Howdy and greetings everyone. Today’s throwback is a follow on from Sucker Punch’s InFamous, InFamous 2. This game was anticipated but like it’s predecessor it never quite hit the same notes as it’s publisher’s other works.
So I bought this game after enjoying the first game with the hope that it would be fun. Thankfully it was, the gameplay had some small improvements but the introduction of a second power set was really cool.
Graphically there is not too much change, just a heavier emphasis on pastel colours. That being said, the game does take place in New Marais (Read New Orleans) and it is a fantastic city to base a game in. From the street performers that can net you negative karma to assisting the police, opportunities to do as you please are aplenty.
The gameplay has been subtly improved but beyond the new powers you can get mid game, the melee becomes a lot more usable. Whereas before you were trying to punch dudes with electric boxing gloves, now you have what can be best described as a cattle prod that has a satisfying feel to it when used to clobber people. I found in this game I was far more likely to engage in melee combat because of the improvements here. My only whiny note is that the lightning storm is hooked to these charges you can have now rather than your internal battery, so I can’t spam it anymore and it makes me sad. Especially in my evil playthrough. Mobility is still a treat from this game, with some small improvements, like the grind technique was repurposed to go up buildings or use cars as a jump boost. On a balancing note, the enemy AI seems to be tougher this time out though whether this is due to different playstyles with the inclusion of melee or genuine coding I am unsure.
The characters are still a strong point here, with Zeke’s relationship with Cole still being felt in the aftermath, new relationship with Ice (Lucy Kuo) and Oil (Nix (suppose they couldn’t work fire)) who provide karmic choices for the game. I actually like the villain (Bertrand) in this game and beating him was very satisfying for me personally, though I could be biased because I think the New Orleans accent is neat. Anyhoo the story, where Cole has prepared himself after the events of the first game with Kessler, proceeds to get a whooping and runs to New Marais is search of a scientist that helped make the original Ray Sphere that made you all zappy. As you free New Marais from Bertrand you discover what the Beast is and have to make a choice. (Weird note, the evil choice was originally cannon but then wasn’t) By the end I loved Zeke and have no problems admitting it.
At the end of this review I categorically state that this game can be picked up on the cheap and if you like simple morality and god like powers then you should give this game a look.
Hints and tips to supercharge your game:
- Take some time to collect blast shards. The more you collect the more electricity you can store and the less you need to recharge
- Learn to charge on the grind – when grinding on tramlines its possible to recharge on passing lightposts and such. Handy trick for a quick juice up.
- Practice your aiming – this is especially important if your good but since each bolt uses energy don’t be too wasteful.
- Duck, cover and move – there’s less chance to hide behind things.
- In the dead zones, stay high and take out anyone high with you. These spots can kill you since you can’t recharge