{{Short description|2014 video game}} {{Good article}}{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}} {{Infobox video game | title = Infamous Second Son | image = Infamous second son boxart.jpg | developer = Sucker Punch Productions | publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment | director = Nate Fox | producer = Brian Fleming | designer = Jaime Griesemer<ref name="Pf766" /> | programmer = | artist = | writer = | composer = Brain and Melissa<ref name="musician" /><br />Nathan Johnson<ref name="musician" /><br />Marc Canham<ref name="musician" /> | series = ''Infamous'' | platforms = PlayStation 4 | released = March 21, 2014 | genre = Action-adventure | modes = Single-player }}
'''''Infamous Second Son'''''{{Efn|Stylized as '''''inFAMOUS Second Son'''''}} is a 2014 action-adventure video game developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 4. The third installment in the ''Infamous'' series, it serves as a standalone sequel to 2011's ''Infamous 2''. The player-controlled protagonist possesses superpower abilities that players use in combat and when traveling across the city. The story follows protagonist Delsin Rowe fighting the Department of Unified Protection (D.U.P.) in a fictionalized Seattle. Over the course of the game, Delsin acquires new powers and becomes either good or evil as player choices influence his morality.
Sucker Punch began developing ''Infamous Second Son'' as early as 2011, when it began discussions with Sony on bringing the ''Infamous'' series to a new generation of hardware. The developer provided feedback to Sony on what hardware evolutions it would like to see on PlayStation 4. Sucker Punch considers ''Second Son'' a "fresh start" for the series because it features a new protagonist. Delsin's powers were designed to feel fluid and suited to the open world design.
''Infamous Second Son'' received positive reviews from critics, who praised its gameplay, combat, visuals and design, while criticism was aimed at the morality system, which some found to be dated and binary, as well as the repetitive side missions. The story was met with a mixed response, with some critics finding the narrative and characters to be a step backwards from previous installments in the series, while others viewed the writing as an improvement over its predecessors. The game sold over a million units within nine days of its release and six million units by June 2019, making it the fastest-selling entry of the ''Infamous'' series and one of the best-selling PlayStation 4 games.
== Gameplay == [[File:Infamous Second Son gameplay.jpg|thumb|left|Delsin may use his superpowers to subdue enemies rather than killing them. Players make choices like these, with Delsin's karma level consequently rising as either good or evil. |alt=The player character Delsin Rowe has just used his powers to subdue an enemy, who lays restrained on the floor with light particles that resemble chains wrapped around him. The text prompt in the upper-left hand corner reads "Enemy subdued".]]
''Infamous Second Son'' is an action-adventure game set in an open world environment and played from a third-person perspective. Players control the main character Delsin Rowe, who can parkour-style climb vertical surfaces like high-rise buildings. Delsin is a Conduit, which allows him to use superpowers by manipulating materials such as smoke, neon, video, and concrete. These materials can be weaponized (such that Delsin can perform melee attacks or fire projectiles from his fingertips) or used to deftly navigate the game world (such as using neon to dash up buildings).<ref name="GI-Preview" /><ref name="sWc6g" /> Using powers depletes a meter in the head-up display (HUD), which can be replenished by drawing from power sources such as smoke from exploded vehicles.<ref name="Art Animation Smoke" /> Delsin earns new powers as he progresses through the story, which sees him fight against the Department of Unified Protection (D.U.P.) during missions. Each time Delsin gains a new power set he must destroy D.U.P. Core Relays to learn the basic abilities that correspond to it. Delsin upgrades and acquires new abilities by spending Blast Shards that have been collected, they are scattered throughout Seattle. Players become more powerful in combat by expanding Delsin's suite of abilities.<ref name="IGN Review" />
Players may choose to act in either a good or evil way. Examples including healing civilians, doing drug busts, and stopping suspect brutality for good, or killing innocent civilians and killing instead of apprehending enemies. Several times throughout the story, Delsin finds himself in a scenario where he must make a good or evil choice, such as whether to encourage Conduit vigilante Abigail "Fetch" Walker to stop slaying drug dealers, or to train her to become a more prolific killer. Player choices influence outcomes in some later missions.<ref name="SS Dials Up" /> In combat, Delsin may use his abilities to incapacitate foes or obliterate them with headshots. He may choose to open fire on innocent civilians. Delsin's choices manifest in a logo displayed on his jacket and the HUD, which features a blue (good) and red (evil) bird. Performing actions that are villainous gradually change the logo so that the red bird dominates the other, with the opposite happening with heroism. This is a visual representation of Delsin's Karma level, that increases as good or evil depending on his choices.<ref name="Poly-Karma" /> As his Karma level increases, Delsin can acquire new powers that correspond to his play-style (e.g. very destructive powers with high levels of evil Karma) and his jacket also changes. If you have good karma, the jacket completely changes to white whereas if evil the jacket turns red.<ref name="IGN Beauty-Details" /> A continual streak of either good or evil actions fills up a bar in the HUD, which then lets Delsin perform a powerful finishing move called a Karma Bomb.<ref name="Poly-Karma" />
When not completing story missions, players can explore the city and complete activities such as tagging graffiti spots or killing D.U.P. secret agents. The city is split into districts that are all initially controlled by the D.U.P., but Delsin gradually liberates each district by completing activities. When D.U.P. control of a district falls below 30 percent, Delsin can enter a District Showdown that requires him to eliminate a wave of D.U.P. forces, eradicating D.U.P. presence there.<ref name="IGN Review" />
== Plot ==
=== Setting === ''Second Son'' takes place seven years after the end of ''Infamous 2'', specifically the canonical "Good Ending". In that ending, Conduit protagonist Cole MacGrath sacrificed himself to cure humanity of a plague and destroy the Beast,<ref name="FFRfj" /><ref name="CRL quiz" /> inadvertently killing a majority of the world's Conduits while awakening the powers of some others.<ref name="CRL quiz" /> The U.S. government, recognizing the possibility that a Conduit could use their powers to overthrow the global establishment, establishes the D.U.P. (Department of Unified Protection) to hunt down and capture the remaining Conduits, while also spreading propaganda labeling them as "Bioterrorists".<ref name="inFamous SS" />
As opposed to the previous two games, ''Second Son'' takes place in the real-life city of Seattle, Washington and uses many actual locations and neighborhoods.
=== Characters === The protagonist is Delsin Rowe (Troy Baker), a 24-year-old graffiti artist and local delinquent of the Akomish reservation. Delsin has the unique Conduit ability of Power Absorption, allowing him to absorb and copy the powers of any Conduit he comes into contact with. His brother, Reggie (Travis Willingham), is the local sheriff, and often arrests Delsin for his acts of vandalism.<ref name="argument1" /> Both are Akomish Native Americans, whose territory lies at the shore of Salmon Bay, Washington. The antagonist is Brooke Augustine (Christine Dunford), the director of the D.U.P. and a Conduit with power over concrete. Her actions in the Akomish reservation drive Delsin to travel to Seattle, now under lockdown by D.U.P. forces. Delsin and Reggie encounter three other Conduits: Henry "Hank" Daughtry (David Stanbra), a convict with control over smoke; Abigail "Fetch" Walker (Laura Bailey), an ex-junkie who uses her neon powers to hunt down illegal drug dealers in Seattle; and Eugene Sims (Alex Walsh), a reclusive video game addict who uses his video (digital materialization) powers to save suspected Conduits from the D.U.P.
