Fear Effect

"This may be the Game of the Year for 2000!"

Not since the arrival of such games like Metal Gear, has there been a game worthy of meeting the action adventure game of the year status. Fear Effect has so much to offer, in the ranks of beautiful graphics with a great storyline. Not to give too much away, you begin the game as Hana, one of four different playable characters. All with one objective, to find the kidnapped daughter of a powerful Chinese Mob boss.
As with any good action adventure game, there will be loads of puzzles to solve and secrets to undercover. The twist and plots of this game really make the story stand out from all the rest. While there are so many good points to this game, the only flaw comes to its controls. Granted that it can be mastered after much gameplay, but still, in my opinion, it was rather frustrating at first.

Graphics 10:
With it's beautiful usage of Full Motion Videos for it's backgrounds throughout the entire game, and the details of the characters so remarkably done, there is else to say about this subject. Except the fact that this has to be the most detailed orientated adventure game to ever hit the PlayStation console.

Storyline 10:
While playing this game, you'll actually feel as if you were watching a good Japanese anime movie. The Characters all done in the traditional anime style and the story can easily emerse you in it's world. With great voice acting and a story ripped from the pages of a great adventure book. This game deserves nothing less then a perfect 10.

Sound 10:
The sound effects in this game is exceptional, with the already mentioned superb voice acting to the sounds of shots fired from all the guns in the game. Everybody knows that the sound effects of a game plays a key factor in drawing you into the game. Fear Factor does a remarkable job in this department as well.

Controls 8:
While, this game is terrific in all other areas, it seems to rather fail with in the controls. Though the character movements are fluent, those who have played games such as Resident Evil, and Metal Gear, will be kind of disappointed. On the other hand, after hours of much gameplay, many will become accustomed to it like second nature, but it can still offer a substantial amount of frustration, especially with it's the menu features.

GamePlay 10:
With all the Pro's and Cons added, Fear Effect can offer you hours and hours of great game play. Spanning four disc long, in this epic clash between Metal Gear and Resident Evil, any action adventure game junkie will love this game.

Buy/Rent :
Definitely worth renting, but personally, I'd advise any action adventure gamers to buy this game. Due to the fact that rarely a game of this caliber comes along, and offers so much for so less.

Total 10:

Sincerely Yours
Game-Vamp

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/27/00, Updated 02/27/00