Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Infamous 2

Infamous 2 is a 2011 action-adventure video game developed by and published by Sony Computer Entertainment exclusively for the PlayStation 3. Blamed for the destruction of Empire City, protagonist Cole MacGrath—a who gained electrical superpowers from a massive —journeys to the vibrant, New Orleans-inspired city of New Marais to unlock new abilities and confront a catastrophic threat known as . Released on June 7, 2011, in , the game continues the story from the 2009 original Infamous, emphasizing themes of heroism, morality, and consequence in an open-world setting. The core gameplay revolves around third-person exploration and combat, where players control Cole as he navigates New Marais using parkour-style climbing, rail grinding, and superhuman leaps, absorbing electricity from sources to fuel his powers. Cole's arsenal includes electricity-based attacks like bolts, grenades, and rockets, which can be upgraded and customized via "amps"—melee weapons that enhance close-quarters combat. A key feature is the expanded morality system, where player decisions during missions determine Cole's karma alignment: good choices unlock ice-themed defensive and crowd-control powers, while evil choices grant oil-based offensive abilities like napalm and draining attacks, influencing both the narrative branches and civilian reactions in the city. Additionally, Infamous 2 introduced a robust user-generated content toolset, allowing players to create, test, and share custom missions online, extending replayability beyond the 15-20 hour main campaign. Developed over two years by , the title built on the first game's foundation with improved visuals, larger environments, and deeper character interactions, including returning ally Zeke and new companions like NSA agent Lucy Kuo and antagonist Bertrand. The studio aimed to refine the fantasy by making powers feel more dynamic and the world more reactive, with New Marais featuring diverse districts from swamps to , all destructible and scalable. Post-launch, included the standalone Infamous: Festival of Blood, where Cole battles vampires, and additional power packs. Upon release, Infamous 2 received generally favorable reviews, earning a Metascore of 83 out of 100 based on 90 critics, with praise for its polished traversal, engaging combat upgrades, and innovative user-generated features that set it apart from contemporaries. Critics highlighted the moral choice system's impact on progression and the immersive , though some noted the plot's predictability and occasional technical hitches. User scores averaged 8.6, reflecting strong fan appreciation for the series' evolution into a more cinematic experience.

Gameplay

Powers and combat

In inFamous 2, protagonist Cole MacGrath begins with a core set of electricity-based powers that form the foundation of combat, including Lightning Bolts for targeted ranged attacks, Grenades for area-of-effect damage, and Rockets for heavy explosive payloads. These abilities draw from Cole's energy meter, which is recharged by draining electricity from sources like cars or power lines, and can be fired in rapid succession or charged for increased power. Basic melee combat is handled via the Amp, a versatile two-pronged weapon built by ally Zeke, allowing Cole to perform quick strikes, takedowns, and crowd control combos against close-range foes. Powers evolve through upgrades unlocked with experience points (XP) earned from defeating enemies and completing missions, alongside collecting Blast Shards scattered throughout New Marais to permanently extend the meter. Upgrades enhance range, damage, or add effects like homing for Rockets or explosive bursts on critical hits for Bolts, while advanced Ionic Powers—such as massive drains or vortexes—become available later and are limited to a few charges before requiring recharge. emphasizes fluid chaining of attacks, where players can mix ranged blasts with finishers or environmental objects, like hurling cars via Kinetic Pulse to crush groups. Enemies include the human Militia faction, armed with guns and using cover-based tactics, and the monstrous , mutated beasts that charge aggressively or summon reinforcements, each requiring adapted strategies like grenades for clusters or precision bolts for distant threats. Environmental interactions amplify attacks; for instance, firing into conducts shocks across larger areas to electrocute multiple foes, while oil slicks can be ignited for fiery explosions in oil-based assaults. Combo systems reward chaining abilities without pause, building toward Ionic finishers, though tight spaces can hinder mobility and lead to camera issues during . The game's alignment system influences power trees, with good karma unlocking ice-themed abilities like the Shatter Blast (an that freezes and shatters groups) or Ionic Vortex (a that repels enemies), while evil karma grants fire/oil variants such as Nightmare Blast (a disorienting pulse) or (sticky fire bombs that burn over time). These paths briefly tie into traversal for mobility boosts but primarily diverge in combat utility, with good powers favoring and evil ones emphasizing raw destruction.

Traversal and world interaction

In inFamous 2, players navigate the open-world city of New Marais primarily through MacGrath's enhanced mobility abilities, which combine traditional with electricity-based powers for fluid traversal. can climb buildings and structures with improved smoothness and automatic flow, allowing seamless horizontal and vertical movement across rooftops and ledges without manual input for basic jumps. This system emphasizes momentum, enabling to chain climbs, runs, and leaps to cover urban terrain efficiently. Key traversal powers include the Grind, which lets slide along power cables, electrified rails, and train tracks at high speeds while regenerating energy from the conductive surfaces. Upgrades to this ability extend grind distance and boost speed, facilitating rapid cross-city travel and access to elevated areas. Complementing this is the Launch, a power that propels upward by magnetizing and jumping off vehicles or vertical poles, reaching otherwise inaccessible heights; enhancements increase launch height and buildup for consecutive uses. can perform rocket jumps for explosive boosts, with upgrades improving distance and control to enhance exploration. World interaction revolves around Cole's electrokinesis, allowing him to drain electricity from powered sources like generators and transformers to recharge his energy reserves during traversal. He can activate environmental devices, such as powering elevators or bridges, to unlock new paths. Side activities encourage engagement with the , including rescuing civilians from ambushes or destroying propaganda to disrupt control in districts. Collectibles are integral to progression and discovery, often requiring traversal skills to locate. Blast Shards, totaling 305 across New Marais, are scattered on buildings, in alleys, and hidden by civilians; collecting them expands Cole's maximum health and energy capacity, with the Blast Shard Sense upgrade revealing nearby ones on the as blue icons. Dead Drops consist of 29 carrier pigeons perched on high structures, each carrying audio logs that provide backstory on characters and events when collected. The game's destructible environments add dynamism to navigation, as buildings and verandas can collapse during movement or interactions, altering paths and requiring adaptive use of powers. Dynamic , including , influences traversal by enhancing electrical , causing powers to arc farther across wet surfaces for extended reach in mobility maneuvers.

