Status:
Complete and Play Tested
----------------------------------
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
| Feature | Description | Verdict |
|---|
| Powers | Cole gains a growing arsenal of electrical abilities: bolts, grenades, shockwaves, lightning storms, and more. | Powers feel punchy, visually distinctive, and evolve meaningfully across the campaign. |
| Parkour & Traversal | Freerunning system allows you to climb buildings, wires, ledges, and rails with ease. | Smooth and intuitive. Parkour is a huge highlight. |
| Combat | Third-person shooting with power upgrades. Area control and cover are important. | Energetic but can feel slightly floaty; enemy AI is aggressive and challenging. |
| Karma System | Decisions influence whether Cole becomes a hero or villain. Affects appearance, powers, and public perception. | Effective if a bit binaryclear "good" vs "evil" choices with little nuance. |
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
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:
