User Reviews (1 - 11 of 17)

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Retro Helix

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: October 04, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I think this is a great game, and would recommend it to anyone who likes puzzles and challenges. It changes between disks more, but it's worth it.

Not as good as the first

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: March 05, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I have to remember that sequels are rarely as good as the first and fe2 is no different.
Too many puzzles ruined the game for me to the point where I couldn't keep track of the story line and I just stopped caring what the story was and just wanted to finish the game.
I love part one which makes part 2 a huge dissapointment.
It's not a terrible game just long winded.

The game is hard.

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 1 / 5
Date: December 05, 2002
Author: Amazon User

I did not enjoy the controls on this game. The only entertaining part with the somewhat nudity that came with the game. You know what they say, "Sex sells." Well if that was their only selling point then I won't hold my breath for the next one. I would rather get a girlie mag for excitement. Definatly not for kids. I must say though, this is the first game I put down in one day. I gave Batman and Robin a 3 day chance before I put that one down.

Fabulous!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: November 27, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Compared to other Playstation games, this one is head-and-shoulders above the rest! It comes with 4 disks, and the sheer number and variety of environments are incredible. From the beginning in the dark, subterranian passages, to the beauty of a black tie dinner, to the incredible scenes where a giant rock creature chases you over bridges, and on and on and on. More environments than I can even remember, and I've finished the game twice. The puzzles are at times quite hard, but once you get used to them they're not so bad to figure out. You'll also play a few board games and strategy games against some ancient spirits, which adds even more variety to the gameplay.

Also, the cutscenes are very nicely done, with excellent voice acting and realistic animation. And the music is extremely cool, with oriental themes that add real atmosphere to some of the environments. My favorite part of the game is when you're on the 96th floor of a bio-engineering building, and you have to collect a large number of objects and use them to solve a grand puzzle - it's all laid out very logically and is super fun to play and figure out. You even get to drive a mech at a couple points in the game.

Overall, it doesn't get much better than this!

A True Original

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: November 10, 2007
Author: Amazon User

A blend of Old Chinese myths and avant-grade science fiction make Fear Effect 2 a true original.

Like in the first game, you start with Hana (and a new character, Rain) doing an otherwise simple job when everything goes awry. Half the world is dying from EINDS (Environmentally Induced Nucleotides Degeneration Syndrome) and Jin, the same employer from the first game, assigns you to steal a DNA sequence that maps the gene that causes the disease. Problem is, the doctor guarding it just happens to be the richest man on the planet and has security out the Yin Yang. You go through HELL to find this disc, using both stealth and aggression to bypass all his security measures, and its Hell that chases after you when you steal it(literally! Think of the Taoist version of Demons, spiritual trials and torture and you will get my meaning exactly). Evidently, this EINDS was no product of nature and it was meant to wipe clean the earth of mankind. So you seriously tick off certain Immortal Beings for stealing this piece of Generic code.

From here the game takes a sudden (and more serious) change of direction and you delve deep into spirit realms where you will meet figures of Chinese myth, namely the Eight Immortals in the mythical island Penglai and Qin Shi Haung in his ancient tomb of Xian, backed by his famed terracotta army. Throw in some killer action, humor and a lesbian encounter between the two protagonists and you'll remember Fear Effect whether you liked it or not. You've never played anything like this, believe me. This game is just nuts.

Graphics are absolutely phenomenal (I bare in mind the dated technology that is being employed when I say this).

Now as for the game's irritations: I will remark upon what many others have already complained about. There are only 1 or 2 guns in your inventory that are useful, and when you run out of ammo on one of them and need to change to the other in the heat of battle, good luck doing it when you got 20 items to scroll through. Saves are sometimes not where they need to be. You can expect to play a lot of the same crap in certain areas. Some people have said this game is either hard or difficult. "Unfair" would be a more appropriate word since skill or wit alone often cannot save you. Even when knowing exactly what to do....you will die.

When a game has an excellent (if experimental) storyline like this one, it's a shame the experience is hindered by challenges that require sheer luck in order for you to proceed.

If you got the patience, you will find Fear Effect 2 a rewarding experience. I liked this game better than the first and it is one I will always come back to.

A worthy predecessor

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: March 18, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Being a fan of the first FE I was pretty excited when I heard about FE, so I naturally purchased it. Sure enough it was more than a worthy sequel. This game has some of the best brainteasers I've ever seen in a videogame. The graphics are also amazing and one of the reasons I like the series so much. But the story is the real reason to try this game,although it's definately not suited for the 12 and under crowd. The controls on the other hand are nothing to write home about. Taking a page from Resident Evil's controls wasn't the best idea but you will eventually get used to them and they detract from the experience. Definately a game to check out.

Very fun, but it just might be too challenging......

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 3 / 5
Date: October 20, 2001
Author: Amazon User

The fun level of this game is even higher than the first, along with the level of challenge. Some of the puzzles are just downright rediculously pointless as they are challenging like this machine where you have to match the right shape with a code for every little corner which I personally find almost impossible to figure out on your own unless you are willing to put hours and maybe even days into solving it (or if your cheap and get a cheat code for it.) Sorry, I have a life and better things to do. I just hope it doesn't get worse in the next one. But I do compliment the game for fun level which is why I give it four stars.

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.

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