I don’t know if anyone remembers, but a short while ago they released the sequel to FEAR. You know, that slightly above average shooter/horror game that came out a couple years back. I did actually really enjoy the first FEAR game. It was something a little different built around a solid shooter. The issue with this sequel however was that it didn’t really do anything different. It still is a solid shooter, yes, but that’s about all it is.

We basically get a retelling of the first game and something about babies. I really don’t know. The story wasn’t the most memorable in the first game to begin with. Something about a freaky kid being tested and contained in a room. You shoot some guys and something scary happens. Then you fight hell ghost science experiment things. Then you go fight a weird boss. The end. If you can’t tell what game I just summarized, that’s my point.

All the this sequel adds to the original plot/game play is something about babies and some Mech Suit driving portions, which are average enough that I don’t remember if they actually were in the first one as well.

But still, it was pretty fun to play. Mechanically, it’s a solid game. Doesn’t really get that difficult on the default setting, but some of the fights are still exciting. The weapon selection doesn’t disappoint. This is something else it took from the first game. Nice rifles and pistols, shotguns and sniper rifles are satisfying. You can’t have a good shooter without a decent arsenal to pick from.

The one thing I missed from the original was those awesome sudden slow-mo enemy entrances. They really took you off guard and gave a little more intensity to the fights. They used the effect once or twice in the sequel, but they were somehow lacking in delivery.

My final word? If you like the original or are looking for a nice, slightly above average shooter, go for it. Wait for it to come down closer to $30-$40 and pick it up. It’s a little short, around the 7-10 hour mark, but it’s a pretty decent 7-10 hours.