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Review: FEAR 2
By Edge Staff
February 18, 2009
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Monolith’s timing, signposting and direction of the eye is second only to Valve’s.
FEAR 2: Project Origin
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Monolith Productions
PC/PS3/360
US Release: Out Now
UK Release: Out Now
Screenshot Gallery
If the horror genre has taught us anything beside ‘aim for the head’ and ‘there’s no better hiding place than behind Kurt Russell’, it’s that everything happens for a reason. No matter how bizarre the events, there’s always a method to the madness, a man behind the curtain, or a ghost in the machine. FEAR 2 should know: it has the lot.
A brilliantly paced, ferociously engaging videogame-nasty, it proves that even the good, bad and just downright ridiculous of Monolith’s recent catalogue has a purpose. The Washington-based company hasn’t just learned from its mistakes, it’s repaired them.
As Sergeant Michael Becket, point man of a unit sent to investigate the events of FEAR, you see more than your share of bizarre phenomena. The foremost is déjà vu, much of this game effectively prototyped in FEAR, Condemned: Criminal Origins and its comedy sequel, Condemned 2: Bloodshot.
Indeed, to see it in passing is to think: ‘Surely not another subway station/office building/evil elementary school/disgusting toilet’. But this is not one of Monolith’s usual urban hell-holes.
Alma, the apocalyptic little girl in dire need of a haircut and a truckload of Ritalin, escaped the last game despite being nuked along with anyone within five square miles. The sequel begins moments earlier at the offices of her creator, Armacham, already a scene of carnage. Someone’s having a fire sale, it seems, and they’ve sent the fabulously irate Colonel Vanek to make sure it goes to plan.
For reasons he seems to know more about than you, you’ve been sent to stop him. Sinister secrets await, which of course revolve increasingly around your nascent psychic abilities and unenviable origins. What happens next deserves to be broken down and posted on the wall of every developer that thinks it knows how to shoot.
After a few tentative steps, FEAR 2 slides through its remaining hours on an unbroken streak of gore, past bubbling bullet trails, cartwheeling enemies, smoking barrels, imploding rooms, sharp dialogues, emphatic performances and spectacular scenic curtain-pulls. Always a devilish hijacker of its player’s senses, it’s now twice as effective; smothered by enemies real and illusory, you’re left to wonder which of your bullets are being wasted, which wounds psychological.
As for environmental damage, there’s a simple formula the game understands: the longer it took to build, the better it is to destroy. Cook and toss a grenade in FEAR 2and you’ll see hundreds of Monolith’s man-hours ricochet off a world bulging with physics-powered ephemera. As if to prove that the worlds of FEAR and Condemned were just means to an end, they’ve been reborn in all the colour and texture you’d expect of a No One Lives Forever game.
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Copyright 2006 - 2009 Future Publishing Limited, Beauford Court 30 Monmouth Street Bath, UK BA1 2BW
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Copyright 2006 - 2009 Future Publishing Limited, Beauford Court 30 Monmouth Street Bath, UK BA1 2BW
England and Wales company registration number 2008885
only edge review i have ever fundamentally disagreed with (5or6 out of 10 in my opinion)
i have only played the demo however and i am willing to change my mind having played the whole game
The original FEAR comes packaged with the limited edition Project Origin and playing it again with maxed out settings leaves me with only one thing to say
WOW.
FEAR 2 is a lame piece of wanky console piss in comparison to the 5 year old original.
How could they have possibly had such a genius game engine to work with and go so wrong?
Whatever Were They Thinking Off?
Like I said before, I do actually think FEAR 2 is a decent game, but not even nearly in the same league as the 5 year old original!
I'm playing on the PC version and there is no way this game is an 8. More like a 6.
I do like this game, but considering EDGE magazines traditionally tight rating for games 8/10 is wayyyyy over the top for this game.
Essentially, the original FEAR is far superior a game and I am tempted to say technically superior as well. I much prefer that graphics, the sound, and the general presentation of the original FEAR.
Like many have said, FEAR 2 has been noobified for consoles and going by the low res textures, Monolith havent bothered their arses one little bit to make the game a worthy port across to the PC.
I enjoy the game, but I really could not recommend it to anyone who isn't an ardent fan of the original and coupled with the fact that the end user has to contend with STEAM, really and truly, the game probably does not deserve to be bought.
So under the new fanboy scoring system of "better than Killzone 2", "same as Killzone 2" and "worse than Killzone 2" this game has achieved a score of "better than Killzone 2"
Might have a butchers then.
I finished the 360 version last night, and have to say I didn't enjoy it as much as the original. Project Origin isn't terrible, but it's not great, either. Let's face it, the AI sucks. I mean, it really sucks. There's no stealth ability, whatsover, and to me, this is the biggest draw back. The fact that guards see you the minute they appear on the screen, regardless of how stealthy you try to be, and regardless of whether or not you have the flashlight turned on, is a real problem. I can live with the rest of the AI issues, but this is the biddest drawback. It sucks the fun right out of the game for me.
