F.E.A.R. 2 is a fast, fun, enjoyable & shallow experience
F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin blends the best aspects of several sub genres of both film, and videogames. Monolith created a well executed product of action, thriller, horror, and creepy PG-13 ghost (The Ring) antagonist experience. Project Origin’s creepy moments, and intense action work more than they fail, and will satisfy any gamer looking for a good ride. But that’s also where this game falls flat; it’s a ride, nothing more, so long as you don’t expect too much you should have a good time. Similar to Friday the 13th, shallow, but is a good time.
Unlike Condemned, F.E.A.R is all about stylish first person firefights instead of melee combat. You’ll be rampaging through linear levels blasting away bad guys with a variety of shotguns, assault rifles, laser guns, and rocket launchers. F.E.A.R. has always been known for its enemy AI, and just like past iterations of the franchise, the ability for the in-game foes to think and react in realistic ways is as strong as ever. Giving the allusion you’re fighting real-world players, the AI will find every opportunity to get behind cover, flank you, and regroup. Unlike most other action games where this kind of behavior is talked about, this game executes it in a way where you don’t see stock animations, and the fighting is intense because of AI behavior, not sheer quantity of enemies.
With all the fantastic shooters on store shelves, it takes a certain game to stand out and be worth pulling your wallet out for. With its slow-motion and good AI aside, F.E.A.R. 2 doesn’t have too much to separate itself besides its horror elements which normally involves Alma jumping out to scream “boo!”. So it’s really more about the atmosphere. This makes me think putting scares in games is nearly impossible, and the industry should take cues from Dead Space, and Condemned. Without its horror qualities, all F.E.A.R. would have is generic soldiers, and you using bullet time, that’s pretty fucking generic if you ask me. So at some point, this horror gimmick seems to become a crutch in an everlasting fight to not be generic.
With a forgettable multiplayer and a six hour campaign, it’s hard to recommend Project Origin. It’s a fun ride that should be experienced, and like a ride it’s short, and when your done you don’t really have anything to take from it. This game is a perfect weekend rental, and when you can eventually pick this game up for $20, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to grab.
Steven