=== Story === Reggie catches Delsin vandalizing a billboard in their Salmon Bay hometown, but their subsequent argument is interrupted when a military truck carrying three Conduit prisoners crashes on the Akomish reservation.<ref name="argument1" /> Two of the Conduits escape, but Delsin manages to pull the third one, Hank, out of the wreckage, inadvertently absorbing his smoke powers in the process. Shocked and frightened, Delsin pursues Hank to figure out what has happened and how to control his new powers.<ref name="l15Cg" /> However, they are both cornered by Brooke Augustine. She encases Hank in concrete and questions Delsin, suspecting him of hiding something. Delsin can choose to either tell Augustine the truth about his powers or say nothing. Regardless of Delsin's choice, Augustine knocks him out before moving on to the other tribe members.<ref name="inFamous SS" />
Delsin awakens a week later and discovers that Augustine has brutally tortured the rest of the tribe in an unsuccessful bid to gain information. However, she has left them to gradually die from concrete shards fused into their bodies, including their leader Betty (Karen Austin).<ref name="Y25vh" /><ref name="gog3S" /> Reggie, who was spared from the torture, learns that the only way to remove the shards is to use Augustine's power on them.<ref name="2NeEb" /> Delsin realizes that he can absorb Conduit powers and resolves to go to Seattle to take Augustine's powers and save the tribe.<ref name="2L0ea" /> Reggie reluctantly accompanies Delsin to keep an eye on him. They reach Seattle and find that it has been put under strict martial law by the D.U.P. to find other escaped Conduits. With Reggie's help, Delsin battles D.U.P. forces and tracks down core fragments to develop his powers. He eventually encounters the other two escaped Conduits, Fetch and Eugene, and absorbs their powers. After both confrontations, Delsin defends Fetch and Eugene from Reggie, who initially views them as "freaks" and can choose to either redeem or corrupt them.<ref name="inFamous SS" />
Now possessing three powers, Delsin encounters Hank, who has escaped again. Hank tells Delsin that Fetch and Eugene have been captured by the D.U.P., and are being held on an artificial concrete island in Puget Sound. However, the situation turns out to be a trap set by Augustine. Reggie appears and rescues Delsin with a rocket launcher.<ref name="vDulm" /> While the brothers free Fetch and Eugene, Augustine encases Reggie's feet in concrete and blasts them off the platform. As they dangle above the ocean, Reggie realizes that Delsin cannot save both of them, and lets go of Delsin's hand, falling to his death.<ref name="FYYeC" /> Distraught and enraged, Delsin climbs back onto the platform and battles Augustine, and the ensuing fight destroys the island.<ref name="inFamous SS" />
Augustine flees back to the D.U.P. headquarters while Delsin tracks Hank down to the docks, where he is fleeing from D.U.P. forces. Hank begs for forgiveness, saying that he only worked with Augustine because she had his daughter in her custody.<ref name="FLymk" /> Delsin can choose to either kill Hank out of revenge or let him flee Seattle with his daughter. Aided by Fetch and Eugene, Delsin rallies an assault on the D.U.P. headquarters. After breaking through the building's defenses, Delsin confronts Augustine and reveals that he has figured out she staged the escape at Salmon Bay to instill fear in the population and give the D.U.P. a reason to continue their regime. Augustine lets Delsin absorb her powers and tells him she wants to save the Conduits by imprisoning and protecting them from the population. However, Delsin points out that all she did was take away their freedom, and people should live their own lives.<ref name="rNq0l" /> Delsin battles and eventually defeats Augustine.<ref name="lnjQi" />
==== Endings ==== If Delsin has good Karma, he spares Augustine and exposes her crimes to the public. She is arrested and the D.U.P. disbands.<ref name="good ending cinematic" /> Delsin, Fetch and Eugene successfully champion for peaceful co-existence between humans and Conduits, starting what is dubbed the "Second Age". All of the imprisoned Conduits are freed from Curdun Cay. Delsin returns to the reservation and heals the tribe members with his powers,<ref name="uyBDS" /> then paints a mural in Reggie's honor.<ref name="c8GUk" />
If Delsin has evil Karma, he kills Augustine and, together with Fetch and Eugene, takes control of Seattle. He plans to release all of the imprisoned Conduits and absorb their powers, but first returns to the reservation. Upon making his way back there, Delsin is confronted by Betty, now in a wheelchair, who exiles him from the tribe for the killings in Seattle. If Delsin has level 5 "Infamous" karma, the scene is slightly longer, depicting a shocked and angered Delsin destroying the reservation with his powers.<ref name="AngZB" />
== Development ==
=== Origins and PlayStation 4 === [[File:PS4-Console-wDS4.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Sucker Punch Productions were very involved with the development of the PlayStation 4 platform. They discussed with Sony how much power they would like with the new hardware and what refinements they would like to see on the DualShock 4 gamepad.]]
Sucker Punch Productions began to develop ''Second Son'' while the PlayStation 4 was still being designed.<ref name="iss-runway" /> Having finished work on ''Infamous: Festival of Blood'', they began to plan a new entry in the ''Infamous'' series<ref name="PS4 ISS" /> under the working title ''Infamous 3''.<ref name="Under the Hood" /> As early as 2010, they discussed with Sony their desire to bring ''Infamous'' to a new PlayStation platform.<ref name="PS4 ISS" />
Sucker Punch were in close connection with the PS4's lead system architect Mark Cerny, who visited the studio several times. They gave Cerny feedback about how much power a new PlayStation system would require to render their ideal open world, how fast it would be capable of doing so and to what degree of texture detail. "We had some experience there that was useful for that team when they were planning some aspects of the hardware design", producer Brian Fleming explained.<ref name="Under the Hood" /> He found that during the PS4's development, there was a great level of interactivity between the system's designers and game developers such as Sucker Punch.<ref name="PS4 ISS" />
Sucker Punch made suggested improvements they would like to see for the DualShock 4 gamepad. ''Second Son''{{'}}s designer Jaime Griesemer traveled to Sony's headquarters in Japan to discuss such improvements. The developers found they were able to adopt the DualShock 4's touchpad into ''Second Son''{{'}}s gameplay (for example, players emulate the in-game fingerprint scanner using the DualShock 4 touchpad).<ref name="PS4 ISS" />
The game was envisioned to take full advantage of the hardware, without the imposition of porting to older platforms like the PlayStation 3. The hardware let developers improve the particle system that lights Delsin's face up while he draws neon power from billboards<ref name="iss-runway" /> and add detailed reflections to the game world.<ref name="Polygon Why NG" /> The increased memory bandwidth let the team render characters with higher fidelity.<ref name="PS4 ISS" /> They found the PS4's simplified architecture so easy to work with that they were able to reach very high graphical quality even though the hardware was new.<ref name="ng vision" />
Over 110 developers worked on the game, a number that director Nate Fox considered small. He felt that working with a small team necessitated having a defined vision for the game from the outset, "to answer those first questions about what you want your game to be".<ref name="ng vision" /> Sometimes, ideas came about during development that would have to be thrown out for not fitting with the game's original vision. "We kill our darlings at Sucker Punch. It's not easy; it's necessary", Fox explained.<ref name="ng vision" /> ''Second Son'' displays a native resolution of 1080p at 30 frames per second.<ref name="bKb3Q" />
=== Design === [[File:Infamous Second Son game world.jpg|thumb|left|300px|''Second Son''{{'}}s graphical quality was possible because development was conducted on the PS4, which Sucker Punch found powerful and easy to use. Their research for the game world led to the reproduction of Seattle landmarks such as the Space Needle.|alt=A screenshot of the game world's Seattle skyline, with the Space Needle depicted in the center. Lighting, draw distances and weather effects are visible.]]