Karma system and user-generated content

The Karma system in inFamous 2 presents players with moral choices during main missions and side events, allowing them to align as either "good" or "," which influences civilian reactions, unlocks specific powers, and determines narrative ending paths. These decisions often involve selecting between allies like Lucy Kuo for precise, low-collateral operations or for aggressive, destructive approaches, shaping the game's world state and interpersonal dynamics. fosters positive civilian interactions, such as supportive crowds that provide healing energy during combat, while evil karma escalates hostility, with civilians fleeing or attacking the protagonist, Cole MacGrath. Alignment choices yield distinct gameplay consequences: good karma enhances ally support through cooperative mechanics and regenerative abilities, promoting defensive and restorative playstyles, whereas evil karma amplifies raw offensive power with devastating upgrades but heightens enemy aggression and limits healing options. Power unlocks are tied to progression along these paths; committing to one side grants full-strength abilities, such as precision bolts for good or explosive grenades for evil, while mixed choices result in weaker, hybrid variants. Ultimately, sustained leads to one of multiple endings, with good paths emphasizing heroism and redemption, and evil paths highlighting dominance and sacrifice. The game's user-generated content (UGC) system, centered on the Mission Creator tool, enables players to design custom levels using in-game assets like characters (e.g., , Zeke, ), enemies (e.g., Hive Lords), and props, supporting diverse genres such as stealth operations, platforming challenges, races, and mini-games like vehicular or with bad-joke narration. Creators can modify rules, such as disabling Cole's powers for heightened difficulty, and incorporate narrative elements via comic-style cutscenes added in post-launch updates. Completed missions are shared online and accessed through an in-game browser displaying the creator's PSN ID, ratings, and a search function, with top-rated content promoted to official featured lists by developer . UGC integrates seamlessly with the Karma system, permitting creators to craft custom moral dilemmas that impact player alignment, such as choices between sparing civilians or unleashing destruction, thereby extending the game's branching morality into community-driven stories and enhancing replayability. Community examples include narrative-focused missions like tales fitting the game's , as seen in official contests where winners designed story-driven levels involving Cole's alliances and ethical conflicts. This feature not only democratizes content creation but also reinforces the core theme of consequential choices within a shared ecosystem.

Plot

Setting

New Marais serves as the primary setting for Infamous 2, depicted as a fictional bayou-inspired city modeled after New Orleans, Louisiana. The environment blends urban and swampy elements, featuring diverse districts such as , Ascension Parish, Floodtown, and the Gas Works, each with distinct architectural and atmospheric characteristics. Floodtown, for instance, represents a submerged, ruined area evoking post-flood devastation, while Ascension Parish highlights older, historic structures. A prominent landmark, the Lighthouse, overlooks parts of the city, adding to the navigational and visual landscape. The city's visual and cultural details draw heavily from New Orleans' vibrant heritage, incorporating influences, French Quarter-style verandas, alleyways, above-ground cemeteries, and a mix of gothic, Victorian, and . Lush vegetation, swampland, and waterways create a lively, colorful atmosphere amid the backdrop of a post-plague society, where a mysterious ailment has affected the population. Diverse factions, including the militaristic and the monstrous , inhabit the streets, contributing to a tense, divided urban dynamic without dominating the civilian areas. In contrast to the stark, ruined urban sprawl of Empire City from the first game, New Marais offers a more dynamic and traversable swampy environment, emphasizing verticality through climbable structures and water-based mobility. Environmental enhances immersion through collectibles like audio logs—29 in total, often attached to pigeons—which provide backstory insights via recordings from city inhabitants, as well as scattered newspapers and signs that reveal historical and cultural context. These elements collectively build a world rich in detail, supporting exploration and subtle narrative depth.

Synopsis

Following the destruction of Empire City by the Beast, a immensely powerful being, protagonist Cole MacGrath escapes southward with his friend Zeke Dunbar and NSA agent Lucy Kuo to the swamp-surrounded city of New Marais. There, Cole aims to locate Dr. Sebastian Wolfe, a reclusive capable of enhancing his electrical powers to confront the encroaching Beast, whose arrival threatens further devastation. As Cole arrives, New Marais is embroiled in a tense between two factions: the authoritarian , led by the militaristic Augustin Bertrand, who enforces control through propaganda and force, and the feral , a group of plague-afflicted individuals transformed into monstrous foes. Central to the narrative is the looming threat of the Beast's advance across the continent, compounded by a mysterious that targets Conduits—humans with abilities like —killing them en masse and turning survivors into . , Zeke, and Kuo initially ally to disrupt the Militia's grip on the city, with Zeke leading guerrilla efforts against Bertrand's forces while Kuo provides intelligence and support. Throughout the early acts, trains and refines his powers, using electricity-based abilities to liberate districts, gather resources like Blast Shards to boost his energy, and thwart enemy advances, gradually uncovering layers of conspiracy involving Bertrand's experiments and the 's origins. Midway through the story, a pivotal event shifts Cole's arsenal toward ice-based powers, enhancing his combat versatility as he delves deeper into New Marais' underbelly. He encounters , a volatile fire-manipulating Conduit imprisoned by the , who offers an alternative alliance rooted in chaos and vengeance, contrasting Kuo's disciplined, heroic approach. Zeke's role evolves as he grapples with leadership in the , providing and moral grounding amid the escalating faction wars and revelations about the Beast's connection to the Conduit plague. These alliances and discoveries build toward a critical juncture where Cole's choices influence his relationships and the city's fate, emphasizing themes of , , and impending apocalypse.

