (DUP), an agency created to stop “bioterrorists” like Delsin. Players can freely explore the city, taking on missions and wiping out DUP installations to weaken the occupation of city sections.
Players weaken the DUP’s hold by wrecking mobile command units, destroying satellite dishes and spraying graffiti, cleverly holding the PS4 controller like a spray paint can, hearing rattles from the speaker with every shake.
As with any inFAMOUS game, players roam however they choose. They can scurry up skyscrapers like it’s nothing more than a rock climbing wall and float between skyscraper rooftops. If a player encounters DUP soldiers, they can make a grand entrance by thrusting their fist into the pavement, sending enemies flying with a shock wave. If there’s one thing inFAMOUS is great at doing, it’s making players feel extremely powerful.
Delsin’s smoke powers have limits, so he must replenish his abilities by absorbing smoke from cars or other resources.
But smoke isn’t Delsin’s only trick. As the story advances, players learn he can absorb the abilities of other “conduits”, as they’re formally called. He wields powers based on neon and even video, paving the way for even more incredible feats such as running up walls or turning invisible. Players can flip between abilities by absorbing the appropriate item, whether it’s a neon sign or energy from a TV screen.
Just like the first two titles, Second Son features a "karma" system where players can choose to play a hero that protects the city from the DUP and rogue conduits, or a villain that terrorises Seattle. Choices players make throughout the game help forge relationships with superpowered allies and open up fresh missions. Playing as a hero was thrilling. With every section of Seattle players travel through, they’ll hear citizens clap and cheer as they speed along rooftops to their next quest.
PS4 players have been waiting a while for the new console’s first big release since its launch last November. Although it sticks to a very similar formula as the first two games, inFAMOUS: Second Son is a great reward for PS4 owners’ patience.
USA TODAY (MCT)
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