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

 PC
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 682 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 430 out of 682
  2. Mixed: 199 out of 682
  3. Negative: 53 out of 682
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  1. KolesAdlerov
    Jul 2, 2023
    6
    No AI, no hardcore, no PC-FPS quality. Not a Monolith quality.

    (hard difficulty; no explosives, no medkits, no slo-mo) Gameplay: combat mechanics [awful TTK, awful weapons] 7/10 combat logic [stupid scripted AI with "wall-hack" from CS_1.3 instead of high AI z-troops] 4/10 atmosphere [very bad consolish effects, trashtalk, again] 6/10 Gameplay as immersive horror (hospital and    No AI, no hardcore, no PC-FPS quality. Not a Monolith quality.

    (hard difficulty; no explosives, no medkits, no slo-mo)
    Gameplay:
    combat mechanics [awful TTK, awful weapons] 7/10
    combat logic [stupid scripted AI with "wall-hack" from CS_1.3 instead of high AI z-troops] 4/10
    atmosphere [very bad consolish effects, trashtalk, again] 6/10
    Gameplay as immersive horror (hospital and school only) 7/10

    Story [mystical trash still awful] 3/10

    Graphics [nice indoors, bad effects, bad first-person] 7/10

    Sounds & music [annoying radio, bad combat sfx] 6/10

    .
    Fans only / hospital and school missions only (this appears to be the only work done by Monolith).    … Expand
  2. Bushido_DZ95
    Apr 14, 2023
    6
    Robots, jokes, machine guns to rock music - this is exactly what we fell in love with the first F.E.A.R, right?
    The first association with F.E.A.R is a typical Hollywood movie about saving the world, right?
    Okay, this is just a mediocre sequel that got it all wrong. In addition to graphics, everything has deteriorated here, including shooting. Understand correctly, it is better in the    Robots, jokes, machine guns to rock music - this is exactly what we fell in love with the first F.E.A.R, right?
    The first association with F.E.A.R is a typical Hollywood movie about saving the world, right?
    Okay, this is just a mediocre sequel that got it all wrong. In addition to graphics, everything has deteriorated here, including shooting. Understand correctly, it is better in the second part, but there is no recoil at all.. the most striking example is a shotgun, and if in the first part you got a shotgun in your hands, you felt that you were the boss here, then in the second part it is a toy.
    The atmosphere is completely lost because nothing is pressing on you, you just got together with your friends to save the world, as is usually the case in post-production films and games.
    There is no horror here at all. In the first part, the shooter and horror accounted for 60% and 40%, and in the second part of the horror, almost 10% of the crowd of enemies climb out of one place and you just stand and shoot the dummies.
    It is unfortunate that the developers decided to make the sequel a category B action movie, most likely succumbing to the trends of those years and lost their zest.    … Expand
  3. LT_Gruber
    Dec 21, 2022
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Good game on its own but downgrade from the series.

    F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin is surely not a bad game. It follows the story from the previous games and does this quite well. However, because of the new look of the game, the new sound design and the excessive lighting, it does not really feel like a F.E.A.R. game anymore.

    The story continues in this game with Alma Wade, taking revenge on anyone who did her wrong because of all the experiments that have been conducted on her by Project Origin. After the catastrophic events of the first game, a Delta Force squad is sent to arrest Genevieve Aristide, the brains behind the whole operation. Thirty minutes before the ending of F.E.A.R., the team arrives and get to work. You play as Michael Becket, a guy that also has a strong physic connection to Alma.

    The whole operation goes haywire and throughout the game, your squad gets wiped out, one at the time. This is because of the interfering ATC forces, Alma and her voodoo powers and the awakened Replica soldiers. The Point Man from the first game explodes the research facility where the experiments where taking place on Alma and Becket is knocked unconscious. You awake in a hospital, which is immediately confiscated by ATC forces. They want to erase all evidence of Project Origin, including you and your buddies.

    You try to press forward while being taunted by hallucinations, shot at from all directions and assassination attempts. You meet some help underway, but they are killed off quicker that you can say “What the..”. No place is safe for you and your simple arrest mission is turned into a race for survival and escape.

    In the end, Alma finally gets to you because Genevieve Aristide locks you and Alma in a metal ball thing. She wanted to lure you and Alma in this thing from the beginning to save Project Origin. The part that happens next is still one of the weirdest things in video game history. Alma goes full Cowgirl on you and, apparently, you put a little Baby Becket in her belly. In the end, she shows you her swollen belly and the game ends. Wow..

