 Infamous is an action @-@ adventure and open world video game where the player controls Cole and primarily interacts with the world of Empire City through Cole 's newly gained electricity @-@ based powers ; these are used for movement , offense and defense in combat , and either for better or worse in dealing with the citizens of Empire City . In order for Cole to use his powers , he must have stored electrical power , represented by a node meter on the player 's heads up display ( HUD ) . The player can recharge Cole by draining electricity from powered sources or from living beings ; recharging also restores Cole 's health , though if the player stays out of battle long enough , Cole 's health will regenerate over time . The game features seventeen different electrical powers , ranging from simple bolts that do not consume Cole 's energy to wide @-@ field lightning storms that drain most of Cole 's energy . The player can use such powers , giving the player options in certain situations . For example , the player may fire at a generator near foes to cause it to explode and cripple his opponents , then restrain them or fire at the body to kill the enemy . 
