Hey, didn't I see you in HMV?...

For those of you currently unaware, F.3.A.R. - or Fear 3 - releases today, and the initial reactions to the game appear promising. With a script written by iconic horror director John Carpenter (Halloween, Assualt on Precinct 13, They Live), an increased development on the game's co-op mode (which the developers recommend as the best way to progress through the campaign) and a truly unique scoring system that alters dependent on the choices you make, Warner Bros. have put great faith in this sequel; and who could blame them, based on these key points?

Now, for those of you unfamiliar with the Fear franchise, allow me to educate.

Nine months ago, the First Encounter Assault Recon squad, also known as F.E.A.R., was ordered to stop a man who was telepathically controlling a unit of super soldiers in the city of Fairport. Point Man, an elite combatant with no memory of his past, led the mission. However, after a number of gruesome deaths, Point Man soon discovered that these 'paranormal' disturbances were actually psychic attacks from his long forgotten - and conveniently twisted - brother, the cannibal Paxton Fettel, and the brothers' powerful mother Alma.

Choosing peace, Point Man eliminated Fettel - or so it seemed - and triggered an explosion that ravaged the condemned city of Fairpoint, unfortunately killing his squad but ensuring that Alma was unable to continue her destruction. However, when have things ever been that simple? Nine months on, and Alma is back, with a baby on board and a legion of hate fuelling her drive. Furthermore, Fettel has returned from the dead as a paranormal and now refuses to leave his brothers side, leaving Point Man unsure of his true intentions. For now though, Point Man is willing to endure his brothers paranormal presence, hoping that he will aid in his search for Alma and help prevent her giving birth (talk about a messed up family reunion...).

So, Point Man is now chasing his deranged and paranormally-dipped mother - accompanied by his equally paranormal brother -  in an attempt to kill her before she gives birth - you can't knock this game's originality, can you? That said, if I was Point Man, I'd have some serious questions for Alma, such as why she decided to call me Point Man. What's wrong with Gary...or Dave? Sure, I'd take Ezekiel over Point Man.

Anyhow, while many gamers start their pursuit today, certain images have been leaked on the internet showing Alma - alive and well - and confiding in London. Well, confiding is probably the wrong word because, as the pictures show, she seems to be pretty active within the capital:

One thing's for sure, Warner Bros. Interactive have really come up with some original promotion for this game, and one would hope that said game can ultimately return the favour. However, if you are still unsure as to whether this game is for you, be sure to check back with Shadowlocked in the next few days, as a full review is imminent. Also, if you want to know any more about F.3.A.R., why not head across to the game's official website.

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