Hi all. While Ali is still doing revision/exams, I’ll probably post some stuff up. I have a lot of free time in the next 4 months or so (although some of that of that will be used towards games, obviously). I thought I’d start with a small review for F.E.A.R: Perseus Mandate. It’s been out for a while, but I’ve only just got round to playing and completing it. Might as well write about it while it’s fresh in my mind.
If you’re not familiar with F.E.A.R., it’s a First-Person Shooter where you play a genetically-enchanced operative of a group called First Encounter Assault Recon (hence the title). The character has super-fast reflexes, which takes the form being able to ’slow time’ in the game. ‘Bullet-time’ had been done to death even upon the release of the original game in 2005, but it was part of the game’s main appeal. The other thing that made the game stand out was the frequent ‘hallucination’ sequences and unsettling atmosphere.
So what does Perseus Mandate do differently? To be perfectly honest…not a lot. Much like the first expansion, Extraction Point, it just provides more of what made FEAR so good in the first place. The only difference is new weapons and enemies (most notably a very efficient assault rifle). You’re also in the shoes of a new character, but the movement and abilities are identical to that of the ‘pointman’ from the original and Extraction Point. Simply put; if you didn’t like FEAR before, nothing will change your mind here.
The storyline is pretty much typical of the FEAR series. You’re sent in to deal with something, things go wrong, you have to get out of it, more things go wrong, a big plot relevation is revealed…and so on. That said, there are still some nice action sequences (I challenge anyone to meet up with that giant mech without thinking “OH CRAP!!!” and then run the hell away). Unfortunately, both Exraction Point and Perseus Mandate will not be considered canon in the real sequel, Project Origin. As a result, the expansion packs could be considered redundant (much like filler arcs in anime).
So there you have it. If you liked the original F.E.A.R. and want a game you can get through in about three days, Perseus Mandate might be for you.