    The graphics are nice in F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin, but the problem is that they are to light. You can set the brightness to zero and still the game is to colorful and bright. I also don’t like the new HUD that overlays your screen. It is supposed to resemble some sort of glasses holo-screen thing, but it distracts and makes you feel like playing trough a simulator.

    Although this installment is way less scary than its predecessor, it had its moments. The elementary school level was nicely done and gave some F.E.A.R. vibes back. The rest however, no matter how hard they tried, it did not work. For me, this had two reasons. One is that the scare effects and horror elements are all shown to you by static and interference, followed by a hallucination, and then, more static. The second reason is that there is no ice chilling, high pitched sound that goes through marrow and bone, like the first game.

    The combat is fast paced, the guns accurate and it all feels very fluent and smooth. You still use health kits to restore your health and can find reflex boosters to increase your slow-motion time.

    However, in the sound department (something that is really important for me when playing a game), the developers screwed up. The sound is horrible. It is so blend and lifeless, it genuinely shocked me. The voices of the ATC forces and Replica Soldiers sound very fade in the distance, and the voice acting for their actions and communication is terrible. The guns sound like pea shooters, all of them. The worst of all is the shotgun. When firing, a foul fart escapes its barrel and that is it. Explosions sound like the popping of a balloon and when enemies die, it sounds like you poke a hot iron on their asses and they are in discomfort rather than dying from your hail of peas.

    The DLC, F.E.A.R. 2 Reborn, adds four new levels, in which you play as a Replica soldier. It is a fun change and diversion from the main game.

    They even added the original health meters and HUD from the first games. The rest of the mechanics are all the same as the original game.

    You play as Foxtrot 813, one of the many Replica soldiers that all mindlessly follow orders and attack anything if commanded, but not you. You are a special boy.
    Something that Paxton Fettel explains to you throughout the game.

    You go rogue and the whole Replica army turns against you. You need to escape and find Fettel to become his personal vessel. After you find him, Fettel takes control of your body and he is, you guessed it, reborn.

    In the end, F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin is a good game, the combat works fine and accurate, the slow motion works just as good as the first game and the overall length of the game is fair.

    It is just not that much of a F.E.A.R. sequel in my opinion anymore in terms of scariness.    … Expand
  4. KapralDominik
    Jul 20, 2022
    7
    Двоякое впечатление плавно перерастающее в приятное послевкусие. Приятно было перепройти сиквел спустя столько лет, подмечая новые детали и меняя мнение о нем по ходу игры. Так, столкнувшись с топорным управлением, сдавшим свои позиции ИИ и прочими ограничениями перекочевавшими из консольных версий- игра смотрелась в разы слабее первой части. Но в результате, прорвавшись сквозь орды враговДвоякое впечатление плавно перерастающее в приятное послевкусие. Приятно было перепройти сиквел спустя столько лет, подмечая новые детали и меняя мнение о нем по ходу игры. Так, столкнувшись с топорным управлением, сдавшим свои позиции ИИ и прочими ограничениями перекочевавшими из консольных версий- игра смотрелась в разы слабее первой части. Но в результате, прорвавшись сквозь орды врагов вплоть до финальных титров, нельзя не отметить сохранность атмосферы присущей оригиналу, добротный сюжет, стилистику, любопытные секции для езды в роботе-мехе и все так же пробирающая до жути хоррорная составляющая. Итого: 7.… Expand
  5. AngryGeek
    Jun 6, 2022
    5
    Call of duty and fear crossover game is so awesome :D It was once a horror game.
  6. Tomle1202
    Apr 24, 2022
    6
    Project Origin is too incredibly mediocre to be a F.E.A.R's sequel. At least the ending is memorable, but I digress.
  7. vlasama
    Nov 3, 2021
    7
    This IS my favorite game. I like IT so much. Best in this game is simply gameplay. No puzzle And mechanics.
  8. SgAkErRu
    Apr 15, 2021
    5
    Короче, игра не очень. Вроде как сиквел, но хуже первой части по всем фронтам (даже с технической точки зрения).

    Большую часть времени надо стрелять клонов/монстров, но это очень скучно, так как стрельба ни о чем, пушки не чувствуются, и еще очень как-то странно бегает персонаж. Графика тоже стала хуже, и на сегодня выглядит довольно плохо, чего не сказать про первую часть. С точки    Короче, игра не очень. Вроде как сиквел, но хуже первой части по всем фронтам (даже с технической точки зрения).