Endings

Infamous 2 features two distinct endings determined by the player's karma alignment and final decision during the climax, where protagonist Cole MacGrath confronts using the Ray Field Inhibitor (RFI) device. The good ending requires a predominantly heroic karma path and choosing to activate the RFI to eradicate the Conduit plague at great personal cost, while the evil ending demands a villainous karma alignment and siding with to embrace Conduit dominance. These paths diverge visually and narratively in the final missions, with the good route emphasizing sacrificial heroism amid explosive RFI activation sequences, and the evil route showcasing destructive alliances through lightning-infused conquests and betrayals. In the good ending, Cole defeats the Beast in a prolonged battle and activates the RFI atop a New Marais tower, unleashing a global pulse that cures the plague by eliminating the Conduit gene in all carriers, including himself. This self-sacrifice leads to 's death as his body succumbs to the device's energy, watched over by allies Zeke and , who mourn his heroism while the world begins to heal from the plague's devastation. The shifts to Zeke discovering a young Delsin Rowe exhibiting latent powers, hinting at surviving Conduit potential despite the RFI's intent, and tying into the broader lore of emerging superhumans in a post-plague society. Conversely, the evil ending sees allying with after rejecting the RFI's use, absorbing its powers to amplify his abilities and destroy the device in a climactic . During the final confrontation, battles and kills , who attempts to wield the RFI against , before turning on Zeke in a tense rooftop showdown where electrocutes his former friend after being shot. Embracing Conduit supremacy, and then embark on a , activating Ray Spheres across cities to awaken more Conduits while the ravages humanity, culminating in a post-credits vision of leading an army against terrified civilians in a dystopian . Although initially considered for canon continuity by developers, player data favoring the good path—78% choosing —led to its adoption in subsequent lore, underscoring the endings' impact on the series' narrative direction.

Development

Concept and design

Development of Infamous 2 began immediately following the completion of the original Infamous in 2009, capitalizing on the first game's commercial success to expand the franchise under the direction of Nate Fox, who returned as game director at Sucker Punch Productions. The team focused on enhancing storytelling through more narrative depth and character development, while iterating on core mechanics to create a more immersive experience. This pre-production phase emphasized building upon player feedback from the initial title to refine the superhero power fantasy. Key design choices included expanding the open-world environment to a vibrant, bayou-inspired city called New Marais, which allowed for greater variety in traversal and exploration compared to the ruined Empire City of the first game. To add gameplay variety, the team introduced ice-based powers alongside Cole MacGrath's existing electricity abilities, enabling players to choose between ice-based powers (from Lucy Kuo) or oil-based powers (from ) depending on moral alignment and ally relationships with characters and Lucy Kuo. The karma system was deepened beyond the binary good/evil framework of the predecessor, incorporating broader consequences through companion dynamics and branching story paths that personified moral choices via these allies, aiming for more nuanced player agency. Technically, the game targeted a stable 30 frames per second on the hardware, optimizing for the console's limitations while implementing dynamic lighting and shadowing to enhance the visual impact of powers and environmental interactions. technology was employed for character animations and cutscenes to achieve more realistic performances, contributing to the improved . Challenges during included ensuring balanced replayability across paths without frustrating players, as the sought to make both alignments equally viable and compelling through equitable power progression and narrative outcomes.

Audio production

The soundtrack for Infamous 2 was composed by a collaborative team including , Bryan "Brain" Mantia, the New Orleans-based band Galactic, and Jonathan "JD" Mayer, with additional contributions from . Dooley focused on orchestral elements, drawing from his experience in film scoring to provide sweeping, emotional underscores. Mantia, a former drummer for bands like and , brought rock and experimental influences, incorporating unconventional percussion such as junk metal and detuned drums to create aggressive, visceral tones. Galactic, known for blending , , , and R&B, infused the score with New Orleans jazz traditions, including Mardi Gras-inspired grooves and improvised rhythms using custom kits like Nyhabinghi drums. Mayer served as music manager and co-composer, overseeing the integration of these styles into over four hours of original music recorded in a year-long production process that emphasized improvisation and live instrumentation. The score's stylistic mix of rock, electronic, and reflected the game's setting in the fictional city of New Marais, inspired by the cultural vibrancy of New Orleans. Composers aimed for organic, location-specific sounds, such as ambient grooves evoking environments and electronic distortions mimicking electrical surges. Production involved creative techniques like miking unconventional objects (e.g., frying pans and undersides) to generate textured, immersive audio layers. Galactic's members highlighted the project's enjoyment, noting how their expertise captured the city's "vibe" through character-themed variations that shifted between action and suspense. Sound design emphasized dynamic auditory feedback, with electrical effects like crackling zaps and humming charges designed to feel impactful during combat sequences. Environmental audio captured ambiance through layered field recordings and synthesized elements, creating a humid, jazz-tinged atmosphere in quieter moments. The music system featured adaptive shifts tied to player morality, utilizing separate "" (heroic) and "" (infamous) soundtracks that altered tones—brighter orchestration for good karma and darker, distorted rock for evil—to enhance immersion without disrupting narrative flow. Symphonic sound design by Tim further integrated these elements with sampled instruments for seamless transitions. Voice acting was led by as Cole MacGrath, replacing Jason Cottle from the first game to better suit motion-capture demands. Laura Bailey voiced Nix, delivering a sharp, rebellious edge; portrayed Zeke with a grounded, loyal intensity; and provided the poised authority for Lucy Kuo. The cast's performances emphasized natural dialogue delivery, contributing to character-driven auditory depth amid the score's intensity.

Release

Marketing and editions

The marketing campaign for inFamous 2 began with its reveal at the in 2010, where showcased the first trailer during its press conference, highlighting protagonist Cole MacGrath's new appearance and his flight from the destructive entity known as to the city of New Marais. Subsequent trailers continued to emphasize the escalating threat posed by , portraying it as a relentless pursuer that forces Cole to seek allies and enhance his powers in the game's setting. The campaign featured tie-ins with promotions, including a limited-edition PS3 bundle in that bundled the game with a customized console. inFamous 2 was released exclusively for the on June 7, 2011, in and June 8, 2011, in most European countries and June 10 in the , , and . The game launched in three main editions: the standard edition, which included the base game on Blu-ray disc; the , offering in-game content such as a downloadable for exclusive items like the Classic skin; and the premium Edition, which added physical collectibles including an 8.5-inch MacGrath statue, a replica sling pack, and a Super Voucher granting access to additional in-game content such as special skins (e.g., Kessler Skin and Reaper Skin), weapons (e.g., Gold Amp, Caveman Club, and Samurai Sword), and the inFAMOUS 2 Red . Pre-order incentives varied by retailer to encourage early purchases, with participating stores like offering the Lightning Hook ability—an electro-kinetic tether for snaring and shocking enemies—while provided a 24K Amp skin and included the Electrocution Grenade power. These bonuses were redeemable via codes included with pre-orders and integrated directly into the game's progression system.