Sucker Punch elected to set ''Second Son'' in their hometown of Seattle as they could draw from their personal experiences in the open world's design.<ref name="SP in Seattle" /> During early development when team members debated where ''Second Son'' would be set, Seattle rated high on a list of possibilities. Fleming considered that the city had not been featured in many games prior to ''Second Son'' and so would not be "overblown", and felt that Seattle's weather and mixture of "old and new" architecture would make it an interesting setting.<ref name="Digi Seattle" /> The team conducted fieldwork in Seattle's nearby forests with audio and video equipment, which was used to reproduce local flora and the chirping sounds of local American robins. Seattle landmarks such as Pioneer Square, the Space Needle and Elephant Car Washes feature in the game. The developers licensed logos and signs from local businesses. Griesemer called the game world an "abstraction" of Seattle rather than a re-creation since its layout did not suit ''Second Son''{{'}}s gameplay and required the team to make necessary changes.<ref name="Under the Hood" /> The team wanted to thematically explore Seattle's heritage of Pacific Northwest, American Indian tribes in the game.<ref name="Digi Seattle" />
The designers used graphic sliders in the game engine to determine the amount of water covering the streets. Like Seattle, rain is frequent in the game.<ref name="Under the Hood" /> The lighting effects (such as neon light from Delsin's powers) coupled with reflections help bring color into Seattle's dark and rainy atmosphere.<ref name="iss-runway" /> Because of the move to the PS4, Sucker Punch were able to render more open world than what was possible in previous ''Infamous'' games. "You get a better feel of the city when you can see more of it", said Griesemer.<ref name="PS4 ISS" /> Sucker Punch later shared their 3D map of Seattle with Naughty Dog, who used it to understand the city during early development on ''The Last of Us Part II'' (2020).<ref name="GamesRadar TLOU"/>
After deciding on Seattle for the setting, the developers began to think about the superpowers that Delsin would possess. They added neon lighting to the city to amplify the "beautiful reflective streets", and subsequently decided to make neon a source of power for Delsin because of its prevalence.<ref name="Under the Hood" /> Animation director Billy Harper considered Delsin's smoke powers challenging to design, as the team wanted to make powers feel more fluid than in previous ''Infamous'' games. They removed Cole's "contorted hand poses" to improve the connection between Delsin and his powers.<ref name="Designing ISS" /> Fox felt that smoke helps Delsin deftly navigate the game world by letting him zip up buildings and through enemies.<ref name="Designing ISS" /> Griesemer (who previously worked with Bungie on the ''Halo'' series)<ref name="VgtS1" /> wanted to bring the fluidity of first-person shooters to ''Second Son''{{'}}s combat. The team reviewed the control scheme of previous ''Infamous'' games and "removed some of the complexity that was preventing people from interacting with the game".<ref name="Designing ISS" />
Griesemer said that a recurring theme throughout ''Infamous'' games that they wanted to continue with ''Second Son'' was the idea of "modern elemental powers", variations on commonplace powers drawn from the game world.<ref name="Under the Hood" /> Producer Brian Fleming found that the graphical effects helped to inform players of the amount of power Delsin possesses. "This is a game about super powers, so for us, the way the effects look tells you a lot about how you're playing the game", he explained.<ref name="Polygon Why NG" /> Fox considered that the game world's resemblance to Seattle helped the superpower elements feel authentic.<ref name="Under the Hood" /> "Because we have that sweet foundation of plausibility, you buy into the super-powered element", he explained.<ref name="SP in Seattle" />
=== Character development === ''Second Son''{{'}}s premise is built from the "good ending" of ''Infamous 2'', which sees protagonist Cole MacGrath sacrificing himself to save humanity. They looked at Trophy data and found the majority (78%)<ref name="Designing ISS" /> of ''Infamous 2'' players chose this ending, and concurred with the popular choice. This allowed them to create the new protagonist, Delsin, from scratch.<ref name="SP in Seattle" /> "Moving forward onto [''Second Son''], we said 'Alright, Cole's dead. People have voted for this. Let's make a new hero'", Fox explained.<ref name="Designing ISS" /> Griesemer felt that taking the ''Infamous'' series to the PS4 signified a new era, and that departing from the story of previous games would help them reach new audiences. "We needed a new entry point, and Delsin was the first step for that", he explained.<ref name="Under the Hood" /> The idea to move away from Cole's story came about during pre-production staff meetings, and was confirmed after discussions both internally and with Sony Computer Entertainment. Griesemer described the contemporaneous sentiment as "It's going to be new hardware, a new platform and we're going to have a new audience".<ref name="Under the Hood" />
[[File:Infamous Second Son motion capture.jpg|thumb|right|280px|''Game Informer'' journalist Dan Ryckert participated in a demonstration of the motion capture process, where people's faces were captured and rendered in the game using high-definition digital cameras.|alt=A digital rendering of a man's face in a motion capture software.]]
Delsin's American Indian heritage came from the game's setting in the Pacific Northwest, which features a large American Indian population.<ref name="Under the Hood" /> Delsin wears a beanie inspired by one that Harper would wear around the studio (Harper recounted one particular staff meeting where four of the six team members were wearing hats). Delsin's character was inspired by United Kingdom street artist Banksy, as the development team appreciated Banksy's clandestine, satirical work. Developing Delsin's personality, the team posited the hypothetical: "What if Johnny Knoxville had powers? What would he do with it?".<ref name="Daxter To Delsin" /> Harper considered Delsin "full of reckless abandon",<ref name="Daxter To Delsin" /> the kind of character that would, upon gaining superpowers, jump off a cliff to see what happens.<ref name="Dissecting Delsin" /> Fox considered Delsin "flawed in a way I think a lot of us can relate to", trying to live up to his successful brother Reggie.<ref name="SP in Seattle" /> He called the game's story a "hero's journey".<ref name="Under the Hood" />
Digital Domain were brought on board for the motion capture work. Fox helped direct the actors' performances, but found that they did not need much guidance for their roles. "You need to let them understand what you need from a scene, but the actors are so much better equipped to deliver that than me", he explained.<ref name="ng vision" /> Fleming considered that using motion capture added authenticity to the characters. "The ability to capture [Delsin's] facial reaction when he's like 'Oh, shit', but doesn't say 'Oh shit'—that's a big deal", he explained.<ref name="Polygon Why NG" />
Most of the non-player characters (NPCs) that inhabit the open world were motion-captured. The developers contacted casting agencies, and asked their friends and families if they would like to appear as extras in the game. Over 75 people were scanned in a three-day period. They were seated in chairs and told not to move or smile, and a high-definition digital camera captured a 3D model of their faces. The camera sent out strobe light patterns to capture the volume and shape of each face. A 360-degree setup captured the actors' moving bodies, but mannequins were also used to help capture different clothing styles. Data collected from the cameras was used by the designers to render digital models, each composed of roughly 1.4 million polygons—any blank spots on the models would be digitally filled in by the designers. To render the models in the game, the data would be compressed by reducing the polygon count.<ref name="SP Photocopy" />
== Release == On February 20, 2013, Sony held a conference in New York that announced the PlayStation 4.<ref name="MlVm3" /> Fox appeared on-stage during the conference and recounted participating in an anti-globalization protest in Seattle in 1999.<ref name="PS4 ISS" /> He announced ''Second Son'', and a debut trailer was shown that introduced the game's premise and lead character.<ref name="XhsaU" /> The game was privately demoed at E3 2013,<ref name="ISS IGN E3" /> and its March 21, 2014, North American release date was confirmed during a PS4 launch event on November 14, 2013.<ref name="z85Pj" /> By February 25, 2014, ''Second Son'' went gold (finished development).<ref name="ybaxJ" />
On March 8, it was announced that ''Second Son''{{'}}s pre-order sales had surpassed those of ''The Last of Us'' in the United Kingdom.<ref name="IUjuC" /> Two special edition versions of the game were produced; pre-ordered and first-run copies of the game received the Limited Edition, which includes the ''Cole{{'}}s Legacy'' mission pack that explain story events between ''Infamous 2'' and ''Second Son''. The Collector's Edition includes a unique box cover, a replica of Delsin's beanie, eight pins from his vest, an exclusive in-game vest, and a D.U.P.-themed patch.<ref name="egpQs" /> All pre-ordered copies of the game included four in-game vests for Delsin.<ref name="5MkaI" />
