Reviews - ZoneLurker

COF is far from flawless, but its strong points are so exceptionally brilliant that even if it cost money to play I still wouldn't hesitate rating this a 10/10. What we have here is a Mod which stands as a shining example of what's wrong with the gaming industry these days...

Because popular series have, more often than not, only ever been made for money, not for quality and heart put into development. As such, it's difficult to find truly compelling titles - not to mention good horror games (you call Resident Evil scary?) - even in the Indie side of projects.

Cry Of Fear is marvelous, because it is crafted from gameplay, level design, story and horror aspects to full potential. The large variety of hideous monsters are not the only thing that is scary; I found the story to be very deep and depressing, full of darkly psychological symbolism like criminality (rape, torture, murder), loneliness, paranoia and much more. As well as these realistic themes, it is also worth mentioning what a naughty startle this game gave me at the end of its Prologue level with what was for me personally, the nastiest jump scare I ever had.

Considering that this game is only a mod for Half-Life 1 (not the source version) I was very much impressed by the graphics and gameplay design. Despite a bit of a consolely-feel in environments, it was easily enjoyable to experience with superbly detailed visuals. Not to mention the complex control elements (you can even switch the style of holding your pocket knife!). The length is also satisfying (I'm still yet to finish it) and the excellent game updates are reason enough not to abandon this Mod anytime soon. If any disappointment can be found it's the limited save-slots which only count to 5.

The gaming world is lucky to have developers like this that make projects they truly believe in. I may have played a lot of Amnesia, but even that game didn't prepare for me for the horror to be found here. Just go and download COF now, simple as that!

SS:BR is definitely one of those games that emphasizes the consequences of judging by the cover. While it has a number of features that would appeal to arcade fans, it has many faults, or rather lacks so many important features, that drag this game even below mediocre for me.

GOOD: There are plenty of explosions to be experienced through some beautifully detailed mission environments. Bosses are a challenge, and some levels are enjoyable to navigate around, with occasional optional objectives.

BAD: I have often felt that many video games had an unfair reception regarding repetition - For example, many considered HL2 to be repetitive, when I myself thought that game was full of variety and creativity throughout its levels - but SS:BR is truly an exercise in lack of variety. There's very little difference in mission objectives, and the enemy types are not vast. Despite the game dragging you to different points, it feels too arena-based. It really would have been netter if the developers tailored around a bit with the missions at least, if not the gameplay.
The difficulty is also quite unforgiving, even on easy. I like a challenge, but in SS:BR it feels too harsh with almost no reward for your efforts which is what I am about to get into...
Although it does what many games do not, and rewards you on campaign completion, it is still just a "First-person" mode (but really, it's THIRD-person). Ironically enough, the game's hugely repetitive nature makes that unlockable feature feel more rewarding than it really is, but in its own right, it's just not worth the effort. Unfortunately, the story does not make up for it either, and although missions have detailed briefings, it was difficult to pay attention due to this game lacking a compelling campaign.

There is some sweet arcadey action that is waiting for any curious player, but it will require a lot of patience and acceptance in order to find enjoyment in what was for me personally a rather mundane, if promising, titl