that is correct, the first game takes place in 1986, the second and third within three months of each other in 1988 and the fourth game being a prequel to the first? That's a misnomer. Apparently the fan translation was riddled with errors regarding the dates. Dr. Asou visited Rougetsu Island in 1909 and witnessed a successful Rougetsu Kagura in September of that year. As the present day was the 1980's, that makes 1979 the most likely year that the failed Rougetsu Kagura took place and thus, Mask of the Lunar Eclipse most likely takes place in 1989.
Regarding Mask of the Lunar Eclipse, I appreciate the fan translation of 4 and I imported the Japanese exclusive for Wii and beat it twice back then, but I'm glad that there is an official English release now. I have of course beaten the remaster, but right now I'm not completely sure about the dates. Rogetsu Kagura takes place in September every ten years and Choshiro looks younger when he found the five girls. The girls were trapped in the cavern for several weeks (a note mentions this) when they were 7 and in the game they are 17. So the game takes place 10 years after the failed Rogetsu Kagura and that's why Sakuya comes back for the new lunar eclipse. I just launched the game on Series X, but it's ready for a New Game+, so I can't browse the files. I can check the next time I play it, because I'm curious about the dates. Are the specific years mentioned in the notes that you find in the game?
@EvilSilentFrame@Banjo- having the game be available both digitally and physically will help push sales. Provided they give the Switch 2 version a proper physical cart with the full game on it as opposed to a Lame Key Card. Those have been going over like a lead balloon, I'm surprised publishers haven't quite picked up the hint that no collector wants these glorified, reusable download codes in a box. Also, going by the trailer? Oh yes, the game is absolutely going to be dubbed. I also feel that you're right, the Japanese voices will be available too.
@EvilSilentFrame my old roommate helped me mod the Wii I had at the time and we downloaded the ROM so I could play it. Worth the experience, if you thought the Xbox version was awesome? In terms of core gameplay, the Wii version is the definitive way to play the game. It took the fear factor and ratcheted it up tenfold, the British voices grew on me and in some cases they were better than the original. Ryokan actually sounded downright menacing, I was shocked at that. However, there is a drawback in that Mission Mode was replaced with Haunted House Mode, which was just silly in comparison. Hopefully the new remake restores Mission Mode and adds to the gameplay mechanics the Wii version had, though with Team Ninja at the helm? I feel this version is in very good hands either way. I'm still shocked that one of Tecmo-Koei's flagship development teams is handling this though. Never thought I'd see the day.
Yes, I liked the English dub in Project Zero 2 Wii Edition (official title) and Maiden of Black Water. I like that outside America we're finally getting the better name that the Americans got, Fatal Frame, although that suggests that the current-gen remasters should be renamed as well. I agree with you about the Wii remake being excellent, although I can't compare it to the original like you. What I know is that the creators of this series care a lot about it, although it has not always been as important for the publisher, and that is exactly what seems to have changed now. That really makes me happy, somewhat surprised like you, and I believe that this is only possible because of the fans supporting the series, as well as its creators never giving up.
Cool. Thanks for such an extensive answer. Never played any of the Fatal Frame but love SH and RE. Need to try it and waiting for the remake now.
What about Mask of the lunar eclipse? Which of those available on xsx is better and recommend more?
I would start with Maiden of Black Water on Series X, because it's the most recent release and the control of the characters is smoother. The game is quite self-contained and eerily beautiful. Then, I'd play Mask of the Lunar Eclipse which is sightly rougher in terms of controls. I recommend setting the camera sensitivity to the maximum, but not overuse the camera as when playing a shooter. For instance, to find an item that you know is nearby because there is a blue icon on the screen, stop the character and move the camera around to find it. I have compared both remasters to the Wii/Wii U releases and both run and look dramatically better, and are enhanced for Series X|S. š
@Banjo- fingers crossed and letās hope youāre right! A release of 1 & 3, and then a brand new game to the series!
@Todd_G I remember stumbling across some clips of the Wii version a few years ago and being shocked I never knew it existed. It actually looked like a solid version. Iām not great with modding systems, so Iāll probably never get to try it myself, but this new remake is a must-play for me and I canāt wait.
What really surprised me was seeing Team Ninja attached to the project. Fatal Frame/Project Zero was never a big seller, and back then I didnāt know anyone else who played these games. Now, seeing a whole community around it and Team Ninja involved makes me hopeful for the future of the series. It shows theyāre serious about this remake and likely have bigger plans beyond just this release.
If the remake is faithful to Project Zero 2 Wii Edition, that's good news, I'd say! I'm happy that now the series has been renamed to Fatal Frame worldwide. It was never a big seller, but the remasters sold relatively well. Seeing Team Ninja involved in the development guided by its creators also makes me hopeful for the future of the series. I wonder what engine are they using, but whatever it is, it's likely that they have plans for more games on it.
@EvilSilentFrame@Todd_G Digital is something that I have accepted (except Nintendo's game key cards), especially now that there are no manuals and sometimes content or necessary patches are missing, but a physical edition would be really nice, especially if it's limited and has something else. I still have my physical editions of 2 (Wii), 4 (Wii) and 5 (Wii U). I didn't have a PS2 nor an Xbox, so I missed what was released before.
