Summary
In 2009,Sly Cooperdeveloper Sucker Punch kicked off theInfamousfranchise—a series that would go on to be a standout PlayStation IP. In 2024,Infamousmay feel like a relic of the past, as the franchise hasn’t gotten a new entry since 2014’sInfamous Second Son, but that doesn’t mean that the games lack value, even for the modern player.
On the contrary, the firstInfamousis a brilliant game and proof of concept. BeforeInfamous, superhero video games were nothing new, with cultural icons like Superman and Spider-Man appearing in licensed games as far back as the early 80s. But superhero games that adopt familiar tropes like a traumatic origin story and a contentious relationship between heroes and civilians, while not being tied to a long-established franchise, were decidedly less common. EnterInfamous, a bona-fide superhero story free from the constraints of ownership by a company like Marvel, DC, or Dark Horse. Being relatively independent,Infamouslacked brand recognition, but it made up for that in innovation, offering a fresh take on the omnipresent superhero formula.
Infamous: An Inventive Take On the Superhero Genre
Infamous Is Original and Bold
Infamousis often considered one of the best PS3exclusives, which is nothing to scoff at—it had some stiff competition. Its reputation is well-deserved, as Sucker Punch managed to conjure both an engaging superpower system and a compelling narrative, which see-saws between a grand, existential threat and the interpersonal conflicts of the protagonist, Cole McGrath.
Cole’s struggles with responsibility, the weight of power, and the loss of his once-normal life is reflected by the game’s choice and morality system. Such mechanics were ubiquitous during the era in whichInfamouswas released, but Sucker Punch made it feel unique: Cole’s powers change based on his alignment on the game’s moral scale, both in terms of appearance and function, with ‘evil’ versions of the character wielding more indiscriminately destructive powers, and ‘good’ characters leveraging more precise, easy to control abilities. Through this system,Infamouslets the player feel powerful, while constantly reminding them of the weight of such power.
Cole’s appearance will also change based on morality, as will the game’s narrative.
Infamous' satisfying morality system helps the game feel fresh and replayable, even today, but it’s only one example of how the game sets itself apart from other pieces of superhero media. Another would be the game’s story, which can get surprisingly grim: the story is replete with death, disillusion, and desperation, and there’s never any guarantee that its near-apocalyptic setting will achieve a peaceful state by the end of the game.
Then there’sCole’s unconventional electricity powers, which help him stand apart from other superheroes. Though powerful, he can often feel surprisingly down to earth: he lacks superhero staples like an extravagant outfit, the ability to fly, super-strength, and super-speed. He doesn’t even have a great deal of stamina, needing to siphon electricity from the city to keep his powers topped up. All of this helps to further support the game’s gritty and mature style.
The Industry Needs More Games Like Infamous
TheInfamousfranchise has been dormant sinceSecond Sun, and this is a shame. The firstInfamousgame precededAvengersand the rapid unfolding of the MCU that heralded an explosion of superhero-related media, which is now reaching a point of saturation. Superhero movies, TV shows, and games have been criticized for putting franchise-building ahead of story, and for sometimes feeling too corporate or built-by-committee. ButInfamousdidn’t have these issues; the game felt like a truly original, fun experience that just so happened to feature a protagonist that some would label a “superhero.”
MaybeInfamouswill return one day, but it’s more important for its spirit to endure. Massive conglomerates like Marvel and DC have a vice grip on superhero media, including games, but this doesn’t have to be the case.Infamous, all those years ago, proved as much.
inFAMOUS
WHERE TO PLAY
A massive explosion rips through six square blocks of Empire City, leveling everything and killing everyone in its path… everyone, except you! In inFAMOUS, an open-world action-adventure title exclusively for the PlayStation 3 system, players will feel what it’s like to be granted incredible powers… how you use them is up to you. The consequences of your actions will affect you, the citizens, and the city around you. You’ll develop and grow your powers, and eventually uncover the purpose of it all.
