Cold Fear is an underrated horror game that Resident Evil 4 fans should check out on Steam while it's still on sale for $1.99, 80% off its usual asking price. The Resident Evil 4 remake has been out long enough that many fans of the franchise have likely completed it multiple times and could be looking for something similar. 2005's Cold Fear admittedly doesn't come close to the Resident Evil 4 remake's high level of quality, but it's still an underrated horror game that's worth a look for those that enjoy RE4's style of survival-horror action.
Cold Fear was developed by the now-defunct Darkworks and published by Ubisoft in 2005. The game had the misfortune of releasing just a couple of months after the original Resident Evil 4 hit the scene. Cold Fear earned mixed reviews from critics at the time of its release and was ultimately a commercial failure, but it's truly one of the most underrated horror games of its generation.
Cold Fear is currently discounted on Steam, with the sale lasting until April 29. The simplest way to describe it is if Resident Evil 4 was set on a boat. Cold Fear uses a third-person camera not unlike the one seen in Capcom's critically-acclaimed game, with similar shooting mechanics as well. However, whereas the original Resident Evil 4 is primarily an action game, Cold Fear definitely goes for more horror vibes. It features a creepy atmosphere and impactful jump scares that will leave players on edge. And it's not just Cold Fear's monsters that players need to be scared of; the violent thrashing of the ocean can easily send them overboard and to their deaths.
Cold Fear deserves more attention than it got in 2005, and at $2.99, it's a steal. However, the game is by no means perfect. The controls will feel very outdated to those used to the control improvements in the Resident Evil 4 remake, and the save system is rather archaic, only allowing players to save at specific points in the story. The lack of a map may also frustrate some players, as it's surprisingly easy to get lost on the boat.
Cold Fear's pros outweigh its cons, though, and so anyone that gives it a chance will find a memorable horror adventure that does a lot to scratch the Resident Evil 4 itch. It has some clever ideas and is definitely worth checking out while it's still on sale.
Cold Fear is available for PC, PS2, and Xbox.