Simply Illustrious- Infamous Reviewed

Infamous for the Playstation 3. Developer: Sucker Punch, Publisher: SCEA


Although the recent PSN demo of Infamous exhibited some compelling combat, we had some reservations with other elements of the game. While riding atop a moving train was mildly stimulating, stopping every few blocks to charge underpass switches felt like an artificial contrivance. The title’s decaying metropolis seemed sufficiently busy, but rooftop observations were burdened by drops in the game’s framerate. As a harbinger of the quality of the final retail game, the demo indicated that Infamous would be a competent, if somewhat flawed experience.

Luckily, that forecast was terribly mistaken- the demo did a woefully inadequate job of displaying the complete title’s charms. Not only is the framerate remarkably improved, but seeing the retail game’s powerful storytelling devices pulled us deeper into Infamous’ dystopian world.  Now, the title stands as one of our favorite Playstation 3 exclusives.

The title opens somewhat preposterously, as bicycle courier Cole McGrath unknowingly carries an explosive package through Empire City. Midway through his delivery, the cargo denotes, leveling several square blocks and creating havoc through the city. An oppressive government agency has quarantined sections of the city, while remaining districts fall under gang control. Miraculously, Cole is not decimated by the blast, but endowed with electrical superpowers. While a number of titles have used a comic book motif to frame a game’s narrative, Infamous’ story is exceptionally well-written, embedding themes of trust, alienation, and desperation. Dialog between the protagonist and other characters is well written, and wisely delivered simultaneously with on-screen action.

As gamers progress through Infamous, they are presented a number of elements that allow the title to transcend above the typical action game. Through exploration players are granted information that allows for an understanding of the events that preceded the catastrophic explosion in Empire City. This methodical plot expertly maintained our interest, and created an investment in the central characters that is absent from most action games. Throughout the game, players will encounter a number of ‘karma moments’; pivotal junctures that will determine Cole’s allegiances, powers, and ultimately- the conclusion of the game.

One of Infamous’ greatest strengths is its well-refined control scheme. While the title’s central focus is on ranged and melee combat, both environmental exploration and some platforming is required by the game. When first presented with a series of narrow pipes on which to traverse, we were initially dubious- a myriad of action games have presented similar obstacles that the results are recurrently frustrating. Within minutes we were confidently bounding from ledge to platform with an ease that recalled the precision of 2D platforming. When players must scale buildings, the title’s rarely frustrates; miscalculated jumps result in an unhurried fall where the player can grab a piece of the structure to stop their decent.  Although we’ve seen numerous cover systems over the years, seeing Cole hang sheltered under a ledge while firing upon enemies, felt wonderfully fresh.
 
As noted earlier, the final retail version of Infamous displays a much smoother framerate than what was shown in the game’s demo. However, there were still instances in the full game where the refresh rate would plummet- smoke effects frequently caused the title to chug along.  The graphically obsessive will likely notice a bit of pop-in as Cole navigates through the city; most people will be having too much fun to notice. Generally, the game is textured exceptionally well, although we wish the game would have taken a cue from Fable 2 and made the alignment of Cole more discernable. One graphical element we loved was Cole’s rope walking animation that recalled developer Sucker Punch’s magnificent Sly Cooper series.

Along with Metal Gear Solid 4: Gun of the Patriots, and Ratchet and Clank: Future Tools of Destruction, Infamous is a must-own title for Playstation 3 owners. The title masterfully blends exploration, platforming, shooting and melee combat into one finely tuned package. Infamous is the type of game that liquefies time- hours feel like minutes while you’re under the title’s spell. Requirements like eating and daily hygiene take a backseat to the events on-screen, creating a delightfully dangerous diversion. Grab your copy with a stick of deodorant and a bag of jerky, just to be safe.

About Robert Allen

Since being a toddler, Robert Allen has been immersed in video games, anime, and tokusatsu. Currently, his days are spent teaching at two southern California colleges. But his evenings and weekends are filled with STGs, RPGs, and action titles and well at writing for Tech-Gaming since 2007.

