inFamous mini-Review - rudyjuly2's Blog

rudyjuly2's Blog

inFamous mini-Review

Posted on June 11, 2009 at 10:31 AM.

(2)

inFamous is a great game. I loved the demo and bought the game. If you do all the side missions, collect the blast shards and get the dead drops it takes a long time. I've probably played around 20 hours and am only 43% done! I�m slow though as most people think you can finish off the game in about 20 to 25 hours if you rush. Collecting things like blast shards aren't just useless hunting expeditions though. They actually aid you in your ability to get more powerful.

This is a sandbox game - an open world environment that features many missions and an overall story (not bad, not great) that ties it together. I don't want people to think it's similar to GTA IV. The style of the game may be (missions, open world) but I was bored with GTA IV and regretted buying it. This game has a completely different gameplay system since you play as a comic book hero/villain. It makes the entire feel of the game unique. You don't drive a car or use guns. You are an electrically powered super hero or potential villain.

If you played the demo first, you may be frustrated by your lack of powers to start the game. This game has a clear RPG style where you have to complete missions, gain experience and learn new powers. XP can be used to upgrade your powers. While annoying at first, the quest to improve yourself keeps you coming back for more. Your power will grow but so will the quality and variety of your opponents as you work your way through the three different islands.

This game forces you to play as a Hero or as a Villain. There is no in between as power upgrades force you to achieve certain levels of karma. Some of the many powers and upgrades that Cole acquires are different depending on your status. There are also 15 unique side missions that pertain only to good or bad characters adding even more replay ability to this game. Of course, you will have to play through the game twice to see these different missions and powers. People on the streets will praise you or stone you depending on your Karma Level.

The character, Cole McGrath, actually has the ability to acquire many different powers and abilities. Some require more energy than others so you can�t just rush in, expend all your energy with a mindless set of shock grenades thrown in every direction and expect to do well. inFamous is not a brainless button masher where you can just jump into a massive battle with the bad guys and kick butt. You have to know your limitations, conserve power at times, and get some cover. Sometimes you just have to turn and run. Cole is not Superman. He's more like Spiderman, which I think is a great thing. If you want a nearly indestructible character that just wants to go destroy stuff, this game might not be for you. Your missions will make certain areas of the islands safe while other areas remain dangerous. I visit the dangerous areas some times for a good battle but keep your head on a swivel and be prepared to die if you get too cocky. Death comes easy in this game. Having to run to a nearby power source (ex. Light post) to re-energize and heal yourself is a good thing imo. Games that come too easy bore me.

This game keeps sucking you back in. I�ve never played a game that was this addictive and took so much of my time. Check out the demo for a great feel for the game and then go out and get this game based on that experience.

Comments

# 1 WatchdogXC @ Jun 11

I loved the demo and plan on picking this up at some point. I'm hoping for a $39.99 sale in the next month or so.

# 2 rudyjuly2 @ Jun 25

Best Buy Canada has this game for $29.99 Canadian June 30th to July 2nd.

I haven't played quite as much lately and am roughly 57% done and have just opened the third island. I'm doing all the side missions, blast shard and dead drops that I can along the way so it takes a LONG time if you do everything. Still having fun and am just missing the Lightning Storm power. The Polarity Wall was the second last thing I got.