Infamous: Second Son (2014)
Game Description:
In "Infamous: Second Son," set in 2014, players enter a dystopian Seattle where superhumans, known as Conduits, are hunted by the Department of Unified Protection (DUP). You play as Delsin Rowe, a rebellious young graffiti artist who discovers his own Conduit abilities after an encounter with a rogue Conduit. As Delsin, you must harness and master various powers to fight against the oppressive DUP regime led by the ruthless Brooke Augustine. Your choices shape the narrative, influencing the city's fate and the lives of its inhabitants. Engage in dynamic combat, explore a richly detailed open world, and decide whether to protect or destroy as you navigate the moral complexities of power and responsibility.
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What Parents Should Know About Infamous: Second Son
Age Rating
Release Date
2014
ESRB Age Rating Summary:
Infamous: Second Son is rated T for Teen by the ESRB with Blood, Drug Reference, Language, Sexual Themes, and Violence. This is an action-adventure game in which players assume the role of Delsin Rowe, a young graffiti artist who gains super human abilities. From a third-person perspective, players explore the city of Seattle and use a chain and elemental-based powers (e.g., cinder blasts, smoke dash, neon shots) to defeat various humans and super-powered enemies. Battles are accompanied by realistic gunfire, cries of pain, and spurts of blood. Players have the ability to attack random civilians, though the activity is not encouraged. During some action-cutscene sequences, players can choose to spare or kill a character (choking a man with a chain). The game also contains sexual material: a red light district; dialogue about foreplay or other suggestive content (“[T]he guy hasn't been laid in seven years,” “Go. Live. Love...just not professionally,” and “Me give you money, that's not how it works honey.”). Drugs are also referenced in dialogue (e.g., “The drugs, the drugs were heaven” and “Better dead than a pothead”). In one comic-book panel, two characters are shown unconscious beside drug paraphernalia. The words “sh*t,” “a*shole,” and “d*ck” can be heard in dialogue.
Content Warnings:
Blood, Drug Reference, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
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Parental Notes
While many parents praise the gameplay experience, they caution that "Infamous: Second Son" contains strong language, including words like “sh*t,” “a*shole,” and “d*ck.” The violence is intense, with realistic gunfire, cries of pain, and blood spurts. Players can attack civilians, though it's not encouraged, and some scenes allow choices between sparing or killing characters. The game includes sexual themes, such as a red light district and suggestive dialogue. Drug references are present, with dialogue mentioning drugs and scenes showing drug paraphernalia. Due to these mature themes, many parents recommend the game for teens 13 and older.
Why Your Kid Might Like Infamous: Second Son
Infamous: Second Son offers an engaging experience for teens who enjoy action-packed adventures and open-world exploration. The game's setting in a dystopian Seattle provides a gritty backdrop that appeals to those interested in urban environments and superhuman abilities. Playing as Delsin Rowe, teens can relate to his rebellious nature and the journey of self-discovery as he learns to control his newfound powers. The dynamic combat system and the ability to choose between good and evil paths add layers of strategy and replayability, keeping players invested in the storyline and their character's development.
The game's moral choices and consequences resonate with teens, allowing them to explore themes of power, responsibility, and identity. The freedom to roam a richly detailed city and interact with its inhabitants offers a sense of immersion and agency. Infamous: Second Son's visually stunning graphics and fluid gameplay mechanics enhance the overall experience, making it a favorite among those who appreciate high-quality production values. While the game may not be for everyone, those who enjoy superhero narratives and decision-driven gameplay find it a rewarding and entertaining experience.