F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin

FEAR 2: Project Origin

Release Date: February 10, 2009

Action, FPP, FPS, horror, co-op, shooters, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet, LAN

84%

Steam

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A direct sequel to F.E.A.R.: First Encounter Assault Recon – the warmly received combination of first-person shooter and survival horror, developed by Monolith Productions. This time you don’t play as the Point Man, the protagonist of the first game, but as Michael Becket, a member of the anti-terrorist squad called Delta. His main objective is to arrest the head of Armacham Technology Corporation.

Plot
Mechanics
Technical aspects

F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin is a first-person perspective action game designed by American development studio Monolith Productions and released on PC, PS3 and X360. This title is a full-fledged sequel to the 2005’s shooter F.E.A.R.: First Encounter Assault Recon.

Plot

The plot in F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin for PC, PS3 and X360 starts in the Auburn district, half an hour before the end of the story of the previous game. This time you play not as the Point Man, but as Michael Becket, a member of the anti-terrorist squad called Delta. His main objective is to arrest Genevieve Aristide, the head of Armacham Technology Corporation, engaged in destroying evidence of her involvement in illegal bioengineering research. As you play, however, the explosion that we witnessed in F.E.A.R.: Firs Encounter Assault Recon disturbs your mission, after which the protagonist wakes up in a hospital. This is far from salvation, though, and it soon turns out that his main goal becomes survival.

The atmosphere in F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin is heavily inspired by the Japanese school of horror movies, which often feature a little creepy girl with paranormal abilities. In F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin this role is played by Alma Wade, known from the first F.E.A.R. Her abilities are now greater than in the previous game – she can not only control human minds, but also greatly influence physics and the shape of locations. Alma has also became more mature – this time she appears as a young woman.

Mechanics

The foundation of gameplay in F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin for PC, PS3 and X360 is combat, which mostly relies on shooting. Skirmishes take place in both insides of buildings and on the outside, across a devastated city. The developers put especially much attention to the level design of the latter. Another novelty is the presence of battle mechs, which can be used by both the player and enemies, thus resulting in a new type of experience in the series.

F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin gives you a lot of freedom when it comes to eliminating enemies. You can make use of the bullet-time mechanics as well as high-level interaction with the environment (you can destroy lamps and TV sets or move large pieces of furniture and use them as covers). Another noteworthy thing is the wide array of weapons. Apart from the guns present in the first game, the arsenal includes several futuristic rifles (e.g. pulse rifle) or a flamethrower.

Technical aspects

Monolith Productions’ game is based on a modified version of Lithtech Jupiter Ex engine, which gained acclaim among the industry specialists after its impressive performance in F.E.A.R.: First Encounter Assault Recon and Condemned: Criminal Origins. While using this tool the creators of F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin for PC, PS3 and X360 focused on the frequently used blur effect and atmospheric lighting. The engine’s flexibility also proved useful for the new multiplayer mode, which allows players to take a break from the grim single player campaign and play online.

Last updated on June 22, 2017

guide

Last Update: February 4, 2009

F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin Game Guide & Walkthrough

This guide consists mainly of a very detailed walkthrough of all seven chapters (fourteen levels) of the singleplayer campaign of the game.

F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin Game Guide & Walkthrough

Videos and Screens

[0:20] F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin [Interval 05] Provocation part 12

[0:29] F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin [Interval 02] Isolation Part 7

84%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (4,810)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Engaging Storyline: Many users appreciate the interesting narrative and lore, finding it compelling enough to recommend the game despite its flaws.
Improved Graphics and Visuals: The game is noted for its improved graphics compared to the first installment, with some users praising the art style and visual details.
Fun Gunplay and Combat Mechanics: The combat mechanics, including the use of slow-motion, are generally well-received, with some users enjoying the variety of weapons available.
AI Behavior: The AI is praised for being tactical and capable of flanking and using cover effectively, which adds to the challenge of the gameplay.
Atmosphere: While some feel the horror elements are lacking, others still find the atmosphere to be engaging, particularly in certain sequences.

The main cons of the game

Lack of Horror Elements: A significant number of reviews mention that the game fails to deliver the same level of fear and suspense as the first game, with many not finding it scary at all.
Gameplay Issues: Users point out various gameplay mechanics that feel clunky or less satisfying than the original, including weapon feedback and movement.
Linear and Generic Design: The game is described as linear and lacking in innovative level design, often feeling like a standard shooter rather than a unique horror experience.
Inconsistent Quality: There are mentions of inconsistent quality between missions, with some users expressing disappointment in the overall pacing and excitement of the game.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Dynamic Horror Elements: Many players feel that the game lacks the dynamic horror aspects that made the first game memorable, leading to a less immersive experience.
Memorable Characters and Story Depth: Users note a lack of memorable characters and a plot that doesn't engage as much as the first game, with some finding the diaries and collectibles uninteresting.
Manual Save Options: Players miss the ability to manually save their progress, as the game relies on an auto-save system that can be frustrating during difficult sections.
Weapon Balance: Some users criticize the weapon balance, noting that certain weapons feel ineffective or poorly designed compared to the first game.

Summary

Overall, while F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin has its merits, particularly in graphics and combat mechanics, many users feel it falls short of the high standards set by its predecessor in terms of horror and immersive gameplay.

Summary generated on: November 25, 2024

8.7

GAMERS Score

Average score from 4585 votes. 1790 players anticipated the game.

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GAMES

in F.E.A.R. Game Series

Game Series

F.E.A.R. Series

Created by Monolith Productions studio, a series of first-person shooters (FPS) in the convention of psychological horror. Currently, the brand is owned by Warner Bros. and its development is handled by the Day 1 Studios development team.

6 video games

F.E.A.R. Game Series