inFamous: Second Son (PlayStation Hits)

Description

inFAMOUS: Second Son was developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Computer Entertainment as the third main entry in the series. Set seven years after the events of inFAMOUS 2, the game established a new storyline that assumed the “good” ending of Cole MacGrath’s saga as canon. In this continuity, the Conduits (superhumans capable of manipulating elemental powers) survived and were rebranded by the government as “bioterrorists.” The Department of Unified Protection (D.U.P.), a militarised agency, was tasked with hunting them down and maintaining strict control over the population. Delsin Rowe, a rebellious graffiti artist from Washington state discovers his Conduit abilities after an encounter with a fugitive. Unlike Cole, Delsin’s power is absorption: he can acquire and wield the abilities of other Conduits. Over the course of the game, he gains control of Smoke, Neon, Video, and Concrete powers, each offering distinct combat and traversal mechanics. His journey pits him against the D.U.P. and its leader, Brooke Augustine, while exploring his strained relationship with his brother Reggie and the moral consequences of his choices.

Gameplay retained the open‑world structure of earlier entries but expanded its scope. Players could freely explore a detailed recreation of Seattle, scaling buildings, gliding across rooftops, and using powers for both combat and mobility. Each power set had unique traversal options — Neon allowed Delsin to dash up skyscrapers in streaks of light, while Smoke enabled him to zip through vents and across rooftops. Combat was fast‑paced and destructive, with players encouraged to experiment with different abilities. The morality system returned, allowing players to pursue either a heroic or villainous path. Choices affected Delsin’s powers, story outcomes, and public perception, though critics noted the binary nature of the system felt dated compared to the game’s otherwise modern design. Side activities included clearing D.U.P. checkpoints, tagging graffiti murals, and engaging in dynamic street battles, all of which contributed to liberating districts of Seattle.

Second Son was one of the earliest PlayStation 4 exclusives to demonstrate the console’s capabilities. It featured highly detailed character models, advanced particle effects, and realistic lighting, particularly in the rendering of Neon trails and environmental destruction. The game also integrated the DualShock 4’s features, such as motion controls for spray‑painting graffiti and the touchpad for certain interactions. It was well received for the visuals, fluid traversal, and the variety of powers, while opinions on the story and morality system were more mixed. Some felt Delsin lacked the depth of Cole MacGrath, while others appreciated the fresh start and lighter tone. Commercially, the game was a success, selling a million copies in just over a week and eventually surpassing six million, making it the fastest‑selling entry in the series. Though no further mainline entries have followed, the game remains a defining early exclusive of the PS4 era and a touchstone for discussions of superhero‑style open‑world design.