How does Day 1 Studios add co-op to F.E.A.R. while keeping things frightening? That's the question, it seems. At E3 2010 the developer was in attendance, showing off some gameplay and talking about the new direction they're taking the series. Mainly, they wanted to convey what they have done to make cooperative gameplay work with F.E.A.R. without damaging the storytelling, horror, or action the series is known for.

At first, it really feels as though every element of F.E.A.R. works against what they're doing with it. Developers haven't yet figured out how to handle slow-motion encounters in multiplayer situations, and, considering the game's action is fueled almost entirely by them, it seems like it might hurt the combat. If that's gone, all that is left is fear, something that adding a second player could hinder. Being alone is scary - being with a friend isn't.

In order to make things work, they've found clever ways to make both of these potential issues less detrimental. It starts with the story, that takes place about nine months after the events of the second game. This time lapse is important considering the second game ended with Alma being impregnated, meaning her baby, or whatever lies in her womb, is due for delivery fairly soon. Players take up the role of Point Man, the protagonist from the first film, as he tries to hunt down Alma and assure that she doesn't give birth. Or, they can play as Fettel, Alma's son, who is trying to find his mother for his own reasons. Oh, and he's traveling with Point Man because he's his brother. Point Man is also Alma's son. Fettel actually is a ghost, recently back from the dead after being killed by Point Man at the end of the first game. They don't get along.

The different characters are the first step towards making co-op scary. Since the characters don't like each other, it's not like you're playing with a friend. You're working with an enemy, for the time being, to build towards goals that are somewhat similar. During the demo shown off at the show, there were several situations where the characters were given chances to screw each other over, just because. There's distrust there, and the players can allow the F.E.A.R. mood to persist if they're willing to let themselves be overtaken by it.

Differences between the characters continue past the personalities. Point Man plays much like he did in the original game, with the ability to slow down time and use weapons to take out enemies. It's traditional run-and-gun. Fettel? Not so much. He's a ghost, and while he's able to use some of his psychic powers to fire at opponents, many of his abilities are more abstract. If Fettel wants to interact with the world or use weapons, he needs to posses enemies, taking over their bodies temporarily before destroying them. He can also use powerful attacks when Point Man initiates slow-motion, giving the players a chance to collaborate while their avatars argue.



Their abilities fuel the duo's interesting interactions, if the players want to. In one situation, Point Man stumbled upon two mech suits. Standing next to them was an enemy ripe for the possession. For no reason other than spite, Point Man took out the foe, leaving Fettel without a vessel into the mechanical suit. Why do it? Hell if I know, but Day 1 Studios seemed really excited about the ability to screw over teammates.

After seeing F.E.A.R. 3 at E3, worries about the series' new direction were put to bed. I'm still completely unconvinced that the ability to mess with a partner is actually a feature worth talking about, especially when the cooperative elements appear to be so strong, but the story seems to be going along a cool path. Hopefully they're able to maintain all of the greatness of F.E.A.R. in the process. 

F.E.A.R. 3 is due out this fall for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.