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Infamous: Second Son Review Thread

Wut up GAF?

As someone who has not played any infamous game, was entirely a 360 guy last gen, does second son have destructible environments comparable to red faction: guerrilla?

I have the game payed for, ready for pick up Friday after work. With the lack of ps4 games and the amount of hype surrounding this game on GAF I succumbed to the dat hype. Here's hopping it's ill!
 
Wut up GAF?

As someone who has not played any infamous game, was entirely a 360 guy last gen, does second son have destructible environments comparable to red faction: guerrilla?

I have the game payed for, ready for pick up Friday after work. With the lack of ps4 games and the amount of hype surrounding this game on GAF I succumbed to the dat hype. Here's hopping it's ill!
Not on that level,but most of the DUP stuff is destructible.
 
I just watched Adam Sessler's review. Game looks great visually but the same enemy types looks like it'll be kind of boring to play.

There are multiple enemy types and decent AI to them. I didn't find the combat boring in the least bit although you have to get about 3 hours in when you get your 2nd power and it starts to become real good fun

As someone who has not played any infamous game, was entirely a 360 guy last gen, does second son have destructible environments comparable to red faction: guerrilla?

No it has some minor destruction in enemy bases but that's it. Cars are destructible too though I suppose. It's not Red Faction level destructibility though
 
What a guy who didn't even review the game thinks of prospective open world destruction in future games vis-a-vis tech and networked processing is not relevant to this thread.

If you're thinking of continuing this line of discussion, please take a gander at the rest of this thread and think before doing so.
 
What? So if people who didn't like previous infamous games find this one really enjoyable, it can't justify the purchase because the metacritic score is not high enough?

That 81 is an average of a certain type of person - video game reviewers. For me, an 81 means it is an above average game, maybe even a very good one, that has some issues. I suppose it isn't impossible, but it isn't the level of quality that you can call a "killer app". Though maybe the era of the killer app is over anyway, so it is just another drop in the bucket of games that may make you want the machine.
 
What a guy who didn't even review the game thinks of prospective open world destruction in future games vis-a-vis tech and networked processing is not relevant to this thread.

If you're thinking of continuing this line of discussion, please take a gander at the rest of this thread and think before doing so.

Began as a discussion of destructible environments in the game, something reviews discuss. My mistake though, I will drop it.
 
Is the day one patch already out?

And whats the likelihood of updated reviews? I'm not sure I've seen anything quite like this before, and you'd think that content could shift scores either way really.
 
Yea the game was not that great neither was 2.

My biggest problem with Infamous 1 and 2 was the graphics and most importantly the image quality was so jarring and ugly that it distracted me the entire game.

I hated IF2 exactly for this reason, the IQ was really bad IMO.
 
That 81 is an average of a certain type of person - video game reviewers. For me, an 81 means it is an above average game, maybe even a very good one, that has some issues. I suppose it isn't impossible, but it isn't the level of quality that you can call a "killer app". Though maybe the era of the killer app is over anyway, so it is just another drop in the bucket of games that may make you want the machine.

Why would the review score dictate what is and isn't a killer app to any individual person? Wouldn't actually playing the game and deciding it themselves determine that?

I actually don't believe infamous is a "killer app" or that killer apps exist for that matter
 
Are there not destructible environments? I thought that was one of the selling points
Some stuff, but not everything. I'm imagining something along the lines of the Saboteur, maybe?

And one more question: Is this the kind of game I can pop in a podcast or music while lazily hunting down blast shards or their equivalent? Most of the fun of open worlds for me is just free roam exploration and traversal.

Now this topic is about Gies now.
No, fight it. Stay on target people. We can get through this!
 
Is the day one patch already out?

And whats the likelihood of updated reviews? I'm not sure I've seen anything quite like this before, and you'd think that content could shift scores either way really.

Well Polygon re-reviews, not sure about others. Some in the OT thread were saying that Cole's legacy was pretty crappy
 
Yes most of the DUP stuff and various other small things.

K, I was just reading that tweet above and it kind of confused me. I've only watched 1 video and that was back at E3 where it showed blowing up all kinds of things

Some stuff, but not everything. I'm imagining something along the lines of the Saboteur, maybe?

Yeah, I wasn't expecting leveling the entire city or anything. Even simple things like blowing chunks off of walls really adds to the feeling of immersion
 
Why would the review score dictate what is and isn't a killer app to any individual person? Wouldn't actually playing the game and deciding it themselves determine that?

I actually don't believe infamous is a "killer app" or that killer apps exist for that matter

Not across a broad spectrum, but individually I think it does. I'd jump to almost any console that had an exclusive Street Fighter or Naughty Dog game for example.
 
Good to hear. Is it the same as Infamous 2, or a bit more robust? It was shown heavily in trailers, and in all truth destruction is something I want to see more of this gen.
From what I seen much better than InFamous 2.

If its black and gold it can be destroy completely and that destruction is permanent.
 
