Before I get started, I just want to say that Fatal Frame is absolutely NOT based on a true story. The producer of the series has gone on record to say that the story is based on two Japanese urban legends and ghost stories, and is not true at all. The inclusion of this statement on the game's cover was a marketing slogan used in Western Markets. In Japan, Fatal Frame was released as Zero, and it was titled Project Zero in Europe. The game was developed and published by Tecmo in Japan and the USA, though in Europe, it became quite a mess with system exclusive publishers.

**WARNING** - PICTURES AND VIDEOS BEYOND THIS BREAK CONTAIN DISTURBING IMAGES THAT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AUDIENCES. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.



In the beginning of Fatal Frame, you control Mafuyu Hinasaki, who is investigating the disappearance of his mentor, author Junsei Takamine. Junsei went to the Himuro Mansion to do research for his latest project with a couple of assistants. Not all is as it seems in the Himuro Mansion, and it soon becomes clear that the dark rituals performed here are more than mere rumors. It's not long before Mafuyu ends up getting entangled in the strange happenings around this ancient mansion, which pays heed to much darker Shinto rituals than most would want the outside world to know.

Mafuyu's sister, Miku then enters the game as the main character. She's out to find her brother, but soon discovers the story and fate of the author's team and that of a family that moved in after the Himuro clan suddenly died out. Meanwhile, Mafuyu learns that an antique camera, called the Camera Obscura, that was given to him by his mother, has the power to exorcise ghosts.  Miku soon takes up the camera and uses it as her only weapon against the ghosts inhabiting Himuro Mansion.


The use of the camera in Fatal Frame promotes a unique style of combat that is thrilling and pretty much enhances the chilling, and in some cases nightmarish, ghostly design. Some of these images will stick with you for quite some time; don't be surprised if they pop up in your dreams after a long night at work. When Miku looks through the camera, the game shifts from the normal fixed and panning camera angles into first person mode. Miku must then focus the camera on the ghost and take pictures to damage it. There is a bar that charges up with energy the longer you look at the ghost. If you attack a ghost when this meter is fully charged, it deals more damage. Attacking the ghost with a full energy bar while it is charging you, deals even more damage and gives a huge bonus!

The Camera Obscura can be upgraded from "Spirit Points" gained by fighting ghosts. The ghosts get harder and harder to fight as you move through the game, so these upgrades and extra unlockable skills can become very helpful. Upgrades to the camera include: increasing the damage radius, speed of energy charging, and damage output. The Camera's ammunition is its film. There are four levels of film, with each stronger one having a more limited supply; it's important to note that there's no shop in this game. Determining when to use what type of film is a good idea, since blowing through all of your powerful film early can hamper you when you need it the most.

The ghosts in Fatal Frame never seem to be too overwhelming. Many of them are fought at specific points in the game, and are impossible or extremely difficult to escape normally. Random ghosts also pop up in some locations if you spend too long wandering aimlessly trying to find your next goal. Unlike some other horror games, like Clock Tower and Haunting Ground, these random ghosts are useful in hoarding points for upgrading, and most of them are rather harmless once you figure out their patterns.


Fatal Frame is separated into four different chapters and each chapter represents one night. Each night has its own self-contained story, but these stories work to build up an overarching narrative about the rituals and people involved in the old ways. Each night also introduces new enemies and unlocks more of the mansion to explore. Some old areas will have new items and events in them as well. There is some backtracking, but since you are rewarded for it, doing so never feels like a waste of time.

In my experience, it's rare for a horror game to really grab you with its story. Most horror titles seem to run on atmosphere, tension, quick scares, puzzles, or just good mechanics, but the story is usually lackluster. Fatal Frame has everything that a great horror title needs. There is a reason for the main characters Mafuyu and Miku to be in Himuro Mansion; they have a purpose! These characters not just dropped into this environment against their will and forced to deal with it. The story unfolds slowly, but keeps you eager to move forward, and each night has a defined ending. The following night (chapter) starts with Miku in a new or old room with more to discover and explore, and new ghosts to exorcise!

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