So far, it looks like 2005 is shaping up to be the year that survival horror made a comeback. The first week of the year saw the release of the stellar Resident Evil 4, a title that nearly everyone agreed would have been a strong contender for 2004 Game of the Year had it been released just a few weeks earlier. Later this year, we'll be seeing more Resident Evil goodness, as well as a creepy new thriller called Haunting Ground. While we won't be seeing either of them for at least a few months, Ubisoft has just the thing to satisfy your cravings for ghoulish action: an atmospheric horror game called Cold Fear.

The game puts you squarely in the bright, puffy lifejacket of Tom Hansen, a US Coast Guard crewman whose team is called out to investigate some shady goings on aboard a fishing boat that being tossed about by a nasty winter storm. Of course, this being a survival horror game, it isn't long before all of his buddies are dead (actually, it happens before you even take control), and Tom is forced to battle the creatures taking over the ship. As you progress, you'll learn more about the game's backstory, and it's full of biological agents, zombie-like crewmen, and secret government coverups.


One of the game's nicest elements (and, ultimately, one of its biggest flaws) is its primary setting, a large Russian whaling ship being thrown to and fro by enormous waves. For a genre that usually puts its heroes in creepy mansions and abandoned industrial complexes, this is a nice change of pace. The interior of the boat is dark and tight, managing to evoke an impressive feeling of claustrophobia at times. The exterior, on the other hand, is wet and windy, and you'll even be able to see the rain and ocean spray collecting on the game's camera, making it hard to see your enemies on occasion.

To make things even more intense, the ship's movement is evident at all times, particularly when you're trying to aim at foes. Thankfully, you'll be able to use an interesting gameplay mechanic which allows you to hold onto a nearby railing to steady your aim.The boat is constantly (and violently) rocking back and forth, and it's always threatening to send Tom on a one way trip to Davy Jones' locker. When you're walking by the edge, you'll have to beware of the waves crashing over the side, as there's a good chance you'll be swept overboard before you even know what's happening. You've also got to keep an eye on the swinging crates and shifting barrels that litter the upper deck. All in all, simply navigating the outside areas is a chore, and it's only exacerbated by the vicious enemies you'll face.