"F.E.A.R. 3" Review: Exciting, but won't terrify you
(CBS) - The "F.E.A.R." series has always been a unique blend of first person military shooting and creepy psychological horror that was fun to let under your skin. The latest entry in the franchise will feel familiar to fans, but won't pack as strong a dose of horror as the previous installments.
The game never reaches the same level of classic horror as the "Silent Hill" series, nor does it deliver the kind of jump-out-of-your-socks scares as "Dead Space." That's not to say that "F.E.A.R. 3" has completely left its scares behind.
Instead it focuses on driving the player forward, using its supernatural elements to set the tone and build tension between enemy encounters rather than produce any memorable scares.
The game's wonderful pacing is a big part of what helps establish its tension and eerie tone. Gaps between encounters are filled with cut scenes and quiet moments that allow the game to build its story and maintain atmosphere. Though a corridor shooter at heart, "F.E.A.R. 3" manages to keep the hairs on the back of your neck on end in anticipation of what's around the next corner.
Combat in "F.E.A.R. 3" feels smoother and more organic than in previous installments. Small improvements to control are noticeable especially when playing on home consoles. The cover system feels natural and works better than in most first person shooters. Enemy soldiers will flank you intelligently to force you out of hiding and destructible cover will keep you moving.
The single player campaign is fun and cinematic, but multiplayer is where "F.E.A.R. 3" leaves its stamp on the franchise.
The whole story can be played in co-op with the second player taking control of Paxton Fettel - the deceased antagonist from the original title. As a specter, he can immobilize enemies and hit them with telekinetic bursts or forcibly possess their body from across the battlefield. Fettel's and Point Man's abilities complement each other in a way that allows for some really creative cooperative play.
In addition to the co-op play and its versions of Death match and Infection, "F.E.A.R. 3" introduces two new multiplayer modes that truly shine. On the surface, Contractions plays similar to Horde Mode from "Gears of War," where you and your friends must defend against increasingly difficult waves of enemies. The twist in Contractions is that between waves you must reinforce your stronghold and venture onto the battlefield to collect weapons and ammo for future rounds. This need to constantly manage your supply and strategize for later more difficult waves brings the suspense the series is known for into the multiplayer experience.
In the aptly named F***ing Run, players must advance through a linear level, plowing through the endless baddies in their path all the while being chased by a supernatural wall of fog. The round ends if any player is caught by the rapidly approaching wall of death. This game mode creates more tension and suspense than any other aspect of "F.E.A.R. 3."
While "F.E.A.R 3" may not satisfy your appetite for psychological horror in your video games, it is a well-crafted and suspenseful shooter. The story is interesting and worth playing through, but the real draw here is the amazing multiplayer experience.
"F.E.A.R. 3" is available now for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. It is rated M for Mature by the ESRB.