Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Is Getting A Remake, And It Snaps Onto Xbox In Early 2026

What? What? What? I can't believe this. This is the best news of the year for me! People really don't know what I'm feeling right now, I'll update the Official Thread.

I wonder what they'll do with III The Tormented, the title that they're skipping for now.

@FraserG Please review it kindly, I need the other two as well! I love everybody today. ❤️

Have I missed something or is this like Silent Hill and they've skipped the first one again? If I remember right the 2nd one was way better but it would be nice to play the first one again.

This is amazing news. It's also interesting as I was under the impression that Nintendo bought the publishing rights 20 some years ago. That may just have the been for Fatal Frame IV, Fatal Frame V, and the Wii remaster of Fatal Frame II, though. Anyone know the specifics of that?

@Th3_Highlander The first Fatal Frame is great, but the second one is much better imo

@Th3_Highlander Actually, they have skipped the third, for now. On modern platforms, they have released the remaster of Maiden of Black Water (fifth), then the remaster of Mask of the Lunar Eclipse (fourth) and now the remake of Crimson Butterfly (second).

@ElkinFencer10 Koei Tecmo got all the rights back years ago. Nintendo had the publishing rights to the games you mentioned and also took part in the development of Mask of the Lunar Eclipse.

@ElkinFencer10 I remember playing the first one and struggled to get into it, but still got the second one tried a little bit of that and went woah so I rushed back to the first one to get it finished.

@Banjo- Ah, thanks for the clarification. That makes a lot of sense now.

@Th3_Highlander Yeah, most fans of the series - myself included - consider the second game to be the best of the series.

@Banjo- @Banjo- Removing the ability to replay them in order, oh well that's modern day gaming fir you.

@ElkinFencer10 The orginal trilogy is probably the only games I regret selling as they now sell for a high price, so this is great news as I've had the itch for playing these again.

@ElkinFencer10 2 Wii Edition was the first I played and I loved it even though I was not expecting anything in particular. I used to think that the fifth was the weakest when I played it on Wii U, but when I played the remaster I really loved it, because I appreciated more the visuals (higher resolution and 60fps), the minor gameplay improvements and the story is as cohesive and the narrative as strong as in the other titles. How the themes are persistent yet subtle through every game is amazing. So, I became a fan of Maiden of Black Water on Xbox although, like you said, the second title is probably the best. The fourth is also better in its remastered form: frame rate, resolution, official translation, fixed glitches and better presentation. Actually, I beat it (again) a few days ago! The first time I played it was on Wii with the fan translation patch.

@Banjo- I never had a PS2 growing up, so my first Fatal Frame was 5. Then I found a good deal on an eBay bundle of all 3 PS2 games, the first one on Xbox, 2 and 4 on Wii, and a Japanese copy of 5 on Wii U plus the 3DS spin off, Spirit Camera. I've since played 1 and 2. I started 3 but got distracted by work and just never picked it back up. I have the translation patch for 4 installed on my CFW Wii, but I haven't actually played it yet (I also have 4 and 5 on Switch, so that's probably how I'll eventually play 4).

tl;dr I'm a huge fan of the series and am ecstatic to see it get more love.

@Banjo- I knew you would love this news!

I'm going to buy this day one, sure.

@ElkinFencer10 I edited my last comment to add that I also played the Wii version of Mask of the Lunar Eclipse. That's a very nice bundle you got then. I also was late to the party in 2012, and very happy to read other fans enjoying and supporting the series!

@Th3_Highlander Have a look at the Official Thread and you'll see that Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is the first one chronologically. Each game has a theme and links to other characters, but the games are self-contained, with each of them having a main story, a theme (water in Maiden of Black Water, moonlight in Mask of the Lunar Eclipse...) and independent stories that explain the motivations, personality and background of each character. I'd recommend newcomers to start with Maiden of Black Water or this new remake.

@HarmanSmith Thanks!

@Banjo- Yeah, I really lucked out. I think I paid $200 for the whole bundle. That was back in 2015, I think.

