If you were around for the PS4 launch era, you probably remember infamous Second Son being the big, flashy poster child for "next-gen" graphics. It was all about Delsin Rowe and his denim vest. But honestly? The real gem of that era wasn't the main game. It was the "little" standalone expansion that came out a few months later.
infamous First Light is a weird beast. It’s a prequel, a standalone DLC, and a character study all rolled into one neon-soaked package. It focuses entirely on Abigail "Fetch" Walker. You might remember her as the pink-haired conduit Delsin meets in Seattle, but her solo outing is a much darker, tighter, and more focused experience than the game that spawned it.
Most people skipped it because they thought it was just "more of the same." They were wrong.
Fetch vs. Delsin: Why One Power Is Better Than Four
In the main game, Delsin is a power sponge. He gets smoke, neon, video, and eventually concrete. It's cool, sure. But because he has so many tools, none of them feel truly "mastered." Sucker Punch had to spread the upgrade tree thin to accommodate everything.
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infamous First Light does the opposite.
You only have Neon. That’s it. But because the developers focused on just one power set, they made Fetch feel significantly more powerful and fluid than Delsin ever did. Basically, Delsin’s neon is like a demo version; Fetch’s neon is the professional suite.
- Traversal is a dream: Fetch doesn't just run up walls; she gains momentum through neon clouds scattered around the city. You never have to stop. It’s pure flow.
- The Homing Missiles: Fetch can target multiple enemies and unleash a barrage of neon bolts that actually feel like they have weight.
- The Melee: Her combat is faster and more acrobatic. It feels less like a brawler and more like a dance.
Honestly, going back to Delsin after playing as Fetch feels like trading in a Ferrari for a minivan. The speed difference is that jarring.
The Story Most People Get Wrong
There's a misconception that First Light is just a fluff piece to explain how Fetch ended up in a D.U.P. cage. It’s actually a pretty tragic look at drug addiction, betrayal, and the "conduit" metaphor as a stand-in for marginalized people.
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The game is framed as an interrogation. Fetch is being held in Curdun Cay—that snowy mountain prison for "bio-terrorists"—and forced by Brooke Augustine to recount her past. We see her life on the streets of Seattle with her brother, Brent. It’s not a superhero story; it’s a story about two kids trying to survive a city that hates them.
Sucker Punch took a big risk by removing the Karma System.
In every other infamous game, you choose to be a saint or a monster. In infamous First Light, you’re just Fetch. There’s no "Evil" ending. This was a smart move. It allowed the writers to tell a specific, emotional story without having to worry about branch-off points that usually lead to "cartoonishly evil" choices. You feel her desperation because it's the only path she has.
The Arena Mode: The Real Reason to Keep Playing
While the story is short—you can probably blast through it in about 3 or 4 hours—the Battle Arenas are where the game actually lives.
They introduced these holographic combat zones in Curdun Cay where you fight waves of enemies, including a new faction of "Demons" created by Eugene (the video conduit). It’s basically a high-score chaser’s dream. If you have a save file from Second Son, you can even play as Delsin in these arenas, which is a nice touch.
But again, Fetch is the star. Mastering her "Enslave" ability—where a headshot turns an enemy into an ally—becomes essential when the screen is literally crawling with D.U.P. soldiers and flying demons.
Playing infamous First Light in 2026: Is It Still Worth It?
You might be wondering if a game from 2014 holds up today on a PS5. The answer is a loud yes.
Because Sucker Punch (the same folks who made Ghost of Tsushima) focused so heavily on particle effects, the game still looks incredible. Neon light reflecting off rain-slicked Seattle streets is a vibe that hasn't aged a day.
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Performance Specs
- PS4 Base: Runs at 1080p with a frame rate that jumps between 30 and 40 FPS. Kinda choppy.
- PS4 Pro: Offers a "High Resolution" mode (1800c) or a "High Frame Rate" mode.
- PS5: Through backwards compatibility, it hits a locked 60 FPS at high resolution. It’s the smoothest way to play.
The loading times on PS5 are also nearly non-existent thanks to the SSD, which is great because the trial-and-error nature of the harder Arena challenges means you’ll be restarting a lot.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Playtime
If you're going to dive back in (or play for the first time), don't just rush the markers on the map.
- Prioritize the "Lumen" Collectibles: These are the glowing balls of energy floating around the city. They aren't just for show; they are your primary way to upgrade Fetch’s speed.
- Learn the "Neon Dash" Jump: If you timing your jump right as you hit a neon cloud, you get a massive vertical boost. It makes the "races" much easier.
- Don't Ignore the Graffiti: The mini-game returns from the main game, but Fetch uses neon "light painting" instead of spray cans. It’s a small detail, but the art is actually pretty cool and it’s a quick way to earn skill points.
- Check the Sale Price: This game goes on sale for under $10 constantly on the PlayStation Store. It’s also often included in various PS Plus tiers. Don't pay full price in 2026; wait for the inevitable discount.
The game isn't perfect. The map is only half of the Seattle seen in Second Son, and some of the "hostage rescue" side missions feel like busywork. But as a tight, focused superhero experience, it’s arguably the best thing the infamous franchise ever produced. It’s all killer, no filler.
Next Step: Check your PlayStation library or the PS Plus "Classics" or "Extra" catalog. If you've already played Second Son, your save data will automatically unlock Delsin for the Curdun Cay arenas, giving you a reason to jump back into the leaderboards immediately.