Downloadable content

inFAMOUS 2 received several packs post-launch, expanding through new powers, cosmetics, missions, and tools. The primary , inFAMOUS: Festival of Blood, released on October 25, 2011, for $9.99 via the , presents a standalone, non- story set in New Marais during a infestation. In this 4-5 hour narrative, protagonist Cole MacGrath is bitten by a and must slay the ancient lord within one night to reclaim his soul, featuring themed environments, new enemies, and supernatural abilities such as flight via Shadow Swarm and sunlight-based attacks like Solar Grenade. The integrates powers that do not affect the base game's karma system or but includes a new 2D cutscene creation tool unlocked for use in inFAMOUS 2's mode. Additional DLC focused on enhancing the base game included cosmetic skins and weapon variants, such as the Kessler Skin, Original Skin, and Skin packs, which alter 's appearance without impacting gameplay mechanics. Weapon bundles offered alternatives like the Samurai Sword and Sly's , serving as melee upgrades that tie into the game's combat while maintaining compatibility with existing powers and karma choices. Power expansions added abilities like the Lightning Hook for pulling enemies and the Electrocution Grenade for area denial, which players could unlock through promotional vouchers or direct purchase and integrate seamlessly into the main campaign's progression. User-generated content received multiple free updates to bolster community creation. The initial UGC Vehicles Pack, released on July 25, 2011, introduced vehicles from the single-player story—like Bertrand's Limo and the King's —for use in custom s, alongside a mission search function to navigate over 50,000 player-created levels. Subsequent patches, including the 2011 update, added features like mission linking for chaining levels and big boss enemy placements, with free tools enabling players to design that affects karma and utilizes base powers without altering canon endings. These updates were included in the inFAMOUS Collection for , released on August 28, 2012.

Reception

Critical reviews

Infamous 2 received generally favorable reviews from critics, earning a score of 83 out of 100 based on 90 aggregated reviews. User reviews were similarly positive, with an average score of 8.6 out of 10 from 1,452 ratings. Critics frequently praised the game's enhanced narrative depth compared to its predecessor, noting a more engaging story with reduced angst and stronger character development that provided emotional investment. The traversal mechanics were lauded for their fluidity and satisfaction, allowing seamless navigation across the environment, while the visuals were highlighted for their vibrancy and detail. Reviewers commended the powers system for its engaging variety and creative upgrades, which added excitement to combat and exploration. The design of the open-world setting in New Marais was a standout, praised for its artistic diversity and lively neighborhoods that enhanced immersion. awarded the game a 9 out of 10, specifically highlighting the robust world-building and the depth of its storytelling as tying together the experience effectively. was often commended for delivering emotional weight to key moments, contributing to the narrative's impact. Despite these strengths, some criticisms emerged regarding repetitive side missions, which often recycled -focused objectives without sufficient variety. Camera issues during were noted as disorienting, particularly in close-quarters sequences where cinematic angles hindered control. The karma system drew mixed feedback, with reviewers pointing out its binary nature and lack of truly challenging moral decisions, making it less impactful than anticipated. gave it a 7.5 out of 10, appreciating the combat variety but echoing concerns over narrative pacing and mission repetition.

Sales and awards

Infamous 2 achieved strong commercial performance as a exclusive, selling 369,200 copies in during its debut month of 2011 and ranking as the third best-selling overall for that period. It outperformed the original Infamous in worldwide sales during its initial tracking period, benefiting from the established fanbase of the first installment. Lifetime sales estimates reached approximately 1.87 million units globally, with the majority in (1.05 million) and (0.48 million), compared to lower figures in (0.08 million) and other regions (0.26 million). The game's success was supported by positive critical reception, which helped drive its position as the top-selling title on the PS3 platform for June 2011. In terms of awards, Infamous 2 earned a nomination for Best PlayStation 3 Game at the 2011 Spike Video Game Awards. It also received a nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition at the 15th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, recognizing the score composed by Jim Dooley.

Legacy

Sequels and spin-offs

Infamous: Festival of Blood, released in 2011 as a standalone downloadable title for , serves as a vampire-themed set in the city of New Marais during the events of Infamous 2. In this interquel, protagonist Cole MacGrath gains temporary powers, including sunlight weakness, blood draining, and bat swarm abilities, while combating a infestation during the annual Night festival. The narrative is framed as a recounted by Cole's ally Zeke , rendering it non-canon to the main series but expanding the lore through experimental conduit abilities. The primary sequel, Infamous Second Son, launched in 2014 exclusively for PlayStation 4 and acts as a soft reboot of the series, introducing new protagonist Delsin Rowe, a conduit with smoke and neon absorption powers. Set seven years after Infamous 2, it follows the good karma ending as canon, where Cole sacrifices himself in New York City to cure a plague affecting non-conduits, inadvertently leading to increased fear and persecution of conduits by the Department of Unified Protection (DUP). References to Cole's heroic act appear in in-game collectibles and dialogue, solidifying its influence on the series' overarching narrative of conduit-human conflict. Complementing Second Son, was released later in 2014 as a standalone downloadable game for , functioning as a centered on Abigail "Fetch" Walker, Delsin's ally from the main title. It explores Fetch's backstory, detailing her acquisition and mastery of neon-based powers through absorption and projection, set in the years leading up to Second Son's events in . While not directly tied to Infamous 2's plot, it enriches the neon power set introduced in Second Son and highlights themes of conduit isolation and family dynamics within the established lore. The series maintains narrative continuity through the good karma path of as canon, explicitly rejecting the evil ending where embraces his role as "" to empower conduits at humanity's expense, as confirmed by developer . This choice aligns subsequent entries with a theme of and societal tension, ensuring 's shapes the world's conduit dynamics without contradicting the soft reboot's focus on new characters.

