Post by Bytor on May 3, 2011 11:45:40 GMT -5
Fatal Frame (零～zero～) was released by Techmo for the PlayStation 2 in Japan on December 13, 2001, in North America on March 4, 2002 and in Europe on August 30, 2002. The Japanese release for the Xbox was on February 6, 2003 while the North American release was actually earlier being released on November 22, 2002 and in Europe on May 2, 2003. The game was produced by Makoto Shibata and Keisuke Kikuchi was the lead designer. The game is of the survival horror genre and received positive reviews from critics and gamers although it was, and has remained a "cult classic".
The story centers around Miku Hinasaki who is exploring a mansion looking for her missing brother, Mafuyu. He had went to the mansion looking for his mentor who was researching a new novel. The story unfolds as you (Miku) uncover clues in your search and attempt to unravel the truth behind the disappearances.
The game play is typical of the genre. Although it's not exactly a typical Survival Horror game as you can actually fight, and defeat, the ghosts and apparitions (not all of which are actually hostile) you encounter. What makes the game play interesting and innovative is your weapon, it's a camera, which is upgradeable using different types of film, flashes and accessories. Take a better picture and do more damage, the camera is also used to gather clues as it can make invisible objects and ghosts visible. Health items are also found throughout the game as are save points. Use of light and darkness is prominent in the game and some searching is needed in order to progress the story.
The story is, according to the developers, based on the true story of the Himuro Mansion, a "haunted mansion" in Japan where several people including the family living there were gruesomely murdered. However, Makoto Shibata, the producer has stated that the game is actually based on Japanese urban myths.
