inFAMOUS 2 Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: PS3
Dev: Sucker Punch
Pub: SCE
Release: June 7, 2011
Players: 1
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Blood, Drug Reference, Language, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence

Just because inFAMOUS 2 delivers a continuing experience without doing the usual retread doesn't mean it is without its faults. This biggest is the melee system. While it is still as simplistic as the original title, it seems like there is a lot of lost potential. Instead of truly utilizing the Amp weapon as an electricity conductor, it is more of two-pronged stick for beating enemies senseless. While you can do cinematic takedowns with a separate button press, it never goes that extra step to show you why Zeke and Cole thought he should have a weapon to channel his powers through. Even though a lot of players may not use the melee often, it is still something that seems to have carried over from the original title. The same can also be said with how some of the climbing mechanics function in the world. You can easily mark this one off as an experience enhancer, but the simple fact is that at times you will find yourself clamoring to get up a building with visible climbing spots and you are unable to climb, and then in other instances you move up the various climbable areas without effort. While I found this frustrating, it happens so infrequently it doesn't truly detract from the overall experience.

inFAMOUS 2 Screenshot

Graphically speaking, inFAMOUS 2 branches away from the original to bring a sharper and more focused experience, with the impressive New Marais. Mimicking the Deep South of the United States, players can easily see how they can compare New Marais with New Orleans. The level of detail masterfully laid into the game continues to create this fantastical Universe for Cole to be the hero or villain. Speaking of Cole, many found the initial redesign to be an atrocity, and the finished product is a blend of the original design and new design. In fact, Cole's new look makes him look much younger than he did in the original title, and may potentially rub the fans of the series the wrong way. Couple this with his new voice and it may spark a nerd-rage on every forum.

Let me make this perfectly clear; I do not mind Cole's new voice. I do, however, know it is an extreme difference from the original and can detract if you have recently played inFAMOUS. Cole's new voice also supports the idea that Cole is being portrayed younger this time around. These obvious standouts do not harm the voice acting done in the game. The story is never painful to listen to, and after a short time, you may find yourself caring more about this story and characters than you did in the first. Couple this with a great soundtrack of epic super heroic proportions, and you have a truly amazing audio experience in gaming.

It can be hard at times to live up to the hype fans create for a game's sequel. Too often, I have seen excellent games fail miserably going into their second installment. No matter the reason, the second entry in a game determines the overall future of a franchise. Thankfully, inFAMOUS 2 delivers. Sucker Punch uses an "if it ain't broke don't fix it" mentality to deliver a truly electrifying sequel that dares anyone not to become a fan.

By Matthew Walker
CCC Site Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.4

Graphics
inFAMOUS 2 manages to surpass the original in several areas on screen. Most notable this time around is Cole's appearance.

4.2

Control
With amazing new powers to utilize and an impressive few new additions to the melee system, inFAMOUS 2 is this year's action adventure game to play.

4.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Despite Cole's new voice, the delivery by the voice actors is on par with the original title. Add the fantastic soundtrack to complete a nice package.

4.6

Play Value
Much like the original title, inFAMOUS 2 delivers solid open world gameplay, numerous collectibles, and a story that must be played twice.

4.6

Overall Rating - Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

True Superhero Experience. Discover what it means to be a true superhero with epic boss battles and powerful cinematic sequences.

Advanced Super Powers. Experience being a full-blown superhero with enhanced electrical attacks, a visceral melee fighting system, and new superpowers.

All-New Open Dynamic World. Explore a vibrant world in the city of New Marais with increased interactivity and destruction using dynamic parkour moves.

New Morality System. All new morality system gives players freedom of choice and leads to two different endings.