Second Son Update Incoming: Change Time of Day, HUD Off, 30FPS Option

Brian Fleming (SP) writes :

Ten days.

That’s how long it’s been since I went to the midnight launch of Second Son here in Bellevue, Washington (just outside Seattle). I must have talked to over 100 people there, and so many more on social media and forums, Twitter, NeoGAF, etc. since then. It’s been amazing to see the excitement and passion of inFAMOUS fans, new and old. I want to let you all know how much your enthusiasm and support means to us, how it renews us, and readies us to go try to make even better games in the future.

We also want you to know that we listen to your complaints. Some big, some small, but we take them all to heart. We never want to lose sight of how important it is that we listen to all of you. We can always be better.

So to say thanks, not just for all the support but also for your passionate requests to make the game better, we’ve started work on a few small features which we’ll be delivering in the weeks to come.

[Nitrowolf2]

Wow that's awesome and that was extremely fast to get

[Edsword]

I wonder if framerate lock options are going to be in vouge this gen? I think it's good to give the option for games that fluctuate like this.

[blitz0623]

I wish they added an option to skip cutscenes too. The only ones I'm interested in seeing again are the scenes where you make a decision

[ZodTheRipper]

Wow, first Guerilla listened to every Shadow Fall feedback and now SUcker Punch follows suit. I really like this kind of communication with the fans, keep it up Sony!

[webeblazing]

a v sync option i thought console gamers dont hate messing with gfx settings? they better not do this or it will be a ton of backlash. we heard countless times how going to settings and clicking a button is too much work.

that messed up suckerpunch. we re console gamers. we just want to play the game. aint got time for that.

[WildArmed]

@blitz

You took the words right out of my mind(hands).

I really hope we can skip cut scenes. The game is very fun to replay, but I do not think I could / would sit through those cut scenes for the 4th time now.

[SilentNegotiator]

They should have had options like that last gen, too.

[kneon]

@webeblazing

Don't you have something better to do than troll a game you can't play on pc? Surely there must be some buggy video drivers that need updating :)

[webeblazing]

hey just pointing it out. people say stuff then back track as soon as a ps devs do something people should be more humble because the flip flopping is starting to look like a Olympic event.

1st. before next gen reveal pc gfx not that great. now people see. now >>gfx looks way better than last gen

2nd. OR gimmick, not need, doom. sony vr rumors >> vr gonna be the greatest

3rd. and happening for the longest. pc have no exclusives we want. pc games are trash. pc port announced >>> this game is amazing.

4th. we dont like pc. why would we do that. i dont want to mess with settings, dont wanna have to update drivers and the game. >>> YEAH!!! i cant WAIT to DOWNLOAD this UPDATE so i can change the SETTINGS and try out this VSYNC.

lol i can keep going. that just the tip of the iceberg it no where near the amount of flip flop hypocrite gymnastics that be going on here. i only point out because people seem to bash it but when sony does it, it suddenly become a miracle sent from the heavens. by the way driver updates is automatic on pc. just like ps updates. game updates auto.

yall running out of ammo it better to be humble. i love infamous still play it too this day. too bad i dont have a ps4. love ps but its not gonna stop me for making fun of the hypocrite ps fanboys that love to bash every platform.

outta bubz ill put the mat down so yall cant hit them flips. dont want yall to get hurt ;)

[BISHOP-BRASIL]

@webeblazing

You're trying too hard, mate.

Number one complain this gen is that graphics didn't evolved enough. Which is no surprise, there's no jump like we had two gens ago and there won't be anymore, it's called diminishing returns...

Absolutelly zero bashing to the OR came from console camp, if anything, we console gamers like a "gimmick" a little too much for our own sake (how many different controllers with some minor features you want me to list? how many crap accessories throughout the years do we really need? People bought plastic Wiimote and Move sport themed cases for crying out loud).

Are you seriously talking about exclusives? You know the whole "this platform have no exclusives that I like" is completelly subjetive, right? There'ws absolutelly no point discussing that.

And finally, yeah, the game auto downloading and installing an update to give you a box to tick is exactly like having to check if you get the right settings, prepare other software, configuring a game by yourself, solving hiccups yourself... Oh wait, no it isn't. Look, it's not about difficult anyway, you can do it if you have an IQ of 80 on either platform. The thing people usually remark is that videogame consoles are more straight forward, which they still are... And how could they not be? They are designed to make one thing while PCs are multipupporse machines that can also do games (and even outperform consoles if you invest high enough, no one is denying that).

[abzdine]

this game is amazing the way it is, and these enhancements will make it better for sure. I love the smoke power effects at night and i'm looking forward to this nice feature.
SP deserve my money.

[himdeel]

When can Delsin shoot from his other hand?!

