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Finally, a great "mature" RPG/Action Game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 19 / 21
Date: May 30, 2001
Author: Amazon User

BACKGROUND (of my review). First of all, I'm one of those hard-core Resident Evil (RE) fans so the games I like tend to be "story-driven" RPG/action/adventure games; that is, a **character driven** plotline that develops a global objective(s), one becomes the character and searches for "stuff", with battles, puzzles, and other obstacles along the way. Hence, hearing the Fear Effect (FE) series fit this, and having read some positive reviews on Amazon, I bought FE1&2 at the same time. Discovering that FE2 was a prequel to FE1, I decided to play them in the chronological order they were staged, i.e. FE2 first. BTW, I'm glad I did, having just finished FE1 I was literally surprised and even saddened at the fate of some of the characters. Hence, if you're new to the FE franchise, I highly recommend you start with FE2.

GRAPHICS FE2 is stunning visually with backgrounds, characters, and other textures being very well rendered. The characters are rendered smoothly, and are done so very well with amazing levels of "emotion" portrayed. Indeed, the all around graphical experience is about as good as I can imagine possible, given the restraints of the aging Playstation's polygon processing capabilities.

CONTROLS & GAME ENGINE The game engine is adequate for the RPG aspect of the game, although at times during fighting sequences require "rolling" -- a button-pushing challenge -- that takes a bit of getting used to. Again, I don't want to mislead anyone, the controls are adequate, just not great. One aspect of the game engine I especially enjoyed is that the object isn't just to kill everything in sight, but rather using "stealth" to sneak up behind an enemy with a "one-shot" kill. This made the game intelligent and well as fun. Likewise, the puzzles were challenging but not impossible and actually made sense to the plot (a rarity in gaming these days).

VOICE ACTING FE2 possesses perhaps the absolute best voice acting that I have ever experienced in a game (one of my major criticisms of the RE series is its horrible to average voice acting). The script made sense and the performance of the voice actors who spoke it was in synch with the moment. This added to the realism and mature sensibility of the game dramatically. The voices perfectly matched the characters, and actors provided the proper vocal "inflection" the scenes required.

MISCELLANEOUS This is a "mature" rated game. Its "stars" are Hanna and Rain, two rather beautiful mercenaries possessing.... well lets just say modern preferences and a "past". Additionally, the middle-third of the game features them negotiating through a rather humerous but perilous cocktail party meaning they are wearing "light-weight" evening dresses. Again, the game's graphics were very well done :-)

Finally, a game geared towards mature gamers!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 15 / 20
Date: February 04, 2001
Author: Amazon User

After Eidos created a phenomenal anime-based action/adventure game that was both inovative and fun, they've decided to back it up with a sequel that will hopefully top its predecessor. Although that in itself is going to be very difficult, Eidos has practically gotten rid of the load times, included more than 2 hours of computer generated sequences, and stuffed in 800 different camera angles!!! Fear Effect: Retro Helix will have the same type of adventure gameplay as the last game, including all of the oriental themes. The main difference with this title is that it is definately geared towards the older audience. Lets just say you will see plenty of women wearing next to nothing outfits, and you will watch them change into another next to nothing outfit! This is no joke, Eidos wasnt even allowed to put their magazine ad in any publications because it was labeled too "risque".

I feel anyone who enjoyed the first Fear Effect or is a fan of the adventure genre should definately check this game out when it is released on February 20, 2001. I know i can't wait to get my hands on it!

A good game for the more experienced gamer

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: April 07, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Being a little bit more experienced as a gamer, I feel that Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix is a great game. Not having owned or even played the first FE, I didn't know exactly what I was in for when buying this game. The main reason I got FE 2 without playing it first(sometimes a bad idea!) was because I've been hearing nothing but good things about the first and lately the second.

The thing that makes this game so great are basically the graphics, sound quality, and most of all, overall game play. The graphics in FE 2 are a little different from most others. That's because it's anime style. I think it looks awesome, for a PS one game. This game has the potential to become an instant classic action/shooter game. It is just is so good! In the whole game there are a total of four different characters you control.

This game doesn't just have good things, though. There are also some flaws. The controls are, at first, kind of screwed up and it takes a while to get used to them. It's not too bad. Also, there are many diferent camera views, which is most of the time pretty cool, but some of them just don't get you a good enough view of your surroundings. You also die a lot before you get it right. Those were the only things keeping this game from getting 5 stars.

Oh yeah, FE 2 has 4 discs, which probably seems like a lot to most people. It's not too much, actually. FE 2 is also definitely not a game for younger kids. Because both of the difficculty of the game and the content present in the game. Two of the characters are lesbian assassins- I think you get it.

Overall, the pros definitely outshadow the cons in this case. Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix is just a really cool game.

WoW!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: July 30, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Fear Effect 2 is a great game, it combines the action of meatal gear with the puzzles of resident evil.The controls are easy the graphics are the best ever seen on the playstation and the sound and voice acting are great.this title does have alot of mature themes so it isnt for everyone.

Unfortunately this game is frustratingly hard.

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: September 30, 2001
Author: Amazon User

When I played the first FE, I loved it. The graphics was great, the mature story had a lot of surprised, and it the voice acting was excellent. First FE was a difficult game also, but it had a cheat code that you can use to get infinit life, so the difficulty wasn't a big deal then. Only compliant I got was that first game was too short.