@ElkinFencer10 I got the physical edition of Maiden of Black Water for Wii U, that was not released in all regions but it was released here. As you know, it's a limited edition with some physical goodies, that I still keep inside the box. It was very difficult to pre-order and immediately sold out when it was released.

@Banjo- That's good to know, I've literally forgotten like 90% about these games silo I'm now looking forward to playing them

@Th3_Highlander Nice!

This is a dream come true. One of my favorite games of all time! Can’t wait to dive right in.

Day one for me. Any fan of survival horror needs to jump on this. It's the best in the series and very, very well done. Scary as hell too.

@Banjo- Seeing how enthusiastic you are about the Fatal Frame series, and this game in particular, makes me want to play it.

@Questionable_Duck It's a fantastic change of pace. I don't think there's anything like it in the video games industry.

@Banjo- it’s been a long time! Hopefully this sells well and we get 1 and 3. I was hoping they were going to release the original trilogy as one, but I’m happy to get Crimson Butterfly. My favorite in the series.

@EvilSilentFrame Indeed! I wonder if they are going to remake 1 and 3 on this engine. Hopefully. I'm curious about what engine it is.

@Banjo- I’m curious about the engine as well and other things. I’m curious about the controls. The series always had clunky controls, especially back then. Wondering how much it’s improved. I’m curious about the voice acting. The English voice acting was never as good as the Japanese version. I’m also curious if this will have fixed camera angles or if it will be over the shoulder. Either way, I’m super excited. Gives gamers who never played part 2 back in the day a chance to experience one of the best horror games of all time.

@EvilSilentFrame In my opinion, the English voice acting is fine in Maiden of Black Water, but not so much in this trailer. I'm not sure if they just dubbed the trailer quickly or if these are the actresses they hired for the game. A third possibility, it won't be dubbed. I assume that the Japanese voices will be included in any case. We don't know much about this remake yet. These are cutscenes, but the camera will probably be over the shoulder. I guess that they will release a gameplay trailer soon, like they did before the last releases.

@Banjo- yes, I thought the English voice acting in Maiden of the Blackwater was fine too. I was able to play it that way with no problem. This is their big one though. Crimson Butterfly is the highlight of the series. I’m hoping it reviews and sells well. I really want to replay the first and third, but super excited to revisit all gods village again. It’s been so long since I’ve played it, I’m hoping it’s as good as I remember.

@Banjo- dude. DUDE.

Day. One.

@EvilSilentFrame I also hope that it sells well and yes, this is a big one.

@Weebleman Pre-ordering the deluxe edition as soon as possible (1 month before release), whatever the extras are. 😂

@Banjo- is the Maiden of black water worth playing?

@ElkinFencer10 I believe what it was, is that Nintendo made a contract with Tecmo-Koei in that they'd fund development of the games in exchange for exclusive rights for X amount of time on Nintendo platforms. I don't believe Nintendo ever had partial ownership of the franchise as a whole though, that was apparently a misnomer. Maiden of Black Water, Mask of the Lunar Eclipse and now this game being multi-platform are cast iron evidence of this.

Also, I'm genuinely shocked to see Team Ninja heading development of this remake. It goes to show that Tecmo-Koei obviously has great confidence in the franchise to hand it off to one of their flagship development teams, the other being Omega Force. If my hunches are correct, this game, like Ninja Gaiden IV, will see a physical release on PS5 at least. I'll gladly pick it up if that is confirmed.

@DeadSpace Yes! The sound and the environments are carefully crafted. The game is eerily beautiful and slow-paced, yet immersive and captivating. The narrative is strong and cohesive, with a multitude of events interrelated and somehow believable. The remaster improves the frame rate and definition dramatically and I also prefer the new controls that make the battles more accessible and fun. The camera loading sounds and getting fatal frames are addictive!

@EvilSilentFrame confirmed over the shoulder. This looks to use the Wii version as the base but tweak it to modern standards. I hope they include all six endings the Wii version had.

@Todd_G Yes, the IP was always owned by Koei Tecmo and this was proved by trademark information that is public. Some Nintendo fans claim that Nintendo was the owner or co-owner, but that is false.

