Review: InFamous 2 PS3

  The first InFamous was a game that opened my eyes, proving that good platformers/adventure games still exist a generation where FPS and Hack-n-Slash games own the market. It was also proof that releasing demos of games for free download is a great idea, for I would of never played the original if it wasn't for the demo. Hopefully this is something that Nintendo realizes. The excitement that came over me when InFamous 2 was announced provoked me to preorder the Hero Edition. This review will cover not only the game, but the extras involved with the Hero Edition.

Cameo from the Cloverfield Monster!

gamePLAY:

   As stated before, the original inFamous was a great action/adventure platformer, with a 3rd person battle mode. While not in battle, you are free to run around the newly introduced city of New Marais jumping from building to building and avoiding one of many watery-graves. The camera switches behind Cole's shoulder during battle, much like it did in the first game. The biggest improvements are Cole's new powers and abilities that help climb buildings quicker, and the melee system. In the first game, the melee system was rarely uses as most enemies had guns and would take you out between punches 2-3.
   You start the game with most of the power-ups from the first, and throughout the game gives you much more exciting power ups including an Ionic Storm that'll tear up almost anything in front of you. The innocent civilians aren't as kind anymore, as they will quickly attack you if they see you hurt an innocent bystander a little too much. It takes a little more planning to make sure you don't accident grenade a bystander standing next to an enemy. Another great improvement is the building climbing has been made to be quicker and easier, because running out of time when you're supposed to be chasing someone, but you're climbing up a side of a wall like a retarded one armed monkey is a little tedious. Thanks for fixing that, Sucker Punch! 10/10

Cole enjoying the sights of New Marais.

theVISUAL:

   This game looks great! The city and areas surrounding the city is well detailed. The city of New Marais isn't as repetitive looking as Empire City was, making this game a little easier to recognize where you are without looking at your map. The character and enemy detail has gotten an insane upgrade, including new facial features and face motion that make you feel like you're watching a movie. The cutscenes are done in comic book style fashion that looks gorgeous on any display. This is probably one of the better looking games I own on the PS3. Not without it's faults though, when enemies rarely fall though walls or you have random break-dancing trashcans. Twice during game play did the game run a little slow, but one of those incidents was during an "protect this thing" missions that has hoards of enemies spawning while I spammed Ionic Storms. 10/10



Kou, The other women. Some say men freeze at the sound of her name. Or something.



soundTRACK:

  There is nothing bad I can say about this soundtrack. The music is spot on in every moment of the game. There is a very good "Dark Knight" feel to it, and if you know what that means, then this doesn't need any more of an explanation. For all two of you who don't know what I mean, please read the following:
The music is the best music I've heard in a game that isn't a RPG in many many years. 10/10
  

storyLINE:

   SPOILER FREE: The game picks up where you left off on the first inFamous. You need new powers, and you know where you need to go to obtain new powers to stop "The Beast" from tearing the world apart, as warned about in the first game. "The Beast" isn't Cole's only problem. He has to worry about his once best friend, two girls that want him for his powers in the wrong way, and a militia headed by a guy you'd expect to see on Christian News Network. As the game plays out, you'll discover tidbits through cutscenes & dread drops (now in the form of pigeons instead of hacked satellites.) There are a few twists here and there and a deeper story then the previous game. The only issue I have is that once you make the final decision, like in the first, the game plays the final out to quickly. It's kind of like having Star Wars Episode VI end 5 minutes after Vader saves Luke, where we quickly see the Empire defeated & Luke having issues with Ghosts following him. That being my only bitch, It's hard for me to give this a 9, because it's a very small bitch that I can't say ruins the game. Dammit, why not? 10/10
SPOILER FULL: GODDAMNITHOWDOIMOVEONWITHLIFEKNOWINGCOLEISDEADIFTHEGODOSTORYISCANNON?! WHY SHOW LIGHTNING STRIKE THE BOAT AT THE END, TEASING ME ABOUT IN A 3RD GAME?! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!?!

$99 worth of win.

HEROEDITION:
   For an extra $40, I went ahead with the Hero Edition. The game came with the following:
inFamous Cole Statue: About 8.5" tall. Great looking piece with better detail then most of the figures I've bought the last few months.
Sling Backpack: Looks like Cole's from the game. Has enough room to keep a handful of PS3 games, an extra controller, my 3DS, a Shonen Jump, and my phone fits nicely. I love this thing.
Soundtrack: Great soundtrack, problem is that it's downloadable. I like things I can touch.
Ingame Items: Lightning Tether (same as Kessler had in the first game.) & skins for Cole. You can play as original Cole, Kessler, or a Reaper. (outfit looks awesome for Evil Side missions.) Amp skins include Sly's Cane, Cave Man Club, a Golden Amp, and a Katana. Great for looks, but mostly pointless as skins are.
Mini Comic: Good comic, with it wasn't the mini-form though.
$40 for Hero Edition? WORTH IT! 9/10.

finalSAY:
   What can I say? This game rocked my world for at least 2 weeks. Now, I'll start playing though evil side missions and enjoy a slightly different game. I'll probably play on Hard, just to keep it new. The game itself receives a perfect score, something I plan on never doing again. Hero Edition receives a 9.75/10.