Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 44 Critics What's this?

User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 102 Ratings

  • Summary: F.E.A.R. (First Encounter Assault and Recon), is an intense first person close-quarters combat experience with rich atmosphere and an engaging storyline. The story begins as an unidentified paramilitary force infiltrates a multi-billion dollar aerospace compound. The government responds by sending in Special Forces, but loses contact as an eerie signal interrupts radio communications. When the interference subsides moments later, the team has been literally torn apart. As part of a classified strike team created to deal with threats no one else can handle, your mission is simple: Eliminate the intruders at any cost. Determine the origin of the signal. And contain this crisis before it spirals out of control. [Vivendi] Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 44
  2. Negative: 0 out of 44
  1. 100
    F.E.A.R. really is a shooter with everything - exceptional enemy AI, amazingly detailed graphics with truly entertaining rag doll physics and proper reactions when you land a hit on an enemy, a fantastic range of weapons and an online mode that's tremendously addictive.
  2. Anyone looking for a more traditional FPS experience online will find this to be an ideal choice.
  3. This straightforward translation of last year's hit PC game skillfully blends kinetic action with creepy atmosphere to create one of the most intense shooters on the Xbox 360.
  4. Many of the set-pieces are utterly predictable (the mini-battlemech you meet coming up on a lift platform thing, for example, or the snipers in the distant windows on a rooftop), and the AI seems distinctly switched off for these moments.

See all 44 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 43
  2. Negative: 13 out of 43
  1. HarisA.
    10
    It's very rare to get a game that actually tries to scare you psychologically. Most titles just have monsters jump out like a Doom 3 clone. Kudos to FEAR for creating a game with an interesting storyline and for making you jump in your seat! Expand
  2. MichaelS.
    8
    For the people giving this game really low scores, don't believe them right off the back. These people don't even understand the purpose of this game. They want another mindless shooter with endless gore and violence and insanely unrealistic weapons to create epic holes in the walls. While FEAR does have some pretty cool weaponry, the main positive about this game is that it's more meant to be a psychological kind of scary rather then a jump-out-of-every-vent scary. In this, it largely succeeds (the girl is one scary little bitch), and although the graphics may not be up to par with games such as COD4, there's a reason: it;s an older game and they can't completely change the engine to improve the graphics. Overall, if you're looking for a game that has enough punch to cause you to jump as well as give u a ton of fun, then this is for you. Otherwise if you want another endlessly chaotic shooter then go buy Unreal Tournament 3(which by the way is amazing). Expand
  3. ItsKapuder
    6
    Definately not worth the $60 I paid for the game. Gets old quickly and it campaign is short, maybe thats a good thing. I would recommend Doom 3 for regular xbox for equivalent graphics, 3 times the game play length, and you will save $30. Or buy it, get bored, and return to Halo the next day. Expand
  4. DarinM
    4
    I kmow this is a couple of years old now but i got this for a tenner and have to say i have never played such a boring Fps as this before.Every level looks the same,the graphics are dull,.the gameplay repetitive,no variety in enemies.and scary? maybe for a 5 year old.
    I really wanted to like this but its so average in every respect and boring as hell.I think the reviewers were playing a different game.
    85?? yeah right
    Expand

See all 43 User Reviews