Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

inFAMOUS: Precinct Assault delivers a surprisingly robust set of mechanics for a short, promotional 2D sidescroller. Players step into the shoes of Cole MacGrath and gain control of electrical powers that can be used offensively or defensively. Firing short flashes of current at reapers, manipulating objects with electro-kinesis, and launching targeted electrical bombs keep the combat fast-paced and engaging throughout the three levels.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The game introduces a simple yet meaningful karma system that tracks your choices in real time. As you rescue or ignore civilians, your “good” or “evil” alignment shifts, altering Cole’s interactions and ultimately determining which ending you see. This moral gauge isn’t just window dressing—your decisions have a tangible impact on both the way NPCs respond to you and the unlocking of unique powers.

Resource management adds an extra layer of strategy: every power you use drains Cole’s electrical reserves, forcing you to recharge at strategically placed stations. Your vulnerability to environmental hazards like water and steam demands constant vigilance. These elements combine to create a challenge that, while modest in length, feels well-paced and rewarding for both newcomers and veteran action gamers.

Although there are only three levels to conquer, each one offers a mix of platforming challenges and combat encounters. You’ll need to power up rooftop generators, eliminate waves of reapers, and make split-second choices about civilian safety. The game’s brevity works to its advantage here, delivering a tight, focused experience that showcases Cole’s abilities without overstaying its welcome.

Graphics

For a browser-based promotional title, inFAMOUS: Precinct Assault boasts surprisingly crisp visuals. The game employs a stylized 2D art style that evokes the gritty urban landscapes of Empire City, complete with dark alleys, rain-slicked rooftops, and neon-lit backgrounds. Character and enemy sprites are well-animated, with fluid motion frames that bring Cole’s electric attacks to life.

Special effects shine when Cole unleashes his electrical power. Sparks, arcs of lightning, and glowing projectiles illuminate the screen in dazzling fashion, making each attack feel impactful. Subtle screen shakes and particle trails heighten the intensity of encounters, ensuring that even small skirmishes look and feel dramatic.

Environmental details, like dripping steam vents and puddles that react to Cole’s presence, add atmosphere without overcomplicating the visual design. The backgrounds scroll smoothly, giving a sense of depth and immersion despite the side-scrolling format. While you won’t mistake this for a PS3 blockbuster, the graphics do exactly what they need to—convey Cole’s powers and the city’s mood in a clear, engaging way.

The code-unlockable special power animation also serves as a fun visual reward for players willing to explore extra content. It’s a neat little flourish that adds replay value and ties directly into the promotional tie-in for the main PlayStation 3 release.

Story

Though concise, the narrative in inFAMOUS: Precinct Assault faithfully mirrors the core premise of the main PlayStation 3 title. You play Cole MacGrath, an everyman bike messenger caught in an explosion that grants him electrokinetic abilities. From the outset, you choose a path of heroism or villainy, setting the tone for your playthrough.

The story unfolds primarily through mission objectives and brief on-screen prompts rather than lengthy cutscenes. This streamlined approach ensures that gameplay remains at the forefront, but die-hard fans of the franchise will appreciate the subtle references to the broader inFAMOUS universe. How you treat civilians during missions speaks volumes about Cole’s evolving moral compass.

Because there are only three levels, the narrative arcs move quickly, yet they manage to convey the stakes: power outages in a precinct brimming with hostile reapers and civilians in peril. The choice-driven endings—one redemptive, one ruthless—lend weight to your earlier decisions. Though neither ending is particularly deep, they provide a satisfying conclusion that ties back to your karma score.

The title’s primary goal is promotional, but it doesn’t feel hollow. Instead, it serves as a compact narrative appetizer for those considering diving into the full inFAMOUS experience on PlayStation 3. It effectively whets your appetite for the more expansive world and deeper storyline found in the console release.

Overall Experience

inFAMOUS: Precinct Assault may only span three levels and a handful of minutes, but it punches well above its weight for a free promotional game. The tight integration of combat, platforming, and moral choice creates an instantly gratifying loop that leaves you wanting more. It’s an excellent introduction to Cole MacGrath’s electrifying abilities and the franchise’s signature morality mechanics.

The game’s brevity is both its greatest strength and its only real limitation. Players looking for a deep, long-term commitment will find its three levels and quick endings too fleeting. However, for anyone curious about the inFAMOUS universe or in need of a bite-sized action hit, this title delivers value and fun in spades.

Visually, it strikes a fine balance between simplicity and style, and its performance in a web browser or lightweight client remains smooth throughout. The unlockable code feature for a special power feels like a nod to dedicated fans, encouraging exploration beyond the core experience.

Ultimately, inFAMOUS: Precinct Assault succeeds brilliantly as a promotional gateway to the larger PlayStation 3 epic. It’s engaging, well-crafted, and purpose-driven—an ideal way for potential buyers to sample Cole’s electrifying journey before committing to the full console adventure.

Retro Replay Score

null/10