Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly

"One Worthy Of The Title: Superb"

When I was browsing the net one boring afternoon, I said to myself, “what could I possibly do or search for today?” I reviewed my interests: Gaming, Horror movies, Novels. Then I started to think about gaming. Yes, I know a lot of games and the fact that I already browsed for brand new releases yesterday, I see no point searching for them again. So I decided to browse for horror movies. I didn’t even bother to click on the Enter button because all of the horror movies available in the nearest cinema house at that time I already watched. Lastly, I tried to look for worthy novels that falls on my taste. The only writer I only anticipated about one’s work is the famous Anne Rice, and I got all her books and the upcoming ones I already know, so again I didn’t continue.

So what to do? I entered all three entries at the search box and immediately click on the Go button. And you know what popped-out right? FATAL FRAME. My search gave it to me like this “Fatal Frame will give you a gaming experience similar to a Japanese horror move and a masterpiece novel”

The original Fatal Frame was outstanding at that time. Most gamers who played it found it refreshing and new. And it was new, who could’ve thought about fending ghosts with a camera? And just as then when we thought Fatal Frame-ing ghosts and ghoulies are over, we were stand corrected. News sprang up about a new Fatal Frame, it was called FATAL FRAME II: CRIMSON BUTTERFLY.

In this new chapter of capturing moments of ghosts, you’ll still wield a camera, a camera capable of exposing spirits that which lurks in a corner, as well as plain kicking their translucent butts, pretty much like the original. But as I go on with my reviews you’ll find out that the camera system is another whole new thing than the first one. So without further ado we shall go on with my reviews.

Graphics 9/10

Graphics gets an eerie almost perfect 9 because of the believable rendering of almost everything, the environment, real time animation and character detail. Shades and shadows are well made, well animated and their accurate reaction to light brings the game superb experience. The village is brilliantly detailed, along with dark pathways, discarded windows and sliding wooden doors. You can see clouds roaming the night sky when you point your camera upwards and the shadowy night really gives you that freak out level even without the ghoulies chasing you. There is little to none glitches or bugs to be found in this game, and it is so little that I won’t even mention here where you can find it. So don’t bother.

Sound 9/10

I really hope other horror games follow Fatal Frame 2’s outstanding sounds and sound effects. The capability of the sound effects alone can alter your tension whenever it wants to. When a ghost appears be sure not to swear, because when they do appear your ears will be the ones to react first, then your mouth.
Area after area the environmental sound effects changes, so there won’t be any dull moments for your sense of hearing during the whole course of the game. Only when you are saving your game can you feel a tiny bit of assurance that you are really safe. You can breathe deeply now and catch up on your lost breath when you first encounter your weary ghost. Sure, it’ll give you the time to relax, for a few seconds that is.

Controls 8/10

There is little worry in terms of the game’s controls here. Sometimes the controls are good enough, sometimes it’s not. Because there will be times when you want to make the character run straight ahead only to find out she made a quick turn around. Also when you want to catch a perfect position for an event ghost to picture it, the character would only make a quarter of a turn when what wanted to do is to make a nice quick turn. Another is that when you press and hold the run button, you’re character lets a slow paced run, which makes it a little annoying because the run is not a rush-run at all. The good thing is that these game’s minor controls problems are nothing fatal, because you would prefer to walk rather than run to not to miss an event ghost just lurking around. Just walk and hold your breath.

Gameplay 10/10

The camera system may yet have returned, but the developers made sure it will be another whole new picture-taking experience than that of the original. The main addition with the camera system is the lens changing gimmick, here you will be able to let loose some of the camera’s awesome powers such as manipulating time to slow the enemy down, or simply send them flying backwards to buy you some breathing space. Battles aren’t that often, but when they come your way, it’s worthwhile, or you have to make sure it’s worthwhile, otherwise you’ll be sorry. You’ll know what I mean.
The longevity of the game surpasses other horror title’s game length. Fatal Frame 2 is divided into chapters, and an average of an hour per chapter assures you that it’s long, fun, and super scary. But I’ll leave the chapter counting up to you.

Recommendation

I prefer that you guys out there buy this game. It will be a great experience for horror fanatics like me and will serve as a ray of light for those who are skeptical about the genre.

Get it while it’s hot!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/01/04