=== Downloadable content === ''Paper Trail'' is a free downloadable content (DLC) with alternate reality game features. The story is split into six parts, with the first being available after reaching a certain point in the main story.<ref name="56yrU" /> Each subsequent part was made available each Friday<ref>{{cite web|title=Infamous Paper Trail Shows The Power Of Episodic DLC That Goes Beyond The Console|first=Darrell|last=Etherington|date=April 27, 2014|url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/04/27/infamous-paper-trail-shows-the-power-of-episodic-dlc-that-gets-you-to-put-the-controller-down/|website=TechCrunch}}</ref> from March 28, 2014, in North America and, concluding with the release of the final part on April 25, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Paper Trail|date=May 11, 2014|url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/infamous-second-son/Paper_Trail|website=IGN}}</ref>
At E3 2014, the spin-off game ''Infamous First Light'' was announced and was released on August 26, 2014, in North America and August 27, 2014, in Europe. In ''First Light'', the player controls Fetch. It is a stand-alone expansion and ''Second Son'' is not required to play the game, but ownership of ''Second Son'' grants players access to exclusive content and music. The track "Sanctus Immortale" composed and produced by Menelik Eu'el Solomon also features on the exclusive content pack.<ref name="IGN-First-Light-News" /> ''Infamous First Light'' received mixed to positive reviews from critics.<ref name="235Xz" /><ref name="lHFCQ" />
== Reception == === Critical response === {{Video game reviews | MC = 80/100<ref name="MC" /> | CVG = 7/10<ref name="cvgreview1" /> | Destruct = 9.5/10<ref name="Destructoid" /> | EuroG = 7/10<ref name="Eurogamer Review" /> | GSpot = 8/10<ref name="GameSpot Review" /> | IGN = 8.7/10<ref name="IGN Review" /> | Joystiq = 4.5/5<ref name="joystiq review" /> | OPMUK = 8/10<ref name="opmuk review1" /> | Poly = 8.5/10<ref name="Polygon Review" /> }}
''Infamous Second Son'' received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator website Metacritic.<ref name="MC" /><ref name="dILQO" />
''IGN''{{'}}s Vince Ingenito recalled being left "staring slack-jawed" at the visuals and praised the impressive lighting effects in the "beautifully and diversely realized" open world.<ref name="IGN Review" /> ''GameSpot''{{'}}s Tom Mc Shea called the visuals "incredible".<ref name="GameSpot Review" /> ''Eurogamer''{{'}}s Oli Welsh praised Seattle's art direction and consistent draw distances and frame rates.<ref name="Eurogamer Review" /> Though impressed with the high-definition graphics, ''PlayStation Official Magazine'' (''OPM'')'s David Meikleham cited occasional frame rate dips during intense combat. He enjoyed roaming Seattle and levelling its destructible environments.<ref name="opmuk review1" /> ''Computer and Video Games'' (''CVG'')'s Tamoor Hussain praised graphical details like the particle and lighting systems. He said the game is "colorful, rich in detail and has some of the best effects we've seen on console".<ref name="cvgreview1" />
''GameSpot''{{'}}s Mc Shea noted the combat's balance between ''Infamous'''s slower pace and ''Infamous 2''{{'}}s frenetic action.<ref name="GameSpot Review" /> ''Destructoid''{{'}}s Chris Carter considered the combat's simplicity its strength and found Delsin easy to control during play.<ref name="Destructoid" /> Underwhelmed with the opening chapter's "skittish" parkour, ''Edge'' noted the game became more fun when Delsin gained powers and reached Seattle.<ref name="Edge Review" /> They felt enemies were clever enough to make combat challenging and that missions were "for the most part well designed and generously proportioned".<ref name="Edge Review" /> ''IGN''{{'}}s Ingenito found each power set enjoyable and "strong enough to hang an entire game on".<ref name="IGN Review" /> He felt the power upgrades kept combat fresh and made for good replay value.<ref name="IGN Review" /> ''Polygon''{{'}}s Phillip Kollar favored neon, but noted the balance and variety between all sets made combat "a hell of a lot of fun".<ref name="Polygon Review" /> ''Eurogamer''{{'}}s Welsh found the combat imperfect yet fun and thought the skill upgrades made minimal difference to gameplay.<ref name="Eurogamer Review" />
''Destructoid''{{'}}s Carter was invested in the story as Delsin's charm succeeded "wooden" Cole's listlessness.<ref name="Destructoid" /> ''IGN''{{'}}s Ingenito thought the chemistry between Delsin and Reggie helped pique player interest. He found Troy Baker's performance "[imbued] with a charm and youthful abandon that keeps it from feeling tropey {{sic}} or overwrought", but thought supporting characters like Fetch were underdeveloped and the narrative too straightforward.<ref name="IGN Review" /> Although calling the characters clichéd, ''Edge'' felt they were written and acted well.<ref name="Edge Review" /> ''GameSpot''{{'}}s Mc Shea found Delsin annoying and immature, and that the gameplay bettered its "tired" story.<ref name="GameSpot Review" /> ''Eurogamer''{{'}}s Welsh considered that "inconsequential MacGuffins" drove the plot to a rushed ending but praised its concise scope.<ref name="Eurogamer Review" /> ''Polygon''{{'}}s Kollar felt the lackluster examination of surveillance and security-over-freedom diminished the story's impact. He was disappointed with the narrative despite the better character writing over previous series entries.<ref name="Polygon Review" /> ''OPM''{{'}}s Meikleham was put off by Delsin's arrogance and lamented the story, but praised the quality of the motion capture performances.<ref name="opmuk review1" />
''Edge'' and ''Eurogamer''{{'}}s Welsh faulted the morality system's lack of story influence.<ref name="Edge Review" /><ref name="Eurogamer Review" /> ''IGN''{{'}}s Ingenito called it "woefully outdated" as evil choices jarred with Delsin's character.<ref name="IGN Review" /> He found the system redundant because Delsin's power peaked when he strictly adhered to good or evil play-styles, rather than crossing in-between.<ref name="IGN Review" /> ''GameSpot''{{'}}s Mc Shea felt the binary system lacked a "moral gray area" between good and evil.<ref name="GameSpot Review" /> ''Polygon''{{'}}s Kollar struggled to connect to his choices as they were polar opposites on a moral compass.<ref name="Polygon Review" /> ''OPM''{{'}}s Meikleham found the system had "little to no impact on gameplay".<ref name="opmuk review1" /> ''Joystiq''{{'}}s Danny Cowan thought the well-balanced system had equal incentive and drawback tied to Delsin's choices.<ref name="joystiq review" />
''GameSpot''{{'}}s Mc Shea found ''Second Son''{{'}}s open world beholden to a dated formula. He described Seattle as "a playground for you to go nuts in" instead of "a living, breathing world", with its citizens existing merely as player fodder.<ref name="GameSpot Review" /> ''CVG''{{'}}s Hussain said the "hauntingly empty" Seattle's sparse NPCs behaved inanimately.<ref name="cvgreview1" /> He felt the open world's lifelessness was its biggest detractor, a dichotomy against ''Grand Theft Auto V'', ''Sleeping Dogs'' and ''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag''{{'}}s superior worlds.<ref name="cvgreview1" /> ''Eurogamer''{{'}}s Welsh felt ''Second Son'' did not innovate the genre as well as it could have as it leaned too heavily on tropes.<ref name="Eurogamer Review" /> ''Polygon''{{'}}s Kollar felt missions and activities lacked variety, as "virtually all culminate in the goal of beating up more soldiers or thugs".<ref name="Polygon Review" /> ''Edge'' saw little merit in a second play-through as the scarce content was repetitive. "Approach [''Second Son''] as an action game that just happens to be set in a nonlinear environment and it makes more sense", they wrote.<ref name="Edge Review" /> ''Destructoid''{{'}}s Carter found the amount of content ample, and enjoyed liberating the city and collecting Blast Shards.<ref name="Destructoid" /> Tom Watson wrote in ''New Statesman'' that ''Second Son'' was his £20-£40 game of the year, and justification for his purchasing PlayStation 4 after owning Xbox 360.<ref name="watson20141222" />
=== Sales === ''Infamous Second Son'' sold over a million units within nine days of its release, and became the second best selling game of March 2014, behind EA's ''Titanfall'', making it one of the best-selling PlayStation 4 games, as well as the fastest-selling installment in the series.<ref name="8GgXc" /> As of June 2019, the game has sold an estimated six million units.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sony Public 6.13.19 (Final) |url=https://astrongersony.com/wp-content/themes/twentynineteen-child/assets/A%20Stronger%20Sony%20Presentation.pdf |website=A Stronger Sony |publisher=Third Point Management |access-date=December 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107224552/https://astrongersony.com/wp-content/themes/twentynineteen-child/assets/A%20Stronger%20Sony%20Presentation.pdf |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |page=55 |date=June 13, 2019}}</ref>