    Большую часть времени надо стрелять клонов/монстров, но это очень скучно, так как стрельба ни о чем, пушки не чувствуются, и еще очень как-то странно бегает персонаж.

    Графика тоже стала хуже, и на сегодня выглядит довольно плохо, чего не сказать про первую часть. С точки зрения геймдизайна - тоже какая-то шляпа, вот недавно перепрошел игру и вообще ничего не запомнилось.

    Хоррор-составляющая выглядит глупо, все пугалки и прочее выглядит как-то очень нелепо. Как следствие, атмосфера никакущая. Сам сюжет тоже потерял свою загадочность и стал каким-то слишком прямолинейным и глупым. По-моему единственное тут хорошее случается, это когда включается саундтрек из первой части.

    В общем если не играли, то лучше и не надо. А если проходили 10 лет назад (как я) и вам кажется что она была неплоха, то лучше не переигрывайте и не портите себе воспоминания. Ну по крайней мере, у меня такое мнение.

    [5 солдатов-клонов из 10]    … Expand
  9. nexus151196
    Feb 28, 2021
    7
    Очень неплохой шутер, с достойной картинкой, хорошей стрельбой и сеттингом. Играешь и чувствуешь, что происходит полная жесть.
  10. Cz3rw0ny
    Feb 17, 2021
    7
    Good shooter, but I would not say it is above average. It has few good moments and it is worth giving it a chance.
  11. Edco0328
    Oct 17, 2020
    7
    F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin | October 18, 2020 | [★★]

    In my opinion, It is a very clean made game. Throughout my play-through, I've never encountered a thing that it shouldn't be there. I think being super linear helps a lot in that case. Gameplay is pretty much shoot and kill then enter the next level - enemy spawn there and do the same. The AI's movement felt generic making them easy    F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin | October 18, 2020 | [★★]

    In my opinion, It is a very clean made game. Throughout my play-through, I've never encountered a thing that it shouldn't be there. I think being super linear helps a lot in that case. Gameplay is pretty much shoot and kill then enter the next level - enemy spawn there and do the same. The AI's movement felt generic making them easy to read. I've only died 2 times (Excluding those failed grenade attempt) throughout the campaign in Normal mode. I can't say otherwise on other difficulty but it was an easy course game.

    The story doesn't really give a lot until it finally became clear by reading through massive hundred journals scattered around the game. It sometimes wasn't fun reading those but at least it picked up half the game that it makes me intrigue and engage with what's happening. I've never actually played the first one and this one make me want to check it to see what I've been missing.

    Overall experience is a big thing for me and sadly this just gave me a flat one. I knew horror is one of the main theme of this game, but I've never felt that. Jumpscape doesn't really bothers me specially with no consequences unlike Dead Space where those who freak you, can actually kill you and that makes it more terrifying. I just wish this game have that.    … Expand
  12. LironesAlviento
    Aug 2, 2020
    7
    El juego tiene las mismas virtudes y defectos que su predecesor, si no le pides peras al olmo igual lo puedes disfrutar.
  13. Slaviy
    Jul 29, 2020
    5
    Не понимаю, как можно ставить такой отвратительной игре 10 баллов.
    Максимально убогий хоррор, за всю игру даже не передёрнуло. Посредственный шутер, с большим ТТК.
    Первая часть была примерная такая же, но слега лучше. 3 часть даже пытаться не буду, не хочу терять время.    Не понимаю, как можно ставить такой отвратительной игре 10 баллов.
    Максимально убогий хоррор, за всю игру даже не передёрнуло. Посредственный шутер, с большим ТТК.
    Первая часть была примерная такая же, но слега лучше. 3 часть даже пытаться не буду, не хочу терять время.
  14. guiletheguiles
    Jul 15, 2020
    7
    Since I revisited F.E.A.R., which is one of my favorite horror games of all time, I decided to do the same with its only good sequel.
    While not in the same level as its predecessor, F.E.A.R. 2 managed to address some issues, while carving its own action-packed path.
    Before I say anything else, F.E.A.R. 2 is very pretty to look at. It's not groundbreaking and the screen can be quite    Since I revisited F.E.A.R., which is one of my favorite horror games of all time, I decided to do the same with its only good sequel.
    While not in the same level as its predecessor, F.E.A.R. 2 managed to address some issues, while carving its own action-packed path.