Another issue I have is with grenades. They appear to have no shrapnel when they explode, so they're essentially useless unless it explodes right next to your target. Rent before you buy!
"As for you, Killzone, mind your manners and stop peering over at the score. It’s unfortunate timing that sees two quite similar triple-A games sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in the space of a week, but unfortunate for who ? Killzone 2 has the technology and spectacle ; FEAR 2 has class, direction and a most mischievous sense of humour – and technology and spectacle."
--The reviewer destroyed his impartiality with this paragraph. How EDGE allowed this to happen is beyond me.
You do know the difference between a review which is someone's opinion and therefore by definition unable to be impartial and news journalism which (should) strive to report only facts don't you?
There is such a thing as an impartial opinion you know.
OF COURSE this would win against Killzone 2 because Killzone 2 is a Sony exclusive.
FEAR 2 is only worth a 6/10. I have no idea how it plays on console, but the PC version is a very mediocre game that is WAY too easy. The first FEAR was fun, you had to think before going into many an encounter, the slowmotion ability was very sparse and you had to time it. In FEAR 2 you have extreme amounts of it and you recharge very very fast. So, every single fight turns into a slowmotion battle, with enemy after enemy pouring out of small cramped tunnels and doors, ready to die without even firing their guns.
Maybe if they had had the enemies deal a little less damage and take a few less bullets to die, and had a couple fewer in every encounter, they could've gone away with the easy mode. But alas, it seems like the title has been horribly consolified and it suffers greatly under it. As does every first and third person shooter that's simultaneously developed for console and PC. *sigh*
Oh, and the horror stuff? It's completely overdone. The brooding, expectantly oppressive mood from the first game is gone, and in its place is what can pretty much be described as the Hollywood remake of a J-Horror film...
If it's the console version reviewed here, or you intend on buying it for a console, then the score is most likely correct. But on the PC it just can't compete with other relevant titles.
I've only played the 360 demo but i totally agree with poul_wrist. The demo is a mess and even on hard the ai is far too easy. It's lost the purity of the original, which actually required tactics to overcome the excellent ai, whereas this just plays like a rambofied version with suicidal ai. And as i've mentioned before on here, the fantastic FX have taken a big hit. In the original in the middle of a intense gunfight the screen was filled with the smoke, dust and flying plaster reminiscent of FutureMark's Max Payne test. Now it looks like they used the FX from Duke Nukem 3D; terrible.
Without doubt it's been dumbed down for the console.
Are you guys basing you're opinions on the demo? You know it was cut together from three different sections of the game don't you?
I have the Full Xbox version, running on a projector at High Definition and I'm sorry I just don't see what you are talking about in terms of visual effects or their lack of. For example, I'll cite Interval 4 as my benchmark, although there are many other sections that could be given as example of how good the visual effects are.
But for those that haven't played Interval 4 you go head to head with a prototype battle mech, using electrical transformers, shock grenades and missiles to defeat it.. Walls explode as the mech launches salvos of missiles at you, creating very accurate looking three dimensional debris fields, electricity from the transformers and shock grenades crackle and fizz and send bolts of lightning arching across the street. Smoke from the missiles is volumetric and billows filling the street. Which then combined with the diffused lighting from the electricity and the missiles and hot metal flying around the place, creates a very spectacular show.
I can see how most of the effect have been brought from the previous games.. But it's logical progression surely... The Effects in F.E.A.R 2 are on a different level from Monoliths previous effort. In comparison with F.E.A.R, the physics are random although for the time were innovative. Smoke was flat and texturised as were explosions. Now that we have dedicated processors for physics more information can be put on screen, which aids realism and ergo your enjoyment and emersion into the environment. More debris, more smoke, more destructive explosions, disintegration of replicant forces into a fine red mist or smouldering skeletons.
As regards to the PC version It's much easier to play given the controller method, Although I have only played the demo, I still found it as fun and as atmospheric as the Xbox version. But I can imagine you would fly through this given the control method. Headshot after headshot, I guess the console versions control method holds you back slightly making it more challenging to play. Multiplayer on PC will probably be a good laugh though if F.E.A.R. combat is anything to go by. Especially with all the new multiplayer mode that have been added.
I disagree with you statement that it's been dumbed down for consoles, this is simply not the case. All version are exacltly the same aside from the difference in control methods slight visual difference due to the application of post processing and anti aliasing on the PC. The games is engrossing and genuinely scary.. The direction is outstanding when you put it side by side with the Killzones 2 and the Resistance 2. As sequels go, I think F.E.A.R 2 is for sure, one of the better ones.
Yeah Fear2 was far more fun and alot better than the first imo.I HAVE finnished the game and i'm on my secound playthrough.
no.
