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Wishful thinking

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 2 / 10
Date: July 10, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I love the horror survival genre (it is the only reason I play video games). I will start off on the pro side of the game, it has a creepy look and soundtrack and the concept is really good. The con side is that the game controls like crap! The character is not fluid at all. It turned me off the game. I played for about 2 hours and gave up. The controls are that frustrating. If you have patience, get this game, it is a really great story/concept. I will probably do the same thing my friend did when he tried to play the game, turn around and sell it... So I give this 1 star, the controls ruined the whole game.

Long time gamer

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 4 / 9
Date: January 20, 2003
Author: Amazon User

First I have to say that the graphics in this game are good as well as the storyline and puzzles. That's why I gave this game two stars. However, the problems I found in playing the game are as follows.

1) The game was not thoroughly tested. It's possible in more than one place to find yourself in a situation that you can't get out of. By situation I mean where your health is so low, and the ghost is so relenting that you can't escape or continue the game. You have to go back to a previously saved game slot and replay your steps and activities in order to avoid the situation.

2) Not a true 3D environment. The camera angles throughout the game are fixed which makes the character control counter-intuitive. You may be running in one direction when the camera angle suddenly changes and now you're, suddenly, pressing the wrong direction on the controller and the character begins running the opposite way. This is very frustrating when you're trying to get into position to fight a ghost, or just move around. Also, the game is not forgiving when it comes to positioning the character in front of objects or doors. If you're not lined up precisely, and I mean to the pixel, you won't be able to open the door or pick up the object. Very frustrating.

3) The writers were very cheap with health points. When you consider that one attack from a ghost can reduce your health by as much as 50%, and you must often endure several attacks before killing the ghost, this doesn't leave you with much of a chance and you continually find yourself starting over and over.

4) 'Game Over?' How long has it been since games used that outdated play mode? Nowadays when you die you're simply prompted if you wish to 'Restart?'. When you die in this game you're 'forced' to relaunch the game from the opening title screen and go through all the redundant steps to get back to where you were when you died. If that isn't bad enough you're constantly asked to confirm your selections increasing the already repetitious steps. How lame is that?

It's really too bad. This game could have been very good if it weren't for the outdated design and play modes.

I, obviously, don't recommend this game. If you still wish to play it I do recommend that you take full advantage of all the 'Game Saves slots' that are available. You'll find yourself having to backtrack a lot to get out of inescapable situations.

Frustrating but alot of spooky fun !!!!

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 6 / 14
Date: May 13, 2003
Author: Amazon User

FATAL FRAME, only in the states is it called this and im guessing thats cause some idiot thought that the yanks needed a title that clearly related to the camera weapon used in the game. The game is actually called Project Zero and tells the story of a young girl searching for her brother in a haunted mansion. The basis of the game is to shoot ghosts with yah camera and solve puzzles along the way. Some ghosts are easy, others are more difficult and some are near impossible.

First of all you have got to really persist with this game to get the hang of the controls. I would recommend to anyone that they rent this game before buying to see if they could hack the control of the main character. However, if you persist your patience will be payed off with some excellent game play , scenery and sound.

Secondly, this is a survival horror game that has both a interesting story and excellent immuersion. Once you have got the hang of the game your are not gunna wanna leave it because the story, as it unfolds, is just that good.

Thirdly, im in my late twenties and prefer more adult orientated games , (hence why i brought an x box), and i don't scare that easily. To be honest i would not say that i was ever scared in this game . I always question why some reviewers go on that they were so scared while playing survival horror.I can only think that most of the reviewers are early teens who think that a flickering light in a empty hall is scarey. I mean i love the genre too but scared is a strong emotion and i didn't feel it with this game. I think the best word i can use is ' tense '. There are tense moments in this game when u will hear a ghost, know it is there and tense up ready but folks that aint scared. The ghosts though are all really good and the game does have a pretty good spooky vibe too it. Maybe i was too busy dreading having to fumble with the controls while stuck on an object or wall to really allow myself to get scared.Who knows but anyone who pays bills, works and has a family has more to get scared about than a game.