    Before I say anything else, F.E.A.R. 2 is very pretty to look at. It's not groundbreaking and the screen can be quite blurry sometimes, but I'd definitely put it on a list of graphics that still holds up. Also, in comparison with the first one, this is miles ahead.

    Project Origin continues to blend horror and action very well. I did find this one way more frantic in its shooter roots than the first entry, but I think this helped the game to become its own thing, not "only a sequel." There are a lot more things to shoot at, more enemy types, decent mech sequences, more guns and dangers to tackle. The best thing is that, while not as groundbreaking as the first F.E.A.R., it all just works with ease. The spooky parts did feel a little less impactful, but there are still some very freaky moments.
    One HUGE improvement was the level design. Sure, it's still very linear and "corridor-oriented", but it's not as repetitive as before, areas are larger, more apocalyptic, features some memorable environments (especially towards the ending), has a better pacing and it's overall a LITTLE more dynamic. This is one of the things that bothered me A LOT in the past and I'm glad that they tried to fix it here.
    As for the story, It's still nice. I'm glad they expanded on what happened in the first F.E.A.R., answered some unanswered questions and actually created an interesting lore to follow. I do prefer the first one, since it's a lot more mysterious and told through a very bizzare writing, but it's cool to see that they did not stray from their weird path.

    But I also felt that Project Origins faltered in many ways. Much more than the first game.
    For starters, if you loved the soundtrack/sound design of the first F.E.A.R., you'll see none of it here. I do not know how they managed to **** it up so much.
    While the story is good and can stand on its own, if compared to the first one, it feels weaker. Monolith explore themes and events a lot more here, but fails to make it in the quiet, ominous and very menacing way that the first one did. I liked the action, but, sometimes, it feels like they forgot the horror. Also, the audio message and audio logs are gone. Now you'll find files and you have to stop the action to read them. If you want to do that, you'll read A LOT!
    F.E.A.R. 2 feels a lot easier than its predecessor and, while that's not an objectively bad thing, I miss the tactical and mindful shooting system. The speed of duels and number of enemies hinder this feeling. Especially since their A.I. is very dumb. New enemy types like ghosts and the "undead" are not fun at all to fight against. In fact, they're even more annoying than the INVISIBLE enemies.
    Also, the 5th and 6th are not good. The school has some of the worst level designs of the game and the subways are just very uninspiring. I loved the final interval, but MAN! The game DRAGS a lot before you can reach it.

