Infamous Second Son, released in 2014 for PlayStation 4, is an action-adventure video game by Sucker Punch Productions. Players take control of Delsin Rowe, a non-conduit who gains superpowers after exposure to individuals with abilities whose kind society despises. Players must determine the outcome of the story based on whether they choose to be an evil or a heroic character. One of the game’s standout features is the variety of powers Delsin can wield, from smoke to concrete. The moral choices presented to the player affect Delsin’s karma, and the game’s graphics, story, and gameplay were well-received by critics and players.
Infamous Second Son: A Superhero Game with Multiple Powers & Choices
Overview
Infamous Second Son is an action-adventure video game developed by Sucker Punch Productions and released in 2014 for the PlayStation 4. It is the third installment in the Infamous series and follows a new protagonist, Delsin Rowe, who gains superpowers after being exposed to a conduit, individuals with abilities that are despised and persecuted by society. The game is set in a fictionalized version of Seattle, where players must choose between being an evil or a heroic character and determine the outcome of the story based on their choices.
Multiple Powers
One of the most exciting features of Infamous Second Son is the variety of powers Delsin can wield. Each power is associated with a different element, and players can switch between them at any time. The powers are:
- Smoke: the first power Delsin acquires, which allows him to turn into smoke and dash through fences and vents, shoot smoke bolts, and perform devastating melee attacks.
- Neon: the second power Delsin gains, which grants him super speed, the ability to climb walls, shoot neon beams, and turn invisible.
- Video: the third power, which lets Delsin summon digital clones of himself, fly, shoot laser beams, and manipulate electronics.
- Concrete: the final power, which enables Delsin to turn his body into stone, become nearly invulnerable, create shockwaves, and throw boulders.
Choices and Consequences
Another significant aspect of Infamous Second Son is the moral choices presented to the player. Throughout the game, Delsin will face decisions that affect his karma, which determines his reputation as a hero or a villain. Choosing the heroic path grants Delsin blue karma points, while the evil path earns him red karma points. Some of the decisions include sparing or killing enemies, helping or harming innocents, and destroying or preserving infrastructure.
The choices not only affect the story’s outcome, but they also influence Delsin’s powers. Blue karma unlocks upgraded versions of Delsin’s powers, which focus on restraining enemies and protecting civilians, while red karma grants him more destructive abilities that deal increased damage but also harm innocents.
Gameplay and Graphics
Infamous Second Son’s gameplay is fast-paced and allows players to traverse the city of Seattle with ease. The powers are intuitive and fun to use, and players can combine them to create unique combos and strategies. The game’s graphics are impressive, with highly detailed environments and character models, and dynamic lighting and particle effects. The facial animations and voice acting are also top-notch, making the characters feel alive and relatable.
Reception and Legacy
Infamous Second Son was generally well-received by critics and players, who praised its graphics, gameplay, and story. It sold over one million copies in its first nine days of release and was one of the best-selling games for the PlayStation 4. The game’s success spawned a standalone expansion, Infamous First Light, which focuses on one of the supporting characters, and a remastered collection of the first two Infamous games for the PlayStation 4.
Conclusion
Infamous Second Son is a must-play game for fans of the superhero genre and gamers looking for a thrilling and engaging experience. The game’s multiple powers and choices, combined with its fast-paced gameplay and stunning graphics, make it a standout title for the PlayStation 4. Whether you’re a hero or a villain, Infamous Second Son offers countless hours of fun and excitement.