Image via Complex Original
Despite its success, the F.E.A.R. franchise always seemed like it was trying to figure out what kind of game it really wanted to be. The first two games were a jumble of overly complex storytelling, pitch-perfect shooter controls, J-horror pastiche, and unchallenging AI that—when mixed together—gave us games that play well but feel distinctly uninspired. So, when we heard a third installment was coming out, we were a little surprised.
Thankfully, all those complaints may be redeemed with F.3.A.R. (Get it? They switched the E with a 3 because it's the third game!) Despite the unfortunate title styling, Day 1 Studios had some fresh ideas on display that we were able to get our hands on. We hadn't been bouncing off the walls waiting for this sequel, but once we played through some of it, we've actually found five things to be (guardedly) excited about.
By Stu Horvath
1. The Fettel Position
F.E.A.R. has never had a problem being creepy, but Day 1 outdid themselves with Fettel, the genetically engineered psychic cannibal. Fettel, who memorably killed and partially ate his aunt (Think you have family issues? Look up the Wades on Wikipedia), returns as a ghost in this installment—and is a playable character to boot. Taking the driver's seat as Fettel is the closest we will likely come to Silence of the Lambs: The Game. If you don't see the appeal of playing as Hannibal Lector with supernatural powers, well, there's something wrong with you. And if you do see the appeal, there's something wrong with you. It's a good kind of wrong, though.
2. Re-Defining The Term "Co-Operative"
The main F.E.A.R. 3 campaign is playable co-op—a sadly rare thing in games today—with players taking the role of the main protagonist Point Man and the ghost of Fettel. Yes, the same Fettel you shot in the head at the end of the first game. Needless to say, Day 1 has cooked up the most antagonistic co-op experience since Warrior stole Elf's food in Gauntlet. While Point Man's bullet time and Fettel's psychic abilities are uniquely complementary, the game also encourages players to compete for points for leveling and other bonuses. The resulting balance of helping and hindering is compelling, and actually suits the narrative well.
3. As Always, It's Spooktacular
There was plenty of atmosphere in the demo we played. Set in the ruins of a big box store, Point Man and Fettel fought their way through a building that was both a) coming down around them, and b) infested with cultists. There was a foreboding sense of chaos in all of this—it felt very much like a city gone off the rails. The series has always done a great job of populating its narrative with serious scares—and while we didn't catch any glimpses of Alma or find any bloody footprints during our demo, we're sure Day 1 has some terrifying surprises in store for players.
4. The Fear Doctors Are In
F.E.A.R. may have a solid grip on scaring players, but their story has run wild. By the end of Project Origin, it had grown to a critical mass of confusion. For F.E.A.R. 3, Day 1 brought in some horror heavy hitters to make sure things stay under control. Comic writer Steve Niles (30 Days of Night, Criminal Macabre) has been helping the developers with the script while legendary director John Carpenter (Halloween, The Thing) has been consulting on the cinematics. Their involvement alone is enough for any well-heeled horror fan to take interest.
5. Because You Better F&@*ING RUN
On display at PAX East a couple of weeks ago was a newly announced multiplayer mode called Fucking Run. Seriously. Beats "Team Deathmatch," right? The premise is that you and three buddies need to get from A to B by killing everything in your way and not getting caught by the oncoming demonic ash cloud. It has a bit in common with Left 4 Dead, but winds up playing at a frantic, heartpounding pace. Your buddy went down? Get him back up before the cloud gets both of you! Out of ammo? Well, there's a gun up on that fire escape, but can you make it before you are overtaken? You'll be screaming "COME ON COME ON COME ON!" into your headset in no time. This is the most novel multiplayer mode we've seen since Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, and we hope that F.E.A.R. 3 has even more multiplayer surprises under its hood when it drops.