Less Fear. More Combat.
Firefights are taken to the max, with a couple of new baddies, but as you would imagine - the difficulty is in being outnumbered by around twice the enemies in every engagement, than in the 1st two games. Towards the end of the game there are some terror filled scenes, but these are mainly to flush out (well probably just repeat) a few pointers from the main story arc. Alma does make a few choice appearences and these sequences are worth getting to.
However, as to be expected the game as a whole isnt on a par to the original, locations are new but similiar looking, while by now you if youve played both the original and the 1st expansion pack then you should be in a position to know what to expect.
Playing this on Extreme Difficulty - it was still pretty easy, if you take your time and are careful. This is mainly due to the over population of first aid kits and armour left between engagements with the enemy. There were a few upgrades to slow-mo time and max health - so getting these makes it even easier. However, there are over a dozen larger than usual combat sequences/ambushes that really tested this fps-shooter vet.
If you love your all-action firefights then you wont be disappointed by this. Similiarly if you want more of the F.E.A.R universe then you also should give this a go, though its not as terrifying as the either of the first two games.
Still for me, its better than the avg. score given by most reviewers here. Though that is just my opinion.