F.3.A.R

The F.E.A.R. series is known for the sensation of dread and fear that follows you everywhere you go. Previous games have been more horror than anything else, and while F.3.A.R. has taken a decidedly different approach in having more action then scares, it still has some incredible level design and some of the creepiest environments I’ve had the pleasure of exploring. The textures, character models, and animations are all top notch. Everything is detailed and realistic, and the special effects like the explosions, special enemies, and weapon fire are all nice to look at.

John Carpenter and Steve Niles oversaw the cut-scenes, and it shows here. Both names should be instantly recognizable to horror fans, since Carpenter directed classic films like Halloween and The Thing, and Stiles is best known for his work on the insanely twisted 30 Days of Night series of graphic novels. Their contributions help to make the game look more cinematic and polished, with the cut-scenes playing out as short, incredibly cool movies.

This game has a lot of guns, and it should since you’ll be spending a majority of your time using them to obliterate walls, furniture, soldiers, fiery hell dogs, and anything else that’s unfortunate enough to get in your way. Developer Day 1 Studios spent a lot of time making sure each and every weapon in the game sounded satisfying and real, and they did that by recording actual gunfire. When you’re firing your weapons in the game, that’s taken from real world weapons.

The music is also one of the game’s best features, it carries the action and intensity very well. When you’re walking in an apartment complex hollowed out by explosions from the war surrounding it, not sure what’s waiting for you around the next corner, the music is there to quietly add to the intensity. When you’re running into the war, guns blazing, the soundtrack picks up, providing the perfect backdrop to all Rambo wannabes. The voice work is solid, with Paxton Fettel sounding as disturbed as he always has, and the soldiers react to your presence more realistically, which is a nice touch.

F.3.A.R. is a stellar game because it marks a departure from many of the things that have been holding the series back. It’s no longer about trying to find your way through a labyrinthine maze of dark hallways, mowing down soldiers as you go, this time there’s more variety and the atmosphere is stronger then ever. The new multiplayer offering is also rather fun and different enough from other games to make it an ideal game if you’re looking for something a little different from the same old Capture the Flag or Team Deathmatch modes.