@DeadSpace ...or you can start with Mask of the Lunar Eclipse as EvilSilentFrame said. Both options are fine š. Each game has a persistent yet subtle theme, a main story that is extensively explained and detailed in multiple files and cutscenes, which is great because instead of delivering a ton of plot twists and nonsensical events like other games where you stop caring about anything, each Fatal Frame game masterfully develops a single and cohesive story that is somehow believable the more you dive in. The background, personality and actions of each character brings more layers and depth, not to mention the story of each ghost, with whom you may sympathise, even though you need to pacify them, because they can literally grab you and drain your life, while the satisfying loading sounds of the camera come out of the speakers of your TV. š
@DeadSpace can confirm, the Fatal Frame series is amazing. They are truly scary games that stick with you long after you're done playing. Also, can attest that both Maiden of Black Water and Mask of the Lunar Eclipse are well worth owning. I imported copies of both games for PS4 and Switch 1 and I have no regrets. They both support English BTW. They're both amazing games with awesome stories that keep you compelled throughout but the second game is a thing of beauty. There's reason why it's hailed as one of the greatest survival horror games of all time. Right up there with Silent Hill 2 even. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. I have a feeling you'll be very pleasantly surprised once the series sinks its hooks into you. It has this surreal ability to pull you in, make you feel like things are completely and utterly hopeless just like the protagonists feel. Yet you also want to keep playing because you want to find out what the hell happens next. I've experienced this with every entry in the franchise. Once you try it, you'll understand why the series, while niche, has so many hardcore fans.
The first time I played the remake of 2 on Wii, I didn't know what to expect, and I was so absorbed and fascinated by the story, the slow pace, the sounds, the visuals and the helplessness of the characters that I beat it twice in a row, which I rarely do, and just wanted to photograph all the ghosts and unlock all the lenses, which also makes replaying the game in higher difficulties more exciting. Then, I imported the fourth game that was not available outside Japan.
Thatās a really good point about these games sticking with you long after youāre done. When I first played the original, I couldnāt stop thinking about it. I found myself online researching the mansion, the rituals, the character connectionsāand was blown away by how carefully crafted and intertwined it all was.
Then I played the second game. Even though itās a new cast and a different location, I was shocked to discover a subtle connection to the first game through a character who only had a minor role in the first (wonāt spoil it). That reveal floored me. I immediately replayed the first, then went back to 100% the secondāI was completely obsessed.
These games really do linger with you long after the credits roll.
Absolutely. You even shared a family tree on this thread. Like you said, the games are carefully crafted and everything is deeply intertwined. Just a few weeks ago, I was talking about this series with a friend, and my conclusion was, I think they want to do the series justice. They could have released bare-bones ports of the trilogy with PS2 graphics, but somehow I knew they wanted to do something better and that they were patiently waiting for a chance that was finally granted.
@Banjo ā youāve definitely been busy replying to everyone on here! Yes, I posted the family tree a while back. It really helped me piece together who was related to who and how the timelines connect. The games are so detailed with so much information and so many dates that I needed something to keep it all straightāand hopefully itās been helpful for others too. Iām really hoping this remake of Crimson Butterfly does well and brings in new fans, because the story runs so deep. If thereās one game that can turn someone into a lifelong fan of the series, itās definitely Crimson Butterfly.
Damn, ha ha, can't believe there's an entire thread about this. Warms my heart to see. It's interesting having this discussion about the franchise itself and the timeline. I am also glad there is an official translation of Mask of the Lunar Eclipse for us all to enjoy and that it clarifies whether it's a prequel or not. It isn't, I don't feel, but it's an interesting outlier in that the story is basically standalone and not connected to the original trilogy other than the loose thread of Dr. Kunihikou Asou having visited Rougetsu Island and left multiple Camera Obscuras there.
Also, Maiden of Black Water is confirmed to have taken place in 2013. I love how the game connects itself to the others in the franchise towards the end and the battle system? Best in the series hands down. I skipped the Wii U version, couldn't pull the trigger since I live in North America and had to deal with NoA's shenanigans at the time, I ended up losing my Wii U in a housefire and decided not to get one again. Yet when the game went multi-platform? I was giddy with anticipation of a physical version. Thanks to all systems being region free, I was able to play it 7 years later. Worth the wait.
I have a feeling a physical version of the Fatal Frame 2 remake will exist for PS5 at least. I mean, Ninja Gaiden 4 is getting a physical release on there, which was a pleasant surprise for me. So should this get the same treatment? Day one purchase for me! Also, who hopes this version has all six endings including the two exclusive to the Wii version, and also that it expands the backstory and gives us more areas to explore? I want to learn more about the Tsuchihara clan. They're an enigma. We need more info on them and their rivalry to the Kurosawa clan. Give us a new house to explore that's even more decrepit than the Kiryu house and new ghosts to fight on top of that? Hell yes!
@Todd_G wow, thatās toughāso sorry to hear about the house fire. Thatās one of my biggest fears.
