F.E.A.R. Platinum

I would never say that FEAR is a bad game, but I would go as far as to say that it is a bit over praised. I played this game when it first came out, and I remember the slow motion mechanics were a major selling point for the game. Best part is, the slow motion mechanics are spot on and very well done. The only problem is that this mechanic starts to grow tiresome after about an hour of gameplay. Its usefulness in the overall scheme of the game is arguable. I started the game fascinated with the bullet-time like moments, but by the end of the game had almost forgot they existed. What this game does very well is the visual presentation of horror elements. The visual direction on this game is stellar, and despite the age of the game, can still impress with many of its moments. Unlike most horror games, which are slow, FEAR is a fast paced action horror, which was very welcome when it was released. I can't state that enough. Its fun to play a horror game in which you are not being forcefully handicapped by the camera, player speed, or even ammo just to artificially increase the scare factor. For that, this game should be commended. But why would I only give it 3 stars? Well, the biggest problem with FEAR was the level design. It was so repetitive and boring, that almost every area looks exactly like the previous area. The linearity of the game is not cleverly hidden, but rather in your face with the very obvious and recurring action sequences. The first 30 minutes of this game repeats endlessly until close to the end. So few of the moments in this game are memorable. I just remember endless cubicles and anonymous black clad soldiers. The only thing that stood out in the gameplay were the scares. There are more than a few, and they are very well done. The subject matter may not be one of my scare buttons, but that doesn't matter. The scares were what kept me playing.

Maybe time has forgotten this game, but I'll still be playing forever an ever.

RIP Monolith. Been 20 years since I've played this and I can't wait to run throught the series again.

I hate the ending but the game is great. I never finish shooters and I played through it 2X. It is tense if you play like a hard core role playing game. You don't have to die but you must be alert and careful. You could run n gun like border Lands but you will miss out on a creepy story.

Great Game, Great Atmosphere. Just here to add that in my experience in 2024 that the securom issues other reviews where illustrating no longer seems to be the case.