Title: inFamous
Release: May 26, 2009
Genre: Action Adventure
Developer: Sucker Punch
Publisher: SCEA
Platform: PS3
Rating: T (Teen)
Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Infamous-Playstation-3/dp/B000ZK7ZOE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1245714819&sr=8-1
Website: http://www.infamousthegame.com/
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The only thing more exciting than a new franchise is new franchise developed by an acclaimed developer. Sucker Punch is best known for their work on the PS2 with the Sly Cooper action games. As strange as it sounds, the fundamental game play and attention to quality in the Sly games can be found integrated within inFamous and helps make their latest title such a well-rounded success.
You cannot fully appreciate the graphics until you have played infamous for a few hours. At first it appears rough around the edges quite literally. “jaggies” make their way into every scene due to the PS3’s lack of anti-aliasing and character models are less defined than the main character Cole. Weird graphical glitches present themselves occasionally but never compromise the experience. Over time, it begins to sink in that you have been jumping from mission to mission without a single loading screen and every structure that can be seen looming in the distance can be reached and climbed on. There is little slowdown and every foot of the game implements dynamic lighting which is a must since Cole is usually glowing. The comic book aesthetic is excellently drawn but tends to rush the story needlessly. Cole’s animations are pitch perfect. Whether he is climbing a light pole or walking on a power line, every effort is made to reproduce someone who is vibrantly alive and athletically gifted.
The music is triumphantly heroic sounding similar to superhero movies like Batman and Spiderman. The cracking of electricity is sharp while hitting the ground from a high fall creates a satisfying thump. The voice acting is above average with only one grating performance by Cole’s best friend Zeke who seems to be from a different game.
Jumping from ledges and rooftops is a thrill to watch. The game seems to magnetically draw Cole towards objects he leaps towards which greatly reduces awkward falling deaths and frustrating level design. The electric powers given to you are a blast to use. You can zap individual enemies, send a shockwave toward a group of foes, crash down on a gang from the top of a building and even lob energy grenades that stick to enemies similar to the sticky grenades found in Halo. More powers become available as you progress through the game. Ethical decisions will determine which powers are unlocked depending on whether you are a hero or villain. This aspect of moral decision making is starting to become a cliché in games today but it makes sense within the context of inFamous. The game is a little on the short side, but because some missions become locked as you choose to be good or evil, you will have to play the game twice if you want to see everything inFamous has to offer.
The PS3 is finally starting to build some momentum in 2009. inFamous can become a key exclusive franchise moving into 2010 and 2011. Sony is very fortunate to have delivered so much with inFamous and will keep PS3 owners happy until more exclusive content such as Drake’s Fortune 2 and God of War III roll out.
Overall Rating: * * * * / 5
M. Michael Chwedyk "The Gamekok" - MuzikReviews.com Sr. Video Game Reviewer
June 22, 2009
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