I almost skipped right over F.E.A.R. Files in order to play the second game in the main series but I'm so glad didn't. F.E.A.R. Files offers two new campaigns that when combined feel just a lengthy as a full game. Even though it has been a year or two since I played F.E.A.R. I quickly felt right at home. The fluid gun-play reminds me of Doom and the limited interruptions in exploration give me Half-Life vibes. The developers of these games were clearly able to take inspiration from these classics while giving F.E.A.R. its own unique feel. For being over 12 years old F.E.A.R Files has aged quite well and there is much fun to be had.
I can't say I ever followed the story in these games too closely. I can tell you that the first expansion, Extraction Point, takes place right where the first game left off. After an accident you and your team are trying to find a new way to get out of the city. This will not be easy seeing that Paxton Fattel has brought the replica forces back online. Not sure I can say its better ending story wise but the journey is enjoyable none the less. The second expansion, Perseus Mandate, is both longer and more varied then the first. This campaign takes place around the same time of the events in F.E.A.R.. You arrive back at Armachan to find hostiles forces have already infiltrated the building. It appears there leader is interested in obtaining Alma's or Paxton's DNA which obviously can't be used for anything good.
The highlight of F.E.A.R. Files is the gameplay. All the guns feel and sound great, which ones you use will just be based on personal preferences. All the shooting is made easy by your unique reflective ability to slow down time. There is a short delay between uses but it clearly gives you a distinct advantage in combat. You'll often find armor lying around which will help absorb damage but even if you get wounded there are plenty of med-packs lying around. Additionally, if you explore thoroughly enough you'll even find boosters that increase your maximum health and reflex time. There are several useful types of grenades and you can usually kill unsuspecting enemies just with a melee attack.
F.E.A.R. Files does a great job with atmosphere. The music ramps every time you enter combat and begins to slowly wind down after defeating all the enemies. Of course there are a handful of jump scares but honestly the intense fighting will more likely get you on edge if anything. Fighting through the Subway is one of the more memorable parts of Extraction Point. Perseus Mandate offers more variation from the sewers, to streets, to different labs, and underground complexes. Perseus is also more compelling with a fairly easy to follow plot and a couple AI companions that make the journey more interesting.
If you haven't already play the excellent main F.E.A.R. game I highly recommend you check it out; for those who have this is a delightful stand-alone expansion. I'd say I like the second campaign more but honestly the core gameplay loop just feels so good that you're bound to enjoy both of them. The combat is fast and frantic but you are always armed with the arsenal and reflexes needed to take on whatever the game throws at you. If you are looking for a deep engaging story this may not be a great fit but what narrative the game does offers works well enough in my opinion. The fact is this just a superb fast-paced, relatively linear, shooter that will take you back to the days when action games weren't weighed down by modern complexities like crafting and leveling up.