@Banjo- wait what? Was this confirmed to get a physical release? Deluxe usually indicates such.

@Todd_G I was referring to the digital deluxe editions of the remasters that are usually available for pre-order one month earlier, like any digital release.

@Banjo- right, people thought Nintendo bought partial ownership of the entire franchise as a whole. That was proven to be a misnomer. Also, thanks for clarifying. I do feel a physical version will be released somewhere though, possibly on PS5. I'm stoked Team Ninja is handling this, they're one of Tecmo-Koei's flagship development teams. That tells me they have great confidence in the remake selling gangbusters.

@Todd_G You are right! This Fatal Frame is a remake, but it's also some kind of reboot, with the Fatal Frame name (that I prefer) in all regions, the Japanese logo in the background and the new font. The remasters sold relatively well and I suppose that their reception motivated a bigger effort lead by Team Ninja. I also hope that it sells a lot!

@Todd_G thank you for confirming that. I was at work when the news broke so I didn’t get to dig in and read up on the details. I never played the Wii version as it didn’t come out here in the states. I played part 2 on Xbox and LOVED it. The game and the story blew me away. I’m more excited about this remake than anything else coming in the next year or two.

@EvilSilentFrame Project Zero 2 Wii Edition, as it was named, was precisely my first experience with the series and I also loved it. I haven't played the original version (Fatal Frame II), but I think that you will also love the remake of that remake, despite the changes.

@Banjo- the Xbox version was amazing. One of the few games at that time that made me want to replay it over and over. I beat it on every difficulty. I completed the ghost list 100 percent. I was just obsessed with the game and wanted more. This new version being over the shoulder is going to be a completely new experience. I’ve been checking out all the Nintendo directs hoping for some Fatal Frame/Project Zero news and we finally got the big one. I was expecting the next game they remade/remastered to be part 3, but I’ll take Crimson Butterfly any day!

@EvilSilentFrame I hoped for the enhanced versions of I and II to be backwards compatible on Xbox One and Series X|S because I don't have an Xbox nor Xbox 360. I also replayed II on Wii, each time with more lenses unlocked and in a harder difficulty mode, in order to unlock everything and photograph all the ghosts. At the very least, you're going to get more endings, more ghosts and even access to new areas, if the Wii version is any indication.

@Banjo- sounds good to me! I had all the endings in the Xbox version which had more endings than the PS2 version. Maybe this remake will include a couple new endings even the Wii version didn’t have.

Looking forward to new ghosts and areas to explore. This game is a masterpiece on the Xbox. Just hope this one lives up to the hype in my head lol.

I’m starting to wonder if they skipped 3 because of 1 being so close with it in terms of the story. Maybe when they do finally release them, they’ll be released at the same time or even bundled together. After releasing 5, then 4, and now 2, they can’t just stop. It’s a great time to be a fan of the series.

@EvilSilentFrame Yes, I and III will likely come next. Remember the speculation... 😁

Chronologically, the first game (1986) should come before the third (1988). And then 6?

@Banjo- 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.

@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.

@Banjo- 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?

@Banjo- fingers crossed and let’s hope you’re right! A release of 1 & 3, and then a brand new game to the series!

@Todd_G If this game is fully on the Switch 2 card, I’ll be picking it up twice—once on Xbox (where I play most of my games on Series X), and once physically on Switch 2.

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. I’m not great with modding systems, so I’ll probably never get to try it myself, but this new remake is a must-play for me and I can’t 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 didn’t 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 they’re serious about this remake and likely have bigger plans beyond just this release.

@EvilSilentFrame indeed, though I don't know why, I have a feeling that even if it comes out on a Lame Key Card at first? Another company like Limited Run could step up and strike a deal with them so we get a full game on cart edition. They finally managed a breakthrough with Square Enix, so anything is a possibility now with them. Either way, if my hunches are correct? We'll somehow end up getting a physical edition. Team Ninja is doing one for the PS5 version of Ninja Gaiden IV, which was a pleasant surprise. So I don't rule anything out.

