This can be attributed to the cutting edge motion capture technology that the outfit has employed, but also the writing, which maintains a surprisingly high standard in spite of the pulpy premise.
There’s some silly stuff in this open world escapade – much of which we must gloss over in order to avoid spoilers – but the actors bring a natural believability to the whole affair. Perhaps the most impressive asset of the plot presentation is the manner in which it effortlessly sells you on the franchise’s fiction. The sequel never touches The Last of Us’ tear-jerking tier of storytelling, but the small core cast all offer outstanding performances, with star Troy Baker imbuing the lead with an unexpected likeability. This is exposed courtesy of his relationship with older brother Reggie Rowe, a kind natured cop whose upstanding community work puts him at odds with his sibling’s penchant for petty crime. While the protagonist’s spiky personality complements his equally razor-sharp tongue, there’s a vulnerability that exists beneath his anarchic exterior. This makes the character a much better fit for the kind of instant gratification that the franchise thrives on, and you’ll quickly forget that you ever cared for his amped up associate. Fortunately, newcomer Delsin Rowe does away with his predecessor’s despondent dialogue, bringing a cheeky grin to every outrageous activity that he partakes in.
The previous entries in the first-party outfit’s powered-up series never failed to make you feel like a superhero, of course, but miserable main character Cole MacGrath’s borderline suicidal stance on superpowers really started to get in the way.