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MONSTER
Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water
Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water is a survival horror video game developed by Koei Tecmo and published by Nintendo for the Wii U. The fifth main entry in the Fatal Frame series, it was released in Japan in September 2014 and worldwide in October 2015. As with previous games in the series, players navigate areas filled with hostile ghosts which must be fought by taking photographs using the Camera Obscura, which is directly controlled using the Wii U gamepad. A post-endgame story featuring Ayane, a character from the company's Dead or Alive series, is also available featuring altered gameplay mechanics. The story, which is set on the fictional Hikami Mountain, focuses on three protagonists who are drawn into supernatural events revolving the area, including an ancient ritual to seal away Yomi, a malevolent force corrupting the surrounding spirits that is tied to the fate of the titular shrine maiden Ouse Kurosawa. Planning for the game began in 2011, during the projection of the Wii remake of Crimson Butterfly. The game was first proposed by series co-creator Keisuke Kikuchi when he saw the Wii U hardware and the possibilities of the gamepad becoming the Camera Obscura. The game was a joint production effort between Koei Tecmo and Nintendo Software Planning & Development, with Kikuchi and fellow co-creator Makoto Shibata returning as to their respective posts of producer and director, together with staff from the previous series entry Mask of the Lunar Eclipse and developers new to the series. The cast went through several revisions during development, while the staff experimented with the capacities of the new hardware. As with previous games, it features a theme song by Tsuki Amano. Upon release, the game received critical acclaim for its use of the gamepad and dark atmosphere, while opinions were mixed on its story, portrayal of its female characters, and other aspects such as its pacing and controls.
Game analysis
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Reviews
78 reviews found100
Digitally Downloaded
Oct 27, 2021
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A culturally rich, atmospheric horror experience that stands out for its unique Japanese influences and aesthetic philosophy. While its traditional gameplay and minor flaws (like backtracking) may not appeal to all, it is celebrated as a valuable and enlightening work of art.
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90
Pure Nintendo
Oct 27, 2021
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The review concludes that Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water is a unique, worthwhile survival horror game despite its flaws. It praises its dedication to tone, story, and clever gameplay, calling it one of the best on the Switch.
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90
Shindig
Oct 27, 2021
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The review concludes that the game is a remarkable, underappreciated title that deserves better reception. It emphasizes the game's emotional depth, unique mechanics, and connection to Japanese horror traditions, with the reviewer expressing regret for their initial low score and advocating for a second chance.
90
GamingTrend
Oct 27, 2021
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A uniquely thrilling horror experience with a tense atmosphere, innovative camera mechanics, and strong replayability. However, it suffers from excessive backtracking and a somewhat thin story. The remaster is praised for reviving the franchise.
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85
Areajugones
Oct 27, 2021
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The review strongly recommends the game as an unforgettable survival horror experience, praising its atmosphere, storytelling, and unique camera mechanics. It is positioned as a must-play for fans of Japanese horror and photography-themed games.
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80
GameGrin
Nov 18, 2021
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The game is deemed fun with an interesting story and strong visuals
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80
Nintenderos
Oct 28, 2021
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The review concludes that the game is a solid survival horror title with strong atmosphere and storytelling, recommending it despite limited new features compared to its original release. It is praised as an ideal experience for the season.
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80
The Mako Reactor
Oct 27, 2021
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The game is praised as a fantastic horror adventure with unique mechanics and strong atmosphere. It is recommended for fans of the genre, though some disappointments remain, such as the lack of a retail release and missing content on certain platforms. The remaster is seen as a positive step for accessibility.
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80
Video Chums
Oct 27, 2021
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The review praises the game as an 'outstanding horror experience' with a 4/5 star rating, highlighting its atmospheric and frightening qualities.
80
GamingBolt
Oct 29, 2021
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A solid but uneven entry in the series, it successfully captures the essence of Fatal Frame with improved gameplay and visuals. While not as strong as earlier games, it remains a worthwhile experience for fans and newcomers alike.
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