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The Watson Automatic Shotgun is a weapon exclusive to the PlayStation 3 version of F.E.A.R. First Encounter Assault Recon as well as F.E.A.R. Files for the Xbox 360.
Monolith Timeline[]
F.E.A.R. (PlayStation 3 Version)[]
On the PS3 version of the game and features the weapon in great detail for the later halves of the game. The Watson will often replace certain weapons found in the map in the original game (similar to the SM15 Machine Pistol of the Xbox 360 version), such as other VK-12 Combat Shotguns, HV Penetrators, and MP-50 Repeating Cannons. It can be first acquire during Interval 07 - Alice Wade, where it is wielded by the first of the two heavy armors closest to Alice Wade's office instead of their original HV Penetrator. It can also be acquired in some of the Instant Action missions as well as the Bonus Mission. It becomes very plentiful as the player ventures deeper towards the Vault.
F.E.A.R. Files (Xbox 360)[]
Unlike the PS3 version, the Xbox 360 version of this weapon is exclusive to the Instant Action mission Elevator and select few multiplayer maps. Though it is functionally identical, it has dramatically reduced ammo reserve compared to the PS3 version most likely due to it's extremely brief appearance. It does not appear once between either of the two expansion pack campaigns save for the one stated.
Tactics[]
- The Watson Automatic Shotgun has an incredibly high rate of fire and immense damage compared to the VK-12, capable of blowing away entire squads and even Heavy Armor with minimal effort. Close in distance for the best results.
- Enemies that use this weapon are a significant more threat than the standard VK-12, so prioritize them and keep distance in order to minimize damage done to you.
- Though slightly more accurate than the VK-12, it still suffers from longer ranges, so Medium to Close are where you should be with this weapon.
- The Rate of Fire will lower dramatically when in SlowMo, making it's effectiveness lower in massive groups.
- The reload animation takes longer than certain other weapons, avoid reloading it when exposed.
Trivia[]
- Since it only appears in the console ports, it is most likely non-canon.
- This weapon seems to based on the South African Armsel Striker, but with a much more advanced feeding system like the Atchisson Assault Shotgun. While the Striker in real life has to load the 12 Gauge Shells individually, the SAS-12 can just replace the magazine.
- The SAS-12 is also inspired by Milkor MGL Mk.1, which is almost cosmetically identical.
- This weapon, along with the SM15 Machine Pistol, are created by the lead artist Erik Denham, who assisted the development of the console port.[1]
- Much like the HV Penetrator, there is a visible foregrip on this weapon that goes unused by enemies and the Player.
- This is the only bonus weapon to appear in both console versions of F.E.A.R., as the SM15 Machine Pistol does not appear in any form on the PS3 version.