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inFamous: Second Son, a PlayStation 4 exclusive, introduced a new era for the inFamous franchise, moving beyond the story of Cole MacGrath. While it achieved critical acclaim, it also introduced a compelling cast of new characters. One of the most popular was Fetch, a conduit with incredible neon-based powers. inFamous: First Light, a standalone expansion, delves into Fetch’s backstory, offering players a chance to experience her unique abilities and tragic past.

alt text: Fetch using her neon powers in inFamous: First Light

The Speed of Neon: Fetch’s Unique Gameplay

Abigail “Fetch” Walker, like Delsin Rowe, is a conduit with the power to control neon, granting her unparalleled speed and agility. In Second Son, neon powers stood out for their dynamic combat and traversal options. First Light allows players to fully embrace these abilities, experiencing the game through the eyes of the franchise’s first playable female protagonist. The narrative explores Fetch’s past, revealing the tragic events that shaped her and her brother, Brent. While players familiar with Second Son may know the ultimate outcome, the journey through Fetch’s memories offers compelling insights and exhilarating gameplay. Those who own Second Son can also revisit Delsin, choosing either his good or evil karma path, in the Arena challenges. These challenges offer a chance to showcase mastery of all powers and compete on global leaderboards. Fetch, with her specialized neon abilities, also joins the fray in these challenges.

alt text: Fetch running along a neon trail in inFamous: First Light

Mastering Neon: A Deeper Dive into Fetch’s Powers

Sucker Punch has expanded Fetch’s neon abilities in First Light, adding new moves, including impressive homing missiles. Focusing solely on neon allows for a more extensive and diverse skill tree compared to Delsin’s broader power set. Players can unlock and upgrade these abilities by collecting Neon Lumens scattered throughout the city. Some are cleverly hidden in challenging locations, encouraging exploration and rewarding thoroughness. While Delsin can also wield neon, Fetch’s connection to the power feels more intrinsic. She grew up with it, her abilities intertwined with her personal struggles.

alt text: Fetch creating neon graffiti in inFamous: First Light

Both characters can achieve blinding speed, but Fetch has an edge with strategically placed neon clouds that provide temporary speed boosts. First Light leverages this with side missions like Neon Races, where players must chase fast-moving orbs, demanding precise timing and skillful use of these boosts. The graffiti missions also return, enhanced by Fetch’s vibrant neon palette, creating stunning works of art that surpass even Delsin’s creations.

A Fleeting Glimpse: The Drawbacks of First Light

alt text: Fetch confronting enemies in inFamous: First Light

Being a standalone expansion, inFamous: First Light feels more like substantial DLC than a full game, primarily due to its shorter story. A playthrough of the main campaign can take as little as 3-4 hours, with additional playtime coming from side missions and Arena challenges. The narrative, while offering insight into Fetch’s tragic past, isn’t particularly complex.

alt text: Fetch in a cutscene from inFamous: First Light

The storytelling structure, interweaving Fetch’s past with her present confinement in Curdun Cay and Arena trials, can feel disjointed and disrupt the narrative flow. For players unfamiliar with Second Son, First Light serves as a prequel, offering a glimpse into the world and its powers before experiencing Delsin’s story.

alt text: Fetch using her neon powers to fight in inFamous: First Light

Linear Narrative and Missing Choices

The short playtime wouldn’t be a significant issue if the main missions were engaging and diverse. Unfortunately, many are linear and simplistic, often repeating objectives like rooftop sniping or hostage rescues. One standout mission requires reaching marked locations within a time limit, showcasing Fetch’s speed and agility. This time-sensitive element, if implemented throughout the game, could have significantly enhanced the gameplay experience. The karma system, a staple of the inFamous series, is absent in First Light, likely due to the narrative focus on Fetch’s predetermined past and character development. This removes the player agency and moral choices that defined previous entries.

Conclusion

inFamous: First Light offers a focused and fast-paced experience showcasing Fetch’s compelling neon powers and backstory. While the short length and linear missions may disappoint some, it provides valuable context for Second Son and a chance to explore a fan-favorite character in more depth. It serves as a worthwhile addition for fans of the series, particularly those intrigued by Fetch’s story and eager for more neon-powered action.