Fear Effect Sedna (PlayStation 4) Review

What's in a name? Names carry expectations. From the title alone, judgements are being made, and conclusions are drawn. Although this reviewer carries little in the way of nostalgic feelings for Fear Effect and its sequel, it is possible to recognise the impression they made back in the early 2000s. Cyberpunk games are depressingly few and far between. There's a certain edge to them that's quite remarkable. They depict futures that are ugly, a reflection of the hearts and souls that inhabit corporate-owned worlds. Everyone has a price, so determining the hero is all a matter of perspective. Hana, Glas, and Deke are mercenaries who will take any job. They are not fighting against the corrupt system, unless somebody pays them enough.

By comparison, Fear Effect Sedna is a little too clean, too sterile. The rough edges have been smoothed out, leaving behind a world that feels almost like a family-friendly tourist attraction. The original games had their problematic aspects, namely a penchant for sticking the central protagonist into skimpy clothing, but it did fit the aesthetic the writers were going for. The similarities to other Cyberpunk media, such as Ghost in the Shell and Aeon Flux, are quite noticeable. This entry sets a better, more progressive example for the characters of Hana and Rain, but it doesn't push the envelope in other ways. Despite the hundreds of hapless soldiers that are gunned down or blown up, the game feels less violent than its predecessors. The horror elements are also less pronounced, and the few monsters that appear are more laughable than scary. The storyline is adequate, but not particularly exciting, plus it's let down by clunky dialogue. In general, there's a lack of startling imagery or anything that sticks in the viewer's mind.

While this entry has a much smaller budget than the previous releases, it could have utilised it in a better manner. Instead of stiff and robotically animated cut-scenes, the gameplay could be intercut with still images. Utilising expressive artwork during the important scenes would have been far more impactful. If that isn't possible, then something a little more stylised and personable might be preferable. A good example is the 2017 game, Ruiner. It worked within its limitations to deliver some memorable scenes.

Unlike the third-person shooters of the past, this entry opts for a more tactical approach. In almost every chapter, the player controls two or more mercenaries, each of them having their own set of weapons. Enemies patrol each area, and there's usually more than one way to take them down. The best method involves stealth, as enemies are instantly dealt with, negating the need to expend resources, such as health or special weapons. If the mercenaries are spotted, then it's all a matter of strategy and efficiency. The action can be paused at any time, allowing the opportunity to assign orders. Even something as simple as positioning can mean the difference between life and death. That means making use of cover, spreading everyone out to minimise AOE damage, and so on.

When deciding on the best mercenary for the job, the current situation must be considered, as well as personal play-styles. Hana and Rain can take it slow and carefully, using mines and holograms to lure enemies into an early demise. Deke, with his missiles and napalm, is great for tearing through crowds. Turrets and stun grenades represent Glas' arsenal, making him useful in any scenario. Since the current party is always determined by the story, the player can't simply opt to use their favourites in every scenario. This helps to keep the game dynamic and interesting, as different mercenary combinations present new strategies. The boss encounters also do a reasonable job of changing things up.

Damage is governed by the "Fear Effect" system. Basically, as the mercenary's heart-rate increases, so will the damage they inflict and receive. Heart-rates tend to spike during prolonged battles, particularly boss fights. This can work to the player's advantage, such as when the arch-enemy has stunned itself, leaving them open to attack. However, anyone who isn't paying attention might get their entire party eliminated in a short time. All told, maintaining this balance isn't too strenuous. The gauge tends to normalise after most skirmishes. The level of difficulty is also generally on the low end. Players wishing to really challenge themselves should consider using as few med-kits as possible.

Puzzle solving is also a constant fixture. Most of them involve the current environment, prompting players to look for any suspicious details. What's great about these puzzles is that they are just obtuse enough to feel rewarding, yet never get to the point where the average player will feel stuck. There were a couple times where this reviewer had to take notes, so that's something to be wary of. "Brute-forcing" a solution never works, which is also nice. Of course, this aspect becomes more of a nuisance on replays. There isn't a chapter select, and certain portions of the game can feel like a chore. Serving drinks at a party as Deke doesn't take more than a few minutes, but that time could be better spent elsewhere.

In the long run, Fear Effect Sedna's constant desire for variety is what keeps it from greatness. There are a lot of neat ideas in how combat is handled, but the game takes too many opportunities to switch gears. A lot of the mechanics come off as underutilised, and only a cursory knowledge of how everything works is required to progress. Granted, this is beneficial in a way, since it encourages players to seek their own challenges. However, there's just not enough of an incentive to play exceptionally. A ranking system that monitors performance would have been welcome.