    F.E.A.R. 2 is not as good as its incredible first game. That much is true. But it doesn't make it less enjoyable.
    I definitely recommend this for fans of the first game and, if you're a fan of horror games, you should try it too.
    Now, if you do not fit into these two categories, you might find it forgettable and a bit generic.    … Expand
  15. Silhouette
    Apr 16, 2020
    6
    Very good graphics even in 2k20. But shooting got worse than 1st game. Nothing special but atmosphere is VERY good because of the graphics
  16. iddqd4
    Mar 16, 2018
    7
    Существенно слабее первой части по всем фронтам.
  17. jcasetnl
    Nov 25, 2016
    5
    A not horrible but mostly forgettable shooter. Cliche "dropped into a meat grinder" story. Gun play and movement aren't very satisfying. You can't dive or roll like in Max Payne, so the bullet time is just basically a slow-motion cheat button. The jump scares are formulaic to the point that you start to ignore them and just charge forward. Speaking of which, running is in very shortA not horrible but mostly forgettable shooter. Cliche "dropped into a meat grinder" story. Gun play and movement aren't very satisfying. You can't dive or roll like in Max Payne, so the bullet time is just basically a slow-motion cheat button. The jump scares are formulaic to the point that you start to ignore them and just charge forward. Speaking of which, running is in very short bursts because it's limited by a tiny stamina meter, which is just... odd. A highly trained soldier can't sprint for more than 30 feet without running out of breath?… Expand
  18. Mahdiar
    Jul 6, 2016
    7
    Gameplay : 7
    Graphics : 8
    Story : 7
    Sound : 8
    **********************************************************************************
    Overall : 7
  19. Captain_Chaos
    Jun 22, 2016
    7
    I love the F.E.A.R. series. That said, Project Origin is probably my least favorite. It took some intresting directions, but it's oddly similar to Devil May Cry games in in that it has a tenous link to other entries in the series. The Point Man is nowhere to be seen, and the combat mechanics are stuck in a bizarre transitional reality between the first and third games. You have very littleI love the F.E.A.R. series. That said, Project Origin is probably my least favorite. It took some intresting directions, but it's oddly similar to Devil May Cry games in in that it has a tenous link to other entries in the series. The Point Man is nowhere to be seen, and the combat mechanics are stuck in a bizarre transitional reality between the first and third games. You have very little health, but the controls are so stiff that you will find yourself taking unecessary damage constantly. The "cover" mechanic is laughable, and most guns feel very weak especially the pump shotgun- a game killer for me. On the upside, the mech sections are absolutely cathartic, the music is very strong and echoes the first game's score beautifully, and there is much more character interaction and good dialogue given the shift in cast from a lone operative to a Delta Force strike team. Bottom line, as a F.E.A.R. fanboy I enjoyed the game, but those just here for the shooting might want to skip it.… Expand
  20. Marick
    Mar 24, 2015
    7
    F.E.A.R. 2 Project Origin is a horror FPS, developed by Monolith Productions and published by Warner Bros. The game is a continuation of the first two games, having no connection with the two expansions of the first game. The story is quite good. You're Michael Becket, Delta Force operator, which is sent to capture Geneva Aristide, their own within 30 minutes before the end of the firstF.E.A.R. 2 Project Origin is a horror FPS, developed by Monolith Productions and published by Warner Bros. The game is a continuation of the first two games, having no connection with the two expansions of the first game. The story is quite good. You're Michael Becket, Delta Force operator, which is sent to capture Geneva Aristide, their own within 30 minutes before the end of the first FEAR The gameplay is pretty good one, with many changes from the first game.… Expand
  21. karmasleeper
    Sep 14, 2014
    7
    This sequel picks up where the first game left off, but instead of controlling point man, you're part of an entirely new set of characters and their involvement with the aftermath of the first game's story. Gameplay is very similar to the first game. You have slow mo, you have very similar weapons but also some new ones, but you can't carry as many health packs this time which I thinkThis sequel picks up where the first game left off, but instead of controlling point man, you're part of an entirely new set of characters and their involvement with the aftermath of the first game's story. Gameplay is very similar to the first game. You have slow mo, you have very similar weapons but also some new ones, but you can't carry as many health packs this time which I think was a good decision. Enemies are also very similar but there is the addition of ghoul type monsters that break up combat with typical soldier goons. These segments also provide a new kind of tension that was absent from the first game. Level design is very similar to the first game but the environments are more varied and there seems to be more polish to break up the monotony. Like the first the game, FEAR 2 is very short and won't take you long. Unlike the first game, however, I didn't feel as strong a desire to replay this one through higher difficulties. Maybe it's just me, but the AI didn't seem as competent. There were times when I could just stand near a doorway and blast everyone that walked through it like lemmings. It's difficult to put my finger on, but the combat segments didn't feel like they had the same punch of the first game. Sound effects, even in slow mo, just felt kinda stale and flat. In short, there are some definite improvements over the first game but also one or two steps back. Nevertheless, a worthy sequel.… Expand
