Best console RPG I've ever seen

My roommate bought Fear Effect 2 recently. It's the first RPG I've played for the Playstation, and for that matter, the first I've played in a while for any console system. Let me tell you, I am impressed. The graphics and sounds are excellent, the storyline is compelling, and the gameplay is great. There are a couple of problems, as in all games. The control system is difficult to use, and some of the puzzles are not very well thought out. Overall though, it is definitely an outstanding game.

There are two methods of controlling your character. These are not interchangeable. What I mean is; it is very difficult to switch control types after become accustomed to one or the other. The classic controls are the easiest to understand. When you press up, the character moves up on the screen, press down, she’ll go down. The problems come when you change screens. Generally the camera shifts directions at the same time, so suddenly up becomes down and left becomes right. Here's the problem. You can continue to hold the pad the same direction as when you left the last room to continue walking the same direction. However, rarely do you want to continue in a straight line, and as soon as you shift directions, the new rules of directionality come in to play, and the character takes off in a direction you probably weren't expecting. The second control method is called "3D." This one is familiar to Tomb Raiderites. Pressing up moves the character forward, left or right turns her, and down backs her up. The difficulty encountered in this mode is that the camera does not follow the character as in Tomb Raider; instead it is fixed. Also, in some screens your character is small enough that it is difficult to determine which way you are facing. Generally speaking, neither control system is perfect. However, with enough practice and a few annoying moments either way seems able to deliver a fine performance. The only other difficulty with the controls is the inventory access. There is no way to quickly find the inventory items you want, and as inventory searching is done in real-time you can and will die while trying to get to a working weapon, or open a door with one of you many cards. Still, it’s a minor inconvenience.

I have not been impressed by the quality of the audio in almost all of the console RPGs I've played. Fear Effect 2 is the exception. The first (that I've played or heard of) console or PC RPG to have actual voice tracks for the cut scenes means you’ll never have to read anything. The ambient sounds of the game create a wonderfully eerie feeling, and the weapon and monster FX enhance playability well. Make sure there aren't many other noises around the house while you play, as hearing is crucial in many areas. Fear Effect 2 has set a standard of sound/voice quality that I fear will not be matched soon. Not only did this game pioneer voice-overs during the cut-scenes, but the cut-scenes themselves are a marvel. For that matter, the visuals throughout the game are astounding. The best part to realize is that the cut-scenes were done with the same engine as the actual gameplay. This means that you will not see any serious difference in characters between when you control them and when the computer does. The backgrounds are astounding throughout, the enemies are different and varied, even the weaponry is wonderful. The flamethrower especially captivates. The only visual problem I had was with certain enemies dying sequences. They died with a 2D explosion, an unfortunate departure from the otherwise complete 3D visuals.

Fear Effect 2's storyline was captivating. From the opening scenes to the final credits I was anxiously awaiting the next installment of the epic. The facts that the dialogue was spoken and that the characters looked the same as in the game simply enhanced the pleasure. I don't want to reveal much at all, but suffice to say that the main character is an assassin/thief who is drawn into a situation just slightly out of her control. Luckily she has some help.

During the course of the game you will control four different characters. They each seem to move slightly differently, and have a slightly different set of weapons, as well as entirely different personalities. You will encounter hundreds of enemies and quite a few mind puzzlers. Please don't look for solutions to the puzzles on-line. They are all solvable, and the satisfaction gained from doing it yourself is wonderful. Some of them are very difficult, and at least one seems entirely random. Had I been a tester of this game at least two would have changed slightly, but there's no use crying over spilt milk. One odd thing about the game is the seeming absence of levels. I've rarely played a game of this sort without well-defined levels. Fear Effect 2 has them, sort of, but they generally don't intrude. It is a welcome change.

One final comment. Be aware that if this were a movie, it would definitely have at least an R rating. This is not a children's game. You don't want them playing or even seeing this game.