[RE_L_MAYER]

sucks he cant do it at the same time but he does if you turn more to your left side and he switches hands

[dale_denton]

i wish he can change shoulder angles thats about it

[MASTER_RAIDEN]

OMG! someone else wants it too!!!

was just thinking about how much better the game would control if he could just switch hands on the fly. i hate having to expose my whole body just to get my right arm to fire right.

[SilentNegotiator]

That was an awesome detail in inFamous 2 (can't remember if it was in 1), clicking R3 to switch reticle side. Why would they not keep that? It made the controls so tight!

[dantesparda]

Count me in as one of the guys that wants the ability to switch shoulder views like in Infamous 1 & 2 by just pressing R3, and the ability to take cover would be nice too.

[Conzul]

I hope they add a Karma Bomb for the 4th (final) powerset. Maybe some new melee moves as well, since it was a bit lacking in that respect.

The frame cap requests get to me though. I can't believe that some people want the game to be lower fps constantly, but hey, options are good I suppose.

Most importantly I'd like the ability to replay the story from the beginning with ALL my powers and upgrades. Hope someone mentions that to them.

Either way love how Sucker Punch is putting in the earhorn. Sony's paradigm seems infectious....

[mhunterjr]

I think some people will prefer the higher, variable frame rate, but others will be put off by a frame rate that is unsteady...

Personally, I'd take solid 30fps over a higher unstable frame rate, because it means my controller input response would always feel the same and there would be less tearing...

[Conzul]

OMG an EARTHQUAKE! That would be an awesome Karma Bomb! Granite spikes going up, particle streams of hot ash or lava, enemies toppling into the depths! That would be soooo coooool

[Genuine-User]

Right, of course the only downside being that, uh... nope, can't think of anything. This is pretty awesome!

[MasterCornholio]

Oooo no HUD sounds great to me.

:)

Edit: Now will the whiners shut up about the framerate?

[Malphite]

I haven't seen many people whinning about the framerate. No HUD is nice though. Will produce some beautiful screenshots. Also Time of Day change is a great feature for screenshots imo.

[MasterCornholio]

Well most of those people were trolls anyways who made stupid claims that the game had a stuttering framerate because it fluctuates from 30FPS to 50FPS.

[Conzul]

I just started my Expert playthrough and it DOES stutter way more than on Easy or Normal.
Heavier AI routines, maybe. IDK.

[Malphite]

I will definately try the locked 30fps out. It's not like I feel the need to lock the framerate but if it's there why not try it out.

[shivvy24]

I did this with killzone but it didnt feel as smooth so I just play unlocked

[Mikey32230]

"Time-wise, the earliest we could have the patch and new features ready is about two weeks from now, so stay tuned for another update — we’ll let you know as soon as they’re ready to go live.."

This is an unprecedented statement from Sony, Actually its not from Sony, but sucker punch.

Giving us a Crystal Clear time frame, not being ridiculously secretive saying "Coming in the near future" which sometimes turns out to be months, or never.

Thank you Sucker Punch.

[KonsoruMasuta]

Looks like Sucker Punch could teach a thing or two to Rockstar.

[candy_mafia]

Totally!

SP know how to treat their audience. I'm very happy with this update, thanks :)

[Palitera]

PR is not the problem with Rockstar. They are masters of PR and hyping.

The true problem is that they're not doing what they said they would and that their online portion of the game is a grindfest.

No PR can save this.

[MidnytRain]

Do they do deserve props for being upfront and unambiguous. I hate when people are not.

[Jeff257]

Well considering Sony owns Sucker Punch you could say it is also coming from Sony. After all Sony is allowing them to do all this because the fans are requesting it. You have to love that even with the PS4 updates Sony has made announcements about what is coming because people are requesting it. Also the fact that a lot of this stuff is being done through updates and not DLC packs is huge too. I can just imagine what kind of DLC they are working on for Second Son now.

[crusf]

I hope we can change the weather as well those missions at night with the rain were so immersive:D

[IndianaBonez42]

Sucker Punch said the Rain will be in the time of day settings. No separate weather setting sadly. But I did get rain once in the aftermath when I beat the game on good.

[josephayal]

Absolutely love this game

[jokia005]

gonna be epic!!!

[gameslayer2411]

Yay! They Listened! I have been waiting for this since I platinumed the game! Been taking dozens of screen shots and wanted more of them at night without started a new game! Thanks Sucker Punch for being an awesome studio that listens to their fans!

[gameslayer2411]

Why the disagree? I said nothing negative??

[johndoe11211]

They're called trolls. Don't feed em, they'll go away.

[Panthers]

They really are listening to everyone. People just want the HUD option to take pics which will promote the game even more because it is GORGEOUS!

