The Sum of All Fears Demo

Video games made from movies are generally regarded as the studio’s way to capitalize on the popularity of the film in question, since such games rarely turn out to be anything above mediocre. However, there are some exception to the rule, which is reason enough to make some people hope for better whenever such releases are announced to the public.

The Sum of All Fears is a first-person shooter with light tactical elements and a team-based orientation, although the influences are quite faint and there is nothing too deep or complex about the game. Fortunately, it doesn’t try to come across as anything else either, which is why it deserves extra points for honesty, not to mention the fact that the actual game does manage to surpass mediocrity.

Just like in the movie, you get to play around with a team of highly-trained SWAT officers, although you only get to actively control only one of them at a time. It is possible to give out some basic orders here and there, for example when you want a team member to move somewhere, or even throw grenades and try to clear a room. Other than that, however, the A.I. basically takes care of the team mates alone.

When it comes to the actual missions, the variety of situations you have to go through can be considered satisfactory, as long as you don’t go in with high expectations. The missions still feel repetitive and lacking in depth, but you do get to shoot a lot of enemies and even put some light tactics into action. Moreover, the locations take you through some interesting environments, which sometimes radiate a convincing atmosphere.

From a technical point of view, the graphics are not half-bad, especially when it comes to textures and the general level design. A lot more could have been achieved with the technology available at the time, but you can still admire some interesting landscapes. Sound-wise, there is nothing out of the ordinary to make an impression on you, although nothing is too disturbing or annoying either.

In the end, The Sum of All Fears is quite clearly an attempt to be some kind of low-key Rainbow Six clone, but more friendly with newcomers. This doesn’t excuse the general lack of options and possible tactics, since it would have been just as fine to simplify the mechanics, instead of removing them altogether.