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The PlayStation 4 launch in late 2013 left many gamers wanting more. Early exclusive titles like Killzone Shadow Fall and Knack failed to ignite the passionate fanbase, leaving a void for a true must-have experience. The arrival of inFamous: Second Son in March 2014 aimed to change that, bringing the popular inFamous franchise to the new generation. Developer Sucker Punch Productions faced immense pressure to deliver a worthy successor, and this review explores whether they succeeded.

Delsin Rowe using his smoke powers

A New Era, Hero, and Powers

Set seven years after the good ending of inFamous 2, Second Son introduces Delsin Rowe, a young Akomish street artist with a rebellious streak. The world has changed. Cole MacGrath, the protagonist of the previous games, sacrificed himself to activate the Ray Field Inhibitor, eradicating the Beast and the plague. While the number of Conduits (individuals with superpowers) has dwindled, the fear of their power led to the formation of the Department of Unified Protection (D.U.P.). This organization ruthlessly hunts down and imprisons remaining Conduits, branding them “Bio-Terrorists.”

Delsin’s life takes a dramatic turn when a prison transport carrying three Conduits crashes near his tribe’s reservation. He discovers he possesses a unique ability: the power to absorb and wield the powers of other Conduits. This sets him on a path of self-discovery and conflict with the oppressive D.U.P.

Delsin Rowe absorbing powers from a Conduit

Diverse Powers and Moral Choices

Delsin’s power absorption grants him access to a variety of abilities, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. From smoke manipulation to neon absorption, he acquires four distinct power sets throughout the game. This encourages strategic gameplay, as each power is suited to different combat situations. For instance, smoke powers excel in close-quarters combat and allow for traversal through vents, while neon offers greater speed and agility.

Delsin Rowe using his neon powers

Like previous inFamous titles, Second Son features a karma system that shapes Delsin’s path. Players choose to be a hero, liberating Seattle from the D.U.P.’s control, or embrace their dark side and terrorize the city. This choice affects gameplay, unlocking unique powers and influencing the narrative, ultimately leading to distinct endings.

Exploring Seattle

Second Son moves away from the previous games’ settings, bringing players to a meticulously crafted rendition of Seattle. The open-world environment offers ample opportunities for exploration, with Delsin’s powers enabling dynamic traversal. While traversing the city is a joy, a curious limitation prevents players from entering the water, a surprising restriction given Seattle’s prominent waterways.

Seattle cityscape in inFamous: Second Son

Next-Gen Graphics and Performance

Visually, Second Son is a showcase for the PS4’s capabilities. Detailed character models, environments, and impressive lighting effects contribute to a stunning presentation. The dynamic lighting system deserves particular praise, realistically capturing the changing light throughout the day and casting long shadows across the cityscape. Furthermore, the open-world loads seamlessly, providing an uninterrupted gameplay experience.

Dynamic lighting in inFamous: Second Son

Shortcomings

Despite its strengths, Second Son suffers from a few notable drawbacks. The karma system, while present, lacks the depth of its predecessors. The choices, while impacting gameplay, don’t significantly alter the narrative’s overall trajectory. Additionally, the side missions often feel repetitive and lackluster, detracting from the overall experience.

Delsin Rowe facing a moral dilemma

Conclusion

inFamous: Second Son delivers a thrilling superhero experience, showcasing the power of the PS4 with stunning visuals and fluid gameplay. Delsin’s diverse powers and the open-world exploration make for an engaging adventure. While the karma system and side missions could be more compelling, Second Son undoubtedly marks a step forward for the franchise and offers a compelling reason to own a PS4.