Hoping for DLC with lots of new missions.

[Tempest317]

I don't want the hud for screenshots, I just prefer playing with no hud, its more immersive :) either way, everyone wins!

[Illusive_Man]

This games textures are atrocious up close.

[Rickgrimes95]

Studio that listens I love that

[N8]

Idk if its my eyes but I never notice the frame rate drops in this game. Is it a problem? Why the need to lock it at 30fps

[FRAKISTAN]

“Cap at 30FPS”

This has to be an April Fool’s joke. No one in their right mind would want LESS frames per second…

[WalterWJR]

Some people prefer a locked framerate to avoid some minor screen tear which can appear in this game. I personally prefer non locked, the higher the better as long as the tearing is barely noticeable.

[KonsoruMasuta]

It makes the frame rate stable. Rather than fluctuating all around, it's constant. It also stops tearing.

[vandal GAB]

Also helps to ensure a level response in terms of controller input lag

[Sy_Wolf]

You're an idiot if you think a framerate that constantly moves up and down is a good thing. Rock solid 30 frames a second is way better then a framerate that jumps up and down all the time.

[dillhole]

I remember Bioshock on PS3 without a locked framerate made me really dizzy for some reason - it's always good to have the option.

[CernaML]

@Walter

Eh? This game has zero tearing.

[dumahim]

I don't think it really ever drops below 30, but it does spike well above and that fluctuation annoys some people. I've noticed it, but I don't really care.

[Hicken]

It's not the drops so much ad the spikes. Though some trolls around here have tried to imply that the framerate frequently dips below thirty, as opposed to the rare occasions it occurs in reality.

[weirdo]

This is how you do it! Nice one. The only frame drops I've noticed is when you ride on-top of the moving train through Seattle.

[Sethry101]

They are capping the spiking frame rates. It spikes from 30 to 50 sometimes. I don't mind it at all.

[leemo19]

Good to know that some developers are actually listening to the community.

[Patrick_pk44]

I've only had one drop that felt like it was 15 fps and I wasn't doing anything too.

[MasterCornholio]

Are you sure your consoles not having any GPU issues?

Just asking because from the framerate analysis by digital foundary it takes a lot to drop the frames to 28FPS.

The only games that I've seen with framerate drops that low is Ryse and Dead Rising 3.

[candy_mafia]

Not saying Patrick_pk44 didn't experience a feeling I:SS dropped to 15fps, but it's the first time I ever read anything about it, not even from the worst fanboys.

Hmmm.....Dubious

[PersonMan]

The 30fps cap will make the game look more consistent. It will play more like Uncharted 2 for example. That rocksteady 30fps will be a very welcome addition.

Hey, for people who don't wanna lock it down to 30, DON'T. That's why it's an OPTION.

For me, I dislike how it hovers around 30, then I go to climb up a building and the frame rate skyrockets. It's quite jarring to see the frame rate jump around like that.

I really hope unlocked frame rates are not the trend this generation.

[vandal GAB]

Agree 100% with this! Well Said.

[iistuii]

Agree. But I think it will be the trend this generation because I really don't think there's the power to hit that 1080/60 so it's either cap it at 30, leave it uncapped for slight juddering or drop it to 900 & upscale like on Battlefield 4.

[GundalfDeGrej]

I replayed the game partially because I wanted to see the beautiful night time scenes again. Glad to hear I can continue playing them on my first save file again :D

[theXtReMe1]

This is great news. I haven't started the game yet, I probably will after I finish Killzone and Tomb Raider. I will appreciate the locked 30 frames per second. I'm not big on tearing, it looks especially horrendous on my big screen. The addition of choosing time of day is also nice for post game enjoyment. I also agree that weather should be another function that we can choose. There are certain situations, where great lighting, combined with time of day and weather conditions would make an incredible photo.

It is awesome when a developer listens to its fan base and changes things, post launch, that have no bearing on the actual game itself. Just simply something for the fans. Totally awesome.

[sander9702]

Not a word on the lack of replayability, hopefully they know this is a issue!

[RE_L_MAYER]

im just curious how that chick looks under the mask in paper trail

[fenome]

Awesome! This game is a blast, and it's great to know that they're already listening and working on updates for us. That's heart right there.

This is the part that really has me intrigued though:

"And who knows… if we’re inspired enough, we may sneak a few other little things in too. Time will tell!"

Who knows what else they might slip in there as well :D

[DanteVFenris666]

Im hoping its an addition to the fourth power set, though i have enjoyed it needs a karma bomb above all else. Other little things it needs is an execution and a trap. The other thing it needs is replace its special move(which is just a jump) with its regular jump and put in a more appropriate move.