  22. PhantomLove
    Aug 17, 2014
    7
    Graphics is updated but the quality is not consistent (especially judged from the cutscenes)
    As for the weapon design, I never liked the new glowing-ball gun (low ammunition velocity, no dropping, pointless) , the sniper-rifle (no zoom option) , the new laser gun (quirky hip sight) , and overall all guns are impractically bulky
    The gunfight is a bit more casual than the first game, newly    Graphics is updated but the quality is not consistent (especially judged from the cutscenes)
    As for the weapon design, I never liked the new glowing-ball gun (low ammunition velocity, no dropping, pointless) , the sniper-rifle (no zoom option) , the new laser gun (quirky hip sight) , and overall all guns are impractically bulky
    The gunfight is a bit more casual than the first game, newly introduced cover system most of the time hurts rather than protect.
    The story-telling has become repetitive, during every rendezvous I knew somebody's gonna be liquified/cut off ...
    Nevertheless I had fun, not so exciting as the fist installment but still a good game.    … Expand
  23. JimCorbett
    Mar 24, 2014
    7
    Fear 2 has shed even more of it's horror skin. It's more of a shooter than ever before and also seems to be a bit more cartoon-ish. The graphics don't exactly look real, they look for like a cartoon, which is strange. They also added hit markers that appear on screen whenever you successfully land a shot on an enemy which only helps in taking away from the lackluster immersion. The combatFear 2 has shed even more of it's horror skin. It's more of a shooter than ever before and also seems to be a bit more cartoon-ish. The graphics don't exactly look real, they look for like a cartoon, which is strange. They also added hit markers that appear on screen whenever you successfully land a shot on an enemy which only helps in taking away from the lackluster immersion. The combat overall though is more enjoyable and the story really hasn't taken a dip, but it hasn't gotten any better either. Overall, if you liked the original, you'll probably like this. But, if you're looking for a true horror experience, then you'll be sorely disappointed.… Expand
  24. Kulkuri
    Dec 5, 2013
    5
    I am not usually in the "PC Master Race" wagon, screaming that a game is a game console port if it has been released also on other platforms at the same time. But F.E.A.R. 2 is the very definition of that and an epitome failure to make a decent sequel to good if not great Windows-PC game. Everything has been made more linear, less faster, more "larger", less controllable. There's NOI am not usually in the "PC Master Race" wagon, screaming that a game is a game console port if it has been released also on other platforms at the same time. But F.E.A.R. 2 is the very definition of that and an epitome failure to make a decent sequel to good if not great Windows-PC game. Everything has been made more linear, less faster, more "larger", less controllable. There's NO ABILITY TO SAVE THE GAME AS YOU WISH, no quick saves, no manual saves, ONLY AUTOSAVES AT PREDETERMINED PLACES!!! If you die, you'll lose 5-15 minutes of play time and you need to replay certain spots. F.E.A.R. 2 has terrible FOV, mouse acceleration, you can't bind all mouse buttons to a functions, plain ugly HDR, and oh god the motion blur is so bad. Everything uses very large font and everything has been adjusted TV in mind. There's also ALMOST TOTAL LACK OF COOL PARTICLE EFFECTS, and worse map design, bad jumpscares that aren't even effective, it's really short game, maybe 6-7 hours long, and worst of it all, it looks, feels, sounds, and acts like it's a Playstation 2 title. AI has been dumbed down by a large factor... And allow me to highlight how dumb the map design is by noting that the game has SEVERAL DIFFERENT "SECRET" UNDREGROUND FACILITIES with ALL THE POSSIBLE VIDEO GAME CLICHÉS IMAGINABLE. Maps are also more linear pipes than they were in first F.E.A.R. game. I didn't even sink into everything what's wrong with this title. Just stay away from it. It's one of the worst FPS games ever made. F.E.A.R. 2 lacks self-image and instead is more like bad imitation of Halo 3 from every aspect. F.E.A.R. 2 has no taste at all, and people who call this a good game have no taste at all either. Or are too inexperienced FPS gamers to understand what's wrong with this title.… Expand
  25. csabber
    Nov 30, 2013
    7
    Project Origin is a direct follow up to the original game released in 2005. It took Monolith 4 years to cook up a sequel and they decided not to change much on the formula that has worked once. But 4 years is a long time and sometimes innovation is better than playing it safe. That's exactly why Project Origin falls short of its predecessor. The formula remained the same, but the audienceProject Origin is a direct follow up to the original game released in 2005. It took Monolith 4 years to cook up a sequel and they decided not to change much on the formula that has worked once. But 4 years is a long time and sometimes innovation is better than playing it safe. That's exactly why Project Origin falls short of its predecessor. The formula remained the same, but the audience has changed.