Fourthly, The graphics and sound are really good and though dark in a lot of places, the torch you carry is more than suffciant to see with. The sound is outstanding with creeking floorboards, moaning, dropping water, wailing and distant screams all adding to the atmosphere.

Finally, have to say that once i got use to the controls, (which WILL drive yah batty till yah get use to it), this was a great horror game to play. I still prefer Silent Hill 2 over this, (have you seen Marie ??), but i am going to buy this game and add it to my collection, (wish they would release Resident Evil for x box), as i love survival horror games and there aint many for the x box.

NOTE:

* Took me forever to realise that by pressing the B button i could run before that i though the character was slow as but hey im a little slow lol !!!

* I gave the game 3 stars which to me is a bit better than average. It loses two point as the controls surely could of been made a tad easier and, (as others have mentioned),the getting stuck on a wall while fighting and swinging camera shots can drive you insane. However, i did get the hang of the controls and after about 3 hours of gameplay i was cruising.

Overall: Rent it, stick with it for a couple of hours at least, get addicted and then buy it. An above average game with a great unfolding story and some wicked ghosts !!!!!!!

Definitely Different

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 5 / 7
Date: May 07, 2004
Author: Amazon User

"Fatal Frame" was an enjoyable game with mostly solid gameplay mechanics. It's touted as a member of the (insipidly-named) category 'survival horror', but many aspects put me more in mind of an 'adventure' game.
First the controls:
"Fatal Frame" does not use a Resident Evil-style control scheme, instead opting for a camera's POV-based system ala "Metal Gear Solid". I, myself, never had a problem with the old style controls (where up is forward, down is backward, and left/right pivot the character on-screen), but some games (like the aforementioned "Metal Gear") call for freer, faster-paced controls. This was not one of them. Due to the confined spaces in most areas and the fact that this is a horror game, and thus all about atmospheric (and constantly changing) camera placement, the method of moving one's character from place to place was more of a frustration and a distraction from the story than it needed to be. Even more trouble is added to the mix by the fact that the character constantly hangs up on invisible corners while running. When it comes to using the camera (this time referring to the weapon), controls are much smoother. It is easy to access and leave the viewfinder screen, and tracking thankfully can be done in two different speeds. Battling your enemies with only an old camera seemed at first like the gimmicks of most games- the only real novelty, and one that would wear thin after awhile. Fortunately, this was not the case. It never seemed too contrived, and the camera was comfortable to use.
Next the graphics:
I've only played the Xbox version, but I thought the graphics were solid. They're not the best available, nor were they when this game was released, but they're more than up to the requirements of "Fatal Frame". The environment wasn't terribly interactive, even by the standards of so-called 'survival horror' games, especially in the area of lighting. Shadows don't really fall on the character, and lights never move or flicker. Even though the character's flashlight can be manipulated throughout the game, the light it gives off doesn't behave in a realistic (or particularly useful) manner. "Silent Hill 2" was released in its PS2 form around the same time as this game and it displayed impressively realistic lighting effects and behavior.
Finally, the story and atmosphere:
Being a non-believer in all things supernatural, I take the words "based on a true story" with a truckload of salt. After all, the movies "Fire in the Sky", "It Could Happen to You" and "Braveheart" were all 'based on true stories', but the actual facts in each of them boil down to less than 10% of the script. This shouldn't make the game any less frightening. The "Silent Hill" games have been, on the whole, the best games I've ever encountered in 16 years of playing. Period. That verdict includes the admission that each of them (but especially 1 and 2) scared me half to death and kept me on that edge continuously throughout every moment I played, from beginning to end. All this, and there's not a sliver of fact or even testimony behind those stories. But "Fatal Frame" was not scary in the least for very different reasons. After the first ghost encounter in the prologue, you've seen everything the game has to throw at you. There are no dangers other than ghosts, all ghosts will be conquered the same way, and all of them are bright, visible, and predictable in their methods of attack. Combat felt more like a one-on-one fighter than a horror game. I never felt surprised or nervous at any point during gameplay because of this. Second, as mentioned above, the lighting does nothing to build mood. Everything is wide open and completely visible, so you always know when there's something awaiting you. Lastly, the premise itself just isn't particularly scary. This is where the story fits in. By the time you are halfway throught the 'First Night' (each night is, very roughly, 1/4 of the game) you know everything. Of course, more details will be filled in, but the backbone of the story and most of the reasons for the haunting are revealed very early. Without any sense of mystery, there is no incentive to immerse oneself in the world of the game.
In sum, "Fatal Frame" is fun as an adventure game with good presentation, but with surprisingly weak story elements. It's definitely enjoyable while it lasts, and the gimmick of camera-as-weapon never wears itself out. However, as a horror title it is largely ineffective. "Fatal Frame" is never corny or farcical- it's simply too light on suspense.