Edit: nvm they need restraints and executions for karma bomb. So have restraints and karma bomb for fourth power and I'll be content. A better l1 move would be icing on the cake.

[fenome]

Definitely needs a Karma Bomb, and the option to repopulate DUP control after you beat the game, so you have more of a chance to try it out. The first time I beat it I had already cleared all the districts so I didn't even really get a chance to play around with my new power..

[bjmartynhak]

Nice! More console games should have this option to cap the framerate.

[TheFutureIsBlue]

Awesome considering nothing like these big changes ever went to the other Infamous games. Just goes to show how much hard work they put into this and how they will keep supporting it!

[LakerGamerEnthusiast]

Just finished the storyline to this yesterday. I must say, this game is by far one of the best I've ever played. I never was a believer in the inFAMOUS series during the ps3 era, but this one had me intrigued.

I went along and snagged it and it's nothing short of phenomenal. Might actually be the first game I platinum after seeing a friend of mine do it. lol

Side note, I think the story is so under rated. I went through the good karma side(plan on doing evil soon) and the story aspect of the game was very well put. I haven't heard many of us on here compliment it. Great game :)

OT: I think this is great. I've fell in love with taking screenshots of the beautiful city and the no HUD option is going to be great. Can't wait.

[system22]

I enjoy it as well. I think its the best Infamous game in the series by far (2 being the worst). It's still not my favorite franchise but definitely a strong title (finally) for the ps4.

[PersonMan]

I thought infamous 2 was outstanding. My favorite game of last gen.

[TomahawkX]

Guess my 2nd evil playthrough will have to wait until the patch.

[system22]

im happy about the frame rate cap. i feel like my frame rates fluctuate a bit on this game (even tho apparently no one else on this site sees it) so i'd rather it just be consistent over high here and low there.

[Concertoine]

Yeah i liked that the bioshock games let console players lock the framerate.

[johny5]

does Killzone SF give you the option to play it unlocked?

[CernaML]

That was its default option, yes.

[Bathyj]

Why are people mentioning tearing, I have not noticed one torn screen in nearly 3 playthroughs.

[purp13m0nk3y]

Agreed! I haven't had a single instance of screen tearing either.

Maybe people don't understand what screen tearing is and confusing it for something else? What I don't know.

[Bathyj]

Ive seen occasional stutters in the framerate. Very minimal and never effecting gameplay. Thats not screen tearing.

[Illusive_Man]

There is tearing and pop in certain areas.

[Funky Town_TX]

I noticed a small amount of tearing.

[PersonMan]

No there isn't any tearing. The game is v-synced.

[purp13m0nk3y]

Wow awesomeness! Really shows Sucker Punch is listening to feedback from the fans!

Devs should take note.

[Illusive_Man]

Ryse has the the best looking facial models and animation of this generation. Sorry Infamous up close textures are pretty damn ugly, flat, and the lighting does not look realistic at all. In fact it looks very cartoony. The only technical achievement is it is 1080p. Ryse features tessellation, Parallax Occlusion, and a bit of ray tracing.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum...

[yezz]

First of all you're comparing a linear game to an open world game. Second Sons lightning is fine and I would like to see Ryse featuring all those things with 1080p resolution... I don't know why I even bother since you're clearly ridiculously biased.

[mysteryraz11]

game runs great, shutup about the fps you cant even tell

[PersonMan]

I can tell, so I'm not going to shut up.

[Reaper29r]

ZOD18 I normally never post comments since nothing intelligent can really be said due to the ridiculous amount of fanboy crap here. But seriously dude, the credit should be directed at the developer. Their the ones putting in the time and effort to make us a more enjoyable game, not Sony. And before the mob tries coming at me, I'm not some fanboy of any specific platform nor do I care about your disagrees and other negative bs the mob will come up with, so save it.

[Father__Merrin]

Merrin isnt a fan of unlocked frame rates

i can recall doing a playthrough of splinter cell blacklist on PC, it was unlocked and i didnt like it, had to use Radeon Pro to keep it locked at 30

[ufo8mycat]

Don't see the point of the locking to 30fps option. The frame rate was smooth as silk for my entire play through of both Good and Evil.

THe ability to change the time of day is nice though.

[Aghashie]

Is always nice to know that devs are listening and doing their best to provide the best experience possible. Those are the kind of studios I like to support.

[sipale]

This is great news! I really enjoy playing during night time, since the lighting is so damn pretty

[aquaviva71]

All I know is that 60 fps makes a game more faster hence more better game play. PS4 is 10 times faster than the PS3 and its 2014. GIVE ME 60 FPS. Let me experience what Sony has been touting. Scale back the graphics and let's play a true next gen game by playing at 60 fps. Or just come out and say that the PS4 is not capable of this and put it to rest. Stop liyin.