=== Awards === During the 18th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated ''Infamous Second Son'' for "Adventure Game of the Year", "Outstanding Technical Achievement", "Outstanding Achievement in Animation", and "Outstanding Achievement in Character" for Delsin Rowe.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2015&idGame=1388 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Infamous Second Son |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |website=interactive.org |access-date=28 November 2023}}</ref>
== Notes == {{Notelist}}
== References == {{Reflist|refs= <ref name="iss-runway">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/2/12/5404712/infamous-second-son-on-the-playstation-has-been-given-the-perfect |title=Infamous: Second Son on the PlayStation 4 has the perfect runway for success |last=Kuchera |first=Ben |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |date=February 12, 2014 |access-date=May 28, 2014 |archive-date=March 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320172646/https://www.polygon.com/2014/2/12/5404712/infamous-second-son-on-the-playstation-has-been-given-the-perfect |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="ng vision">{{cite web |url=http://www.develop-online.net/interview/realising-infamous-second-son-s-next-gen-vision/0191854 |title=Realising InFamous: Second Son's next-gen vision |last=Freeman |first=Will |work=Develop |publisher=Intent Media |date=April 16, 2014 |access-date=May 28, 2014 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303230724/http://www.develop-online.net/interview/realising-infamous-second-son-s-next-gen-vision/0191854 |url-status=dead }}</ref> <ref name="musician">{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/28/5554926/behind-the-music-of-infamous-second-son|title=Behind the music of Infamous: Second Son|first=Colin|last=Campbell|work=Polygon|date=March 28, 2014|access-date=August 27, 2017|archive-date=August 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827085354/https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/28/5554926/behind-the-music-of-infamous-second-son|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref name="GI-Preview">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/infamous_second_son/b/playstation4/archive/2013/11/12/our-first-hands-on-with-infamous-second-son.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140529100140/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/infamous_second_son/b/playstation4/archive/2013/11/12/our-first-hands-on-with-infamous-second-son.aspx |url-status=live |archive-date=May 29, 2014 |title=Our First Hands On With Infamous: Second Son |last=Futter |first=Mike |date=November 12, 2013 |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=March 29, 2014}}</ref> <ref name="Art Animation Smoke">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/8/1/4578722/infamous-second-son-dev-diary-talks-art-animation-and-smoke |title=Infamous: Second Son dev diary talks art, animation and smoke |last=Funk |first=John |date=August 1, 2013 |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=May 29, 2014 |archive-date=June 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624144247/https://www.polygon.com/2013/8/1/4578722/infamous-second-son-dev-diary-talks-art-animation-and-smoke |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="SS Dials Up">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/12/infamous-second-son-dials-up-the-action-and-the-drama |title=Infamous: Second Son Dials Up the Action and the Drama |date=February 12, 2014 |last=Ingenito |first=Vince |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |access-date=May 29, 2014 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924221533/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/12/infamous-second-son-dials-up-the-action-and-the-drama |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="IGN Beauty-Details">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/09/ces-infamous-second-sons-beauty-is-in-the-details |title=CES: Infamous: Second Son's Beauty Is in Its Details |last=Sliva |first=Marty |date=January 8, 2014 |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |access-date=May 29, 2014 |archive-date=May 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529201446/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/09/ces-infamous-second-sons-beauty-is-in-the-details |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="Poly-Karma">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/2/12/5402590/infamous-second-son-ps4-preview |title=Infamous: Second Son puts its karmic choices on display, but still has some secrets |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=February 12, 2014 |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=May 29, 2014 |archive-date=September 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909095844/https://www.polygon.com/2014/2/12/5402590/infamous-second-son-ps4-preview |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="CRL quiz">http://conduitrightsleague.com/quiz?locale=en {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140618150108/http://conduitrightsleague.com/quiz?locale=en |date=2014-06-18}} "Approximately 15% of conduits all over the world died when The Beast was destroyed in New Marais. The deaths were so widespread that conduits were believed to have experienced an extinction event. But in the following months it became evident that some conduits managed to survive—even some who were present at New Marais at the time of The boys destruction. To this day, we do not know why some perished and others survived, but we suspect some kind of Ray Field Radiation event occurred."</ref> <ref name="inFamous SS">{{cite video game |title=Infamous Second Son|developer=Sucker Punch Productions|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=March 21, 2016|platform=PlayStation 4 }}</ref> <ref name="argument1">{{cite video game |title=Infamous Second Son|developer=Sucker Punch Productions|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=March 21, 2014 |platform=PlayStation 4 |quote='''Reggie''': Do you know how embarrassing it is for me to keep arresting my own brother, over and over and over again? / '''Delsin''': Maybe you should stop arresting your brother, over and over and over again - / '''Reggie''': You think this is a joke?! / '''Delsin''': No, I don't think it's a joke - / '''Reggie''': Is ''this'' how you wanna leave your mark on the world, huh? You think this would make our parents proud? Misdemeanor vandalism? ... / '''Delsin''': Reggie— ''[stops]'' / '''Reggie''': ''[rounding on him] What?!'' / '''Delsin''': ''[points to an incoming—]'' Truck.}}</ref> <ref name="good ending cinematic">{{cite video game |title=Infamous Second Son|developer=Sucker Punch Productions|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=March 21, 2014 |platform=PlayStation 4 |scene=Good Ending |quote='''Delsin (narrative)''': When the dust finally settled, all you could see of Augustine were her eyes peering out [of] that concrete shell. The rage that had fill the moments earlier was now replaced by fear. ... We dismantled the fortress she had built, the army she had raised, the future she had planned. The [whole] world was about to know that she had failed. Taken down by a gamer, a junkie, and a small-town delinquent. The crowds cheered as Augustine was hauled away. Before this, no one would've ''imagined'' that humans and Conduits could coexist, and now ''I'' was the guy kickin' off the Second Age. Oh, and all those Conduits [who were imprisoned] in Curdun Cay? They were soon to be free once again. To live their ''own'' lives, to choose their ''own'' futures. As for me... I'd gotten what I came for. And now... Now I had a promise to keep.}}</ref> <ref name="PS4 ISS">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/05/13/what-the-playstation-4-means-for-infamous-second-son.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140605054809/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/05/13/what-the-playstation-4-means-for-infamous-second-son.aspx |url-status=live |archive-date=June 5, 2014 |title=What The PlayStation 4 Means For Infamous Second Son |date=May 13, 2013 |last=Hanson |first=Ben |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=June 5, 2014}}</ref> <ref name="Polygon Why NG">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/11/11/5092222/why-next-gen-graphics-matter-for-infamous-second-son |title=Why next-gen graphics matter for Infamous: Second Son |date=November 11, 2013 |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=May 30, 2014 |archive-date=May 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528193514/http://www.polygon.com/2013/11/11/5092222/why-next-gen-graphics-matter-for-infamous-second-son |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="Digi Seattle">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/05/17/digitizing-seattle-infamous-second-son-39-s-new-playground.