47 comments

  1. I thought the same thing about the demo. That it was OK, nothing special. Now, I have to get it.

  2. Was anyone else reminded of the Force Unleashed by a bald buys shooting lightening out of his hands and moving stuff?

    That made me not preorder the game.

  3. stinking Sony loving fanboys. You give all their games a “A” cause you love them so much. Admit it.

  4. Alexander Grape

    That’s what you guys get for doubting the Sly Cooper guys!

  5. I got inFAMOUS this morning and cant stop playing it. LOL at the showing and eating remark.

  6. Way to promote gamer stereotypes of eating junk food and not bathing. Why don’t you write something about them living with their mom.

  7. Cause we live in the basement, not technically with Mom 😉

  8. Am I crazy or so the colors seem washed out in those pics?

  9. Great review!

  10. Shame they didn’t make this for 360 also. I guess the sucker punchers like being broke.

  11. Well put and said about the game. I’m shocked that the demo had those issues, but I guess this shows us that we can’t judge a book by it’s cover.

    Looks fun and a very worthwhile investment. Just watching others play it and I’m having fun. LOL, go to justin.tv and see what I mean.

  12. You’re a bald bike messenger? HAHA, at least no space marines.

  13. You guys like the conversations with Zeke? He’s really annoying to me.

  14. Die troll.

  15. Hey, geniuses

    It’s written, “inFAMOUS”. Did you even look at the box?!?!

  16. Giant Bomb calls it ‘InFAMOUS’ and ‘InFamous’

    http://www.giantbomb.com/infamous/61-20599/reviews/

  17. HAHA, I just looked at the 1up review that they write it two different ways. I guess it’s pretty confusing.

  18. Cool, who is justin of justin.tv fame? Anyone know?

  19. Racoon City Wino

    Great writeup! I cant wait to play this.

  20. all this caps shit has got to go. Just call the shit infamous. Capitalize if you want. or don’t.

  21. framerate on the demo was ok, no problems here.

  22. You are so right about the control. Jumping on wires and building is perfect. It could have gone so wrong!

  23. I thought the demo was was pretty good, but I’ve never expected too much out of a demo so its pretty fun. Can’t wait to go pick up the full game.

  24. Sound alot like Fable 2 to me. Thats a good thing.

  25. gogamer advertised a 36.00 price, but reneged on it. They blamed cheapassgamer for the error. Still I want it.

  26. It’s really much better in the final game.

  27. Did Sucker Punch pay you with sexual favors or male escorts?

  28. Are you talking to me or the site?

  29. HAHA, looks like 360 lovers are all over the site.

  30. Does using electricity ever get boring?

  31. RocksontheScotch

    But he still LOOKS like a space marine.

  32. With a name like Infamous this could have gone horribly wrong!

  33. Man, I cant wait to get this game.

  34. Great review I completely agree with every line.

  35. Wow, this game sounds amazing.

  36. Alexander Grape

    short answer: no.

    You’re always getting new powers.

  37. Wow, this is getting some amazing reviews. PS3 needs some hits like this.

  38. This is one of the better review I have read. You covered what I wanted to know and weren’t too damn long.

    Why does the IGN review have to be so long?

  39. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin.tv can explain it better than I can.

    But basically a guy named Justin Kan wore a live cam on his hat 24/7 and got a lot of hits. After that, it became a hub for everyone to “life cast” as it is put. Quite nice.

  40. Thanks for the info. I always hear about it.

  41. It sounds good, but it’s not the game that will push PS3s into people’s homes.

  42. Yeah, but 3 or 4 more games like this could push people into picking up a PS3…

  43. How many different enemies are in the game?

  44. I don’t get where the title comes from.

  45. I’m absolutely loving the game so far.

  46. I can bee a “B” or so, but an “A”, really?!?!

  47. Zombie Bobbylon

    You do know that SONY makes all the best games in the world and you still buy random… what did you expect a multiplatform?

    *while I was writning this at least 1 person regreted the purchase of 360