Remaster discussions

Following the release of inFAMOUS: Second Son in , speculation about ing the earlier entries, including inFAMOUS 2, for the PS4 began to circulate among fans and outlets, often tying the potential project to the franchise's continuation on new hardware. By 2016, rumors intensified when an listing briefly appeared for a purported inFAMOUS: Lightning Edition for PS4, complete with a bundled demo, fueling hopes for a collection that would modernize the PS3-era titles alongside Second Son. However, the listing was quickly debunked as a fabrication, with evidence pointing to Photoshop alterations, though it highlighted growing community desire for accessible ports during the PS4 generation. Similar unverified whispers persisted through 2020, including forum discussions and leaks suggesting a PS4 collection, but none materialized from or . In recent years, discussions have gained traction with direct input from . In July 2025, Nate Fox expressed enthusiasm for a PS5 trilogy re-release encompassing inFAMOUS, inFAMOUS 2, and Second Son, stating he would "love to see" such a project to make the series more accessible to modern players. By September 2025, Fox further indicated openness to outsourcing a to an external studio, noting in an interview that it "would be great" if another developer handled it, allowing to focus elsewhere while reviving the . Unconfirmed rumors of a full trilogy collection, potentially including , have swirled since 2023, amplified by leaks and insider teases, though has provided no verification as of November 2025. In October 2025, co-founder and president Peter Brown reiterated the studio's "one-game-at-a-time" philosophy, acknowledging fan demands for remasters but emphasizing their commitment to current projects over legacy revivals. Community interest in a inFAMOUS 2 remaster remains strong, driven by organized fan efforts and ongoing accessibility discussions. Petitions, such as one on MoveOn.org launched in recent years, have gathered signatures urging to remaster the original trilogy or develop a new entry, citing the series' enduring appeal and untapped potential. On PS5, is playable via PlayStation Plus Premium's cloud streaming service, providing a workaround for backward compatibility despite lacking native PS4 or PS5 ports. retrospectives from 2024, including analyses questioning if the inFAMOUS games hold up today, have praised inFAMOUS 2's core gameplay and narrative as still engaging when streamed, though they note graphical limitations compared to modern titles. Despite this momentum, several barriers hinder progress on a remaster. Sucker Punch's primary focus remains on the Ghost of Tsushima franchise, with Ghost of Yōtei—its sequel released in October 2025—having consumed the studio's resources as a single-project developer. Brown confirmed in October 2025 that any future Ghost sequels would likely take at least five years, underscoring the studio's deliberate pace and sidelining other IPs like inFAMOUS. As of November 2025, no official announcements have been made regarding a inFAMOUS 2 remaster or trilogy collection, leaving discussions in the realm of hopeful speculation.