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607180025/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/05/17/digitizing-seattle-infamous-second-son-39-s-new-playground.aspx |url-status=live |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |title=Digitizing Seattle: Infamous Second Son's New Playground |last=Hanson |first=Ben |magazine=Game Informer |date=May 17, 2013 |access-date=July 23, 2014}}</ref> <ref name="Under the Hood">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/9/25/4702318/under-the-hood-of-infamous-second-son-hyper-real-seattle |title=Under the hood of Infamous: Second Son's hyper-real Seattle |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=September 25, 2013 |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=June 2, 2014 |archive-date=July 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709001318/https://www.polygon.com/2013/9/25/4702318/under-the-hood-of-infamous-second-son-hyper-real-seattle |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="Designing ISS">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/05/08/a-new-beginning-designing-infamous-second-son.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510110334/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/05/08/a-new-beginning-designing-infamous-second-son.aspx |url-status=live |archive-date=May 10, 2013 |title=A New Beginning: Designing Infamous Second Son |last=Hanson |first=Ben |magazine=Game Informer |date=May 8, 2013 |access-date=June 4, 2014}}</ref> <ref name="SP in Seattle">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-06-18-super-powered-in-seattle-infamous-second-son-preview |title=Super-powered in Seattle: inFamous Second Son preview |date=June 19, 2013 |last=Matulef |first=Jeffrey |work=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |access-date=May 30, 2014 |archive-date=July 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709001314/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-06-18-super-powered-in-seattle-infamous-second-son-preview |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="Daxter To Delsin">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/05/20/from-daxter-to-delsin-the-work-of-infamous-second-son-39-s-animation-director.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607201456/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/05/20/from-daxter-to-delsin-the-work-of-infamous-second-son-39-s-animation-director.aspx |url-status=live |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |title=From Daxter To Delsin: The Work Of Infamous Second Son's Animation Director |last=Hanson |first=Ben |magazine=Game Informer |date=May 20, 2013 |access-date=July 23, 2014}}</ref> <ref name="Dissecting Delsin">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/infamous_second_son/b/playstation4/archive/2013/05/15/dissecting-delsin-a-profile-on-second-sons-protagonist.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629080438/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/infamous_second_son/b/playstation4/archive/2013/05/15/dissecting-delsin-a-profile-on-second-sons-protagonist.aspx |url-status=live |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |title=Dissecting Delsin: A Profile On Sucker Punch's New Protagonist |last=Reeves |first=Ben |magazine=Game Informer |date=May 15, 2013 |access-date=July 23, 2014}}</ref> <ref name="SP Photocopy">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/infamous_second_son/b/playstation4/archive/2013/05/24/how-sucker-punch-photocopied-actors-for-infamous-second-son.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140626032141/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/infamous_second_son/b/playstation4/archive/2013/05/24/how-sucker-punch-photocopied-actors-for-infamous-second-son.aspx |url-status=live |archive-date=June 26, 2014 |title=How Sucker Punch Photocopies Pedestrians For Infamous Second Son |date=May 24, 2013 |last=Reeves |first=Ben |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=June 26, 2014}}</ref> <ref name="ISS IGN E3">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/12/e3-2013-infamous-second-sons-next-gen-open-world |title=E3 2013: Infamous: Second Son's Next-Gen Open World |date=June 11, 2013 |last=Moriarty |first=Colin |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |access-date=June 23, 2014 |archive-date=July 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725151819/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/12/e3-2013-infamous-second-sons-next-gen-open-world |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="IGN-First-Light-News">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/06/10/e3-2014-fetch-playable-in-infamous-second-son-dlc |title=E3 2014: Fetch Playable in Infamous: Second Son DLC |last=Karmali |first=Luke |date=June 9, 2014 |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |access-date=June 12, 2014 |archive-date=September 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914063655/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/06/10/e3-2014-fetch-playable-in-infamous-second-son-dlc |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="MC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/infamous-second-son/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=InFamous Second Son for PlayStation 4 Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=May 31, 2014 |archive-date=June 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626124111/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/infamous-second-son |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="cvgreview1">{{cite web | url = http://www.computerandvideogames.com/453215/reviews/review-infamous-second-son-delivers-last-gen-heroics-review/ | title = InFamous Second Son Review | date = March 21, 2014 | first = Tamoor | last = Hussain | work = Computer and Video Games | publisher = Future plc | access-date = June 9, 2014 | archive-date = May 25, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140525151300/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/453215/reviews/review-infamous-second-son-delivers-last-gen-heroics-review/ | url-status = live }}</ref> <ref name="Destructoid">{{cite web | url = http://www.destructoid.com/review-infamous-second-son-271871.phtml | title = Review: InFamous: Second Son | date = March 20, 2014 | access-date = March 20, 2014 | first = Chris | last = Carter | publisher = Destructoid | archive-date = March 21, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140321100941/http://www.destructoid.com/review-infamous-second-son-271871.phtml | url-status = live }}</ref> <ref name="Edge Review">{{cite magazine | url = http://www.edge-online.com/review/infamous-second-son-review/| title = Infamous: Second Son Review | date = March 20, 2014 |author=Staff | access-date = March 20, 2014 | magazine = Edge |publisher=Future plc}}</ref> <ref name="Eurogamer Review">{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-03-19-infamous-second-son-review | title = inFamous: Second Son review | first = Oli | last = Welsh | date = March 20, 2014 | access-date = March 20, 2014 | work = Eurogamer | publisher = Gamer Network | archive-date = March 21, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140321155050/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-03-19-infamous-second-son-review | url-status = live }}</ref> <ref name="GameSpot Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/infamous-second-son-review/1900-6415705/ |title=inFAMOUS: Second Son Review |date=March 20, 2014 |access-date=March 20, 2014 |last=Mc Shea |first=Tom |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |archive-date=March 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321073140/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/infamous-second-son-review/1900-6415705/ |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="IGN Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/20/infamous-second-son-review |title=Infamous: Second Son Review |last=Ingenito |first=Vince |date=March 20, 2014 |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |access-date=March 20, 2014 |archive-date=May 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504011108/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/20/infamous-second-son-review |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="joystiq review">{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/20/infamous-second-son-review-thank-you-for-smoking/ |title=Infamous: Second Son review: Thank you for smoking |first=Danny |last=Cowan |date=March 20, 2014 |access-date=March 20, 2014 |work=Joystiq |publisher=AOL |archive-date=March 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321093917/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/20/infamous-second-son-review-thank-you-for-smoking/ |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="opmuk review1">{{cite web | url = http://www.officialplaystationmagazine.co.uk/review/infamous-second-son-ps4-review-superhero-sandbox-leaves-you-sleepless-in-seattle/ | title = inFamous Second Son PS4 review – Superhero sandbox leaves you sleepless in Seattle | first = David | last = Meikleham | date = March 20, 2014 | access-date = March 20, 2014 | work = Official PlayStation Magazine | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140323062918/http://www.officialplaystationmagazine.co.uk/review/infamous-second-son-ps4-review-superhero-sandbox-leaves-you-sleepless-in-seattle/ | archive-date = March 23, 2014}}</ref> <ref name="Polygon Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/3/20/5527678/infamous-second-son-review-drain-you |title=Infamous: Second Son review: drain you |date=March 20, 2014 |last=Kollar |first=Philip |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=March 