Scary, but fun at the same time.

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 8 / 9
Date: April 21, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Being a huge fan of horror survival/role playing games, it was obvious that I had to have this one.
The graphics are pretty good, but what really gets you is the soundtrack and background noises as you explore the the castle looking for clues, and avoiding ghosts.
The ghost images are rather good. Just enough gore for horror fans, and enough cryptic messages for suspense lovers.
I recommend this game if single person survival is your gig.

There should be more games like this!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 7 / 8
Date: December 28, 2002
Author: Amazon User

In my opinion, this was better than Silent Hill. It did not have as much blood and gore and it was VERY creepy and DEFINATELY scary! The graphics were excellent, the story line was engaging and the control of the main charachter was very fluid. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a unique twist on a horror game!

'Ring' the game.

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: August 07, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Fatal Frame?! Project Zero is a very haunting atmospheric game. The best thing about it is that it doesn't rely entirely on blood and gore for it spook tactics. It's a lot more supernatural, psychological and implicit. In many ways it's very much like the Japanese cult horror/thriller film 'Ring' in nature.
The storyline is surprisingly intriguing and profound with plenty of intellectual subtext as the mystery unravels. It's important to pay attention to most details and sightings in order to gain further insight and comprehension. If you happen to become confused or trapped, backtracking over found books and notes can also help you out.
The highlight features of the game would absolutely have to be the devilishly evocative soundtrack, the beautifully rendered graphics, the classic dark dilapidated spookhouse and, of course, the ghosts! The controls can become increasingly frustrating as you make further progress and the ghost encounters become more frequent and terribly difficult. When Miku (who you play) struggles to walk through a specific route because of tiny unnoticeable obstacles and a ghost is circling the area, I feel like mashing the buttons with my clenched fist.
This game is heavily rewarding as you uncover new mysteries and reach through new areas around the house but alas eventually you may become bored with the same old tasks. The puzzles are somewhat reminiscent of earlier mystery/exploration games such as the 'Zork' trilogy. Involving the discovery of hidden codes, rearranging objects, finding lost ones and their intended purpose. The further you get the more determined you are to win and see how the story ends.
The concept and plot of the game is so complex and interesting it could've potentially developed into a short film. I'm glad it's a game instead because it's a lot more unique and original.
This is definitely a worthwhile purchase for all the horror survival game fans out there and it's one of the best games on X Box.

If you liked Silent Hill 2 you'll love this one

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 2
Date: January 28, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Great graphics, scary monsters, lot of puzzles, excellent game to share with family, friends.

Chilling, atmospheric, underrated game

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: September 03, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I never thought video games could be scary. After all, most games put you in the role of an individual designed to blow up your opponents into pieces. Most scares were cheap shocks and designed to get the adrenaline pumping rather than raise any real dread.

However, that all changed when I tried Fatal Frame, a game that's been around a while. You're put in the role of .. investigating your brother's disappearance inside a Japanese mansion. Over the course of four nights, you'll be led deeper into the mysteries of this abandoned house, and will find that you're not alone.

To fend off the spirits that attack you, you'll have the services of a camera. Remember being told about how certain tribes will not let themselves be photographed because they believe it will take part of their soul? Well that's how things work with the camera obscura, which tears off pieces of the spirit's soul. No guns, grenades or electroplasmic guns.

