F.E.A.R. Perseus Mandate review (PC)

If there was a videogame award for the Most Contrived Title in the World, surely the F.E.A.R. games would win hands down each time. First Encounter Assault Recon: Perseus Mandate would also be a strong contender for Most Ridiculous Game Title if such an award existed, but sadly that isn’t the case. It’s a standalone expansion pack, meaning you can play it without the need to own, or indeed have any knowledge of the plot or characters from the F.E.A.R. series so far, and it’s also quite good.

W.H.A.T.?

If you don’t own or haven’t played any of the other F.E.A.R. games, Perseus Mandate won’t make a great deal of sense, with references to all sorts of teams, people and past events. Thankfully though there is enough to get a vague semblance of the story and it’s enough to give you a good enough reason for pushing on through the game. You play as the mysteriously titled Sergeant (no need for surnames here) and you’re part of a secondary F.E.A.R. team sent in to investigate Armacham’s Perseus Project. That will either have you nodding with understanding or looking at the screen confused, but the plot is decent enough and your level of knowledge concerning prior events doesn’t play too much of a role in your enjoyment of the game.

It’s the usual fare here; creepy goings-on, people disappearing, and you’re sent in to investigate. A couple of other team members will fight alongside you through some of the game, while at other points you’re forced to go it alone. A “horrifying” new enemy that isn’t actually horrifying and some other small additions to the game provide the obligatory new elements, but otherwise the game is the same as its predecessors in terms of gameplay. Combat, both hand-to-hand and with guns, is very satisfying and looks great when executed (ho ho) with style and efficiency. The slow motion mode is as enjoyable as ever, and some meaty weapons lead to sparks, dust and debris flying all over the shop when you unload round after round of bullets into rooms. Glass smashing, gas pipes exploding in flames and the impressive lighting and shadow system also makes for an attractive game. Well, for the most part. Some interior locations look very bland and at times can look quite dated, but generally Perseus Mandate is easy on the eye.

Shocking stuff

Some mildly shocking and creepy moments provide a good atmosphere and sense of foreboding in some locations, but there are an equal number of set pieces and scripted scenes that are more funny than scary. The ones that do work, work very well though, and will leave you smiling at how the game’s drawn you into that level of involvement. Some of it is very clever indeed. Expect plenty of blood and lifeless bodies littering the environments too, with an excellent sense of eeriness and isolation coming through at times. Audio effects add to the experience, although the odd music that plays during some gun battles seems out of place at first.

A multiplayer mode and some bonus missions that are unlockable after completing the main game add to Perseus Mandate’s lifespan, although as with most expansion packs, the level of content here isn’t massive. The game is enjoyable and has some great stand-out moments, but it’s very much a case of the more of the same here. It’s unlikely you’ll be considering buying this if you haven’t played the original F.E.A.R., and when you can pick that up for £10, it’s hard to recommend Perseus Mandate. However, if you’re a fan of the series and are craving more of the same, this will be right up your street.