@DeadSpace If you’re a fan of SH and RE, I really think you’d love Fatal Frame. The series has that slower-paced, atmospheric style similar to SH, but with its own twist—deep stories tied to lore and the tragic past lives of the spirits you encounter. Each game works well as a standalone, so you can jump in anywhere.

Of the two currently on XSX, I’d say Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is the stronger one. I enjoyed Maiden of Black Water, but it felt a bit more segmented, while Mask had that classic, fluid progression that reminded me of the older titles. Both are solid, but if you’re ever looking to dive deeper, the absolute best is still the second game, Crimson Butterfly, followed closely by the original.

@Todd_G I’ve always found it strange that companies think we want a code in a box. Who honestly thought that was a good idea? I get that it cuts costs, but there’s a reason many of us still collect physical—yes, the box matters, but what’s inside matters even more.

On Xbox, I’ve pretty much gone all-digital at this point. It’s a shame, but it’s just how things have gone. Even back on Xbox One, most discs barely had anything on them, and I’d be stuck waiting hours for a full download anyway. That really killed the appeal of collecting physical on Xbox for me even though I still love to collect and Xbox is my system of choice lol.

@EvilSilentFrame hey, man! Thanks for the recommendation. Yeah, I know it's as classic as RE and SH, so being excited to try this never explored creepy world for the first time. I see by your nickname you know what you're talking about 😊! 👍
About those phisical copies... Do you remember when they wanted to get rid of phisical copies at the start of one generation of consoles? Looks like they managed to do it anyway but quietly.

@DeadSpace You’re welcome! It’s definitely as classic as RE and SH, but with its own unique vibe. RE leaned more into action, SH had that morbid, oppressive atmosphere, while FF is more of a slow burn. If you take the time to read the files and notes, you uncover all the rituals and past lives, which really pulls you in and creeps you out at the same time. And having only a camera to defend yourself creates this constant sense of helplessness and dread—but that’s what makes it work so well.

I also remember when they first pushed the idea of ending physical media at the start of a generation. They’re still moving in that direction, just slower than they originally planned. Microsoft already got me to stop collecting physical on Xbox, but I’m still keeping up with my Switch collection.

@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.

@EvilSilentFrame right? For me, Lame Key Cards are a bane on me as a Switch 2 owner. I see so many games that look like they could be great but then as soon as it's confirmed they're not proper physical? That kills any buzz I could've had for the title. I've been supporting Marvelous Games née XSEED on Switch 2 because they've been championing proper full game on cart releases. Thanks to this, I've been introduced to Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma and now Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion. All three of them are fantastic games BTW. I also agree about physical on Xbox, fortunately on Playstation it isn't nearly as bad. At least there, you know you're getting the proper game on the disc and installs are usually lightning quick. So that's why I'm hopeful for the PS5 version of this to at least get a proper physical release somewhere and if worse comes to worse? I can import like I did with Maiden of Black Water and Mask of the Lunar Eclipse.

@Todd_G That’s a really good point about these games sticking with you long after you’re done. When I first played the original, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I found myself online researching the mansion, the rituals, the character connections—and was blown away by how carefully crafted and intertwined it all was.

Then I played the second game. Even though it’s 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 (won’t spoil it). That reveal floored me. I immediately replayed the first, then went back to 100% the second—I was completely obsessed.

These games really do linger with you long after the credits roll.

Oh I am so buying this!

@Todd_G nice! I mean... creepy 😁!
It looks like in the past those second releases of each classic horrors were the best shots. I always avoided FF, not sure why. Lookig forward to see what it is about 😈

@EvilSilentFrame digitals are comfortable - you don't need to go out to get it, don't need to change the disc, etc but in my opinion it should be also cheaper (not only on deals). No need to produce the plastic case, no paper cover, no phisical discs, no writing process. That cuts the costs a lot . Don't even need the van to get the phisical copies to the shops.
I don't collect phisicals, usually sell them after completing but some of them stayed on my shelf so know what you mean when you say you want your collection to grow...