References

  1. [1]
  2. [2]
    inFAMOUS 2 Launches Today - PlayStation.Blog
    Jun 7, 2011 · Well, it's finally here… Launch day! Two-plus years, eighty thousand individual checkins of art and code, countless hours of testing, ...
  3. [3]
    Infamous 2 Review - IGN
    Rating 9/10 · Review by Colin MoriartyMay 27, 2011 · This is a rock-solid third-person action game with an incredible story, great characters, meaty gameplay and – above all else – a string that effectively ties ...Missing: reception | Show results with:reception
  4. [4]
    Hands On: Sony Spices Up Infamous 2 With User-Created Content
    Mar 2, 2011 · Infamous 2 will include the ability to create and play user-generated missions when it ships this spring, developer Sucker Punch announced Tuesday evening.
  5. [5]
    Welcome To New Marais: Thinking Change In Infamous 2
    With the impending release of sequel Infamous 2, developer Sucker Punch is looking to take the superhero elements just that little bit further this time around.<|control11|><|separator|>
  6. [6]
    [PDF] Online Interactions Not Rated by the ESRB - PlayStation
    Over the course of inFAMOUS 2, he will acquire incredibly powerful new abilities. ... UPGRADING POWERS. Press [Start] and select POWERS to access the Powers ...
  7. [7]
    Infamous 2 Review - GameSpot
    Rating 7.5/10 · Review by Tom Mc SheaJun 3, 2011 · Your attackers take many forms in Infamous 2. Gun-wielding lowlifes, mutated warriors, and repulsive-looking monsters give combat a dose of ...
  8. [8]
    InFamous 2 to add oil and ice based powers - VG247
    Mar 31, 2011 · InFamous 2's NPC "consciences", Kuo and Nix, come equipped with ice and oil based super powers along with moral harangues.
  9. [9]
    Heroic Powers & Abilities - Infamous 2 Guide - IGN
    Jun 27, 2011 · Heroic Powers & Abilities ; Power Category: Blast · Good: Graviton Blast · Good: Shatter Blast ; Power Category: Grenade · Good: Sticky Grenade · Good ...
  10. [10]
    Villainous Powers & Abilities - Infamous 2 Guide - IGN
    Jun 7, 2011 · Evil: Double Grenade. This grenade explodes once on impact with a surface, and then a second time when the sphere detonates.
  11. [11]
    InFamous 2 - Guns in Movies, TV and Video Games
    The SIG-Sauer P226 is the main handgun in the game, used by the character Lucy Kuo, rebel soldiers and police officers. ... Cole strikes a pose as a rebel in the ...
  12. [12]
  13. [13]
    inFamous 2 out in 2011, fully detailed | Eurogamer.net
    Cole may be building up again, but he retains a lot of power from the first game - he can still do his cool rail-sliding induction grind, and Sucker Punch has ...
  14. [14]
    AWOL Powers - Infamous 2 Guide - IGN
    Jun 7, 2011 · This is an upgrade to Induction Grind, which allows Cole to regain energy by grinding on electrified rails and wires. It is unavailable in ...
  15. [15]
  16. [16]
    inFamous 2 Trophy Guide & Road Map
    Jun 10, 2011 · Find out the best tips and tricks for unlocking all the trophies for inFamous 2 in the most comprehensive trophy guide on the internet.
  17. [17]
    Blast Shards - Infamous 2 Guide - IGN
    Jun 7, 2011 · Blast Shards can be found by tapping the L3 or L2 button -- this briefly reveals nearby Blast Shard locations on the minimap as blue circles.Missing: effects audio logs
  18. [18]
    Dead Drops - Infamous 2 Guide - IGN
    There are 29 Dead Drop pigeons in Infamous 2. Collecting them reveals a bit of back story in the form of audio logs from various characters in the game.Missing: effects | Show results with:effects
  19. [19]
    r/infamous on Reddit: if you think about it cole can't touch water so ...
    Oct 19, 2022 · The water drains him of his power. As seen in the beginning of infamous 2, when he is completely drained of electricity he can be in the water ...The only game where instant water death makes sense [inFamous]Bad endings that you're okay with or perfer? : r/TwoBestFriendsPlayMore results from www.reddit.comMissing: affects | Show results with:affects
  20. [20]
    More on the inFAMOUS 2 Karma System - PlayStation.Blog
    Feb 11, 2011 · ... power, responsibility and the test of character that powers bring. ... Until then, choose your friends carefully! infamous 2playstation games ...Missing: upgrades | Show results with:upgrades
  21. [21]
    inFamous 2 Karma System Detailed - TheSixthAxis
    Feb 12, 2011 · inFamous was a well made, if a little repetitive, super-powered open world romp. It was a solid game with plenty to get excited about but ...
  22. [22]
    inFAMOUS 2: User-Created Missions Give Infinite Possibilities ...
    Mar 1, 2011 · With User-Generated Content, inFAMOUS 2 players can build new missions, then share them with the world.
  23. [23]
    inFAMOUS 2: UGC Mission Contest Winner Announced
    Feb 3, 2012 · We're ready to share the grand prize winner of the Cole's Missing Mission contest. Introducing PSN member Seth9977 with his mission: Spying on the Spies.
  24. [24]
  25. [25]
    New Marais - Infamous 2 Guide - IGN
    Aug 25, 2013 · New Marais is an iteration of an already known city. Inspired by New Orleans Louisiana, New Marais is divided into four districts.
  26. [26]
    The InFamous 2 team is building a better superhero game
    Jun 21, 2010 · ... New Marais, Sucker Punch's New Orleans homage that will serve as the backdrop for the sequel. However, Cole isn't the only non-human in New ...
  27. [27]
    Enemies and factions - Infamous 2 Guide - IGN
    Jul 2, 2012 · Soldier: Can be related to the First Sons in inFAMOUS and the Militia. All of them are Conduits with minor ice powers, mostly movement related.
  28. [28]
    WR: inFamous 2 (PS3) - Game Usagi
    Sep 10, 2011 · The Militia, which opposes Conduits (people with special powers), at the same time provides protection from “the Corrupted”, tainted, biological ...
  29. [29]
    inFamous 2 (Video Game 2011) - Plot - IMDb
    As the beast destroys Empire city Cole McGrath must travel to New Maris to upgrade and disobey new powers to defeat the beast. The choice in your actions ...Missing: developer reception
  30. [30]
    inFamous 2 (Game) - Giant Bomb
    Jun 7, 2011 · Good and evil have been relabeled Order and Chaos in Infamous 2. Each side is represented by one of two new female characters. Kuo represents ...Missing: plot | Show results with:plot
  31. [31]
    Infamous 2 | Infamous Wiki - Fandom
    A sequel to Infamous, the game continues the story of the superhuman Cole MacGrath, who has been told of the coming of an extremely powerful entity known only ...Story missions in Infamous 2 · Enemies · Powers · ScriptMissing: reception | Show results with:reception
  32. [32]
    Infamous 2 Review: A song of ice and fire - Giant Bomb
    Jun 7, 2011 · Since this is the beginning of the game, Cole is defeated by the Beast and is forced to flee to New Marais, a New Orleans like city, to regain ...Missing: plot summary