No ???
Are you not going to qualify that ?
"Are you guys basing you're opinions on the demo?"
no.
I must say, I am dissapointed with Edge this time. They usually have such a critical and discerning eye -- this game really isn't very good. "most important work"? No, the first FEAR was more important than this -- and a better game. They really consolified this sequel into an inferior product. It's just a series of typical FPS clichés with horror sequences that have lost their effect due to repeat use from the first game.
Also, anyone notice that the game didn't quite feel *right*? Want to know why? Check out this comparison with the first FEAR:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbzFfYwhz68&feature=channel
Yeah, methinks it was taken out for console performance.
Thanks for selling out, Monolith. I demand a new NOLF to make up for this...
I prefer the lighting on FEAR 2.. I thought FEAR looked pretty dated..
alas, check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLertA4ztEg&feature=channel_page
FEAR 2 had the proper shadowing obvious in the original FEAR....at least, the earlier FEAR2 builds did. They took it *out*!
See what I mean?
I did play the demo and i LOVED the terror parts of the game, none the less, the regular human enemies was boring. The mench gameplay was cool at forst but repetitive at best.
Of course i cant judge by the demo, but i'm still not convinced.
What a bag of shite review.
As for FEAR2 - dont buy it - it's shite - not a pathc on the first one.
Edge reviewers are a bunch of jokers, with every article I read from them it only confirms it more.
They've got stand up and be counted for decent copy - not the sensationalist crap they insist on churning out day-by-bay
"Dont buy it - it's shite - not a pathc on the first one"
Ever tried your hand at game journalism? You might find your true calling and a spiritual home at IGN/Gamespot.
only telling people how it is, brutally honest, nowt wrong with that.
Sensationalism?! yeah right!... I wouldn't say that Edge are guilty of this.. But I know someone who is!!
Why not give us something a little more constructive and intelligent.. Why not tell us why you think it was "Shite"? And I am sure all of us are itching to know. Why are you not only reading Edge reviews, but view them with utter distain. Why not find yourself a more agreeable site?
If you think it's better - which you obviously do - then the only course I can suggest for you young walker is to spend your well earned money, and learn the hard way.
Go on buy it.
I did, and I don't regret it, FEAR 2 is really good fun , I'd highly recommend it !
Esp. to anyone who enjoys horror themed games,
As the saying goes....
"There's one born every minute."
Errrrmm........ I don't see how you can complain about Edge - claiming their views are worthless , and then suddenly seem to think that your opinions should apply to all ?!?!? Duh.
Everyone's different, get used to it.
If you don't like FEAR2 , then that's your problem.
Me , I'm having a great time playing on the games I enjoy, not spending all my time trying to insult/put people down on a forum , do you get some sort of enjoyment out of that??? Don't you have anything better to do???
Dude, no offence, but that's kinda sad...... (0_o)
Have you read ony of the comments here dumbass?
The general concensus is that fear 2 is not a patch on the first one, and that generally speaking its not an 8.
If you like FEAR2 , then that's your problem.
Everone is entitled to their opinion - if you dont like mine - then fuck off.
DigitalStorm - It is possible to have an opinion with out being completly offensive
Really? From what I've heard, FEAR 2 is the better game.
Why did you recall killzone 2 here again?
Are you going to keep comparing all games with it?
Then I'd like to advise you biscoring system: better then Killzone 2 and worse then Killzone 2...
Simple and easy =)))
I'm playing Fear2 now and it is fun. The graphics are good and the gameplay is too. I am playing it on the 360 but I have both consoles and eagerly await KZ2. I don't get caught up in score numbers but I do take in the actual words written in reviews and compare them to my own impression. I find the review appropriate from what I've experienced so far and I'm near the end. Edge is my favorite magazine so maybe I'm biased, but I believe there reviews are consistently mature and on point.
By-the-numbers corridor-shooter with typically stodgy Monolithic narrative, scoring more than KZ2? Who'd have thunk it?! ;)
The demo for this was actually fairly painful to play.
"The PS3 fanboys and the Edge-is-so-biased-but-I-still-keep-reading-it boys are coming!"
Yep, there's something about tragic (but avoidable) car wrecks that keeps us coming back.
I'm playing F.E.A.R2.this game is repetitive like hell. with the same F.E.A.R.'s deja-vu. the game has the same unoriginal conspiration's story executed by the same unoriginal corporation .the story is explained horribly so if you don't have played the prequel you don't understand nothing, yes nothing. grafically average.ZERO innovation and same gameplay of F.E.A.R. .the cover system is useless.the gameplay follow the same repetitive pattern: soldiers-mutants-Alma-soldiers-mutants-Alma etc until the end.so you hope that the game ends quickly. 80% of the game is based on the same corridors,same rooms,same buildings. open areas are few and uninspired.the only fun factor of F.E.A.R.2 is multiplayer.another reason why I've bought this sequel was to undestand the Alma's story from another point of view but unfortunatly is full of b-movie horror's clichè.for the rest the game is boring.Imho F.E.A.R2 like condemned2 are average games.