But wait, you don't just have to aim with the camera obscura, you have to wait before shooting that precious pic. Your camera must charge up, and you can score core shots, or the equivalent of critical hits. Using the camera takes some getting used to, and initially you'll probably be fumbling around with the controls as the ghosts float towards you, and it does take a while to get used to it. There's also powerups which allow you to upgrade your camera, as well as higher grades of film that do more damage.

The ghosts themselves are well designed and fairly disconcerting. The ghost known as Broken Neck flies with her head twisted in an upside down position, while Blind Woman has blood pouring out of her eyes. They also attack differently, and you can't use the same tactics against all of them. For some of them, you'll have to defeat them multiple times, which makes for some repetitious gameplay, but your foes are likely to get tougher with each incarnation.

Exploring itself takes a while, as the house isn't particularly big. There's lots of backtracking, and in the four nights that you explore the mansion you'll find yourselves in the same areas again and again. It makes for occasionally frustrating gameplay, as you try to recall where and what happened. Even worse is some items that were previously inactive are crucial in latter episodes, so you'll find yourself doing click and search to find what items have become suddenly important.

Nonetheless, there's a substantial amount of notes and tapes left around the house as clues for you to unravel the mystery. There's a few puzzles as well, but nothing too complex.

Graphics-wise, the screen is murky-coloured and dull, while things get splotchy when you're using the camera. There's also plenty of cut-scenes, particularly just before a ghost attack. If there were an award for generating mood, Fatal Frame would win it hands down. Even better is the sound design, and vast amount of attention has been paid to how QUIET things are, particularly just before an attack.

Finishing the story unlocks more costumes for .. and a Battle mode where you get to go one on one against a ghost in various environment, as well as more difficult modes. Replay isn't that high, but there is some.

Fatal Frame owes more to the realm of recent Japanese horror movies such as The Ring and Ju-On, and captured the flavour of these movies well. Evoking an atmosphere of mystery and horror, Fatal Frame is definitely one of the most memorable and original games, and proof positive that it is possible to make a genuinely scary game for video consoles.

They weren't kidding, this game IS scary

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: April 05, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Some games scare you by surprise (Resident Evil), others by what you can't see (Silent Hill), some games play with your mind (Eternal Darkness) and some games scare you by the fact that its based on a true story...
I know a lot of people don't believe in ghosts, but I have had the misfortune of living in a haunted house twice in my life. My experiences were not pleasant by any means, and so for the first time in my life there's a game that not only scares me, but makes me entirely uncomfortable to the point where I cannot play this game alone. It's not as gory as other games in the genre, but it plays of off my fear of ghosts as being a very real phenomenon very well. It's creepy, its spooky, and many of the ghosts in this game do not go down easily, thus presenting a greater challenge than other Survival Horror games, as its not a simple matter of shooting the ghost before it gets to you, or bashing the fiend to death with a lead pipe... these things are as fast as they are creepy looking, and worse yet... its based on a true story.
Graphically, although enhanced over the PS 2 version this game does not take advantage of the Xbox, as it should have. It does not look good on my Widescreen TV as images look somewhat stretched. Most Xbox games I have make the conversion pretty smoothly, including Taco's Dead or Alive 3,and Extreme Beach Volleyball. Worse yet, although the poly-counts are high, and look really good in some ways the lack of detail in the fingers (and the lack of fingernails) is annoying. Particularly since the character faces look so good. The biggest problem is that some of the in game graphics are grainy, and there is this odd effect that causes some colors to smear and blend poorly, as well as pixilation in some textures. This game looks like a port, and is nowhere near as polished as other horror games ported to Xbox (Silent Hill 2). Despite some enhancements this game could have been improved more in many areas. Never the less leave it to my Widescreen TV to bring out flaws that would most likely not be noticeable on a regular TV.
Sound effects and music in this game are a part of what make this game so terrifying. Creepy, and intense the sound effects deserve a perfect score except... the voice acting in this game is simply ghastly. The voice-overs range from mediocre to poor, which is sadly typical of this genre. Never the less none of the flaws interfere with the truly terrifying experience, or the appeal intrigue of this true story. Just trust me, and don't play this game alone. Even with the lights on its still ultra scary.

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