And one more question: Is this the kind of game I can pop in a podcast or music while lazily hunting down blast shards or their equivalent? Most of the fun of open worlds for me is just free roam exploration and traversal.

Yes if you'd like to. Only audio that is important is during main missions when much of the interactions between characters involve dialogue. Could turn on subtitles though
 
Some of these posts, man. The only reason I even know about Sessler is because of GAF. But now...now you don't believe he's a "real gamer"? What in_the_hell. LOL. So he's a sleeper agent deployed by whom to do what exactly? From what I can tell Rev3 isn't even on metacritic. I just cannot understand this line of thinking. Would you truly be satisfied if every critic agreed with you? Hell, have you even played the game, smh.

I like the Sess, I know his opinions are sometimes controversial, but I can understand where he is coming from.
 
The infamous gameplay was tired as fuck halfway through the first game and this looked no different despite the glorious graphics, so this doesn't really come as a surprising consensus.

Not a bad set of scores though, hope it sells well enough to justify an innovative sequel.
 
Why would the review score dictate what is and isn't a killer app to any individual person? Wouldn't actually playing the game and deciding it themselves determine that?

I actually don't believe infamous is a "killer app" or that killer apps exist for that matter

There are individual people out there that thought there were better games at the original Xbox launch than Halo: CE. And more power to them. It doesn't change the fact that GENERALLY, Halo was seen as the killer app and a reason to buy the new system. It's just averages really. Sure, some people will play Killone and be blown away like the reviewers that gave it a 90+. Some will not care for it it and think it is a sub-70 game. But generally, on average, it is much more likely to be seen as the "pretty good" game the average seems to indicate it is.

Individuals CAN choose if it is their killer app. All I meant from the original post is that this game, for most people, isn't quite good enough to be a huge justification for buying a Ps4.
 
Very disappointing. I thought this would be the first game to score consistent 9s but I guess not. I'm glad reviewers aren't giving out high scores like candy but I am very disappointed in developers (and in this case Sony) for not being able to produce a good game for this new generation yet. This is the 3rd game from Sony to disappoint. I will continue waiting for a true killer app before diving into next gen.

this is a good game..wtf are u talking?
 
I honestly find the whole notion of a killer app odd. Not only do I struggle with the idea there is one game that makes a console worth buying but the evidence suggests such things don't really exist (in terms of seeing a console reach 80m plus units). Even GTA doesn't get nearly enough sales to drive anything like 80 million consoles selling. And look at Halo - thing could sell 7 to 8 million on Xbox and the console still only sold 25 million.

The key to the big numbers is a big and diverse library, the right price point at the right time and sustained and steady releases of games into said library.

Second Son - like TitanFall on XB1 - is simply another brick in the wall of what will end up as a large library of games that many owners won't even buy. It looks like a solid follow up from previous titles underpinned with what looks like one of the best current gen engines yet delivered and I'll enjoy it as such.

But you're probably right - the notion of the killer app exists and that's probably behind the hype, expectations and ultimate disappointment when it doesn't turn out that way.

It's funny that in the end - going by metacritic anyway - both inFamous and TitanFall are below the mythical 90% and the subject of much teeth gnashing as to whether they "delivered".

I agree with what you said but my friends & myself are waiting for THE must-have title before jumping. I bought a 360 mainly for GTA IV at first (and Alan Wake). I would like to jump in but from all the announced games, I only see something like Witcher 3, Arkham Knight, The Order or The Division having the WOW factor. All of them are Fall 2014/2015 games and there's no big games left before that seemingly.
 
Not bad. Wasn't even planning of getting this but ended up pre ordering the digital version a few days ago. Can't wait.

Anyone know if the "Pre-order" digital bonus (Coles story?) Is still valid now/today?

Really don't know how I am going to divide my time between Infamous and Darksouls 2.... argh!
 
The internet makes me very sad sometimes. I wish some people had some nuance or perspective instead of going "WTF an 80?!? Why would I ever spend money on such a piece of shit." I always have to wonder how people who post metacritic user reviews seem to think that the only numbers are 0 and 10 with nothing in between

I find that its mostly just console exclusive threads that turn out like this.

South Park also got a flood of 8s and everyone seemed really happy and excited by the positive scores.
 
Is this the thread where I make myself feel important by saying this game blows?

I, too, drive by car dealerships and taunt the salesmen by saying I won't buy a car because Consumer Reports gave average reviews, and then tell the associate that I won't be back until they get something I want in stock - which is possibly never. I do that all the time. I see I'm not alone.

No one cares that you don't care.
 
There are individual people out there that thought there were better games at the original Xbox launch than Halo: CE. And more power to them. It doesn't change the fact that GENERALLY, Halo was seen as the killer app and a reason to buy the new system. It's just averages really. Sure, some people will play Killone and be blown away like the reviewers that gave it a 90+. Some will not care for it it and think it is a sub-70 game. But generally, on average, it is much more likely to be seen as the "pretty good" game the average seems to indicate it is.

Individuals CAN choose if it is their killer app. All I meant from the original post is that this game, for most people, isn't quite good enough to be a huge justification for buying a Ps4.