    The game picks up right the time when the first games is about to end. To be precise, it starts a couple of minutes before the end of F.E.A.R. You are a part of Delta Squad and you're sent to place the head of Armacham Technology Corporation into protective custody. It's when sh*t starts to get serious and a nuclear blast bakes most of the city as a result of the original F.E.A.R. team's endgame. In the rest of the game you move in and out of underground facilities trying to achieve your ultimate goal. Even though the campaign lasts only around 7 hours the story is detailed and interesting. On the other side, you have to pay attention to every detail that happens around you or told to you on the comm because if not you'll find yourself lost in the web organisations and projects thrown at you in every couple of hours. At least if you do get lost eventually right before the end of the game everything will be cleared up in 5 short minutes.

    The gameplay is very similar to the first game. Little has changed; slow-mo shooting is still great but the novelty has faded in the past four years. You will meet various enemies during your gameplay starting from soldiers, genetically modified monsters, mechs to ghosts even. The game will always try to throw something new at you which is nice, but eventually you'll immediately recognize the spacey room where a firefight is going to take place in 3...2...1.

    AI was a strong part of the first game and it returns in the second one too. However, it doesn't always work like it meant to be. Sometimes the enemies will be clever enough to kick over tables and take covers, but in other cases they will try to rush you through the same door where you'll stand and shoot them one by one. The Delta Squad, your mates aren't the most brightest either. Most of the times you'll see them splitting up and getting killed (because of the story) and the writers could've written better lines for the voice actors too. Being a psychological game you'll never feel surprised of your team members being killed off. What is worse you'll never feel pity for them because they're unlikable, two-dimensional dolls.

    Visually F.E.A.R. 2 is a real mystery. On one hand it presents a great world with some stunning lighting effects and great destructibility, on the other hand it's ugly. Everything looks sharp when you move, but stop for a moment a take closer look at minor objects, like consoles or books on desks. They look downresd, blurry and pixelated. The devil is in the details as they say. In the year when hardware pushing games like Modern Warfare 2, Resident Evil 5 or Killzone 2 were put on the shelves of retailers this kind of laziness is disappointing. One can look aside when it comes to these problems, but then there is the audio. The sounds of guns are just atrocious; every one of them sounds like they were taken out from an 80s Atari 7800 game. Every shot you have to take with the shotgun or machine gun irritates your ears. It's like firing with toy guns from the crappiest Chinese manufacturer.

    F.E.A.R. is a sharp shooter with its flaws and assets. The formula that made the first game great has aged greatly and the horror factor is M.I.A. in most of the game. Great number of "tricks" has already been used up in the previous title or other games. When the horror is present the game feels like a real successor of the prequel, but those moments sadly end quickly. It definitely has its moments when it comes to shooting (the mech scenes are great), but drawbacks won't allow to have an experience like with the original F.E.A.R. game.

    Rating: 68/100; Replay Value: 2/5; To Beat: 7 hours; Played on: normal.    … Expand
  26. Neddy
    Jul 3, 2013
    7
    I was just about to write a 10/10 review for this game, because it's solid and extremely good looking. I was about ten hours in and loving it lots. I thought I'll play on a little further before reviewing, then one hour later it ended.

    Recap then, it is excellent FEAR content, if you like the first trilogy as I did. It looks fab, gets livelier sooner, and plays like a dream. Only it's    I was just about to write a 10/10 review for this game, because it's solid and extremely good looking. I was about ten hours in and loving it lots. I thought I'll play on a little further before reviewing, then one hour later it ended.

    Recap then, it is excellent FEAR content, if you like the first trilogy as I did. It looks fab, gets livelier sooner, and plays like a dream. Only it's just too short.

    My real overall rating is probably 7.5/10, but 8/10 is too much given its length. I'd estimate its probably slightly more than half length of any of the first three games.

    I was lucky and bought it for £2.50 Steam sale, so I have no complaint, but think before you pay full price. (I imagine it has good replayabilty, as I imagine I most certainly will replay.)

    The expansion F.E.A.R.2 Reborn isn't so hot either, and it's extremely short. You play as a replica soldier, so it's an aside to the game, and not part of it. It's OK and fun to play at, as all the weapons and slo-mo are there. It is a strange and interesting little side story, but it's just way too short. Don't pay top price for it    … Expand
  27. Fresh3gg
    May 24, 2013
    6
    No longer be able to lean left or right. Sprint fast while no longer need to holster your weapons first. Infact no longer be able to hoster weapons. Still no prone. Be able to crouch, jump and stand. Melee attack (gun butt), able to jump-forward kick or slide-ski-kick across the floor, I think the player only able to do that after he has that critical operation? Press the X key to switchNo longer be able to lean left or right. Sprint fast while no longer need to holster your weapons first. Infact no longer be able to hoster weapons. Still no prone. Be able to crouch, jump and stand. Melee attack (gun butt), able to jump-forward kick or slide-ski-kick across the floor, I think the player only able to do that after he has that critical operation? Press the X key to switch grenade types, but sometimes you need to press the X again to be able to throw out a grenade, though there is only 1 type of grenade to choose from by then (bugs?). New feature to the grenade’s explode time, now you can hold onto a grenade in hand, it’ll kill you if you don’t throw it out in time before it goes out with a BANG. There is a “seconds” meter in your crosshair when you’re holding onto a grenade. Slowmo, when ever you use the slowmo, there is a “slowmo” meter in your crosshair when it’s resource drains, it auto recharges the slowmo when it was all used up. Now the player has a new trick as to move chairs and tables (or other obstructibles) so as to use them as a shield (hiding behind them). The tricks on the chairs and tables are: Slide Cover, Flip Cover, Topple Cover, etc Has those shotgun and other gun models copy-styled from other games such as Sin and Crysis, Quake Wars, etc Has changed the gameplay to more the like to other games like GoldenEye: Rogue Agent, Half-Life 2 and SiN Episodes: Emergence. It’s turning to more console-favoured game. This is a very good hybrid game, but all hybrids has a limited score… Expand
  28. sft
    May 22, 2013
    7
    Battle of the Boing

