F.E.A.R. Image
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 44 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 171 Ratings

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  • Summary: F.E.A.R. (First Encounter Assault and Recon), is an intense first person close-quarters combat experience with rich atmosphere and an engaging storyline. The story begins as an unidentified paramilitary force infiltrates a multi-billion dollar aerospace compound. The government responds byF.E.A.R. (First Encounter Assault and Recon), is an intense first person close-quarters combat experience with rich atmosphere and an engaging storyline. The story begins as an unidentified paramilitary force infiltrates a multi-billion dollar aerospace compound. The government responds by sending in Special Forces, but loses contact as an eerie signal interrupts radio communications. When the interference subsides moments later, the team has been literally torn apart. As part of a classified strike team created to deal with threats no one else can handle, your mission is simple: Eliminate the intruders at any cost. Determine the origin of the signal. And contain this crisis before it spirals out of control. [Vivendi] Expand
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F.E.A.R. Official Trailer 4
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 44
  2. Negative: 0 out of 44
  1. AceGamez
    100
    F.E.A.R. really is a shooter with everything - exceptional enemy AI, amazingly detailed graphics with truly entertaining rag doll physics and proper reactions when you land a hit on an enemy, a fantastic range of weapons and an online mode that's tremendously addictive.
  2. Overall, if you like FPS titles, you like your games pretty, and you like to be scared, then F.E.A.R. is right up your alley. Proceed with caution; you will wet yourself on this ride.
  3. F.E.A.R. is the 360's first shooter to score a [90] on Eurogamer for the simple reason that it's such a consistently exciting game that gets the core of the experience so absolutely spot-on that most of the niggles are swiftly swept aside. Slow-mo gunplay and cunning AI don't sound like next generation ideas, but somehow Monolith combines the two so expertly that it feels more alive and more exciting than could ever seem possible.
  4. Play Magazine
    85
    But the engaging paranormal angle to the story and the violent imagery rising from it breathe a creepy chill into F.E.A.R.'s soul that never lets the game lost its powerful grip. [Dec. 2006, p.64]
  5. Games Master UK
    82
    A technically superb conversion of a superlative shooter, if a bit creaky. [Christmas 2006, p.96]
  6. The action in F.E.A.R. is relentless from start to finish, and the AI of enemy soldiers is about the best you'll find in video games at the moment. Bar an ending that will leave you wanting a lot more, there's little not to enjoy.
  7. Boomtown
    70
    Many of the set-pieces are utterly predictable (the mini-battlemech you meet coming up on a lift platform thing, for example, or the snipers in the distant windows on a rooftop), and the AI seems distinctly switched off for these moments.

See all 44 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 56
  2. Negative: 14 out of 56
  1. HarisA.
    Jul 19, 2009
    10
    It's very rare to get a game that actually tries to scare you psychologically. Most titles just have monsters jump out like a Doom 3 It's very rare to get a game that actually tries to scare you psychologically. Most titles just have monsters jump out like a Doom 3 clone. Kudos to FEAR for creating a game with an interesting storyline and for making you jump in your seat! Expand
  2. Nyteowl
    Nov 4, 2006
    9
    f.e.a.r on the 360 is just as good as the pc. if you haven't played it on the pc or have specs for it. as 360 owner here's your f.e.a.r on the 360 is just as good as the pc. if you haven't played it on the pc or have specs for it. as 360 owner here's your second chance at it. visuals are are great despite rendering only buildings and it's interiors. the character models are detailed also. this is all because of the hardware avaliable. besides that the havok engine is the only thing that's laughable, rag doll effect. if you've plaid anytype of fps or driving sims, you'll know what i mean. i know it's asking for too much and it is. game physics have come along way, but i'm not going to knock it. ayway the a.i. can be tough as they say it is. there are times, when you'll just shake your head and say, "that was stupid". it doesn't often make your typical a.i. mistakes of going, duh. as for what fps master said, i don't think he even played it (f.e.a.r). it's just another sony fanboy, sigh. why can't we all get along. Expand
  3. Mar 31, 2023
    9
    F.E.A.R. is a first-person shooter which remained a popular title among fans of the genre. Often regarded as one of the best first-personF.E.A.R. is a first-person shooter which remained a popular title among fans of the genre. Often regarded as one of the best first-person shooters of its era, after over 15 years I was able to put it through its paces to see if it would live up to its hype.

    While F.E.A.R.'s plot is decently written, I think it cannot be considered the game's strongest aspect. The central point of the plot, which is to "Find/kill Fettel", remains unchanged from start to finish, although there are a few plot twists and turning points along the way. The game relies heavily on the player uncovering important plot insights from laptops and answering machine messages scattered throughout the levels, which may be overlooked. To ensure these important insights are not missed, I would have approached their placement differently. The game's plot draws clear inspiration from other works such as Silent Hill, but most notably from Metal Gear Solid (renegade special forces unit, genetics experimentation, post-credits phone call, etc).