20, 2014 |archive-date=March 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321004945/http://www.polygon.com/2014/3/20/5527678/infamous-second-son-review-drain-you |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="watson20141222">{{Cite magazine |url=http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2014/12/date-destiny-tom-watson-best-and-worst-games-2014 |title=A date with Destiny: Tom Watson on the best and worst games of 2014 |last=Watson |first=Tom |date=2014-12-22 |magazine=New Statesman |access-date=13 September 2015}}</ref> <ref name="Pf766">{{cite web|title=Infamous: Second Son lead designer departs Sucker Punch (update)|date=March 19, 2014|url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/19/5525482/jaime-griesemer-departs-sucker-punch-infamous-second-son-lead-designer|access-date=December 9, 2017|website=Polygon|archive-date=April 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415034022/http://www.polygon.com/2014/3/19/5525482/jaime-griesemer-departs-sucker-punch-infamous-second-son-lead-designer|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref name="sWc6g">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/11/11/infamous-second-son-is-as-much-fun-to-play-as-it-is-to-watch |title=Infamous: Second Son Is as Much Fun to Play as It Is to Watch |last=Miller |first=Greg |author-link=Greg Miller (Internet celebrity) |date=November 11, 2013 |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |access-date=July 29, 2014 |archive-date=November 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119030604/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/11/11/infamous-second-son-is-as-much-fun-to-play-as-it-is-to-watch |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="FFRfj">{{cite video game |title=Infamous 2 |developer=Sucker Punch Productions |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=June 7, 2016|platform=PlayStation 3 |scene=Good Ending |quote='''Zeke Dunbar (narration)''': We all held our breath and watched, as one by one of them monsters started to drop. Yeah, that RFI worked, all right. News said folks overseas were keeling over. Poor bastards must'a been Conduits and didn't even know it. But it was worth it, 'cause... for the millions that lived, billions were gonna die . The Plague? Man, it was just ''gone''. I could already hear people startin' to party, just celebratin' bein' alive. I was afraid my friend would go down as an unsung hero. But, here in New Marais, they knew what he had done. Who woulda thought that the "Demon of Empire City", would become The Patron Saint of New Marais? ... I wanted to say goodbye to him alone. He had been my best friend, and, now he was gone. Sometimes, I hear folks talkin' 'bout Conduits and humans like they're totally different. That's bullshit. Cause there ain't nobody with more humanity than Cole MacGrath. I love you, brother. And I'm sure gonna miss ya.}}</ref> <ref name="l15Cg">{{cite video game |title=Infamous Second Son|developer=Sucker Punch Productions|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=March 21, 2014 |platform=PlayStation 4 |quote='''Hank''': ''[when Delsin busts through the door to reach him and Betty]'' I was jus' tryin' to create a diversion; I didn' know anybody was in here— / '''Delsin''': ''[holds up his hand to show Hank his new power; angry]'' You ''did'' this to me! / '''Hank''': ''[shocked]'' You're a Conduit?! / '''Delsin''': ''[to Betty, who is also shocked]'' Betty—I'll explain later, but you gotta get out of here, ''now.'' / '''Hank''': Good, I'm gone. / '''Delsin''': Not until you fix this first!}}</ref> <ref name="Y25vh">{{cite video game |title=Infamous Second Son|developer=Sucker Punch Productions|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=March 21, 2014 |platform=PlayStation 4 |level=Longhouse |quote='''Delsin''': ''[coming across x-ray images of people with shards of concrete buried into them]'' How could anyone do this? How many people did she hurt? ...And no one could stop her?}}</ref> <ref name="gog3S">{{cite video game |title=Infamous Second Son|developer=Sucker Punch Productions|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=March 21, 2014 |platform=PlayStation 4 |level=Longhouse |quote='''Betty''': [Did] you think I was gonna rat you out to that ornery old trot? ... We're Akomish. We protect our own. No one here blames you for what happened. / '''Delsin''': Yeah. / '''Betty''': Neither should you. ... / '''Delsin''': I'll fix this.}}</ref> <ref name="2NeEb">{{cite video game |title=Infamous Second Son|developer=Sucker Punch Productions|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=March 21, 2014 |platform=PlayStation 4 |level=Longhouse |quote='''Reggie''': "Recovery"? Hey Delsin, these people aren't gettin' any better. They're dyin', man. / '''Delsin''': You don't know that. / '''Reggie''': No, but the doctors who came through here while you were out—''they'' do. And they said that... They said the only way those shards are coming out is the exact same way they went in.}}</ref> <ref name="2L0ea">{{cite video game |title=Infamous Second Son|developer=Sucker Punch Productions|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=March 21, 2014 |platform=PlayStation 4 |level=Longhouse |quote='''Delsin''': Reggie. ''I'' did this. And I gotta fix it.}}</ref> <ref name="vDulm">{{cite video game |title=Infamous Second Son|developer=Sucker Punch Productions|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=March 21, 2014 |platform=PlayStation 4 |level="Concrete Island" }}</ref> <ref name="FYYeC">{{cite video game |title=Infamous Second Son|developer=Sucker Punch Productions|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=March 21, 2014 |platform=PlayStation 4 |level="Concrete Island" |quote='''Reggie''': Delsin, Delsin - look at me. You gotta let me go. / '''Delsin''': No, I can do this! I can do this, I can do this! / '''Reggie''': Listen, we can't let this stuff get to you, too! ...Damn it, I am so proud of you. / '''Delsin''': No. / '''Reggie''': Always have been. / '''Delsin''': No. Reggie, don't - / '''Reggie''': I love you, bro. ''[lets go]'' / '''Delsin''': NOOOOOOOOOO!}}</ref> <ref name="FLymk">{{cite video game |title=Infamous Second Son|developer=Sucker Punch Productions|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=March 21, 2014 |platform=PlayStation 4 |quote='''Delsin''': You son of a bitch... She killed Reggie! / '''Hank''': I-I didn't know! I swear to god! / '''Delsin''': You "didn't know"? ''You set us up! ...'' / '''Hank''': She's got a sadistic streak a mile wide, but I never [heard] of her actually killing a Conduit! / '''Delsin''': ''[still angry about who she'' did ''kill]'' My brother would still be alive if it wasn't for you! / '''Hank''': ...She had my daughter.}}</ref> <ref name="rNq0l">{{cite video game |title=Infamous Second Son|developer=Sucker Punch Productions|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=March 21, 2014 |platform=PlayStation 4 |quote='''Augustine''': ''[when Delsin arrives]'' Oh, good. You're here. I've been watching you, Delsin Rowe. Testing you, while you assembled your little bag of tricks. Very impressive. / '''Delsin''': Yeah? I know all about what you did, too. Using Hank to set up that crash, making Eugene and Fetch look like monsters just so ''you'' could look like the hero! / '''Augustine''': Someone has to protect the Conduits. / '''Delsin''': "Protect"? / '''Augustine''': In the seven years since my D.U.P. took over Conduit oversight from the military, not a single one of "our kind" has been killed. / '''Delsin''': No, of course not. 'Cause you hunt them down and lock 'em up. / '''Augustine''': Yes. In Curdun Cay. ''Protected'', from the mobs that want to kill Conduits.}}</ref> <ref name="lnjQi">{{cite video game |title=Infamous Second Son|developer=Sucker Punch Productions|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=March 21, 2014 |platform=PlayStation 4 |quote='''Delsin''': ''[as Augustine becomes trapped in her own power; quoting her]'' Yeah. I'm told that hurts.}}</ref> <ref name="uyBDS">{{cite video game |title=Infamous Second Son|developer=Sucker Punch Productions|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=March 21, 2014 |platform=PlayStation 4 |scene=Good Ending |quote='''Betty''': You saved me, Delsin Rowe. / '''Delsin''': Hey, we're Akomish. We take care of our own, right? / '''Betty''': ...Where's Reggie? / '''Delsin''': ''[pausing to find the right words]'' Reggie, uh... ... Reggie saved me.}}</ref> <ref name="c8GUk">{{cite video game |title=Infamous Second Son|developer=Sucker Punch Productions|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=March 21, 2014 |platform=PlayStation 4 |scene=Good Ending |quote='''Delsin''': I love you, brother. ...And I'm sure gonna miss you.