Nothing to Fear
When I read reviews about this game I think I'm in the minority when it comes to sentiments about FEAR 3. I really like it! It's a great and fluid shooter. It's not like the original FEAR--that game stands alone--so judging it based on the original is going to get some harsh criticism and disappointment, but as far as shooters are concerned, it's one of my few repeats. I played it again a couple weeks ago and was surprised by how much I liked it.
I don't play shooters for the story, and this story is nothing special. It certainly didn't do the FEAR story any favors. With that said, the story doesn't affect gameplay at all, and I think the gameplay is where this shines. Not because it breaks boundaries or sets new standards, but because it's just a solid shooter, and it doesn't need to be anything more than that. The movement is fluid, the action intense, the shooting satisfying, and the locales wide and varied. And the bullet-time never gets old.
I don't like upgrade systems in games, but the way they did the challenges in FEAR 3 was a fun and non-intrusive way to do it and gave me a challenge to accomplish while playing (replayability points earned). I appreciate the added effort to include "collectibles" (which seems to me a more modern approach to secrets, and I like any throwback to 90s FPS).
I think if this was marketed as its own game and not an installment in the FEAR franchise it would probably have done better. That's my theory at least, because I genuinely like the game.
All in all I think FEAR 3 is a good shooter. If you like FPS games and want a solid shooter, you won't be disappointed here.
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