Infamous: Second Son Review

Should you get hip to the power trip?

Infamous: Second Son, from Sucker Punch Productions

      Cole MacGrath--no more. Say hello to the new infamy: Delsin Rowe! Infamous Second Son introduces us to a new protagonist and a new setting.Seattle (in all its splendor and realism) is the playground for our latest adventures in the, now familiar, superhero comic-styled Franchise, Infamous. The lead, Delsin Rowe, is a member of the game's Akomish tribe. Delsin, from the very opening, is "painted" as a trouble maker. He lacks a sense of responsibility, but--if the player so chooses--he doesn't lack the heart or the compunction to make the daring decisions befitting a destined hero. Delsin is (all things considered) quite affable; and as he revels in his new-found abilities as a conduit, his attitude is infectious and serves to instill players with a secondhand bliss, so much so that uncertain experiences ahead seem bright.With circumstances that seem fated to be, if not strangely and irreversibly set in motion by hidden, causal factors--as future revelations may reveal, Delsin is torn from the confines of the Akomish reserve; and he must make telegraphed karmic (moral) decisions, which, to some extent, add depth and development, but, ultimately, have so little impact that the developers might as well have settled upon a two path system--as the current one artificially slots players into one of two karmic paths. The D.U.P (the Department of Unified Protection) has locked down Seattle and are out to contain the Conduit problem. Conduits are the Infamous equivalent of superhumans, think X-Men. Delsin, in a straightforward plot to undue the work of Augustine (the D.U.P commander in charge of a Seattle wide lock-down), ventures into Seattle for middling fun.

How Viable is the Push Towards All Digital?

All Digital? Or No? Is it Safe?

 With the advent of the PS4 and Xbox One on the horizon, we see a discussion brewing over the fabric of the gaming world. The make-up of which is in flux. There is a stronger push from those within the games industry for an all-digital gaming experience. I can see the benefits. Indeed, easier access to your entire library of games, no matter where you are--that is, if you have an internet connection. Then there is the clamoring of the crowd of sheep, who easily-- without quantification and solid proof-- buy the notions that all publishers and online market places--Sony and Microsoft--will enact policies that would be becoming of the highly vaunted Valve corp.. I think there is a fundamental desire for the latest advances in technology. This desire may, at times, prove to be a major flaw. Only allowing the most longing of us to establish a cue of interest that is heavily weighted and steered by the foggy intentions and motivations of the companies that helm our games. The idea that Sony and Microsoft would, for little reason other than digital meaning a release from physical media and its trappings, shower the consumer in Steam/GOG styled sales and offers is absurd. These companies only need you to buy-in. They have no vested interest in your well-being. And, as such there is no way to determine whether or not the so called "necessary"push to all digital, will bring with it the very necessary benefits that it must provide to be fully justified.

PS Vita: Untapped Potential

  Vita, Vita, Vita....

What's up with the PS Vita? I can't figure out how such a well crafted piece of gaming technology goes untouched week to week-- month to month. I got my Vita bundled with Assassin's Creed: Liberation, and I do not regret it. AC:Liberation has astounding visual fidelity, especially for the open-world experience it offers on the handheld. I can't and won't speak for other Vita owners. But, I will say the game selection is there--you just have to look.

(From Gaucamelee, Stealth Inc., Strangers Wrath, Need For Speed, Assassin's Creed, Unit 13, Persona, Playstation All-Stars, Virtue's Last Reward, etc., to a host of PSP titles).

  Having to look--that can be considered an issue for some. Where are all the honest to gosh, marketing campaigns. Then on the other hand Sony itself appears to be asleep in the wings. I just don't understand why they are not, at the top of their longs--with every pore of their being, exalting the Vita and lobbying for more content. They very well maybe pulling some strings and calling in favors behind the scenes, but this does the Vita no good in the public eye. Look at Killzone: Mercenaries, the game is shaping up to explode out of the gates as thee best ever looking Vita--gaming handheld--title, ever. Not only that, but the surprising refinement of graphics may also be hiding--what looks to be--a fun, fps experience.