PC IGN has posted the first online review of F.E.A.R., the highly anticipated horror/sci-fi themed first person shooter. IGN has also made available a video review of the game, which shows in-game situations with a voice over. Overall they gave the game 9.2 out of 10; a very respectable score.
Going beyond the grading system, the reviewer found that the graphics, sound effects and physics were all top notch. The 3GHz, GeForce 6800 machine that the reviewer used to run the game could play the game with pretty much maxed out settings and apparently the custom graphics engine looks spectacular like this.
The sound effects showed great attention to detail; with little touches like sound distortion in the slow-motion mode adding to the immersion. And whilst the physics engine isn't "quite as detailed as what Half-Life 2 spoiled us with", it still contributes to the eye candy. It's pretty clear that the game passes the oh-so-important technical test that every great first person shooter must pass. And possibly more importantly, the reviewer found that the game was fun; a common oversight in reviews of hardcore fps' these days.
In the closing comments the reviewer states "it's great to see someone take the leap with an all-new property", in reference to the all-new engine, storyline and genre meshing (horror + fps) that Monolith put together to create F.E.A.R. The main criticisms about the game were based around longevity: apparently the game is a bit on the short side, and the multiplayer element is lacking. Still, this game looks like meeting a lot of the expectations that people had about it. Expect a review score round-up as more sites get their reviews online.
