The expansion pack for the critically acclaimed computer game F.E.A.R. takes place in the same universe as the original FPS, with a story that begins about halfway through those events and will ultimately have an open ending, leaving plenty of options for the next sequel. Unfortunately the aging game engine, outdated visual effects and repetitive tactical combat prevents this latest addition to achieve its formal glory.

Perseus Mandate has a rather weak and twisted story that barely makes any sense for those unfamiliar with the first chapter of this franchise, and completing the game won't answer most of the questions. Sadly enough there is a good chance that many people will give it up in the early stages and will simply cruise through the levels, paying little or no attention at all to ambiguous comment that some of the central characters utter from time to time.

This is bad news for a game that relies heavily on the player's commitment and focuses on creating a certain atmosphere that will keep you wired until the final chapter, because killing the same type of opponents over and over again is not enough to preserve the interest on the long run. If you take the psychological component out of the FEAR series, you'll get an average first person shooter unable to compete with its more sophisticated counterparts.

What made the original game really special was the creepy atmosphere and its horror aspects that would provide the player with the much desired adrenaline rush, so it's no wonder that Perseus Mandate focuses on the same recipe for success. Trying too hard, to preserve the elements that were considered to be essential ingredients, has its downsides. The game looks more of a clone than a new addition to the series. Furthermore the lack of innovative concepts will have a deterring effect on the hardcore fans, who might feel they are playing the same game all over again in a slightly different background.

After playing for a couple of hours you'll start to anticipate most of the firefights as they always take place in similar locations, a warehouse, a courtyard or in a larger room in the office building. So the risk of getting caught in an ambush is close to zero. The sewers however is the only place where this game can still surprise you, and this is where most of the paranormal activities unfold; the evil creatures that lurk in the dark and come out when least expected will force extensive use of the flashlight and when it is recharging it's wise to limit your movement and stay put.

All these ghosts, wandering around or disappearing in thin air, ghouls trying to grab you under the floor and the occasional encounter with the main villains Paxton and Alma will do the trick for a while but will fail to impress after you see them again. The truth is that there are simply not enough new elements provided by Perseus Mandate to improve the horror atmosphere created by the original F.E.A.R. to keep the game afloat.