Common Sense Note
Parents can expect to see many gruesome images in this game -- in fact, the opening cut scene shows a man feasting on a dead body, complete with sound effects of the flesh being torn. Other clips (many of them flashed suddenly and unexpectedly) show people burning to death, or undergoing some sort of terrible medical experiment -- and some scenes involve a young child. Extreme vulgarity abounds, with enemies screaming "f---" when hit. The game has an option to turn off some of the blood effects, but carnage and terror are what this title's all about. This game would undoubtedly cause nightmares for many younger players (and maybe adults, too). It is for mature players only. Parents should also know that their kids can play online against other players.
Families can discuss the horror genre of films and games. Does a lot of blood and gore make the game/movie scarier or not? Where would you draw the line? Is gameplay more intense since you can control part of the action? Are frightening games therefore less appropriate for teens and kids?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Jeremy Gieske
Borrowing from horror films including The Ring and Hannibal, F.E.A.R. mixes first-person-shooter action with terrifying and disturbing imagery. From the opening sequences, and throughout, the game does its best to scare the player, using every trick of the horror genre trade. And it works.
This game is thoroughly terrifying. It's well done, but it's for mature players only.
Players take the role of a newbie F.E.A.R. (First Encounter Assault Recon) grunt, sent in to investigate the mysterious take over of a high-tech aerospace compound. Voicemail messages and wounded personnel left in the facility reveal a government-sponsored military program gone horribly wrong.
Cloned soldiers under the control of cannibal Paxton Fettel have locked down the entire plant, killing anyone who enters. Meanwhile, players experience sudden and random visions: horrible medical experiments, tortured and bloodied victims, flooded rooms, fires and a mysterious little girl in a red dress. Each scene seems to get more horrific than the one before.
The plot isn't anything all that new, nor are the weapons. Mood is everything -- and as players battle their way through the levels, they can't help but feel unsettled. Corpses are left rotting in the hallways, appendages fly from enemy soldiers as they are shot and pools of blood are found everywhere, and bodies make squishing noises as they fall from walkways. Eerie music adds to the creepy atmosphere.
It's also worth noting that the artificial intelligence in this game adds complexity to FPS gaming. The computer-controlled players are ruthless and smart and they work together to flush you out and hunt you down. Even on easy, players shouldn't expect to rush through the levels, guns blazing, and hope to make it out alive. The game requires strategy and conservation of ammo, health packs and grenades.
Overall, while it is clear the game does what it is supposed to do -- scare the daylights out of anyone -- it is not a good game for anyone under 17. Teens interested in FPS action should check out games such as Battlefield 2 as an alternative.
Rate It!
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ViolenceNonstop shooting, punching, exploding etc. Blood is everywhere, and corpses litter the hallways. Humans are disintegrated into skeletal remains. Blood drips from the ceiling. |
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LanguagePlenty of profanity, from both enemy and friendly characters. Frequent use of "f---.". |
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Social BehaviorThe plot includes irresponsible decision-making on the part of government officials and their contracted agencies. |
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Commercialism |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoInjections are used to permanently increase health and reflexes. |
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