One of the greatest FPS games out there, even to this day.

I wish I had played this when it came out but 11 year old me would have had a tough time convincing my mom. I can't imagine witnessing the enemy AI for this in 2005 given that most games 20 years later fall short in terms of intelligent enemy AI. This game isn't perfect, but what it does do well, it does REAL well and has held up remarkably well over time.

So you play as Point Man, basically John F.E.A.R., a silent protagonist who in theory would work with a squad is basically a one man army the entire game. I think the creators specifically stated they wanted the player to feel like they were an action hero despite the horror elements and they did a good job of conveying that. A key contributor to that is the slow-mo ability that allows you to (as expected) slow down time and take out enemies John Woo style.

In addition to slow-mo, environmental lighting and physics contribute to the cinematic nature of the firefights. Explosions will kick up dust and scatter debris, hanging lights will swing about when caught in the shockwave causing their lightsource to spin about the room erratically. All of these elements plus the gore makes each time you exchange fire with enemies a pleasure.

In regards to horror, I would definitely categorize this as an action fps with creepy elements. I don't think anything it is downright scary, but the tone and atmosphere it sets can be unnerving. There are some light jump scares, but I don't think the devs had any intentions of terrifying the player. I will admit that I thought we would see more of Alma (spooky little girl on the artwork) but perhaps that is saved for the sequels, which I plan to play next. In short, something FEAR does wonderfully is set its tone, no doubt helped by the early/mid 2000s gritty visuals that I have a huge soft spot for.

Gameplay is FEAR's strongest point despite some slightly clunky mechanics like a limited flashlight (can be optionally turned infinite with the must have EchoPatch) and a toggle to aim. I got used to these quirks quickly as I was to distracted by how smart the enemy AI was. Enemies will communicate with each other, use grenades to flush you out, attempt to flank, retreat and attempt a different route, hold a point if they think moving forward is too risky, and more. I played on the 2nd hardest difficulty and definitely had to play cautiously/strategically making use of lean left/right and of course, slow-mo to overcome certain difficult fights.

Another thing I enjoyed were the "hidden" boosters that are basically collectibles that permanently increase your health or your slow-mo time. This incentivizes some minor exploration because they aren't usually on the main path. There is a decent selection of firearms to use here though I will note the early game ones like the SMG and the pistols feel pointless once you have stronger weapons. Additionally, the Repeating Cannon shows up so late that you don't get much use out of it unfortunately. Unlike the guns, each of the 3 explosive types have their own specific uses so I was always happy when I'd come across them.

Story/plot is fine, I think Alma is interesting and am curious what they do with her in future games but outside of the Cheezee Pooz loving Norton Mapes, none of the characters are that memorable. It is serviceable, but not why I would recommend the game to others. Kind of tying in with plot though is the excellent music. Of course during action moments the soundtrack is bombastic and pumping whilst sufficiently eerie when you are navigating dark and/or dilapidated halls of an abandoned building, but also somehow comedic during moments that are meant to render a chuckle from the player.

The only other issue I have with FEAR is that the level design could use some variety. I hope you like different shades of grey, because outside of some splashes of color in the Armacham offices, you will be navigating mostly concrete facilities. Room layouts are diverse enough that each fight feels unique, but I wish the game had some different scenery sprinkled in.

I'm actually kind of surprised this game hasn't received a remake, but maybe that's because it doesn't need one? And with Monolith Productions sadly shuttered, I'm not sure if we ever will. Luckily for us that it has aged so gracefully 20 years later. Don't continue you to miss out like I have if you haven't played this one yet!

Pure classic, very well made mid 2000s horror FPS that aged quite well even for today standards when it comes to graphical appearance. Gunplay is quite fun, weapons are decently diverse, the storytelling is purposefully vague but it matches the games horror atmosphere quite right. Strongest suit of this game would be advanced AI of enemies for that age, and exceptional physics. Everyone should consider playing this time capsule of a game to feel and experience that dark and unsettling atmosphere that this horror shooter made in mid 2000s can offer.