  33. [33]
    Official Review: inFamous 2 - PS3Blog.net
    Jul 22, 2011 · User-Generated Content, something you wouldn't expect to see in a game like this, is something new that allows you to basically create different ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  34. [34]
    inFamous 2 raises the bar for its genre. - Giant Bomb
    Jun 7, 2011 · It was topped off by a good story with characters that were relatable, the problems Cole faces in the original with his girlfriend Trish is ...Missing: plot summary
  35. [35]
    Infamous 2 Endings - IGN
    Jun 13, 2011 · The+Good+Ending. Here, Cole has beaten the Beast and decided to activate the Ray Field Inhibitor. The device will cure everyone infected by the ...Missing: explained | Show results with:explained
  36. [36]
    The Next InFamous Title Should Follow InFamous 2's Evil Ending
    Apr 13, 2022 · If Cole picks the good ending, he will fight the Beast, fix the RFI, and use it to kill everyone with the conduit gene. This also killed Cole ...
  37. [37]
  38. [38]
    Infamous 2's evil ending was supposed to be canon--until player ...
    Mar 21, 2014 · According to studio head Nate Fox, the canonical ending was supposed to be evil--before player data changed the studio's direction.<|control11|><|separator|>
  39. [39]
    What Happened To inFamous? - GamingBolt
    Sep 3, 2019 · As for development, it began right after the first game's development ... The game itself takes place seven years after the ending of inFamous 2 ...
  40. [40]
  41. [41]
    How Infamous: Second Son Makes You Consider Every Kill
    Mar 12, 2014 · "From Infamous to Infamous 2, we wanted to personify the karma system by introducing Nix and Kuo, which embody the ruthless and goody-two-shoes ...
  42. [42]
    inFamous 2 - PS3 Frame Rate Analysis - YouTube
    Mar 4, 2023 · FPS analysis of inFamous 2, recorded on real Playstation 3 hardware. Support the channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/neogamertvga.
  43. [43]
    Sound Byte: Meet the Composers Behind Infamous 2 - GameSpot
    Jul 18, 2011 · A team of composers--including Bryan "Brain" Mantia, former drummer for Guns N' Roses, and Stanton Moore of Galactic--had to come up with the right tone and ...Missing: James | Show results with:James
  44. [44]
    inFamous 2 -The Blue Soundtrack - Video Game Music Online
    Aug 1, 2012 · ... music manager Jonathan Mayer and composer Jim Dooley would return from inFamous. They were joined by two newcomers: Bryan “Brain” Mantia, a ...Missing: James | Show results with:James
  45. [45]
    “I really didn't know that people listened to game soundtracks ...
    Sep 8, 2025 · JD: Yes, my contribution to the inFAMOUS 1 and 2 games was more of the “orchestral” composer. Working with the other composers like Amon Tobin ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  46. [46]
    inFAMOUS 2: The Blue Soundtrack (2011) MP3 - Video Game Music
    Dec 30, 2023 · Jim Dooley (01, 05, 08, 14, 17, 22) JD Mayer (02, 09, 11, 15, 18, 21) Galactic (03, 07, 10, 13, 16, 20) Bryan "Brain" Mantia (04, 06, 12, 19)Missing: composers | Show results with:composers
  47. [47]
    inFamous 2
    ### Voice Acting Cast for Main Characters in inFamous 2
  48. [48]
    inFAMOUS 2: See the E3 Trailer Now! - PlayStation.Blog
    Jun 15, 2010 · It's finally here, and those of us from Sucker Punch couldn't be more excited. Today we're getting a chance to show off the first trailer ...Missing: marketing | Show results with:marketing
  49. [49]
    Infamous 2 PS3 - E3 2010 Trailer - IGN
    Jun 15, 2010 · IGN Store is proud to debut the next chapter of our IGN Artist Series. Integrate, by Dirty Iron, is a limited-edition, premium acrylic fine ...Missing: marketing promotions
  50. [50]
    inFamous 2 EU PS3 bundle announced | Eurogamer.net
    May 17, 2011 · EU release date confirmed. PlayStation 3 exclusive inFamous 2 launches in the UK, Germany and Ireland on 10th June, Sony has announced. It ...
  51. [51]
    inFAMOUS 2 Countdown Begins: Release Date, Pre-Orders ...
    Feb 18, 2011 · inFAMOUS 2 will be launching in North America exclusively on the PlayStation 3 on June 7th, 2011! In about 4 months, players will finally begin the next ...
  52. [52]
    inFAMOUS 2 Hero Edition: The Unboxing - PlayStation.Blog
    May 24, 2011 · Not only do you get access to special skins, sick new powers, and Amp variants, you get to download the special inFAMOUS 2 Red soundtrack ...
  53. [53]
    Amazon Leaks Infamous 2 Hero Edition - Game Informer
    Feb 9, 2011 · inFAMOUS 2 Hero Edition includes exclusive limited edition 8.5" Cole MacGrath statue, Replica Cole MacGrath sling pack, Super voucher that gives ...
  54. [54]
    inFamous 2 Pre-Order Bonus Videos - GamingBolt
    May 12, 2011 · Walmart pre-orders get the Electrocution Grenade, Amazon customers get a 24k Gold Amp and those who shop at GameStop will get Lightning Hook.
  55. [55]
    More pre-order bonuses for InFamous 2 - VG247
    May 19, 2011 · ... retailer-specific bonuses available at Amazon, Best Buy, Gamestop and Walmart. InFamous 2 is a PlayStation 3 exclusive, and releases on June ...
  56. [56]
    inFAMOUS: Festival of Blood hits PSN Today with PS Move Support
    Oct 25, 2011 · So Move shifted to become a core gameplay feature, and our UGC team decided to tackle our next big wishlist item – “speech bubble” cutscenes.Missing: Creator | Show results with:Creator
  57. [57]
    How long is inFAMOUS: Festival of Blood? - HowLongToBeat.com
    If you're a gamer that strives to see all aspects of the game, you are likely to spend around 4½ Hours to obtain 100% completion.
  58. [58]
    inFAMOUS 2: Festival of Blood Drowns PSN in October
    Aug 16, 2011 · inFAMOUS 2 Festival of Blood will be a brand new standalone single player DLC for download via PSN. Vampires swarm New Marais, and revered ...
  59. [59]
    inFAMOUS 2: Character Skin Pack (2011) - MobyGames
    Dec 14, 2018 · Change the appearance of Cole MacGrath in inFamous 2 with three great character skins. Play as a Reaper, Kessler or Cole from the first inFamous adventure ...
  60. [60]
    inFamous 2 DLC - Giant Bomb
    Jun 7, 2011 · PlayStation 3 downloadable content · Sly's Cane · Samurai Sword · Reaper Skin · Bonus Sucker Punch Mini-Missions · Pick a List · Comment and Save.<|control11|><|separator|>
  61. [61]
    DLC Powers - Infamous 2 Guide - IGN
    Jun 27, 2011 · How to Be an Evil Jerk In Infamous 2 -- Instant Bad Karma Technique. Neutral: Lightning Hook. This power is a Blast-type power. When employed ...Missing: good | Show results with:good
  62. [62]
    Free inFAMOUS 2 UGC Vehicles Pack, Search Function Available ...
    Jul 25, 2011 · New to UGC? Be sure to check out the inFAMOUS 2 UGC tutorial videos that guide you through the tech and concepts behind great UGC missions.Missing: explanation | Show results with:explanation
