F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin

The Good
The sequel, to one of my favorite FPS in a long time. F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin, has a lot to live up to. And after a sorted history, what with Monolith, losing the rights to the name F.E.A.R. And then having to rename the game, but still make it clear that it was a sequel, and then finally, months before it’s release, getting the rights back.

And while the ending of the first F.E.A.R. implied that there could be a sequel, it is not always wise to go rushing into the sequel game. Even though, more often than not FPS sequels are at least decent, a claim many others genre’s cannot make.

In F.E.A.R. 2, you are Special Forces, Michael Becket. And just hours before, the destruction of Auburn, you are sent in to retrieve Genevieve Aristide, and take her into protective custody. When, you arrive at her posh, apartment building, you find she is already in trouble, as Armacham, goons have orders to kill her. Before, you can bring her in, Auburn is destroyed, by Alma. You awaken in a hospital, and you are told by a mysterious assistant, that Alma, is after you. Now you must survive and find a way to destroy Alma, and end the Auburn nightmare once and for all.

Project Origin, has many cool moments, and set pieces. The hospital mission, and the creepy school, are among the coolest. And F.E.A.R. 2, like is predecessor, succeeds in having scares, as well, as great action set pieces.(Like the hallowed Half-Life.-MM-) In one great set piece, you get into a power armor, and reek havoc, on your foes.

The Gameplay also boasts some changes, and new additions. This time you can carry 4 weapons at once, giving you greater variety. You can also carry 4 types of grenades. There are a great deal of weapons to choose from as well. Some are new, and some old weapons do not return. Even some of the guns from the expansions make an appearance.

The phone messages, that filled in some of the back story, are gone. Replaced with emails, and other Intel, that is now sent to your PDA. Also new are the quick time events. In these you must quickly tap the indicated button. One of these involves a major enemy and is quite badass.

And you can still slow down time. And F.E.A.R. 2 continues the tradition of being one of the most violent FPS’ on the market. As you can still get “critical hits” on enemies. And blow them to pieces, take their heads off, or perhaps blow them in half. With the laser guns you can eviscerate to your hearts content.

The graphics are great. And use the newest Jupiter Engine, last scene in Condemned 2. It looks substantially better, than the first game. And of course the Havok physics engine is back. Who knew that physics could be so much fun?

And there are some many cool little touches. Like seeing a real-time reflection, in the scope of your sniper rifle. And the realistic looking water, and the way, that it splashes of you HUD, as well as blood, great stuff.

I would be remiss, if I did not talk about the lighting. It is some of the most realistic I have ever seen, it is hard to put into words. But what good would realistic lighting be if it was not used well. And Project Origin, also has one of the best uses of lighting. Some times it is as much of an ally as your teammates, or as much of a foe, as the replica soldiers. One new enemy, is a creature of light, a ghost of sorts, that darts by, and has to be destroyed quickly. The first time I saw it I was like WTF?

The sound effects and music, and voice acting are all solid as well. The voice overs are well done, and the dialogue is well written. As to be expected from a Monolith game. The music is great, and cues at the proper times. And is not over used.

But as in the first game it is the sound effects that steal the show. From, the creepy monsters sounds, to those heard, from Alma, it really helps maintain the scary element.

The Bad
In a lot of ways this game fails to surpass its predecessor. Even though it could have if they had wanted it to. But then again, it is much better than it’s predecessors’ expansions.

I wish, that Monolith, had not scrapped some of my favorite weapons, like the duel sub-machine guns.

There also could have been, more of a connection to the first game. And be warned this game does not use the continuity of the two expansions.

The Bottom Line
When all is said and done, F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin, is a great game. And a worthy sequel. Fans of the series and of FPS games in general, should not miss it. And there is a new F.E.A.R. 2 expansion coming out soon, so what are you waiting for?