
You read the headline, there's a demo of F.E.A.R. available on Marketplace right now. Our more astute readers will no doubt notice that this demo is exactly the same as the demo available some time ago in OXM. Giving it another go this morning, X360F wonders whether or not F.E.A.R. can stand out among upcoming blockbusters like Gears of War and Rainbow Six: Vegas. Also, it may just be us, but why does this game require such a monster PC to run? There are plenty of particle effects and the textures are all very high res, but the geometry just doesn't look that impressive -- again, see Gears of War and Rainbow Six.
Still, if you haven't picked up the demo through OXM, you just can't beat the price (hint: it's free).
[Thanks, Chris]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-25-2006 @ 3:43PM
intRvenous said...
"X360F wonders whether or not F.E.A.R. can stand out among upcoming blockbusters..."
Yes - why? Superb gun battles and terrific atmospherics. Unfortunately, this demo doesn't do much to convey the eerie "Japanese horror" feel that the complete game embodies.
Critics of the PC original cite the bland industrial park setting - this was done intentionally to contrast the jarring horror elements. Had it been set in a jungle, for instance, the supernatural elements would've seemed tacked-on and gimmicky... ;-)
As for the PC hardware requirements - I think the dynamic lighting, textures and complex AI are what drained PC's. The fact that the 360 handles it so well is a testament to its power, and the quality of the port... can't wait for the full version.
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9-25-2006 @ 3:52PM
Cheboury said...
Was really looking forward to this game since my 3.2 Ghz Pentium with 1 GB of ram couldn't run it.
I felt the disappoinment grow as the opening cut-scene came to an end and you find yourself outside in an alley staring at the police vehicle you just got out off. The police car looked absolutely shit and as I started to look further for any signs of a lackluster PC port I soon found a game that had the original xbox smear all over it!
While playing F.E.A.R the game CONDEMNED came to mind! CONDEMNED had brilliant level design with an eery atmostphere that had you gasping for air every time you heard squeek or rattle!
While I did find the shootouts to be great the environment they too place in was lacking every bit of creative imagination. There was no atmosphere what so ever! Most spaces where comprised of very simple geometry and the light effect were underwhelming at best!
I will have to pass on this title since I doubt that the developers will touch up the graphics in F.E.A.R.
What a missed change Microsoft! ...You guys better get your act together and soon!
From what I have seen so far at the Tokyo Game Show the PS3 games looked absolutely gorgeous!
For once I was hoping that the arrogant, God complex and Megalomania that Sony is would fall flat on their faces with all their promises and big talk. But at least their system is already showing a major step up in what next-gen is all about. Let's hope the games control as good as they look!
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9-25-2006 @ 3:53PM
tarl said...
I downloaded it, played it, and dern near messed myself. I love it!
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9-25-2006 @ 5:03PM
Ben said...
Wait untill you get to the slow motion matrix like game battles. this game was amazing on PC
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9-25-2006 @ 8:05PM
Dave said...
Huh... the gameplay's there to a degree (not as fluid as I'd like) but what's up with the graphics? It's been a while since I had the PC demo, but didn't this game look a ton better before? I'm massively underwhelmed by these environments.
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9-25-2006 @ 8:21PM
Insomnious said...
You know, I understand that this is just a demo, and I know it was only a very small percentage of the full game, but those were the most underwhelming graphics I've ever seen. I had to keep looking at my 360 just to remind myself I was playing a next-gen console.
Seriously, this game would fit nicely in the medium-to-high range of original Xbox titles. My flatmate mentioned the games "Max Payne" and "the original Splinter Cell" while watching me play this, and I agreed.
I agree that the atmosphere of this game was wicked, and some scenes were just inspired, but is that really enough to make me pay £50 for this when it comes out?
A rental is in order!
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9-25-2006 @ 11:30PM
Frosty22 said...
Yeah... can't say I was wholeheartedly impressed. I also got the Condemned feel when playing this game. There are better titles coming out in November (GOW anyone?) and I think I'll be passing on this one unless it gets amazing reviews.
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9-26-2006 @ 3:00PM
The Rev said...
the controls felt really awkard and it was a total bitch to aim
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