F.E.A.R.

F.E.A.R. is a mammoth entry in FPSdom. It took the quick, reaction-based gameplay à la Counter-Strike, and put it in a single player format. No ads, a quick-witted ai, and heavily-urban settings make the action go from quiet to chaotic in seconds.

The artificial intelligence is the primary reason for the fast gameplay. Enemies are goal-oriented, and will search for the player and attack the player in that order. A self-preservation mechanism is included with the ai and is always in effect, which makes enemies move quickly and efficiently to avoid being targeted by the player. What all that means in terms of the gameplay is constant enemy movement as the ai moves on their own and in response to the actions of the player. When you place the ai in the tight, urban settings the levels take place in...it is easy to see why the action is so fast-paced and chaotic.

The only problem I have with this game is that the soundtrack is weird and inconsistent. Although the dark ambient material can be brilliant at times, the more dramatic pieces aren't well-placed, and often don't fit the mood—but that's more personal preference than anything.

Unfortunately F.E.A.R. was not, and is not very popular compared to mainstream FPS games. It is very difficult to play because of its reaction-based gameplay, and the level design, art design, and narrative aspect took a backseat to the gameplay. Not exactly popular design choices for people who liked narrative-focused or run-n-gun FPS games with complicated level design, though it has always been a cult favorite for PC FPS players.

(Keep reading for another episode of Level Design!)