by the IWG Games Team
PS Plus subscribers rejoice! This month's free game comes in the form of Infamous: First Light, the standalone DLC prequel to Infamous: Second Son, which features the backstory of fellow conduit Abigail 'Fetch' Walker as she explains to Augustine (the antagonist of Second Son) how she came to be locked up in her D.U.P. prison for super-powered people. The gameplay remains true to Second Son with the focus instead entirely turned to use of the Neon powers, as Fetch cannot absorb the powers of her fellow conduits as former protagonist Deslin Rowe could.
PS Plus subscribers rejoice! This month's free game comes in the form of Infamous: First Light, the standalone DLC prequel to Infamous: Second Son, which features the backstory of fellow conduit Abigail 'Fetch' Walker as she explains to Augustine (the antagonist of Second Son) how she came to be locked up in her D.U.P. prison for super-powered people. The gameplay remains true to Second Son with the focus instead entirely turned to use of the Neon powers, as Fetch cannot absorb the powers of her fellow conduits as former protagonist Deslin Rowe could.
Return to Seattle in Infamous: First Light Set two whole years before the events of Second Son, First Light introduces us to a much less brutal Fetch as she embraces her powers without really understanding them. The story follows her as she learns to control them, in part for Augustine (who wishes to control the powers of conduits), but also so that she can ultimately play the role of reluctant ally to Deslin Rowe in Second Son.
The setting mostly takes place between Seattle and the D.U.P. prison arena, but also features other environments which show off the PS4's graphical prowess. Whilst Seattle, in terms of layout, remains largely untouched from its earlier appearance in the series it does not feature the heavy militarized compounds or soldiers, instead being patrolled by normal law enforcers (giving the game more of a Grand Theft Auto feel, despite not having the ability to steal or drive vehicles). Whilst the game is a visual treat, it suffers from some quite noticeable frame-rate issues (despite the game having the option to switch to 60 FPS), which is strange considering that the scale of First Light has been downgraded somewhat from Second Son. However many of the more enjoyable gameplay elements make a return, such as the graffiti mini-game (where the graffiti is instead replaced by Fetch's neon art). First Light also introduces Neon Races to the city, where you can race through several Neon checkpoints and gain speed as you do so (being very similar to the super-powered races which featured in Saints Row IV).
The game might be a little repetitive but by being so, it falls in line with the quality of its predecessors. The real pull for First Light is its storytelling and choice of protagonist. Deslin Rowe of Second Son was certainly likeable, if not a little routine as the puckish rogue we are growing so used to in gaming. Fetch instead provides for a new spin on that, bringing the same charming wit but also a keen determination on board - making her story a thoroughly enjoyable one.
The setting mostly takes place between Seattle and the D.U.P. prison arena, but also features other environments which show off the PS4's graphical prowess. Whilst Seattle, in terms of layout, remains largely untouched from its earlier appearance in the series it does not feature the heavy militarized compounds or soldiers, instead being patrolled by normal law enforcers (giving the game more of a Grand Theft Auto feel, despite not having the ability to steal or drive vehicles). Whilst the game is a visual treat, it suffers from some quite noticeable frame-rate issues (despite the game having the option to switch to 60 FPS), which is strange considering that the scale of First Light has been downgraded somewhat from Second Son. However many of the more enjoyable gameplay elements make a return, such as the graffiti mini-game (where the graffiti is instead replaced by Fetch's neon art). First Light also introduces Neon Races to the city, where you can race through several Neon checkpoints and gain speed as you do so (being very similar to the super-powered races which featured in Saints Row IV).
The game might be a little repetitive but by being so, it falls in line with the quality of its predecessors. The real pull for First Light is its storytelling and choice of protagonist. Deslin Rowe of Second Son was certainly likeable, if not a little routine as the puckish rogue we are growing so used to in gaming. Fetch instead provides for a new spin on that, bringing the same charming wit but also a keen determination on board - making her story a thoroughly enjoyable one.
A metronatural joyride
Infamous: First Light is likely to be the last of the series for a while, since Sucker Punch Productions are busy with other projects (and have finished the ongoing story arc) so grab it whilst you can! It is also a part of Sony's exclusive series' alongside Ratchet & Clank, Jak & Daxter, Sly Cooper, Uncharted and The Last of Us.
Have you played First Light or Second Son? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below, or come find us on Facebook or Twitter!
Have you played First Light or Second Son? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below, or come find us on Facebook or Twitter!
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