Long before Marvel’s Spider-Man took the PlayStation stage, inFAMOUS: Second Son delivered one of the most electrifying superhero experiences of its generation. Sucker Punch’s 2014 PS4 exclusive invites players to wield a suite of reality-bending powers in a rain-soaked, quarantined Seattle-while deciding just how heroic (or infamous) they want to be.
Set seven years after the events of inFAMOUS 2, Second Son follows Delsin Rowe-a rebellious graffiti artist from the Akomish tribe—who discovers he can absorb the powers of other “Conduits.” When a chance encounter awakens his abilities, Delsin and his brother Reggie are drawn into conflict with the Department of Unified Protection (DUP) and its formidable leader, Brooke Augustine, who wields her own concrete-based powers.
What truly sets Delsin apart is his ability to “borrow” and master a range of powers—smoke, neon, video, and even concrete—each dramatically transforming both combat and traversal. Whether you’re zipping up skyscrapers in a neon blur, phasing through digital barriers, or pulverizing foes with smoke bombs, the game continuously rewards experimentation. These mechanics were supported by then-groundbreaking particle effects and slick animations that showed off the PS4’s capabilities at launch.
The open-world version of Seattle is both a playground and battleground, with each district under tight DUP lockdown. The karma system is woven throughout the experience, influencing which powers you unlock and how civilians respond to Delsin. Heroic players might rescue citizens and subdue foes non-lethally, while an infamous path leads to more destructive abilities and a city that fears you. These choices, while sometimes black-and-white, add replayability and shape your journey through the story’s branching skill trees and endings.
Despite its many strengths, Second Son isn’t without its shortcomings. Side content often boiled down to repetitive tasks: disabling cameras, clearing checkpoints, and tagging walls. While these activities expanded your influence, some players found them less engaging over time. Still, the core gameplay loop—combining flashy powers, fast-paced combat, and moral dilemmas—remains compelling, and the campaign’s 10-15 hour runtime strikes a satisfying balance between focus and freedom.
At launch, Second Son wowed with its technical prowess and energetic gameplay, earning an 80 Metascore and cementing its place as a fan-favorite. Today, it stands as a memorable PS4 exclusive—one that let players decide what kind of hero (or anti-hero) they wanted to become. As new generations of superhero games emerge, Second Son serves as a reminder of just how exhilarating—yet narratively personal—the genre can be when executed with ambition and style.
TL;DR: inFAMOUS: Second Son remains a standout PS4 superhero adventure, blending dazzling powers, meaningful choices, and a vibrant Seattle. While its side missions may feel repetitive, the main story, moral dilemmas, and visual flair make it a must-try for fans of action-packed, choice-driven games.
Source: Sony Computer Entertainment via GamesPress