}}</ref> <ref name="AngZB">{{cite video game |title=Infamous Second Son|developer=Sucker Punch Productions|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=March 21, 2014 |platform=PlayStation 4 |scene=Evil Ending }}</ref> <ref name="bKb3Q">{{cite web |url=http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2014/03/11/infamous-second-sons-director-explains-why-the-game-runs-at-30fps/ |title=inFamous Second Son's Director Explains Why The Game Runs At 30fps |last=Inglis |first=Blair |date=March 11, 2014 |work=TheSixthAxis |publisher=Oscar Mike Media |access-date=May 30, 2014 |archive-date=May 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523203610/http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2014/03/11/infamous-second-sons-director-explains-why-the-game-runs-at-30fps/ |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="VgtS1">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/infamous-second-son-lead-designer-jaime-griesemer-confirms-sucker-punch-departure/ |title=InFamous: Second Son lead designer Jaime Griesemer confirms Sucker Punch departure |last=Holzworth |first=Chris |date=March 18, 2014 |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |publisher=EGM Media, LLC |access-date=June 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714151841/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/infamous-second-son-lead-designer-jaime-griesemer-confirms-sucker-punch-departure/ |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> <ref name="MlVm3">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/20/playstation-4-revealed |title=PlayStation 4 Revealed |date=February 20, 2013 |last=Goldfarb |first=Andrew |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |access-date=February 20, 2013 |archive-date=February 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224160504/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/20/playstation-4-revealed |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="XhsaU">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-02-21-sucker-punch-announces-infamous-second-son-for-ps4 |title=Sucker Punch announces inFamous: Second Son for PS4 |date=February 21, 2013 |last=Welsh |first=Oli |work=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |access-date=March 3, 2013 |archive-date=April 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419111418/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-02-21-sucker-punch-announces-infamous-second-son-for-ps4 |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="z85Pj">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/11/14/5106528/infamous-second-son-launch-date |title=Infamous: Second Son to launch on March 21, 2014 |date=November 14, 2013 |last=Lien |first=Tracey |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=June 23, 2014 |archive-date=May 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529153344/http://www.polygon.com/2013/11/14/5106528/infamous-second-son-launch-date |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="ybaxJ">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/26/infamous-second-son-is-officially-finished|title=Infamous: Second Son is Officially Finished|last=Moriarty|first=Colin|work=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=February 25, 2014|access-date=February 25, 2014|archive-date=March 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302032050/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/26/infamous-second-son-is-officially-finished|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref name="IUjuC">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/infamous-second-son-preorders-beating-the-last-of-us/1100-6418180/|title=Infamous: Second Son preorders beating The Last of Us|last=Maiberg|first=Emmanuel|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=March 8, 2014|access-date=March 8, 2014|archive-date=March 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308183017/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/infamous-second-son-preorders-beating-the-last-of-us/1100-6418180/|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref name="egpQs">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/10/17/4848842/infamous-second-son-limited-collectors-editions |title=Infamous: Second Son available in Limited and Collector's editions |date=October 17, 2013 |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=June 23, 2014 |archive-date=June 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605120612/http://www.polygon.com/2013/10/17/4848842/infamous-second-son-limited-collectors-editions |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="5MkaI">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/9/9/4711388/infamous-second-son-pre-order-includes-exclusive-in-game-vests |title=Infamous: Second Son pre-order includes exclusive in-game vests |last=McElroy |first=Griffin |date=September 9, 2013 |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=June 23, 2014 |archive-date=February 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227003615/http://www.polygon.com/2013/9/9/4711388/infamous-second-son-pre-order-includes-exclusive-in-game-vests |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="56yrU">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/3/21/5533360/infamous-second-sons-paper-trail-expansion-out-now-delivers-six-weeks |title=Infamous: Second Son's Paper Trail expansion out now, delivers six weeks of free content |date=March 21, 2014 |last=Tach |first=Dave |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=June 23, 2014 |archive-date=June 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620063255/http://www.polygon.com/2014/3/21/5533360/infamous-second-sons-paper-trail-expansion-out-now-delivers-six-weeks |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="235Xz">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/infamous-first-light/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4|title=inFamous: First Light|work=Metacritic|access-date=9 December 2014|archive-date=16 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216044230/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/infamous-first-light|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref name="lHFCQ">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps4/805575-infamous-first-light/index.html|title=inFamous: First Light|work=GameRankings|access-date=9 December 2014|archive-date=12 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141212225157/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps4/805575-infamous-first-light/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref name="dILQO">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/04/10/infamous-second-son-sold-over-1-million-copies-in-nine-days |title=Infamous: Second Son Sold Over 1 Million Copies in Nine Days |last=Reilly |first=Luke |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=April 9, 2014 |access-date=April 13, 2014 |archive-date=June 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625190715/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/04/10/infamous-second-son-sold-over-1-million-copies-in-nine-days |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="8GgXc">{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/4/10/5600894/infamous-second-son-sales-1m-units-in-nine-days|title=Infamous: Second Son sales topped 1M units in nine days|date=April 10, 2014|access-date=December 9, 2017|website=Polygon|archive-date=November 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101075334/https://www.polygon.com/2014/4/10/5600894/infamous-second-son-sales-1m-units-in-nine-days|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref name="GamesRadar TLOU">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-last-of-us-2-used-infamous-second-son-seattle-assets-early-in-development/ |title=The Last of Us 2 used Infamous: Second Son Seattle assets early in development |last=Sheridan |first=Connor |work=GamesRadar+ |date=August 31, 2021 |accessdate=April 22, 2025 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830151933/https://www.gamesradar.com/the-last-of-us-2-used-infamous-second-son-seattle-assets-early-in-development/ |archivedate=August 30, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref> }}
== External links == {{Wikiquote|Infamous#Infamous_Second_Son|Infamous Second Son}}
* [http://us.playstation.com/ps4/games/infamous-second-son-ps4.html ''Infamous Second Son'' entry at PlayStation.com] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20161011051047/https://infamouspapertrail.com/ ''Infamous Paper Trail''], an alternate reality game * {{MobyGames|id=/infamous-second-son|name=''Infamous Second Son''}} * {{IMDb title|2722728}}
{{Infamous}} {{Sucker Punch Productions}} {{Portal bar|Speculative fiction|Video games}} {{Authority control}}
Category:2014 video games Category:3D platformers Category:Dystopian video games Category:Fiction about experimental medical treatments Category:Fiction about bioterrorism Category:Fiction about discrimination Category:Fiction about government Category:Fiction about sacrifices Category:Fiction about gangs Category:Graffiti video games Category:Infamous (series) Category:Open-world video games Category:Organized crime video games Category:Parkour video games Category:PlayStation 4 games Category:PlayStation 4-only games Category:PlayStation 4 Pro enhanced games Category:Seattle in fiction Category:Single-player video games Category:Sony Interactive Entertainment games Category:Superhero video games Category:Video games about mass surveillance Category:Video games about suicide Category:Video games developed in the United States Category:Video games featuring Native American protagonists Category:Video games set in 2018 Category:Video games set in Seattle Category:Video games set in the United States Category:Video games set in Washington (state) Category:Video games using Havok Category:Video games with multiple endings