@DeadSpace Digital is definitely cheaper, and I totally get that. On top of all the reasons you listed, there’s the payment to the seller, employees to pay, and the whole process of getting the physical game into stores before it reaches the buyer. I can completely see why companies want to push us toward digital. I’m already there on Xbox, but not quite on Switch yet—mostly because my Switch library is all first-party, and Nintendo actually does a solid job getting the games on the card. For third party, I prefer my Series X. It’s fast, I can get the game from my living room, I can pre download the game so it is ready at launch. I can see both sides of the conversation as I am still on both sides.

@EvilSilentFrame that's it. I don't mind digitals but it should be definitely much cheaper than phisicals.
Have you played Cronos?

@EvilSilentFrame oh yes, trust me, I know all about said connection and it isn't subtle either, the revelation is made later on in the game and it involved not one but two of the characters from the first. Adding to that, there was a misnomer about the second game taking place in 1956, a full 30 years before the original. Boy did we feel like fools when that was proven false once the third game in the franchise was released.

I believe both Keisuke Kikuchi and Makoto Shibata had to address this and clarify. What they did was utterly brilliant. The game is both a prequel and a sequel, that's what I love about it. Yes, it tells the tale of the younger years of two key characters from the first game, but the game itself takes place in 1988. A full two years after the original, which takes place in 1986.

Thus, it's simultaneously a prequel and a sequel. Only one other game managed to pull off being both a prequel and a sequel that I know of, Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria. It's a mechanic that I've not really seen used in other forms of media, and it's one I'd love to see expanded upon in future installments of the franchise. Provided they get that physical release. I don't do digital, I like owning my media. This is why I decry Lame Key Cards on the Switch 2. I skip games altogether that are restrictive like that.

@DeadSpace I have not played Cronos. I’m going to have to give that one a shot. I’ve been busy playing Texas Chainsaw Saw Massacre because they had announced it was going peer to peer and I wanted to get in as many games as I could before that happened, but just recently they announced they were pulling back from peer to peer. So now I don’t know what’s going on with the game.

@Todd_G when I played the second one and saw the connection, my mind blew. I couldn’t believe it. It was done so well and brilliant. One of the moments I wish I could forget just to relearn it all over again for the first time lol.

It’s been so long since I’ve played the third. I only played it once and I remember liking it, but there’s a LOT I don’t remember to the game. I’ve thought about watching somebody else play through but I get bored of that quickly. I really want to replay it again to familiarize myself more with the story from that game. The first and second game are two of my favorite games of all time. It’s a fantastic franchise and I’m so glad to see they are still working on it, even if it is just remakes (though I’m hoping for a new one after they release everything again.)

@DeadSpace @EvilSilentFrame @Todd_G I think we could continue the conversation here with such great insight. I'm writing there right now.

@Banjo- I wanted to snag the PAL release, but dear god, it's rare. I settle for NTSC-J just to have it on my Wii U shelf.

@ElkinFencer10 crap like that is part of the reason why I loathed NoA for the longest time. They shot themselves in the foot big time. I was actually relieved when Reggie announced his retirement as COO of NoA, because that guy did not know what he was doing and I don't get why he was so loved honestly because it was his decisions that led to North American Wii users getting the shaft when it came to several titles and also set the Wii U up for imminent disaster.

Not releasing the Wii version of Fatal Frame 2 in North America was a factor in the reason why the series never really had a chance to take off. Well, that and the outright cancelation of Mask of the Lunar Eclipse's international release as opposed to helping with funding to fix the glitches and ghost list. Had those been fixed? We could've seen an international release of the game. Instead, we got a useless collection of ROMs known as Kirby Dream Collection.

But yeah, I'm not surprised the PAL version sold poorly. It was limited in its availability and while it got solid reviews, people were wondering why a North American release was never planned. Thus, lending itself to the rarity of the game. How Nintendo handled the franchise as a whole while Tecmo-Koei was under contract was awful enough, but how it was handled in North America especially was abysmal.