Here, in this game, everything is the same, and I liked the lesbian theme, and the dialoge is even more funnier. Supposely they added a lot of length. The difficulty is at the about the same level, maybe slightly easier, however, there is no cheat code, making this game very hard to progress forward, and the character keep dying. After I do the same spot ten times, it is no longer enjoyable. A game is about enjoying the experience, not about banging your head against the wall in frustration. If they had added an easier mode, or an cheat code, I would have given this game a perfect ten.

You think you're a gamer --

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: July 28, 2002
Author: Amazon User

I recently purchased this game a few days ago, realising that Fear Effect 3 will come in 2003 sometime. For the review, with this game, one gets to experience the ultimate frustration and intensity of the game and for the game. In this game, unlike others such as Tomb Raider or Resident Evil, one learns how to die -- a lot. The puzzles aren't too complicated, but some of them are somewhat difficult, especially the "reflex" tests, where you have to dodge enemies and various threats. The bosses in this game aren't too hard per se, but they do make Resident Evil seem like child-play, especially the latter levels. Like in Tomb Raider and Resident Evil, one will practice tremendously to eliminate the bosses, and unlike Tomb Raider and Resident Evil, one will need to be truly conservative with your ammo and resources. One has to choose your targets wisely! In a few words: you will die, and you will learn to die constantly, persistently and gracefully (hopefully). The graphics of this game is actually very, very crisp and detailed for an anime look. I like the level where you visit the Tomb of the First Emperor. They got it down nearly perfectly. Even the sound effects are well-done, with the perfect sound effect for the weapons, movement and characters. Lastly, the story and the characters are very mature, and they do curse and this game does involve suggestive lesbianism. If you liked the Metal Gear Solid series, then this is the game to get, but the story for this game is much stranger and resembles something like the Twilight Zone and Total Recall. ...

Great Story, Worthwhile Puzzles

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: March 09, 2001
Author: Amazon User

After having played the first FE, I bought this game without ever having read a preview... a first for me. This game has something no other "survival horror" game has, logical puzzles. Despite the huge amount of puzzle solving that needs to be done, all of the puzzles seem organic and really fit into the story, rather than the contrived feeling of the Resident Evil series. Match this up with tons of action and a story that beats Metal Gear Solid (although it's sexual insinuations and graphic-violence in the cut scenes may be a bit much for some). In short, if you loved the story and interactivity of MGS and the creepy action of RE, this is a musy buy.

And you thought Fear Effect was good...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: May 15, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Fear Effect 2: Retro Helix is not only a worthy sequel (actually prequel) to Fear Effect, it raised the bar once again for video games. For fans of the original, you wont be disappointed. For those new to this title, hang on because you will be amazed. The graphics in this game are superior to nearly every video game available on the market. Yes, this includes everyone's standby; the Final Fantasy series. The cutscenes are seamless and for those of you that played the original, you'll be glad to know that they finally addressed the long load times. The storyline is original and holds more than a few surprises (play the game, you'll see what I mean). You have the opportunity to play as different characters, which adds to the interest level of the game overall. The puzzles are a welcomed change as compared to the "brain teasers" that are usually found in similar games, which are usually contrived, annoying and not at all related to the actual game. Game control takes some getting used to but after a short while it will become second nature. This game takes the RPG, action and survival horror games up a few notches and sets a whole new standard. With its outstanding storyline, superb graphics and originality alone, this game is well worth the money.

All in All, an Intriguing Plunge into the Bizarre

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: June 06, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Upon finishing FE 2, I have to admit it is one of the most unique and interesting games I have ever played. Its graphics and character models are superb, lending the game an ambience that is simultaneously eerie and beautiful. Although it does borrow its slanted camera angles from the RE series, it still has a wholly original and distinctive feel. The voice acting is also to be commended; it's among the best that I have ever experienced. Despite the awkward control and poorly designed inventory scheme, what really distinguishes FE 2 from others in its genre to make it a classic is how it incorporates Chinese mythology into a unique (and mature) sci-fi storyline using compelling characters. Usually action video games revolve around hackneyed plots of military operatives and shadowy government conspiracies, so many will be pleased to discover this alternative. The storyline manages to unfold in a well-paced and coherent manner that keeps the player anticipating the next CG cut scene and many of the puzzles are neatly integrated into the context of the plot.
The main drawback of this game is its difficulty. Much of the challenge in the action sequences is simply mastering the art of trial and error as well as the controls which compound the frustration. Needless to say, the added "quick load" feature of FE 2 is a merciful addition to the series. Many of the puzzles are equally trying, but, in the final assessment, they are a big part of what make FE 2 so great. They stand as among some of the most engrossing challenges in a video game to date.
Be forewarned: FE 2 is not for the weak of heart! For those who are up to the challenge (and a little frustration along the way), I highly recommend this game.

Anime Lesbian ...... Assassins with Assault Rifles. Hurrah!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: August 07, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Graphics are wonderful for PS1, and still hold up pretty well on the PS2. Voice acting is top notch. Plot is rich, and very different (gotta love that Japanese weirdness). Controls take some getting used to. Inventory system isn't the best. All in all an excellent game for adults. Challenging and very atmospheric.

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