Infamous (PS3)

Who doesn't like a hero or superhero? We all like the idea of a powerful guardian who can take care of all our problems. No wonder we have been obsessed with graphic novels. TV shows and movies based on superheroes have existed for more than fifty years now. Video gaming isn't new to the likes of Batman and Spiderman, and the past decade has seen its share of movie based games. However, most of them do not pack in the needed thrill. But thankfully, developers have finally realized that developing a superhero from scratch is the only way they can do justice to the concept and the platform, case in point, Infamous. This is a PS3 exclusive title developed by Sucker Punch, based in the fictional Empire City, which is overrun by mutant maniacs and criminals. The cause of this chaos is the player character aka Cole McGrath, a bike messenger, who unknowingly blows up half the city.

Cole is carrying a case which explodes, blowing away everything in a 6 block radius and killing many innocent citizens. Strangely, Cole survives the explosion and wakes up in a hospital with superhuman abilities. Cole has a strange control over electricity; he is able to use it as a weapon and can also drain electricity from any source. Cole is stronger than before, he is able to jump from high buildings and survive any fall with ease. This sudden surge of power leaves Cole morally confused, leaving all his ethical decisions in the player's hands.

Infamous is a third person sandbox-style video game which features a huge open world. Cole starts the game with very basic powers and the ability to scale almost any structure. Early in the game, you realize that the city is under quarantine, law and order don't exist and most of its criminals have turned into mutant maniacs terrorizing the city. Cole is Empire City's only hope against the mutants known as the reapers, but Cole does have a choice. The game is a Superhero simulation but it also revolves around the concept of good and evil, it revolves around Karma. The game allows Cole to be a legendary savior of the people or a powerful tyrant hell-bent on ruling the city with fear. This slight tweak in the gameplay leads to a really appealing and enjoyable 25 hours of superhero-ism.

Cole develops his powers over time, while completing main and side missions. At precise moments in the game, you will be offered a choice, to be a good guy or bad guy. Depending on the choice that you make, your reputation changes and you are awarded a title. Helping people will give you tiles like guardian and hero, hurting people will lead to titles like thug and infamous. The most interesting aspect of the entire exercise is the way the city reacts to your deeds; the good guy is welcome everywhere whereas the bad guy gets stones thrown at him. This is the first game after GTA that offers a city that actually evolves over time and feels like another character in the game.

Speaking of characters, Cole is joined by his extremely weird but trustworthy friend Zeke and his girlfriend Trish. Both these characters play an important role in the main plot, and they change over time. Their behavior depends on Cole's Karma.