F.E.A.R. : First Encounter Assault Recon - Developed by Monolith
Rated M for Mature

When it comes to video games, there are two things that really make you feel like a badass: first person perspective and slow motion. So what would happen if you combined these with a paranormal plotline and a bunch of high-powered weapons for good measure? Easily one of the most engaging and downright fun experiences on the PC.

In F.E.A.R. (First Encounter Assault Recon), you play as a member of an elite reconnaissance team. After powerful psychic Paxton Fettle escapes his confines, he activates an army of 'Replica' clones. They are utterly loyal, fighting and following orders until their leader is destroyed. That's where you come in. Your mission is simple, find and eliminate Paxton, rendering his clones docile. Only things can never go according to plans...

In a market flooded with first person shooters, F.E.A.R. tries to break the mold by utilizing the ever popular 'bullet-time' effect. I'm really surprised the idea to combine FPS with bullet-time wasn't jumped on sooner, as they work quite well together (but I'm sure that now after F.E.A.R. we're going to see a lot more of it).

The story is pretty cliche, "borrowing" concepts and enemies from a plethora of sources. Try to imagine what would happen if Silent Hill fused with Metal Gear Solid, with just a hint of Half-Life. What it creates is an amalgamation of genres that gives it a real sense of uniqueness, while building off the success of others. It's also pretty mature, too. Characters drop just as many F-Bombs as the explosive kind, and a well-placed shotgun blast will either A) remove a limb from your target; or B) Turn the unlucky fellow into a red mist. Not quite sure why (or how) a shotgun would have the later effect, but in the heat of the moment, I don't much care, either.

The single player side is about average length when compared to other FPS titles, but I think what helps F.E.A.R. stand out is its re-playability. With the slow motion effects, I found myself repeating several encounters just to try out a new tactic. Do I want to rush in there all Neo like and take them out with submachine guns and dual handguns? Or should I set a trap with proximity mines and wait for them to come to me? Although the paths through the levels are straight forward and linear, the choices you have available in engaging the enemy keep the game feeling like you're in control.

There are also the standard difficulty levels to keep you challenged on your additional times through. But quite frankly, I was fine with the 'easy' setting. Monolith must have assumed the Mature target audience is also adept at shooting things, because this game is hard. Not frustratingly difficult, but in most cases, the enemy will be able to dispatch you in a matter of seconds. Added to this is an incredibly smart AI. Teams of soldiers (they most always choose to gang up on you), will fortify positions, drive you out with grenades, or try to flank your position depending on the situation and environment. If you think you can just stand and shoot, you've got another thing coming. You need to stay dynamic, weaving through obstacles, utilizing cover, and conserving your slow-mo for the right opportunity. And let me tell you, it makes for some damn fine firefights.

Easily on par with the genre heavyweights and an with an open ended finale that just screams sequel, you can bet you'll be hearing a lot more about F.E.A.R. in the coming years. Fantastic graphics, a mature plot, and an undeniably cool slow-motion and physics engine make this game a winner. Console gamers have to wait a few more weeks for their next generation of software, but for those with a decent enough graphics card, the future is F.E.A.R.

I give F.E.A.R. my coveted 5/5 rating. Simply put, if you're looking for thrills and chills this Halloween, you'll be hard pressed to find any better than those in F.E.A.R.

Rating: 5/5