18 cert, Warner Bros, Xbox (also PS3, PC) ****

Anything that sets itself up as a "paralysing paranormal horror" has a lot to live up to. But FEAR 3is definitely not for the fainthearted. Horror film-maker John Carpenter and horror comic specialist Steve Niles were drafted in to ensure plenty of nerve- stretching tension. And the developers have added enough extras to this first- person shooter that make it impossible to set aside.

Enhanced super-soldier Pointman returns, but this time he's not alone. A psychic link with his brother Paxton Fettel, who he killed in FEAR 2, hasn't been broken, and Paxton is determined to hang around. It's like playing co-op, only with a paranormal, psychotic cannibal as your "helper" while you hunt for the scariest maternal figure of them all, Alma Wade.

Each has their individual spooky strengths. Pointman can slow time; Paxton can step into bodies and possess people, or crush his enemies with his telekinetic powers.

Although FEAR 3is initially best experienced in single player mode, the co-op mode playing as Pointman and Paxton adds a new dimension. And the replay value of this game is high. Not only will you want to beat your own high scores as Pointman, you can go back and replay already completed levels as Paxton. Given the wildly different skills, it's a completely different experience.

They’ve also thrown in something a little different for online players. Online multiplayer is limited to up to four; the modes, which include F***ing Run, Contractions, Soul Survivor and Soul King, seem to be more fun to play in smaller groups. Whether it’s fighting Alma’s minions, escaping her Wall of Death, surviving her corrupt influence or possessing opponents, multiplayer has never been so satisfying.

FEAR 3is nothing less than an assault on the senses.