A return to F.E.A.R.
The second installment from Monolith’s hugely successful horror FPS title has at long last arrived. Returning to the city of Auburn where it all began. F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin offers scarier atmospheres, more open environments, and a first person experience that is equally enjoyable as its previous title. From the darkest corners of the nether regions Alma has returned, and she has a bone to pick with Armachan!
Horror 101
F.E.A.R. 2 Project Origin follows the story of Michael Becket, who is a new character to the series and a fresh perspective. A delta squad rookie, Becket is dispatched to the city of Auburn (on a mission to rescue Armachan’s President) just before it was annihilated by the cataclysmic explosion of the previous game. After the big boom is when the weirdness starts. Becket wakes to find that he is Alma’s newest interest as he begins to see her everywhere. As a sort of guide Alma leads Becket through a terrifying journey into the dark history of her past and ultimately to an ending so bizarre that I refuse to spoil it for you.
There is Nothing to Fear but…Alma
Continuing the same type of jarring game play from the previous game, you are constantly jumping between chills, and thrills. F.E.A.R. 2 capitalizes on the classic elements of horror, in which suspense draws you into a scene only to have it completely shattered by jarring action sequences. This is the bread and butter of the F.E.A.R. franchise and it is something they do well. The transitions from horror to action are a shocking way to propel the game play.
The Atmospheres are eerie, more creative, and much larger then in the previous game. Some levels are large, and that does put a bit of a strain on the game play as you become bored with staring at the same level. You will be exploring the devastated city of Auburn in which you will constantly come across Armachan operatives who have been dispatched there. Alma becomes your guide as well as your tormentor, as she constantly twists your mind with disturbing hallucinations. Unwillingly forging a psychic bond with Alma you develop the ability to slow down time. The ability is a much needed asset as the AI of F.E.A.R. 2 is advanced. Enemies will use environments, and team tactics to try and take you down. The bullet time will give you the advantage to dispatch enemies as needed.
The mech suits add a creative element to game play, and are extremely enjoyable to use. Self repairing and equipped with dual guns, and a rocket launcher they are basically gigantic killing machines. The mech suits are very effective in helping you to mow down enemies. You will be able to use them at various times, and surprisingly they work for a game totally unrelated to mech suits.
Multi-player is average keeping the simple modes; such as death match, and capture the flag. So do not expect much more than that from it. It isn’t a bad multi-player by any means, just basic. Campaign mode is another story! It is a rich experience with dynamic environments, and a near indiscernible plot line with more twist than a Shyamalan film.
Fear thy name is Alma
F.E.A.R. 2 continues the formula of its predecessor, and it is an effective one at that. Larger environments, more intelligent enemies, and a continuing theme of creepiness definitely makes this game worthy of your time. The muti-player could have been better and that is the reason this game falls short of a five star rating, but the campaign alone makes this game worth its price. We give F.E.A.R. 2 Project Origin 4 out of 5 stars.
Xbox owners rejoice, because for the week of January 26th the official Resident Evil 5 demo will be available live. The demo will be on Xbox live Monday January 26th, and will be available for one week. A 
