Too scary, violent, and graphic for anyone under 17. Iffy for 17+.
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F.E.A.R
(2005, Video Games - First Person Shooter, Rated M, Play it on: Windows)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 17. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Terrifying and bloody shooter for adults only.
Why We Rated This 
The good stuff
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Educational value:
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of F.E.A.R was written by Jeremy Gieske
Parents need to know that there are many gruesome images in this game: The opening cut scene shows a man feasting on a dead body, complete with sound effects of flesh being torn, and other clips show people burning to death or undergoing a terrible medical experiment, and some scenes involve a young child. Extreme vulgarity abounds, with enemies screaming "f--k" when hit. This game would undoubtedly cause nightmares for many younger players (and maybe adults). It is for mature players only. Kids can play online against other players, which Common Sense Media does not recommend for anyone under 12.
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about 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 because you control part of the action? Are frightening games less appropriate for teens and kids?
More on F.E.A.R
What’s the Story?
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.
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Is It Any Good?
Borrowing from horror films including The Ring and Hannibal, F.E.A.R. mixes first-person-shooter action with terrifying and disturbing imagery. This game is thoroughly terrifying. It's well done, but it's for mature players only -- it is not for anyone under 17.
The plot isn't anything new, nor are the weapons. Mood is everything -- and as players battle their way through the levels, they can't help but feel unsettled. It's worth noting that the artificial intelligence in this game adds complexity to FPS gaming. Even on easy, players shouldn't expect to rush through the levels, guns blazing, and hope to make it out alive.
ClosePublisher’s Details
Released on 12/20/2005, price $49.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: M
ESRB rating: M
Our Members Say
See all 24 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title off for age 16 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
17+
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Awesome game
This game is ok for young kids.
- I rate this title off for age 14 and give it
My favorite game of all time
This game rules with killer explosions and gunfights, along with the terrifying imagery and involving storyline, a must play for mature players!
- I rate this title off for age 14 and give it
Very thrilling game. Play!
Not for kids 14 and under. I watched my friens play this game and I found it very thrilling, adventerous, and violent. What is Common Sense talking about language? No gore is shown and all of the violence is cartoon, but I agree, it is preticularly violent. - Jeremy
- I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it
Fun Game For 16 +
This game is very fun and scary. good storyline and pretty good graphics. But the violence is too much for young kids, Theres dead bodies everywhere and a physco feeds on human flesh.. its blood and gore for sure. The language is pretty bad you often here S*** and a couple of F***, And other ones. This game is not a game for kids WAY to violent.. and i got scared myself of this game its just plain out NOT A KID GAME.
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