The problem with that logic is there are plenty of instances where consumer/gamer appreciation for the game and the critical reception are not highly inline

Metal gear rising is much loved on here as is Fallout New Vegas and both are what 83 and 84 averages on metacritic?

I don't think Infamous is a killer app but I see no qualms with it being something that vindicates your purchase. Albeit I'm not sure why you would use one game to attempt that in the first place.
 
I find that its mostly just console exclusive threads that turn out like this.

South Park also got a flood of 8s and everyone seemed really happy and excited by the positive scores.

I'll preface this by saying that I generally have nothing but disdain for most of the conversation in reviews threads for high profile releases (particularly exclusives). But it's pretty easy to understand the differences between the meta-conversation surrounding a release like South Park and a release like Infamous. The former was a multi-platform release on last-gen consoles, and was a licensed property that could have easily have turned out disastrously. Despite the fact that Obsidian certainly has its fans, I think many people set their expectations low upon hearing that they were working on a South Park RPG. So, the fact that it's actually GOOD is a pleasant surprise. 8/10 is great when it's a game that you want to like but feared could be a half-assed cash grab hoping to bank on a license.

But now we're in the realm of talking about reviews of a high-profile first-party exclusive. Unfortunately, it's a completely different beast because there's always going to be a System Wars slant at play.
 
Some stuff, but not everything. I'm imagining something along the lines of the Saboteur, maybe?

Perfect comparison. The City itself is mostly indestructible, but DUP stuff is fully destructible.

And one more question: Is this the kind of game I can pop in a podcast or music while lazily hunting down blast shards or their equivalent? Most of the fun of open worlds for me is just free roam exploration and traversal.

Yeah, I 100 percented the game on my first run-through and that's what I did between missions.
 
The problem with that logic is there are plenty of instances where consumer/gamer appreciation for the game and the critical reception are not highly inline

Metal gear rising is much loved on here as is Fallout New Vegas and both are what 83 and 84 averages on metacritic?

I don't think Infamous is a killer app but I see no qualms with it being something that vindicates your purchase. Albeit I'm not sure why you would use one game to attempt that in the first place.

Very true. My most recent experience with this was with Bioshock Infinite, which was second only to Last of Us as my GOTY. But I was shocked to find that GAF had a pretty massive backlash against it. In retrospect, I was probably a bit too forgiving of the merely passable shooting mechanics, but I guess I was so engrossed in the story and fantastical world that I didn't care. (Also, that fucking revolver is still one of my favorite guns in any shooter ever). In that instance, I was in line with the reviewers but most other hardcore gamers seemed to come to a consensus that the game should have been more an 80/85, not a 90/95. And that's cool.

But while there are examples like Bioshock or MGR or Fallout NV, there are also plenty of times where the reviews and "public" opinion of the hardcore do align. Most recent example is probably Titanfall. Most reviews say it's good but light on content so not quuuuite above a 9. Most people I've seen on here seem to agree with that consensus.

Anyway, I apologize for my rambling. I'll just conclude that I agree that the opinions of reviewers and the hardcore aren't always the same, but don't underestimate how much gamers seek VALIDATION from reviewers. THat's the reason why the Last of Us review thread was overtaken with discussion about Polygon's review for a while- it didn't matter if the vast majority of reviews said 9 or 10 score and GOTY contender, because one bastard rained on the parade with a 7.5 lol.
 
Pretty much. Infamous has always been a love it or hate it series. Though this time it has potential to sell more then the other two.

I don't see it that way at all. I enjoy playing the game but am able to separate what I like about the game (mechanics, animation, etc.) from what I don't like (side quests, plot/narrative, size and scope of the world, etc.). It's a fun game that deserves to be played.
 
The price in store for this in GAME is disgusting. £52.99 for the standard edition. Expensive day ahead of me tomorrow.
 
I'll preface this by saying that I generally have nothing but disdain for most of the conversation in reviews threads for high profile releases (particularly exclusives). But it's pretty easy to understand the differences between the meta-conversation surrounding a release like South Park and a release like Infamous. The former was a multi-platform release on last-gen consoles, and was a licensed property that could have easily have turned out disastrously. Despite the fact that Obsidian certainly has its fans, I think many people set their expectations low upon hearing that they were working on a South Park RPG. So, the fact that it's actually GOOD is a pleasant surprise. 8/10 is great when it's a game that you want to like but feared could be a half-assed cash grab hoping to bank on a license.

But now we're in the realm of talking about reviews of a high-profile first-party exclusive. Unfortunately, it's a completely different beast because there's always going to be a System Wars slant at play.
I definitely don't envy you mods for when these review megathreads come about :P
 
Looks to be reviewing well and I'm excited for tomorrow.

At least I think the game is reviewing well, you definitely couldn't tell from the reactions, publishers seem to get a lot of hate for putting such an emphasis on 85 or above metacritic score, so much that they would base bonuses on that. But gamers seem to have the same high expectations.
 
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