Rare is the sequel that challenges convention by totally changing its name. Project Origin does exactly that, forcibly taking on a new moniker despite holding onto the core gameplay of the F.E.A.R. series. Amazingly enough, the change in name has little impact on the game itself which promises to enhance the fundamentals of the original all while elucidating on its complex story. Meeting with Warner Bros. Games, we received an impressive look at this action-packed sequel.

Project Origin suits you up as Delta Force operative Michael Beckett in the moments leading up to the end of F.E.A.R. As Armacham headquarters explode into flames, you're hoping out of a transport with your team to extract company president Genevieve Aristide. What you find is more than a city left in ruins, but a veritable walking nightmare in the form of a young girl.

Alma has been freed, her rage from being subjected to years of torturous experimentation at the hand of her father unleashed on those seeking to restore order. Staying sane will prove just as difficult as surviving this hostile environment. Fortunately, Beckett possesses the same powers to slow time as his F.E.A.R. counterpart. Figuring out why ties directly into the story and why Beckett was sent into Auburn to begin with.

Instead of toying too much with the fundamental mechanics of the first game, Project Origin instead aims to enhance what made that game brilliant: tough enemies, creepy scenes, and nail-bitting action. Complementing that core approach is a dedication to exploring the story more fully, delving into the motivations behind characters and events in order to give more meaning and clarity to the game. It's still relentlessly focused on the action, yet tinged with a more thoughtful approach to how cutscenes and other narrative-critical moments are handled.

The range of set pieces is downright impressive, taking a much-needed leave from office interiors and warehouses to more interesting locations like a movie theater and elementary school. You'll still work through some of the classic office spaces, although we're promised more variety in the level layouts this time around. Even with those office levels still packed in, you're traversing through so much varied cityscape that it no long feels repetitive. Additionally, the fact that the city has essentially been blasted by a detonation transforms ordinary locales into intriguing ruins perfect for intense battles.