It may well be the same engine, but they look completely different. The visuals in Condemned are really nothing like those in FEAR. They use a lot of different effects to achieve different looks than FEAR.
Maybe it feels like FEAR for me, in a sense, b/c there are lots of hallways and dilapidated warehouse-like looking areas.
But yes, best melee combat ever. Some people complained, some people got bored... but I just can't get tired of beating the shit out of people with pipes, planks, and subway signs. I'm sorry, that never gets old.
Can't forget shovels, either.
I really like how the game has the "investigative" parts of the game. The game really makes you feel like you're a detective. Also, it's done in a different, yet pretty good way, for pushing the plot and storyline ahead in the game.
It's cool how to get through certain areas -- like certain doors, you need an axe equipped to chop the wood door down. Or, you might need a sledgehammer to bust a padlock. Feels like an "Adventure" game element.
I like that even through there's lots of melee, there's a few guns -- pump shotguns, 45 cal, etc etc. Of course, the shooting elements rock, too.
This really feels like a survival horror shooter, since ammo seems scarce. Really helps you not keep w/ the guns often; makes you rely on namely the melee, most of the time.
This game just flat-out rocks.
EDIT:
So, wow....this story is really developing into something interesting....
A serial killer killing off serial killers.
Yuh, I think I know who's doing it all...
I have a hunch....
It gotta' be Thomas.
And if it is, just don't say anything!!!
I'll give my opinion on all of this, once I finish this game.
I just can't seem to put this game down...
I just exited the Department Store....