Introduction to the Superhero Universe of inFAMOUS
Developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, the inFAMOUS series revolutionized open-world superhero action during the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 eras. Blending fluid urban traversal, explosive elemental powers, and a choice-driven moral alignment system known as the Karma System, inFAMOUS gave players complete agency over whether to become a noble protector or a feared villain.
Whether you are a newcomer eager to explore Empire City and Seattle or a long-time fan re-examining the lineage of Cole MacGrath and Delsin Rowe, this comprehensive guide covers every entry in release order, core gameplay systems, story arcs, and modern playability options.
The Complete inFAMOUS Games in Order
1. inFAMOUS (2009)
Platform: PlayStation 3
The franchise debuted with inFAMOUS, introducing bike messenger Cole MacGrath. After surviving a massive explosion caused by an mysterious artifact known as the Ray Sphere, six city blocks of Empire City are leveled. Cole discovers he survived the blast and acquired electricity-based superpowers (Electrokinesis). Quarantine is imposed on Empire City as rival gang factions take over. Cole must master his powers, assist his best friend Zeke Dunbar, and uncover the dark conspiracy behind the explosion.
2. inFAMOUS 2 (2011)
Platform: PlayStation 3
Following the shocking climax of the original game, inFAMOUS 2 shifts the action south to New Marais, a vibrant southern city inspired by New Orleans. Cole travels to New Marais to prepare for an inevitable showdown with a destructive monster known as The Beast. The sequel expands Cole's abilities, allowing players to pair electric power with either Ice or Napalm abilities depending on moral choices, while offering refined parkour mechanics and melee combat tools like the Amp.
3. inFAMOUS: Festival of Blood (2011)
Platform: PlayStation 3
A standalone spin-off, inFAMOUS: Festival of Blood reimagines New Marais during a spooky night festival. When Cole is bitten by a vampire queen named Bloody Mary, he gains supernatural vampire powers, including high-speed bat flight. Cole must defeat Bloody Mary before sunrise to break the curse and return to his mortal form.
4. inFAMOUS Second Son (2014)
Platform: PlayStation 4
Set seven years after the events of inFAMOUS 2, inFAMOUS Second Son introduces a dystopian Seattle policed by the D.U.P. (Department of Unified Protection). Players control Delsin Rowe, a charismatic Native American graffiti artist who discovers he is a power-absorbing Conduit. Delsin gains access to multiple distinct power sets throughout his journey, including Smoke, Neon, Video, and Concrete powers.
5. inFAMOUS First Light (2014)
Platform: PlayStation 4
A standalone prequel expansion to inFAMOUS Second Son, inFAMOUS First Light follows Abigail "Fetch" Walker. The story dives into Fetch's backstory, her tragic experiences in Seattle, her time at the Curdun Cay prison, and her ultra-fast Neon superpowers.
Understanding the Moral Karma System
The defining feature of every main entry in the inFAMOUS franchise is the Karma System. A player's moral choices dynamically shift their protagonist's powers, physical appearance, dialogue, and ending.
- Good Karma Path: Earned by subduing targets cleanly, protecting civilians, and making sacrifices for the greater good. Good Karma upgrades precision aim, headshot energy refunds, and defensive shielding.
- Evil Karma Path: Earned by executing helpless enemies, causing collateral damage, and choosing power over ethics. Evil Karma unlocks heavy area-of-effect explosives, rapid destructive blasts, and aggressive blood-red power particle effects.
How to Play the inFAMOUS Series Today
Modern gaming hardware offers several options for experiencing the franchise:
- PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5: Both inFAMOUS Second Son and inFAMOUS First Light run natively on PS4 and benefit from enhanced performance and stability when played on PS5 through backward compatibility.
- PlayStation Plus Premium: PlayStation 3 entries—including inFAMOUS, inFAMOUS 2, and inFAMOUS: Festival of Blood—are available for cloud streaming via the PS Plus Premium subscription tier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you need to play inFAMOUS games in order?
To fully understand Cole MacGrath's emotional journey, playing inFAMOUS followed by inFAMOUS 2 is recommended. However, inFAMOUS Second Son introduces a completely new cast, setting, and plot, making it entirely accessible for new players.
Which ending of inFAMOUS 2 is canon?
Sucker Punch confirmed that the Good Karma ending of inFAMOUS 2 is the official canon choice, which set up the world order seen seven years later in inFAMOUS Second Son.
Is there a new inFAMOUS game in development?
Currently, Sucker Punch Productions is focused on the Ghost of Tsushima franchise. While there are no official plans for a new inFAMOUS title at present, the franchise remains one of Sony's premier original IP properties.
Final Thoughts
The inFAMOUS franchise remains one of the best superhero open-world experiences ever created. With brilliant traversal mechanics, distinct power customization, and a choice system that genuinely alters your gameplay style, the series stands as a timeless high point in PlayStation history.
