In a old school magazine called "Game Pro" there used to be a rating given to games called "Fun Factor". As a kid growing up this used to be the most important rating to me (along wit graphics) because if this rating was high it assured me that the gameplay whether simplistic or complicated was ultimately a hell of a lot of fun. And that's really the point right? Over the years as the power of consoles have exploded to astronomical heights games have taken a more and more complex approach to gameplay an strategy sometimes enhancing "fun factor" but lot of times in spite of it. I'm no gamer that doesn't like a challenge either. I play complex games from jrpgs to fighters to deep simulations like NBA 2K (and not just play em. I'm damn good at them). But complexity just for complexity's sake is not a good gaming experience. Sometimes a simplistic but addictive game can be the most rewarding. Think all the original Nintendo classics.
It is with that that I say, Infamous Second Son is a exuberant return to good old days of unadulterated FUN FACTOR. Pick up the controller and have an absolute blast. LITERALLY. A gorgeous, stunning, simply beautiful blast at that. Zipping around the lush and luxurious Seattle landscape wit Delsin creating havoc is some of the most insanely addictive arbitrary fun I have ever had in a video game. Close to but just short of my jubilation of scouring Gotham as Batman in Arkham City. It's remarkably fun and so so addictive. I don't care how many times I use endless speed with Neon to make a non stop trip from one end of the map to the other or how many times I see those beautiful wing from my Video power: IT WILL NEVER GET OLD. Neither will the super moves.
A big part of the reason it's so fun is Delsin himself. A instantly likeable rebel who is having just as much fun as you are wreaking havoc on the DUPes. I was NOT a fan of the original Infamous games. Cole and the world just did not connect wit me enough to want to finish them. Suffice it to say, I beat Infamous my SECOND (pun not intended but obvious) day wit the game. I could not put it down. The story is good albeit short. And all of the characters are likeable and well voice acted. I really wish Fetch had more to do but Sucker Punch did a great job establishing the brotherly relationship between Delsin and Reggie and understand why they chose to focus on their story. FETCH better return tho! She is a very interesting character and a change of pace for female characters in video games.
But other than that Infamous is a remarkable experience. It's the best looking game ever made, it has an great protagonist at the center, and addictive gameplay. The reviews to this game baffle me. This is without question the best next gen game released so far. And it's not even close. GET THIS GAME!