  63. [63]
    InFamous 2 patch adds new UGC features - VideoGamer
    The update also adds a feature called 'Mission Linking', which lets players queue up similar missions. After linking and completing a level, the game will ...
  64. [64]
    inFamous 2 Reviews
    - **Metascore**: 83 (Generally Favorable, based on 90 critic reviews)
  65. [65]
    inFamous 2 critic reviews
    ### Summary of Critic Reviews for inFamous 2 (Metacritic)
  66. [66]
    Duke Nukem Forever comes second to one in June's NPD results ...
    Sony's Infamous 2 managed to keep up with its multi-platform competition, selling a reported 369,200 copies on PS3. The sequel topped the list for best ...
  67. [67]
    Worldwide inFamous 2 Sales Outperform First Game | N4G
    Jul 15, 2011 · At 192,700 copies, sales of Cole McGrath's first adventure back in 2009 were a bit anemic in North America. The same was the case in Japan ...
  68. [68]
    inFamous 2 for PlayStation 3 - Sales, Wiki, Release Dates, Review ...
    Legacy Sales History ; 0.08m. Japan ; 1.05m. NA ; 0.48m. Europe ; 0.26m. Others ; 1.87m. Total ...
  69. [69]
    InFamous 2 takes home top spot in June NPD - VG247
    Jul 14, 2011 · Anticipating today's scheduled release of NPD's June US sales data, Sony has highlighted the strong performance of PlayStation 3 exclusives.
  70. [70]
    The Winners and Nominees of the 2011 Spike Video Game Awards
    BEST PS3 GAME. Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception. Nominees: inFAMOUS 2; Killzone 3; LittleBigPlanet 2 ... Destiny 2 Glitch Breaks Game, Will Get You Banned.
  71. [71]
    InFamous 2 - D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details
    http://www.infamousthegame.com/en_US/infamous2.html. Nominated: Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition · Privacy Policy · Code of Conduct ...
  72. [72]
    Infamous: Festival of Blood Review - IGN
    Rating 7.5/10 · Review by Colin MoriartyOct 27, 2011 · I beat the game, beginning to end, in 80 minutes. There are no side quests to distract from the main quest, and one of Infamous' great pillars ...
  73. [73]
    Let's Play inFAMOUS Festival of Blood - PlayStation.Blog
    Oct 31, 2014 · Tune in to our livestream at 4:00 PM Pacific and watch Jason Connell, Jason Stansell, and Billy Harper play inFAMOUS Festival of Blood with you.
  74. [74]
    inFAMOUS: Second Son Announced for PlayStation 4
    Feb 20, 2013 · This is insane! Thank you so much sucker punch! Infamous is my favorite game series and the graphics look amazing!
  75. [75]
    InFamous Second Son: Was Choosing Good A Bad Decision?
    May 11, 2013 · Sucker Punch revealed that the Hero ending of InFamous 2 is the official canon to Second Son, with this game taking place seven years after InFamous 2.
  76. [76]
    Infamous: First Light Review - IGN
    Rating 7.5/10 · Review by Dan StapletonAug 26, 2014 · Infamous: First Light is a decent story around a better character than Second Son, but its battles don't have the same scale or superpower ...Missing: synopsis | Show results with:synopsis
  77. [77]
    Can I play Infamous First Light without spoiling the story of Second ...
    Sep 16, 2014 · The plot of First Light follows Abigail, a supporting character in Second Son, up and to the point of the start of Second Son's storyline.
  78. [78]
    Which inFAMOUS 2 ending is canon? Answer revealed by Second ...
    May 7, 2013 · In the Good Ending of inFAMOUS 2, protagonist Cole MacGrath sacrifices himself to save humanity from a deadly plague. ... inFAMOUS: Second Son.
  79. [79]
    inFamous Lightning Edition Heading to PS4 According to Amazon ...
    May 4, 2016 · Update: According to PushSquare, this listing is false. However we have no way to verify this report so take this report with a grain of ...
  80. [80]
    [UPDATE] inFAMOUS Lightning Edition with Spider-Man demo ...
    Update: Evidence is mounting that this rumored Amazon listing is fake. Reddit user FiNEk posted this apparent screenshot of the Photoshop ...<|separator|>
  81. [81]
    Updated: Remastered inFAMOUS on the way? - PSX Extreme
    May 4, 2016 · Several reports suggest that Amazon has leaked the existence and release date of a remastered version of Sucker Punch's classic title inFAMOUS.
  82. [82]
    Purported, but MIA Amazon page lists Infamous PS4 Remastered w
    May 4, 2016 · The retail giant has posted a listing for the PS4 version of the superhero action-adventure game, dubbed inFAMOUS: Lightning Edition, with an ...
  83. [83]
    Sucker Punch Would 'Love' an inFAMOUS Trilogy on PS5
    Jul 17, 2025 · Sucker Punch wants to bring updated versions of the inFAMOUS franchise to PS5. In an interview with Game Informer about its upcoming ...<|separator|>
  84. [84]
    Infamous - Sucker Punch Open To Another Developer Handling A ...
    Sep 9, 2025 · Speaking with MinnMax, director Nate Fox confirmed Sucker Punch would be open to another developer handling a remaster. That move could let ...Missing: concept design<|control11|><|separator|>
  85. [85]
    Sucker Punch Breaks Silence on Infamous—Teases Trilogy ...
    Jul 18, 2025 · Fox not only says that he's interested in the IP, but he also suggests a trilogy re-release, which is exactly what fans were hoping for. You ...Missing: 2023-2025 | Show results with:2023-2025
  86. [86]
    Sucker Punch Boss Comments on inFAMOUS Remaster Demands
    Oct 14, 2025 · Sucker Punch hears the calls for a remaster of the Infamous games, but has explained why it hasn't happened yet.
  87. [87]
    Sucker Punch Productions Release Infamous 4 or Remaster of ...
    We, the dedicated fans of Infamous, urge Sucker Punch Productions to consider creating Infamous 4 or remastering the original Infamous trilogy.<|separator|>
  88. [88]
    Are infamous 1 and 2 locked behind streaming only for ps5? No ps4 ...
    Aug 24, 2022 · Second son and first light do not link up to the original 2 at all. So just play it.
  89. [89]
    Are the InFamous games still worth playing in 2024? - YouTube
    Jun 21, 2024 · The Infamous franchise is one of my all time favorites on the Playstation. It has been around 15 years since the original launched on ps3 so ...
  90. [90]
    Ghost of Yotei studio Sucker Punch "can only do one thing at a time ...
    Oct 14, 2025 · Ghost of Yotei and Ghost of Tsushima studio Sucker Punch will likely continue to focus on a project at a time, with co-founder and studio ...
  91. [91]
    Ghost Of Yōtei sequel will be at least five years as developer ...
    Oct 14, 2025 · Ghost Of Yōtei developer Sucker Punch doesn't do simultaneous development, so don't expect a brand new game for another five years at least.
  92. [92]
    As Fans Demand inFAMOUS Remasters, Sucker Punch Says It Can ...
    As Fans Demand inFAMOUS Remasters, Sucker Punch Says It Can Only Work on One Game at a Time · get2sammyb · by Sammy Barker Tue 14th Oct 2025.