F.E.A.R. Comes to the Xbox 360

F.E.A.R. is a shooter for the Xbox 360, based on the hit game that came out for the PC last year. Known for its fast-paced action and eye-popping graphics, its use of atmosphere as a mood-setter also makes it one of the most spine-chilling games out there.

Content-wise, the Xbox 360 version is almost identical to the PC version. Your character is a rookie in the First Encounter Assault Recon, a clandestine military force assigned to investigate trouble that's determined to have a paranormal source. As the game starts out, a military commander seems to go insane. This officer just happens to be telepathically linked with a series of cloned soldiers, magnifying the threat exponentially. Put this combination in an unnamed American city and you have yourself a recipe for a great shooter.

F.E.A.R.'s main strength lies in the ability to turn a first-person shooter (or FPS) into something akin to a cinematic experience. The combat and scenery are startlingly realistic, making you feel like you're really inside the game. The gunfire and chaos provides a sharp distinction from the deathly silent scenes in-between, heightening the creepy feeling throughout the game.

Along with the standard shotguns and pistols, you get a few unique weapons to play with, including a weapon that can melt the flesh from your enemies. You also have some special skills to utilize: your martial prowess lets you off enemies when you're low on ammunition, and you can activate super-fast reflexes for some animation that can only be likened to The Matrix. The latter ability isn't just amazing to watch, but there are times in the game you probably won't survive without it.

Unfortunately, the trade-off for game complexity comes in the form of slightly mushy controls that can cause unnecessary frustration in the middle of a firefight. You can too easily pick the wrong item to use, and find yourself using a grenade or health pack when all you wanted to do was pump a barrage of bullets into your enemy. The various environments also have a de-ja-vu feeling after a while; while the game developers came up with fantastic close-up graphics, seeing the same basic three settings over and over again can make you stop and wonder "haven't I been here before?" While not a huge detractor, it would have been nice to have a little more instability to keep you on your toes.

If there's only one reason to play the game, it has to be the AI. Vivendi has done their best to make the enemy smart and antagonistic, sending you scurrying for cover as you try to out-think them. They display a remarkable level of independence, coming up with battle tactics you wouldn't normally expect from a computer opponent. They can communicate with each other, and take advantage of it; they also match you as far as weapons and firepower go. This means not only do you have to shoot your way out, but you have to come up with a good plan how to do it.

The frame rate seems equivalent to that of a higher-end PC, making for spectacular effects and virtually seamless gameplay. The audio is out-of-this-world (in more ways than one) and is very effective with intensifying the atmospheric horror. You can hear a pin drop in the quieter moments of the game-which can sound even more frightening when you don't know where that sound is coming from-and combat sounds suck you into the fight with shattering glass, shouts and the rapid approach of an enemy's feet.

While the combat scenes are truly impressive, the game shines most when nothing is going on. Subliminal screen shots of horrifying specters can make you jump out of your seat. An otherwise neutral atmosphere suddenly becomes sinister, with just a hint here or there that you aren't alone. This becomes the perfect set-up for when something does appear from nowhere, sending an adrenaline rush through your body as you take action.

The impressive combat mixed with a permeating sense of, well, fear make this game one of the best choices on Xbox 360. Blending a FPS with horror appeals to fans of both groups, making it a powerful game. Just don't play it before going to bed, or you may find sleep elusive.