Hardcore Prequel

FEAR EFFECT 2: Retro Helix is a sequel in number, a prequel in plot and a superior product in every way to the first FEAR EFFECT.

The story revolves around a mysterious AIDS-like virus which is infecting and killing almost half of the earth's population and the search for a cure. FE 2 provides the background stories of FEAR EFFECT's three main characters (Hana, Glas, and Deke) and Hana's inside information man, Jin (anyone who's played the first FEAR EFFECT will get all the in-joke references in FE 2). FE 2 also introduces a new character, Rain...one of Hana's beautiful "associates". As in FEAR EFFECT, you get the chance to play as all four characters throughout the game. And the locations are plentiful and bizarre: sewer tunnels, a fancy ball, a lost city temple, a dungeon, flashbacks, and the land beyond this one.

The graphics are as stunning as ever. Presented in "wide-screen", FE 2 is like a good Japanimation with you in control of what happens next. As before the looping animated backgrounds make the world seem alive (unlike the RE series). The voice acting is first rate as well (I can't even bare to listen to the first RESIDENT EVIL anymore...argh!!!)

The gameplay is very similar to FEAR EFFECT. Your life meter is still based upon the execution of your skills. Take out your enemies and solve puzzles, you'll be okay. Mess up and your heart rate races and you can die in one shot. This time around, however, there is more of a TOMB RAIDER/ RESIDENT EVIL feel this time instead of DRAGON'S LAIR/SPACE ACE (remember those 1980's games?). The creators have allowed for more running around and shooting and better integration of puzzles into FE 2.

I really liked the puzzles in FE 2. They ranged from silly to hard in difficulty. Most of them made you think, but they weren't impossible. AND they also made sense!!! I never once had to look for a walkthrough or a cheat to help me through the game. That's a first for me! The puzzles also varied greatly in style. Imagine playing an immortal in a board game version of Capture the Flag one minute and running through a disintegrating rock maze while being chased by a rock demon the next (HOW ORIGINAL!!!).

The other major improvement on FEAR EFFECT is the disappearance of the loading time after you die. In FEAR EFFECT you could come to a suicidal puzzle, attempt it, die and then have to wait 45 seconds for the game to reload. REPEAT. REPEAT. REPEAT. REPEAT. It was maddening and a real low point for the game. This time reloading is instantaneous. You only have to wait when first loading the game or when changing discs. In fact, EIDOS is so proud of this fact that they even mention it on the back of the game package.

Like FEAR EFFECT, FE 2 consists of 4 discs. However, the story is a bit longer in length. Also, there are secrets and additions unlocked with replay which is a nice factor that was missing from FE.

Lastly, I should say that FE 2 really pushes the envelope for the MATURE RATING. There is course language, gratuitous violence, and even some pixelated nudity. I like Mature games, but I must admit that I felt a sleazy at times while playing FE 2. People under 17 really should NOT play this game.

Other than that one little beef, FE 2 is a fabulous game that will wow you for days. ENJOY!!!