F.E.A.R. 3
Preview
How many men does it take to pin down pregnant Alma?
by Brandon Waldenberg
previewed on PC
Comes In Three’s
Released in 2005, F.E.A.R. was a critically acclaimed first person shooter from Monolith Studios. Tackling an angle rarely seen within its genre, Monolith’s horror-themed shooter carried an atmosphere and character that makes it memorable to this day. With a dedicated fan base, two expansions, and a sequel; developer Day 1 Studios takes hold of the reigns for F.E.A.R. 3 and hopes to make a great game even better. Awesome new features and heavy hitters like John Carpenter and Steve Niles are joining F.E.A.R. 3 to make this the most ghoulish game in the series yet.
Oedipus Complex
F.E.A.R. 3 takes place nine months after its predecessor’s somewhat controversial ending. Uber-powerful, psychic Alma is a happily expecting mother since her last encounter with Michael Becket, and the world is on a one-way trip to destruction. Alma is going to give birth soon and her contractions are ripping through reality in the form of destructive waves. Tearing holes in the very nature of the universe, Alma has allowed horrible paranormal monsters to enter our world. Now it is up to returning protagonist Point Man to stop his ghostly mother from delivering her apocalyptic newborn into the world. Day 1 Studios has also brought back Point Man’s brother, Paxton Fettel, for some unsettling co-op action.
Joining Point Man in his search for their mother, Fettel proves that even death cannot keep a psychotic cannibal down. Since his psychic powers were so immense, Fettel refused to die and now exists as a spirit that follows Point Man no matter what. Though his brother will stop at nothing to destroy their mother, Paxton’s motivations are unclear. He wants to be at his mother’s side with Point Man, so who knows what dastardly designs Fettel has in the works. If the brothers are to travel through an apocalyptic world full of terrifying monsters and cold-blooded mercenaries, they may have to put their differences aside for now though.
Steve Niles, acclaimed writer of 30 Days of Night has worked on the script for F.E.A.R. 3, to ensure there will be plenty of twists and turns in this strange family tale. Legendary horror film director John Carpenter will be also lending his talents to the cinematics in F.E.A.R. 3; amplifying the story telling of F.E.A.R. by a distinctive notch.
Sibling Rivalry
Since Paxton and Point Man will be traveling together, Day 1 Studios are allowing players to control one each in a new co-op mode. The dynamic duo will carry an interesting combination of gunplay and telekinetic powers to tackle their opponents. F.E.A.R. has always been known for its cunning A.I., making life difficult for the run and gun tactics of Point Man. However, with the addition of Paxton, the battlefield will be evened out. While Point Man runs behind cover under a hail of bullets, all Fettel has to do is take aim at a prospective target and he then gains control of its body. Not only does this put the unfortunate enemy under the player’s complete control, but it also means an instant death for whoever they are possessing. So while a bunch of enemies take cover against the brothers, Fettel can merely possess one of these enemies and turn the tables on the unprepared mercenaries.
