F.E.A.R. 3
Preview
One big happy family trying to kill each other
by Danielle Harrison
previewed on PC
Slow Birth
F.E.A.R. 3 is the next installment in the F.E.A.R. franchise being brought to us from Day 1 Studios. Oddly enough, Monolith Studios have dropped out of the development process altogether making this latest entry into the series the only one without their input. Originally announced in April 2010, F.E.A.R. 3 has suffered multiple blows due to delays. From late 2010 the title was delayed until March 2011, then to May and more recently to June. Players may be wondering whether it is worth even caring about the game anymore, but the recent details that have surfaced certainly provide a reason to begin the excitement once again.
The game will take place nine months after the events of F.E.A.R. and F.E.A.R. 2. Point Man, the protagonist from F.E.A.R., will be making a return as one of the two main characters. The other main character is F.E.A.R.’s antagonist, Paxton Fettel - but wait...didn't we eliminate Fettel in the first title? Correct, but by using Alma Wade’s power and Point Man as a conduit, Fettel is able to break through into reality as a ghost.
Momma’s Little Boys
Point Man originally goes back into Fairport to rescue a fallen F.E.A.R. operative, but once back in the center of the chaos he meets with Paxton Fettel once again. Fettel is obviously overjoyed about the arrival of his new sibling and is even more eager to return to Alma with his brother and re-unite their family. Alma’s growing paranormal power is evident around the Fairport area and Point Man and Fettel must join forces to either finally put an end to Alma Wade, or protect her from ATC troops whilst she gives birth to the unknown being that could devastate the world.
The two brothers will lead the main story in a totally new style of divergent co-operative play. The frenetic combat will still be included from the previous games but due to the fact that Point Man and Fettel have totally unique abilities, you can expect many additional elements. The duo is designed to have a complimentary play style so that they are not simply clones of each other, but instead offer two completely different experiences. Point Man will be a paranormal super soldier yet again with the same controls as in the first F.E.A.R. game, albeit with an added layer. He will still be able to enter slow motion but he now has lightning fast reflexes meaning 360 degrees of active cover is available at your disposal. Fettel on the other hand is not even human and has quite fittingly gained some otherworldly abilities. He can use possession, stun enemies using a paranormal blast, and levitate objects and enemies using telekinesis. Pairing these together should encourage players to be more innovative with their tactics; allowing them to take enemies down faster and with more imagination.