    The key strength of F.E.A.R. is its explosive and deep first-person shooter combat gameplay. The game could initially feel a bit weird and alienating but moving forward and making a habit of it, it will present intense firefights against a variety of enemies, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The game's weapons feel great and satisfying to use, with a good range of options available (dual-wielding pistols and machine pistols, the shotgun, the assault rifle) to suit different playstyles and while it's possible to only carry three weapons at a time, I would say it's enough for different combat situations. The use of slow-motion is also well-executed, adding a layer of tactics to combat encounters. When slow-mo is used, it drains its bar that once the effect stops recharges over time. I personally found its use to be less spontaneous than it might seem. Still, it's a lot of fun and a sizable player advantage, which probably required and influenced the development of another important element of the game. F.E.A.R.'s enemy AI allows foes to behave realistically and adapt to player actions, making them challenging and kinda of unpredictable, forcing the player to adapt their tactics. What stands out is the AI's ability to flank and outmaneuver, making for always intense and challenging combat encounters. In this sense, F.E.A.R. embodies the soul, the living core, of gameplay combat in first-person. Monolith's intention clearly was to go beyond the conceivable technical limits at the time, which has been mostly successful. Although F.E.A.R. is a horror-themed shooter, I would say it's less scary than other titles in the genre, such as Doom 3. While F.E.A.R. does feature horror elements, particularly through the presence of Alma and certain sequences, the game primarily focuses on fast-paced shootouts against well-armed soldiers. As a result, the horror aspect of the game is restrained and limited, with the game's action-oriented gameplay taking center stage.

    However, F.E.A.R. is not without flaws. Generally, the game has a overabundance of medkits, which can make the game feel too easy. Frequent restocking on health items makes it challenging to feel any real sense of danger or tension. Medkits are also transportable (up to 10), which means even less challenge. It would have been better to reduce those transportable or ground pickups, or rebalance pickups with more armor vests, which just reduce damage. Limited to the Xbox 360 version, the game's auto aiming system can be erratic and frustrating at times. The crosshairs can occasionally deviate from where the player intends, leading to missed shots and wasted ammunition. This issue can be particularly frustrating during intense combat encounters, where split-second accuracy can make all the difference.

    F.E.A.R.'s graphics are generally good, with well-crafted models and geometry. However, some textures may not be as detailed, resulting in an inconsistent visual experience that falls short of cutting-edge. Nonetheless, F.E.A.R. features several outstanding graphics effects: bullet decals, blood splatters, broken glass, lights, dust (this latter so realistic it's almost annoying) create a highly immersive and realistic environment – after every fight you can truly tell there was a shooting there. Sound design is no less, with thunderous gunfire and bullets whistling past creating an intense and great auditory experience. Loading times are surprisingly short.

    In the end, F.E.A.R. may not have the most compelling plot, but its deep and well-crafted combat gameplay, impressive graphics effects and sound design make it a highly immersive and engaging experience as a first-person shooter, truly standing out in its genre, even beyond its bygone era. There are some minor flaws which can detract from the overall experience, but it still remains a must-play, especially for first-person shooters fans.
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  4. Dec 3, 2022
    7
    Кайф замедлееенииие но сейчас однотипный шутер больно локации однообразные но прикольно хоррор составляющаяКайф замедлееенииие но сейчас однотипный шутер больно локации однообразные но прикольно хоррор составляющая
  5. Jun 26, 2020
    6
    Late to the party but oh well, gameplay was decent, fire fights with enemies was entertaining but gets boring pretty quickly. Graphics for itsLate to the party but oh well, gameplay was decent, fire fights with enemies was entertaining but gets boring pretty quickly. Graphics for its time are good enough but the level design was kinda generic. Scare factor was non-existent which was a let down because it was the main reason I picked up the game. Story was slow too. Oberall angame to keep you busy for a weekend and then on foward to another title. Expand
  6. DarinM
    Jan 21, 2009
    4
    I kmow this is a couple of years old now but i got this for a tenner and have to say i have never played such a boring Fps as thisI kmow this is a couple of years old now but i got this for a tenner and have to say i have never played such a boring Fps as this before.Every level looks the same,the graphics are dull,.the gameplay repetitive,no variety in enemies.and scary? maybe for a 5 year old.
    I really wanted to like this but its so average in every respect and boring as hell.I think the reviewers were playing a different game.
    85?? yeah right
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  7. RickD.
    Dec 22, 2007
    0
    Thiss game is horrible. Absolutely the worst gameplay and graphical design I've ever seen. Every weapon looks the same and the Thiss game is horrible. Absolutely the worst gameplay and graphical design I've ever seen. Every weapon looks the same and the environments look exactly the same as the last one. This game is terrible and I don't recommend it to anyone. Expand

See all 56 User Reviews

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