Iām glad you finally got to play Maiden of the Black Water. I first played it on the Wii U but wasnāt crazy about itāthe gyro controls really put me off. When it came to Xbox, I gave it another shot and ended up loving it. Such a great game. The way you waited for that one is similar to how I felt with Mask of the Lunar Eclipse. I also live in North America, I honestly thought Iād never get the chance to play it since it never released here in the States. Then when they announced they were releasing it again and included North America, I couldnāt believe my luck! Played it day one and loved it.
Iām with youāIād love to see all the endings included in Crimson Butterfly, along with some extra areas to explore, ghosts to battle, and maybe even new notes or writings that dive deeper into the story. Honestly, when they finally announce the release date, I might just have to take a few days off work to fully enjoy it, lol.
@Indeed! I've been busy replying to everyone since the announcement and I'm happy to see more people excited about the series, with new fans joining us. The family tree and any other information you want to share is very helpful and helps us understand the lore and connections better.
I also enjoyed Maiden of Black Water much more on Xbox than on Wii U, not just because of the controls, but the frame rate is massively boosted and the higher resolution also makes the visuals look better. I was very happy when the original version finally got a release date here with a limited edition, but now I only play the Xbox version.
When I played the remake of 2 on Wii I didn't take a few days off work, but I started it because I was ill at that time, nothing serious but a stomach ache. I closed the blinds and the game just absorbed me and made me think it was the best Wii game, a huge surprise because it was my first time with the series.
@Todd_G Sorry about the house fire. You are blowing my mind with the new dates š. I know that Maiden of Black Water takes place after 1988, but I've read different specific dates, so I'm not sure about what year it is. We should check and refer to specific notes in both this and Mask of the Lunar Eclipse and see if we and @EvilSilentFrame can find the years, because outside the games I've read different years although, as you have been saying, the chronological order is the most important thing.
I pre-ordered both remasters on Xbox, the digital deluxe version, and they include some interesting goodies. Besides the obvious weird costumes, they have music player, concept art, glossary... Maiden of Black Water includes art from every game but Mask of the Lunar Eclipse, which makes me think that they had plans for it before the success of the first remaster.
I completely agree that Maiden of Black Water has the best battle system and also the smoothest controls. I was very happy when the remaster was announced and even more when the next remaster came. Then, two years of silence, but the best possible outcome. Also, I love your ideas for the new remake. Hopefully, they are ready for more games on this engine after Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake, which by the way conveniently drops the Project Zero name in this region. What engine do you think it is?
When I played the remake of 2 on Wii I didn't take a few days off work, but I started it because I was ill at that time, nothing serious but a stomach ache. I closed the blinds and the game just absorbed me and made me think it was the best Wii game, a huge surprise because it was my first time with the series.
My first experience with the series was with the original. I was at the store during a ābuy two, get one freeā sale on video games. I grabbed two I was familiar with, but for the free one I decided to take a chance on Fatal Frame for Xbox. I honestly canāt even remember what the other two games were, because Fatal Frame completely stole the show. It pulled me in right away and I couldnāt get enough of it. As soon as I finished, I ran back to the store and picked up the second game.
Hopefully, they are ready for more games on this engine after Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake, which by the way conveniently drops the Project Zero name in this region. What engine do you think it is?
I did a quick google search, and when asked what engine Team Ninja uses, it said the Katana Engine. Iām not familiar with that engine but theyāve used it for Nioh and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty but it also mentions they used the Unreal Engine for Ninja Gaiden 2 remake. Iām going to guess this new remake is also Unreal but curious to find out as well.
@Banjo- I have a feeling they're using Unreal Engine 5, they used that for Ninja Gaiden 2 Black and Ninja Gaiden 4 so I imagine they'll use it for Fatal Frame 2 Remake.
Also, I just found out that Ninja Gaiden IV actually is getting a physical release on both PS5 and XBSX in the West. Very interesting, could be a very good sign of things to come for this game when it comes to a possible physical copy on top of this. Collectors like me appreciate this effort. Team Ninja surprisingly has a decent track record when it comes to physicals, so even if the Switch 2 version ends up being a Lame Key Card? I can count on a PS5 and maybe XBSX version of the game getting a disc. Guess we'll wait and see.
@EvilSilentFrame Funny that we discovered one of our favourite series by chance!
@DeadSpace I haven't, have you? I just checked the trailer and it looks like I might like it, although I don't like all horror games. Now that you mention another game and I remember you talking about Silent Hill elsewhere, I think that Xbox will get the Silent Hill 2 remake soon, because it's almost one year old and Xbox is getting Silent Hill F at launch. I have only played Shattered Memories (Wii) and I really liked it. I also bought and played The Last of Us (PS4) because a friend said that I'd love it because I like horror games, but I didn't. I love the Resident Evil games, but VII and VIII (Village) not so much.
@Todd_G I know you'd love it and it would be great if Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake got a physical edition. We are not used to seeing them on Xbox lately, but since Ninja Gaiden 4 will have one, it could happen. We'll have to wait and see!
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