inFamous - Platinum (PS3)

Status:

Complete and Play Tested

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inFAMOUS Platinum (PS3) Review

Originally released in 2009 and later reissued as part of Sony's Platinum range, inFAMOUS is a gritty, open-world superhero game developed by Sucker Punch Productions. Combining parkour, electricity-based powers, and a morality system, it puts you in the shoes of Cole MacGrath, a bike courier turned human conduit after a mysterious explosion. Even years later, the game remains one of the PS3s standout exclusivesespecially for fans of action-heavy open-world adventures.

Gameplay & Mechanics

Combat and traversal come together beautifully, offering a constant sense of momentum. Whether gliding along power lines or clearing enemy encampments with lightning, the gameplay loop is highly satisfying.

Story & Structure

Set in the quarantined city of Empire City after a cataclysmic blast, inFAMOUS follows Cole as he discovers the origin of his powers and the deeper conspiracy behind the explosion. The plot unfolds through stylized comic book cutscenes with a dark, dystopian tone.

Strengths

• A grounded, believable protagonist whose story deepens as powers grow.

• Solid voice acting and gritty narrative tone.

• Morality choices have real impact on gameplay and narrative outcomes.

Weaknesses

• Supporting characters are somewhat one-note.

• Some twists are predictable and certain missions can feel repetitive.

Graphics & Performance

• Visuals: While not cutting-edge by modern standards, the gritty, washed-out aesthetic fits the setting. Urban decay, electrical effects, and large-scale destruction are rendered convincingly.

• Performance: Solid frame rate, with minor drops during heavy action.

• Cutscenes: Presented in stylish comic panels with voiceoverdistinct and thematic.

• Effects: Electricity powers light up the screen with energy arcs, shockwaves, and explosions.

The world feels alive in its bleakness, aided by the constant hum of electricity and citizen interactions that change based on your karma.

Sound & Presentation

• Voice Acting: Cole (voiced by Jason Cottle) delivers a gruff but grounded performance. Zeke and other NPCs add personality.

• Music: Industrial and ambient score enhances the tone without overpowering the gameplay.

• Sound Design: Crackling electricity, city ambience, and enemy cries are well layered.

Menus and HUD are clean and easy to navigate, while mission prompts and karma indicators are unobtrusive.

Modes & Features

• Single Player Campaign Roughly 1520 hours long, with two major karma paths offering replay value.

• Side Missions Includes street fights, power restores, surveillance take-downs, and rescue operations.

• Collectibles Blast Shards (power boosts) and Dead Drops (lore) reward exploration.

• Trophy Support Full trophy set included in the Platinum edition.

No multiplayer, but the depth of single-player content more than justifies the experience.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Empowering and versatile electric-based abilities

• Seamless parkour and traversal

• Strong sense of atmosphere in Empire City

• Karma system with real gameplay impact

• Meaningful replayability across good and evil paths

Cons
Enemy AI can be overwhelming on higher difficulties
Story pacing dips at times
Some missions and objectives repeat formulaically
Visuals show age in character models and texture detail

Final Verdict

inFAMOUS especially in its Platinum release is a must-play PS3 title that helped define the consoles exclusive library. Gritty, energetic, and empowering, it delivers a superhero origin story that manages to be both grounded and spectacular. The moral choices and fast-paced gameplay still hold up remarkably well.

Score: 8.5 / 10 A powerful, atmospheric, and highly replayable superhero sandbox. Not perfect, but undeniably electrifying.