“InFAMOUS 2” is the superior sequel to the 2009 electricity-based superhero adventure game of the same name (without the “2” of course). Players step into the shoes of Cole MacGrath, an everyday bike messenger who has contracted the ability to absorb and expel electricity. With such powers, Cole is left with the decision to use them for good and become a famous hero or use them for his own selfish purposes and become an InFAMOUS villain. The decisions are the player’s choice and depending on which side of the law is chosen, the end of the game will vary between two possible endings.
Let’s get one thing straight: Sucker Punch’s “InFAMOUS 2” was amazing. However, the downloadable content “Festival of Blood” is not even mildly enjoyable. What could have gone so spectacularly wrong in the DLC? To answer that question begs another: If one has the best sandwich in the world, and a sandwich that was made in the same spirit only with terrible ingredients and gives one the insatiable urge to suck the blood of anyone and everyone, could one still like it? In two words, probably not. Basically, “Festival of Blood” takes all of the quality in “InFAMOUS 2” and adds vampires, while removing much of what made the base game great. Karma scale? Gone. The ability to pick your powers? Gone. Flood town and the industrial district? Completely ignored.
Perhaps this has been a bit harsh, so let’s take a step back. “Festival of Blood” retains the slick game-play that “InFAMOUS 2” is known for, while adding a fresh coat of Gothic elements and two new powers to Cole’s repertoire. So now, not only can Cole spew electricity-based projectiles, but he can also transform into a colony of bats, travel a short distance and activate his “vampire vision,” which allows him to see objects otherwise invisible. Also, it allows players to see vampires hidden among the denizens of New Marais (the game’s version of New Orleans).
The addition of vampiric power does add a new dynamic to the game, but it is completely overshadowed by the underwhelming three hours of story. Granted, the story is fleshed out quite well during the short play-time, however, it’s still not long enough to actually care about the story. Bloody Mary, the antagonist of this side story, had potential to be a much more terrifying she-devil temptress of the night, but she just comes off as annoyingly overconfident.
“Festival of Blood” is an interesting addition to the “InFAMOUS” universe, but ultimately comes up short in more ways than one. The addition of two new powers really doesn’t help shake the feeling this three-hour side story really isn’t worth the cost. However, for huge fans of “InFAMOUS 2” who want to spend a couple of extra hours in New Marais, by all means, get it. For everyone else, this little side quest is best left untouched. “Festival of Blood” sets a charge Cole is just unable to deliver.
