"A faster, smarter, and generally, a better version of Doom 3."

Honestly, I didn't know what to expect from F.E.A.R. It looked like another Doom 3. Let's be honest, Doom 3 was a complete failure, and devoid of anything you would call fun. F.E.A.R. had me worried, despite all the praise(remember Doom 3?), it took place in the same dimly lit corridors, and you used a pseudo flashlight to find your way, it was completely linear, and it also relied on cheap frights. What's not to be scared about?

Pros:

The graphics are amazing first of all, sure industrial corridors are old and tired, but everything looks amazing. Everything can be moved and knocked over with realistic physics. Plus, everything looks damn pretty. When fire fights erupt the sparks fly, and dust covers the air. Grenades explode with impressive affects(which really makes them look painful, believe me, you'll love it). No complaints here.

Now this is one of two things that F.E.A.R. has over Doom 3, the AI. Normally, when companies advertise their "amazing, adaptable AI" it turns out to be a complete crock. I haven't been impressed with console AI since Halo/2. Every fight plays out differently everytime, such as making their own cover by turning over soda machines and tables. They never rush out in the open unless they have a shot at taking you down, they'll most likely fall behind cover. They call for reinforcements, and at the right moment of opportunity, they'll chuck grenades in your direction, and they're pretty accurate, too.

Another boon is that they actually don't know where you are, I watched them, as I hid behind a corner, walk on by with their weapons ready, completely unaware that I was behind them. Yep, none of that cheap AI 'can see you anywhere' crap here. This is the real deal here, folks.

None of the weapons are anything special, but the Shotgun and the nail gun are by far the most satisfying to use. The nail gun can pin dead enemies to walls, while the shotgun, thanks to impressive ragdoll physics, will make enemies twirl in the air. I might also note that the plantable mines are nice treat, too.

The sound is top notch, all the guns make satisfying booms that really make you think they hit hard. The enemy soldiers talk to each other with such believeability, it's crazy, also their death screams are nice too. Voice acting is pretty well done, especially, the main villian, Paxton Fettal, who is the best one in the bunch.

This might play out like your typical shooter, however thanks to the addition of slo-mo(aka, bullet time) it evens out the odds for you. With a hit of the Left button, the screens goes into a nice blur effect as time and your enemie's movements slow down dramatically. This allows you to take on more men than you thought possible. Watching bodies fly through the air as they get hit from your shotgun never gets old.

There are definitely some nice fright effects going on too. Visions will cloud your path, wasn't Alma just there a minute ago? Or am I just crazy? Hell, sometimes you'll even play your dreams out. Add in Fettal taunting into your ear, and you'll love atmosphere of this game. You'll also come across phone message and laptops detailing the incident, giving you further incite of this horrible incident.

Cons:

The story is nothing original, but the worst part is that you never really learn anything. The game also ends really abruptly, too. The game follows, you, a nameless soldier working for a government agency called, F.E.A.R. It turns out that a psycho telepath by the name of paxton fettal has gone mad, and in doing so has taken control of his own personal clone army, the replica soldiers. However, during your mission you're also confronted by a mean spirit girl by the name of Alma. Who is she? Why is she killing everyone in sight? Who is responsible for the ensuing mess? Who knows, who cares.

Now the game does feature some new addons, such as instant action and a new mission. None of it will rock your socks off, but the new addition of instant action will mean you can experience the AI in all of it's glory, but it then plays out like a typical shooter. The new mission is nothing special, it just gives you a chance to play as someone else, but without the handy slo-mo option. The biggest crime? Other than a nice Live feature, it is still missing split screen and system link. There is no excuse for this as the recent hit, Gears of War, has it all.

The graphics are nice and all, but the environments get really repetitive. You go through one tight industrial corridor after another, so don't be surprised when you get bored fast, this just ends up making you rush through the game faster.

Rundown:

+ Slo-Mo rocks!
+ Nice visuals
+ Awesome AI
+ Shotgun and Nailgun are the standout weapons
+ Atmosphere is spot on.
- Nice Live feature, but nothing else?
- New mission is nothing to be proud of
- Lame story
- Repetitive environments

To buy or to rent?

This game has it all, so buy. Sure it could've used more multiplayer features, but the long single player makes this a trip worth taking.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/02/07