inFamous: Second Son Reviews
With great powers, come great times.
Being a super hero has never been more fun.
Depending on your perspective, the biggest strength or flaw of 'Infamous: Second Son' is that Sucker Punch doesn't evolve the series significantly. If you simply want more of the same, 'Infamous: Second Son' is definitely on par with the first two games in the series and is a solid adventure. If you were hoping that Sucker Punch built significantly on the sandbox world and offered up a bevy of new options like an advanced morality system or a number of branching story paths, you are going to be sorely disappointed. But overall, it's a fun ride and definitely a welcome addition for anyone transitioning from the PlayStation 3 to the PlayStation 4.
In many ways, inFamous: Second Son is a lot like its sales rival Titanfall -- it doesn't do much that's new, but rather refines and polishes and balances everything that came before in expert fashion, providing new little twists and expanding in areas that had the scope for it to deliver a blockbuster experience that rarely lets you down.
If you're a fan of the inFamous series then there's really nothing to lose in playing this. For those new to it, inFamous: Second Son marks a fantastic entry point, and without prior knowledge of the games before it will in all likelihood be amazed.
inFamous: Second Son is the first next-gen game that signals we're in a new generation of gaming. It isn't just the amazing visuals that make inFamous: Second Son feel so good, but also the varied gameplay and rich open-world of Seattle.
inFamous: Second Son might not be leaps and bounds ahead of its predecessors in gameplay, as it never really strays from the core inFAMOUS mechanics, and doesn't take any heavy risks with storytelling. However, it's undeniable that beating up bad guys with various super-powers in a seemingly living and breathing city is a perfect combination for a hell of a good time.
The motion controls and the touchpad get a decent, well-integrated workout, world detail is staggering, and the particle and lighting effects of Delsin's powers are breathtaking.
inFAMOUS: Second Son is a visceral treat to behold and a fun game overall, but it's on the short side and features slightly dated gameplay designs.
[Q]uibbles aside, Infamous: Second Son is a game that truly showcases the PS4's impressive technology, and succeeds in ushering one of Sony's best exclusive franchises into the next generation. It's by far the most impressive and enjoyable of the three Infamous games, and marks an evolution not just in visual presentation, but in the scope of things that can be done in an open-world superhero game.
inFAMOUS Second Son isn't a perfect game. The overarching story is a bit stunted and combat can feel somewhat repetitive. What holds Second Son together is how solidly all aspects of the game were made. You can feel the passion that each person at Sucker Punch has for their individual role as each element solidifies and interfaces into an extremely well made game overall. While it may not be remembered for bringing anything new to the table in terms of overall mechanics, Sucker Punch have certainly set a benchmark for how games should incorporate the power of the PS4 to fuse all elements of a game and make one strikingly solid experience.
inFamous: Second Son is a gorgeous game that will definitely satiate PS4 owners starving for a new title for their collection. I still feel like it falls short of being that system-seller everyone has been waiting for, but those already invested definitely need to pick it up. Linear story and forced morality don't tear down the otherwise fantastic experience.
There's an unparalleled sense of empowerment in inFAMOUS: Second Son that makes it a release to be reckoned with. Bursting with more attitude than a high school hardcore band, this out-of-control excursion effortlessly nails the sensation of possessing superpowers. It may put its plot forward a little too forcefully at first, but persevere and you'll be richly rewarded with an appetising roster of outlandish abilities. While it does little to push the open world format forward, this is still a series that's very much in bloom.
'inFAMOUS: Second Son' is a gorgeous open-world super-powered adventure but one that doesn't innovate on the story or gameplay front.
Infamous: Second Son is a solid entry in the franchise, but doesn't do a whole lot to move the series forward other than presenting a new, far more likeable protagonist capable of harnessing multiple powers in a gorgeous representation of Seattle. It may look and sound next-gen, but its gameplay takes a few too many cues from the last.
'Second Son' is a blast of an open-world game with beautiful graphics and exciting superpowers, even if the moral choices are too simplistic.
Infamous: Second Son is the first real reason to jump completely into the next-generation of consoles. If you wanted to show someone what next-gen can do, this is the game to show them, with great image quality and amazing lighting/particle effects on display. A magnificently-realized Seattle is your playground and players have a host of abilities to run, fly, and fight across it. Delsin Rowe is a charismatic protagonist and the Sucker Punch has pulled out all the stops on PlayStation 4 to make his first adventure a fun one. It's not perfect, but hopefully we see him again.
Second Son is a focused open-world game that offers terrific graphics and enjoyable abilities, but it would definitely benefit from a little more variety.
The gorgeous world of Infamous: Second Son is brimming with delights, setting you loose in Seattle to partake in fast-paced, inventive combat that's an absolute blast.
Despite the neat ending afforded by the epilogue, here's to hoping Sucker Punch will give Delsin a sequel that addresses some of the detractors of Second Son and builds on the awesome foundation it's laid down for the future of the series.