Fear Effect is a re-release of the 2000 game of the same name, now available on modern systems. Oozing with the atmosphere and charm of 90s action flicks, Fear Effect is very clearly inspired by the works of Hong Kong film director John Woo. The game is at its best when it feels like an over-the-top action flick – lots of explosions, set-pieces and dumb one-liners. It mostly achieves the fantasy of playing through one of these films, but it definitely stumbles along the way.
Blast from the past
Obviously, this is a port of a game from 2000, so gameplay is expected to be dated. Prepare to use glorious tank controls. Also, be prepared for fixed camera angles. Although dated by modern standards, the fixed camera adds to the cinematic feel of the game greatly. The game often uses the fixed camera as a challenge for the player to overcome. One such example involves you running along beams up high, trying not to fall, being chased by demons. However, the hardest part of this section is easily managing your character’s direction of movement as the camera changes. I fell off so many times. These sorts of challenges can be annoying, but become more engaging after more play.
Prepare to die
Speaking of challenges for the player… Fear Effect is pretty tough. Luckily for me, this version on PS5 comes with a new save menu, allowing you to save progress at any time. I truly feel for players who played the original release, though. Oftentimes, I would have to solve a puzzle to avoid sudden death, and oftentimes quickly, as I would die, repeating sections many times over. I can’t really say it’s a criticism considering the new save system’s implementation, but it is something to note for new players.
Pretty lights and fist fights
Graphically, I think the game remains stunning. Fear Effect renders its environments with great detail and in full motion, showcasing beautiful lighting. The game delivers an amazing variety of locations, all of which maintain an exceptionally high standard of quality. The sound effects are also fantastic. Bullets are punchy and appropriately loud. Footsteps clop and echo down hallways. Neon signs flicker and spark in the night. I also appreciated the voice actors’ work and thought they gave a lot to their characters.
The puzzles often let me down. I understand the game is 25 years old, but it was not consistently coherent. Sometimes they were really just trial and error, and I was a little disappointed in those moments. I also have to mention that the game did NOT make a good first impression on me. The introductory cutscenes hooked me, but the first level failed to deliver enjoyment. It’s good action, but it’s also all guys with guns shooting you, and you don’t get cover. The combat has its moments, but it was often clunky. Fear Effect reminds me of the original Resident Evil games in a lot of ways, but imagine the zombies all had machine guns. Fighting non-human enemies was often way more fun, again, reminding me of Resident Evil.
One final bullet
I think this game is something special. The plot isn’t mind-blowing, the gameplay is dated, but Fear Effect definitely has that thing. Even the title of the game is awesome. It has a strong identity and unique style despite its shortcomings. I do wish that the re-release could have smoothed out some of its wrinkles, but I also do appreciate the faithfulness of this release. I think, as a piece of art, people should be able to experience all games according to their original design. I’m not sure who I would recommend Fear Effect to. It’s certainly for enjoyers of cinema, John Woo, shlocky action, femme fatales and obscure 2000s video games.
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