Infamous 2 sends Cole MacGrath back to New Marais with a bigger city and a bigger power set, and for the most part, it delivers. The open-world structure carries over, but the mission design is sharper, the side activities are plentiful, and the electricity powers get a serious upgrade.
Trailer, via IGN.
Cole Returns to New Marais
Cole is still trying to stop the RFI virus from spreading while fighting the corrupt government agency FEDRA. The plot is familiar, but the pacing is tighter than the original. Character moments land better, and the voice acting holds up across the full campaign.
The City and Its Power Set
New Marais is larger and denser than the first game’s setting, packed with side missions, collectibles, and a faction system tied to the local gangs. Players can choose which gang to support, and those choices shape which missions unlock later. The electricity powers now include new combos and a full suite of ranged and melee moves, giving Cole a far more flexible toolkit than before.
Combat and Controls
Fights feel heavier and more rewarding than in the first Infamous. Enemies hit harder, and Cole’s powers need to be used together to survive. The controls are tight, and the camera rarely gets in the way during fast movement through the city. That said, some enemy types are repetitive, especially late in the game.
Side Content and Replay Value
The side content is where Infamous 2 shines brightest. There are dozens of collectible trophies scattered across the map, and each one rewards players with experience points and cosmetic items. The faction system adds a layer of choice that few games attempt, even if it sometimes feels arbitrary. The main story is solid, but the extra material is what keeps the game interesting after the credits roll.
Technical Performance
On PS3, Infamous 2 runs well overall. Load times are reasonable, and the frame rate stays steady during combat. Some texture pop-in appears in quiet moments, but it rarely spoils the action. The lighting effects on electricity powers are particularly strong, making the city look brighter than ever.
The Verdict
Infamous 2 improves on almost every aspect of its predecessor, from the powers to the city layout. The campaign is shorter than some players might want, but the depth of the side content makes up for it. This is a game that rewards exploration and experimentation, not just following the main path.
Infamous 2 is a confident step forward for the series. It takes the formula that worked and builds on it with ambition, delivering a game that feels both familiar and fresh.
Key Facts Box
- Platform: PS3
- Genre: Open-world action-adventure
- Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
- Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
- Score: 8.4 of 10
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