F.E.A.R. Gold – PC Retro Review

 

Anyone remember the Survival horror / FPS hybrid “F.E.A.R.” that came out way back in 2005? It was incredibly popular, and was released on not just the PC, but also Xbox 360 and PS3. From what I understand, the console games were inferior, but I can’t say with any certainty because I never played the game on the console. In fact, I had never played the game on the PC either!

I know, I am a horrible gamer! The reason though, was that during those years, I wasn’t doing much gaming at all. My wife had passed away a few years before that, and I was in a major slump and gaming was the last thing on my mind. So, a good many  of the later PS2/Xbox games, and early Xbox 360/PS3 games were completely ignored…I’m still catching up!

Anyway, this is one of the games that I had to catch up on, and I finally got around to playing it on the PC and I have to admit that this is a good cinematic FPS! Easily one of the better games I have played! My only real regret is that it took me this long to pick it up and begin playing it! I wish I started playing it when I first started catching up on old games that I skipped over! Better late than never I guess though right?

The game is also incredibly LONG! Which is a huge plus in my book, and should be in yours too. You definitely get your moneys worth with this purchase, especially since you can pick it up on steam for a mere 10 bucks. Less if you wait for a sale. I got mine, for just 2 bucks. So, unless you are someone who doesn’t have much time to invest into a game, and just want a quick bang-bang, pew-pew experience, then you owe it to yourself to get this now, otherwise stick with the single player CoD campaigns for your pew-pew thrills. This one will take several hours unless you just rush through without exploring. It took me 15 hours to complete the game(That’s including the two expansion packs that are included with the gold edition)

The game is also challenging, so if you want a game that’s a breeze and practically plays it’s self, then might not be for you, and again: Stick to the single player CoD campaigns! However if you want a challenge then this game should be in your library.

Now, the game lists it’s self as a horror game, and I just do not agree with that assessment. Sure there are a few “gasp moments”, but only because the game relies heavily on jump scare tactics, and I don’t consider loud noises or quick rushing objects appearing out of nowhere to be horror. To be fair, I believe jump scare tactics might be the only way to cause a fright in a FPS, as real horror comes from escaping and fearing for your life, not gunning down everything in your way in a blazing hail of gunfire.

So, while I don’t consider it a “Horror” game, I do consider it an excellent FPS that should be in everyone’s library!

–Pros–
Good graphics for it’s age.
Fantastic Story line!
Challenging game play
Bullet time!
Impressive AI
Many hours of game play
Includes two expansion packs!

–Cons–
Clumsy default controls(Can be reconfigured to your liking)
Game maybe TOO challenging for some novice gamers even on easier settings.
Some maps get boring and slightly repetitive.

Overall Score: 7/10

The Secret World Review

The secret world has been out for quite some time, and I have been playing it for what seems like ever(Though, I am a slow player so am not very far in the game.) The game is made by Funcom, which is also the company responsible for Age of Conan. However, keep in mind that TSW is nothing like AoC! Doesn’t matter if you love conan, or despise it! The games are two complete animals!

TSW reminds me a little of White Wolfs, “World of Darkness” storytelling series, in that it takes place in a world, much like ours, except the monster stories you heard about as a child, are real. Things do go bump in the night, and that monster you thought was living in your close, is probably still there, watching you as you masturbate.

You choose one of three different factions, However the factions don’t really have much impact on your game, aside from preference. You still can interact with other factions, and even group up with them. You still hunt in the same zone as the other factions, and you even do the same tutorial level. The only real limits is that Cabals(Guilds) are faction based.

The game it’s self has a deep and involved storyline that, depending on the area you are in, is inspired from various authors ranging from King to Lovecraft. Fans of horror games will find so much to love about this title.

The controls are different from other MMORPGs, and it makes no attempt to be an Everquest clone like every other MMORPG out there(I’m looking at you World of Warcraft!). This is a double-edged sword, in that it might make people who are afraid of new things hesitant to try this unique and remarkable title, but it also forges its own identity, which is important for not just any game, but any product.

The controls and combat isn’t the only thing different in this game, as I said it’s a unique experience, and has an identity all on its own. Yes, you do engage in combat, though more often than not, you will find yourself solving puzzles, using google as a research tool, and trying to solve mysteries that surround you, because like in the real world, not everything can be solved with violence.

The game is technically free to play, though you do have to buy the game(Sort of like Guildwars and guildwars2), so you don’t HAVE to worry about monthly costs, which is a bonus if you are a gamer like me, that doesn’t have a whole lot of free extra time on his hands. When you get some spare time, just hop in and play. Easy as that.

Bottom line, this is a game you should have in your collection. No matter what type of gamer you are, I am willing to bet you will find something in this title to keep you entertained.

 

Walking Dead and all things Zombie

The new season of Walking Dead started back a few weeks ago on AMC. So far, I am not disappointed, however I am really hoping it lasts more than six episodes, but I have a feeling each season will be six episodes. Now, normally I wouldn’t complain about a six episode season, but six episodes just isn’t enough to hold me over for a full year, and I am sure I am not the only one. To be honest, I almost forgot about the show.

However, in the end, I am going to enjoy whatever AMC decides to give me. Six episodes or more. Although I am totally going to hope for more. Just sayin’.

I do admit though, this Zombie craze is getting out of hand though. Don’t get me wrong, I fucking love zombies! I was loving Zombies long before it was cool to love them! However, there can be too much of a good thing. So, how do I know Zombie Love has reached that stage of “Too much of a good thing”? Well, my first clue was when Zombies started turning up in Call of Duty Games, and then when more zombie games than I could count started appearing on shelves. Most recently when comics started having The Crew of the Enterprise battle hordes of the undead.

However, what really made me shake my head and say “Enough is enough!” is when a local furniture store had a commercial featuring Zombies, who apparently were really sleepy after a hard day of brain sucking, and needed to buy some beds…I think.

So, bottom line, keep the zombie stuff flowing, I love it! However, slow it down a little.

Related articles

• On Set of ‘The Walking Dead’ (abcnews.go.com)
• Zombies Never Die! The Walking Dead Renewed For Third Season! (perezhilton.com)
• The Zombies Live! AMC Renews The Walking Dead (eonline.com)

Making Showers fun!

This is quite simply the BEST shower curtain in the entire world! If the website that sold this wasn’t currently sold out, I would have this sucker ordered and waiting for it’s arrival. The website description is as follows…

They’ll think twice about using the bathroom, thanks to the bloody knife-wielding serial killer splashed across this vinyl shower curtain. What’ll really startle ’em is the sound and motion-activated “Psycho” music clip, complete with screaming woman.

Obviously this is a tribute to the classic hitchcock film Psycho. Not a fan of hitchhock or horror? Then this prolly wouldn’t be your cup of tea…but I myself think its the bees knees!

I am Legend – Game

I am very much into Zombie movies. I feel Zombie flicks are the greatest thing since sliced bread! Most Zombie fans would agree! So, imagine my delight when I head about the movie “I am Legend” Starring Will Smith? It’s a Zombie movie, but with a twist..The basic outbreak scenario is the same…But’s it’s different! So, I am eagerly anticipating this movie!

Also, Zombie fans should be equally delighted to learn that Warner Bros has released a game based on the movie! Sort of, It’s built within the virtual world of Second Life, so it’s not a stand alone game, however it’s quite fun and intense..I suggest checking out the website for more details as well as some video of gameplay!