F.E.A.R. Extraction Point Demo

F.E.A.R. brought a few new ideas to the horror-FPS genre, which, coupled with the excellent technical capabilities of the physics and the graphic engines, managed to leave a mark on the industry and create a dedicated fan base. The story, however, lacked depth and it didn't quite add up in the end, which means that the developers had unfinished business to attend to.

F.E.A.R. Extraction Point is an expansion pack that aims to settle the matter and bring closure to the series, one way or the other. Hence, since the original title ended with Alma on the loose and more powerful than ever, she's the main course on the menu this time around, with the entire plot centered around the assault recon team following her trails and attempting to end her reign.

Unlike in the first episode, your encounters with Alma are now much more direct and visceral, mainly due to the fact that she now has an entire army of apparitions fighting by her side. Thus, she's not just a creepy little girl that makes the lights flicker every now and again, but a strong monster that holds the power to end the world and everyone who stands in her way.

Gameplay-wise, this expansion remains true to the series and basically just improves on what was already there, because it worked quite well the first time around. Using a plethora of new weapons, you must shoot your way through enemy soldiers, monsters and robots, all of which are controlled by the same excellent AI that should put your skills to the test yet one more time. Naturally, the level design received the same amount of attention as well, which means that you're always in the dark and nothing's ever what it seems.

Beside the scripted events that plague the gameplay, the annoying linearity from the first episode makes a comeback as well, although there are some more open environments that can be exploited. However, the excellent graphics, amazing physics engine and the total environmental destruction that ensue whenever you start shooting can make you forget all about the plot and just enjoy the action that unfolds in front of your eyes.

While the story is still not concluded and no real answers are provided in the end, F.E.A.R. Extraction Point is definitely worth the playthrough, even if it's just too enjoy the refined mechanics and the continuous action that keeps your finger glued to the trigger.