It's thoroughly entertaining, challenging and shit your pants scary. I'm quite surprised actually, I was half expect the comments pages to filled to bursting point with people commenting on how biased Edge is and how it deserves a 9/10.
I have to say F.E.A.R.2 is so far beyond that generic FPS style that Killzone2 seems to adopt and acts as part Survival Horror and part FPS, I have been playing it for a number of days now, it's by far the creepiest game I have played in a long while.
What I found most impressive where the environmental damage physics, these are by far some of the best I have seen, Dev's should sit up and take note. my particular favourites it to slow-mo and run into a horde of replicant troops with a combat shotgun and watch them explode into 3d blobs of congealed blood or a fine red mist if you hit them up with a Missile.
Multiplayer is balanced and a lot of fun, although but be aware lot's on kiddywinkles playing it on Live which is annoying, not least because of F.E.A.R.2's rating. But they can easily be switched off.
Well said Edge:
'It doesn’t have that Hollywood shine or as modern a grasp of multiplayer, perhaps, but it does have something infinitely more important. It has fun.'
Yes quite right, fun. I remember when I played the first game, the gameplay was solid. It is the gameplay which takes pride moreover than graphics, and F.E.A.R 2 like it predecessor are known for good gameplay.
Having now played both FEAR and KZ2, I can honestly say FEAR is a superior game in all respects other than graphically. I'm not a huge fan of socialising with 12 year old amercian kids so I've taken multiplayer out of the equation. Though it does sound like KZ is more accomplished on that front.
I'm also happy to see EDGE standing up for itself and backing its review of KZ2. Glad they didn't stoop to fanboyism.
How can you have played KZ2 when you don't have a PS3?
LOL. Enough baiting, please, or I'll never show you my Xbox 360 tattoo.
Seriously though, anyone who is willing to forego playing a good game because of brand loyalty is a complete idiot. I like good games and couldn't give a flying f**k if they're running off my 360, PS3 or a toaster made by Phillips.
If a game is better on the 360 I will play it on that. If it is better on PS3 then why wouldn't I play it on that? Consider me a complete console whore.
Tee hee. Sorry, couldn't help it! :) I'm with you on that, If its a good game, I'll play it.
I'll get flamed for this I'm sure, but I am genuinly suprised that you didn't like the KZ2 demo.
It was very short, but you got a glimpse of how good the AI was going to be on medium on the first section of the game. To me it felt very solid and meaty and as close a feeling as possible to actually being there. It's still doing pretty well on Metacritic after 50+ reviews.
shhhh... don't tell anyone, you might ruin my nascent reputation as Mr Gates Jr., but I liked it! Just not enough to buy over FEAR 2. Might be a Lovefilm.com jobbie, this one.
I think irrespective of people have said about this, or Killzone 2. I loved f.e.a.r. 2 and every moment of its single player, the 8/10 at the end of the review doesn't mean a thing!
I was thoroughly impressed by the visuals in the demo on 360, but didn't really think much of the gameplay. Also, I felt the camera rolling around as I moved was really over-egged; I honestly felt sea-sick at points, and I've never felt that with video games.
I don't think I'll bother with this one, but then, I didn't really 'get' the first game either...
"I was thoroughly impressed by the visuals in the demo on 360"
Really? Were you playing a different game to me, unimagaintive, blocky and boring spring to mind from the demo. I thought the game play completly outclassed the graphics tbh. How weird.
Unimaginative yes, but the technical quality of them I felt was pretty good. I thought some of the processing and filter effects were extremely 'realistic' (whether that counts as 'good' I suppose is subjective). I just felt the gameplay was too prescribed.. like it just said 'heres a sniper rifle, shoot those guys far away' or 'heres a mech shoot those guys in buildings'.
I don't understand when people praise the solid AI, and the game chucks them in a corridor.
Why are Edge's scores so important in the video game universe? I'm new to this screeching hysteria. They're just games! And pretty dumb games at that. Oops...
Well Edge just asked whole bunch of fanboys to go apeshit over this. Fanboys will be fanboys but Edge should not go down to the same level. That is sad and stupid. They should have just said it in the killzone 2 review it was not fun cos' then no fanboy can argue that cos they have not played the full game and its an opinion. Like mine about FEAR 2 is that its a really boring shooter for me but killzone 2 I found intense and I love the multiplayer. But who gives a shit its gonna be whole bunch of pages of retarded and angry comments. YAY!!!
*Jurassic Park style ground rumbling*
The PS3 fanboys and the Edge-is-so-biased-but-I-still-keep-reading-it boys are coming!