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inFamous - Source: Gamefreaks -
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Genre: Third Person Action
Platform: PS3
Publisher: SCE
inFamous is a third-person game set in a sandbox world created exclusively for the PS3. Sucker Punch, the team behind Sly Cooper, has put together a solid superhero game in which platforming and fast-paced fire fights are at the core. The acrobatics will feel familiar to anyone who has played a Sly game in that you'll instantly see the resemblance in all the moves from jumping and tight-rope walking through to wall climbing.
The game follows the story of Cole McGrath who is a resident of the fictional Empire City. As a courier, Cole is assigned to deliver a package which turns out to be a bomb that destroys several city blocks and awakens within him electricity based special powers. After coming round Cole discovers that the city has been quarantined by the government, due to a plague that also breaks out, leaving those left behind to fend for themselves.
The law soon falls to the various gangs and factions, and chaos ensues. You, as Cole, must quickly decide whether you will make your stand for the good of the city or look after yourself; to become either a hero or a villain - Famous or Infamous.
Throughout the game you are given Karma choices which will dictate whether you're fighting for good or evil. For instance, during a government food drop you could choose to fight off the gangsters who arrive and allow the civilians to take their fair share or, kill everybody and keep it for yourself. Your choices will also affect what side missions are available. There are 15 specific alignment-based missions as well as another 70 neutral tasks. There is over 25 hours game time for the hundred odd missions and yes, trophies are available.
Choosing the role of the villain may provide a few more laughs and a whole lot of fun, but it does have its consequences. The actions you take will have an immediate impact on the game. For instance, should you decide to turn to 'the dark side' you'll quickly become public enemy number one with the general populace running on sight and generally hating your guts. The side you take will also reflect in your powers and the way you look. Evil is more destructive and good allows for healing powers, think walking defibrillator.
Empire City consist of three islands, the Neon District where many businesses and entertainment venues are located, the Warren District where goods are shipped into and out of the city, and the Historical District. These districts are connected by bridges and each has its own train system. At the start of the game, six blocks of the Historical District are wiped out by the explosion from a bio-electrical device called the Ray Sphere which also knocks out power across the entire region. Luckily, you are a walking lightning machine and can feed from various electrical generators throughout the city.
Now every superhero needs a sidekick and Cole is no exception. His best friend and fellow courier helps him in his various endeavours, allowing him to take refuge on his roof-top hangout as he eagerly watches you do your stuff. Although loyal to the core, even Zeke will question your intentions should you prefer the more villainous antics.
You will come across various factions such as the Reapers who are led by one of Coles old girlfriends who wields plague-like powers and the Dustman who possesses impressive telekinetic powers and is fighting the First Sons. I don't want to give you any spoilers, so I'll stop there. The plot will twist and turn leaving you questioning whether you were the original perpetrator of the terrorist act or not and how you got your powers.
In the game you are portrayed as this everyday guy who has his world tipped upside down with these powers. The game itself is played in a sandbox style where you have total freedom of movement and choice. The game is a combination of platforming, shooting, puzzles and has some RPG elements when choosing how to develop Cole. At the outset you will be firing off lightning willy nilly, but after upgrades you will soon be able to create more destruction and also access defensive powers such as shielding.
The beauty of this fast paced game is the freedom offered. You will be able to develop Cole into whatever type of character suits you. Cole does have some electricity based weaknesses such as his inability to swim. You know... the old electricity and water don't mix issue. And he can't use guns either as Zeke points out when Cole almost loses his hand when picking up a pistol only for all the bullets to explode.
As I mentioned earlier, Cole is very agile and can climb buildings, jump and walk across precarious powerlines with ease. Not only can he nimbly perfrorm these acrobatics, but he can stop and fire off a few bolts of well aimed electricity at anyone trying to take him out. The beauty of the platforming is that it doesn't demand precise manoevres, if you miss a jump, recovery is close at hand. Almost everything has a ledge, a sill or something to grab onto and Cole can survive falling considerable distances anyway, meaning you won't be cursing at every turn like Mirrors Edge. Life is good.
As you complete the missions you will be given points to spend on upgrading your abilities. The game will track your choices and align them towards that of good or evil. However you don't have to stick to one path. You can choose throughout the game to do deeds as you see fit and be rewarded accordingly. Good powers are more accurate and less destructive whereas evil ones are more powerful, but are likely to harm those nearby. The powers are also easily identified by their colours, blue for hero and red for infamous.
What's great about this game is the fluid controls which balance the fleet footed platforming and frenzied run and gun gameplay. inFamous is a hot title that will have you shooting sparks in no time. The characters and story are vividly displayed via beautiful graphic novel cut-scenes. There are different endings, depending on how you choose to play the game, giving this reasonable replayability. The graphics are crisp and the game has been developed well. One of the best games of its genre to grace the PS3 to date. You can have a great deal of fun just exploring the city, climbing buildings and interacting with people. It's certainly well worth a look and I highly recommend it.
Synopsis: Excellent environments, frenetic combat, elegant platforming and a solid story graced with beautifully drawn graphic novel cut scenes, slots this up there as one of the best games to grace the PS3.
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