    Visually F.E.A.R 2 is impressive. It features some terrific maps (although it’s still a bit too much of a corridor shooter), cut-scenes, and in-game animations, the character modelling is good and it has a host of nice atmospheric touches. It also introduces some imaginative new enemies not seen in the original, including the reanimators, who bring dead grunts back    Battle of the Boing

    Visually F.E.A.R 2 is impressive. It features some terrific maps (although it’s still a bit too much of a corridor shooter), cut-scenes, and in-game animations, the character modelling is good and it has a host of nice atmospheric touches. It also introduces some imaginative new enemies not seen in the original, including the reanimators, who bring dead grunts back to life as flailing, gun-toting zombies, and pesky, shrivelled guys in shorts, who scurry about like Gollum on speed. F.E.A.R 2 is also pretty creepy at times it actually made me jump once or twice. It’s a shame, however, that these jolts are isolated to brief sections of the game with long gaps between. The story’s okay though unremarkable. The combat ranges from quite easy to pretty tough (on the normal setting). The tasks are typical: finding keycards and whatnot nothing particularly inspiring. So far so whatever it’s a good game but not a great one. On to my main criticisms. The PC controls are a bit twitchy, but more of a problem is the way your character moves. The amount of head-bob is insane. I mean truly bonkers. Beckett bounces along as though on a pogo stick. It irritated the hell out of me and significantly reduced my enjoyment of the game. Then there’s the lack of humour. Aside from a few quips within the intel reports there is none. Overall this is a visually and technically striking game that’s well worth playing but won’t linger fondly in the memory or have much replay appeal.    … Expand
  29. kg1992
    Jan 6, 2013
    5
    Meant to be F.E.A.R., but Call of Duty. It is pretty good shooter full of fun, but never scared me at all. The arid and mysterious atmosphere of the original disappeared with greasy and distracting environment and effects.
  30. fedak
    Nov 23, 2012
    7
    A much more modern title (in both graphics and game mechanics) than the original F.E.A.R.

    As a FPS it is a much more varied experience than the first game- the environments and level design are tied to the story and far more interesting than the endless repetitive drab corridors of the original. The combat still centers heavily around the bullet time mechanic and there are several    A much more modern title (in both graphics and game mechanics) than the original F.E.A.R.

    As a FPS it is a much more varied experience than the first game- the environments and level design are tied to the story and far more interesting than the endless repetitive drab corridors of the original. The combat still centers heavily around the bullet time mechanic and there are several levels where you get to don a near-indestructible mech suit.

    As a survival horror title is has all of the same flaws of its predecessor- the horror is mostly QuickTime events and simply isn't in any way frightening. (Especially if you've had your fill of     … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Best PC Game of 2009
22
#22 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
16
#16 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 49 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 49
  3. Negative: 0 out of 49
  1. PC Zone UK
    80
    What it adds - the more capacious level design, the daylight, the mech bits, the cover system - doesn't amount to much more than a garnish of new ideas on an old chicken salad of a game. But as I said, the magic of F.E.A.R. is certainly in position. That basic pleasure of time slowing, of watching a death ballet unfold as glass shatters, masonry crumbles and bodies cartwheel with morbid elegance - it's all intact, and it's as incredible to behold as ever. [Mar 2009, p.56]
  2. GamePro
    80
    Now, the spine tingling sequel, Project Origin is here to continue the story of the psychic and psychotic Alma with damn good results. [Mar 2009, p.78]
  3. Game Informer
    83
    After the embarrassment of The Perseus Mandate, F.E.A.R. 2 should be in consideration for comeback player of the year. While the multiplayer is weak and the mood won’t make people forget Dead Space any time soon, the solid action core makes it worth a play.
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