Fear Effect Sedna Reviews
Fear Effect Sedna is a game that does just enough to be considered basic. Unfortunately, for fans of the Fear Effect series, this is not a triumphant return for the franchise but more so a reminder that it exists.
As mentioned earlier, a name carries expectations. Strictly in terms of game design, Fear Effect Sedna is quite possibly the strongest the series has ever been. However, it doesn't go far enough to make up for its deficiencies in atmosphere and storytelling. As it turns out, this title is as cold and distant as its locales and isometric perspective suggest. There's very little imagery to provoke thoughts or spark the imagination, just a high body count and a lot of swear words. Even if that were enough for a Cyberpunk game, it's handled in a manner that isn't stylish or memorable. All in all, this entry is a difficult recommendation, especially for Fear Effect fans.
Fear Effect Sedna revives a cult-classic IP, but the game's flat, subdued script, forgettable characters, and poor controls ultimately hamper this effort.
Fear Effect Sedna is vapid and vain, like a B-movie with a bit of gorgeous cinematography. Its gameplay falters miserably and even with the unmistakable atmosphere of the old games, Sedna just isn't enjoyable to sit through.
A game full of more than it's fair share of style unfortunately lacks any of it's fair share of substance. It may be worth a look if you are a long time fan of the series but there are much better examples of this style of game for everyone else.
Fear Effect Sedna once again takes us to a distinctive universe of a popular series, but it suffers from plethora of irritating bugs. This time they've built-up enough to spoil a good idea for the game.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Fear Effect Sedna features nice and well-made animated cutscenes, strange and sometimes completely annoying puzzles, and barren gameplay with terrible controls, especially during boss fights.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Fear Effect Sedna shows that the developer truly knows its source material inside out, but unfortunately the gameplay aspect remains lost. With poor voice-acting, a broken, almost unnecessary tactical system, unreliable A.I., and flat action, Sedna just isn't fun or compelling.
The truth is Fear Effect Sedna is not a good game. It’s more frustrating than it is satisfying and it will test the best resolve in the world if you are determined to see it through to the end. In this case, sadly, patches and fixes can only paper the cracks of what is an inherently flawed sequel.
Fear Effect Sedna is a major disappointment especially if you are a fan of the series. The game certainly is ambitious but that doesn't help it solve many of its underlying problems.
Fear Effect Sedna is sort of an interesting artifact; a game out of its own time. If only playing it was any fun.
I wish the return of Fear Effect would have been something to celebrate. Unfortunately, it ends up being a mediocre attempt to revive the franchise.
Fear Effect Sedna could be a starter for the main course which Square Enix is planning to release in next few months. And I hope to see a great remaster of a game which was on of the finest games of PlayStation 1. A game for old fans and new gamers to enjoy.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Fear Effect Sedna makes use of a beloved franchise name and ends up deliverying a totally different experience from what it is expected when the name Fear Effect is heard. If you play it and simply forget about the brilliant past two first games from the franchise, you might be able to have fun with it.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Fear Effect Sedna has suffered from an internal conflict over whether to stay true to the originals or start over. There is an authenticity in approach that lifelong Fear Effect fans will no doubt appreciate, but, taking a step back to look at the game as a whole, even they may come to lament the many flaws that it is riddled with. It’s a shame, therefore, that it can’t outrun its demons.
The cell shaded look of Sedna and the soundtrack are excellent, but the change in gameplay, some of the combat and the isometric look lessened my enjoyment. The puzzles and innovative ideas are great though and some of the world themes are interesting to revisit, but it most certainly left me remembering the original as the better experience.
Fear Effect Sedna brings a successful series back to the front line after a long absence. This new game will be welcomed immediately by those familiar with the series but new players will find it difficult to relate with the plot, as the game makes no effort to try to connect with them. The animation scenes and soundtrack demonstrate a high level of quality and good production values but the game's strategic component is less interesting than what would be expected and its visual presentation misses out when played on the Nintendo Switch handheld format.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Fear Effect: Sedna is a flawed amalgam of disparate parts. It fails to wholly convince as an action, strategy or stealth game, and the delivery of its story is a little stilted. However, the sheer variety of its mix and its fresh visual style may prove enough to keep you playing through.
If you were a huge fan of this series, or games from that era, you could find a lot to like here. It's rough around the edges with cheesy acting, and a lot of game over screens, but if that doesn't put you off you could find an enjoyable time here.
Okay, one last thing. I know this is too much, but at the time of writing, Fear Effect Sedna’s app icon for the Nintendo Switch is boring. You know what a great app icon for the Switch is? Something that tells the gamers what they’re about to put their hands into. You know what isn’t? Letters within textured shapes. Nowhere in “f.e.s.” would I know what game Sedna is. I won’t even know what those letters stand for. An icon is supposed to give players an idea of what a game’s about. Fortunately, this mediocrity might just go away after an update and (hopefully) be replaced by something more engaging.