First Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1rv4GAZoho (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1rv4GAZoho)
From NeoGaf - http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=856735 (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=856735) : The horror adventure game is the series’ biggest volume yet. It is set in Hikamiyama, a sacred mountain with a huge lake at its summit from which water gushes abundantly throughout the mountain. It’s a mountain of death, and only those who choose on their own to die go there. They enter the mountain at oumagatoki (the witching hour), when the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead is blurred. The game’s story revolves around the concept of water.
Protagonist is Yuri KOZUKATA, and she can sees people who have been spirited away (of course, she can bring them back to the world of the living). She goes to Mount Hikamiyama (dubbed the "Moutain of Death") to find her missing friend.
The Wii U GamePad will act as a “Projection Machine,” which can be controlled like a real camera. You can move the camera to follow ghosts according to its movements, setting up both vertically and horizontally, and shooting while looking around the environment.
The theme song is performed by AnJu, and is called "Higanbana"
From 4gamer - http://www.4gamer.net/games/254/G025443/20140717028/ (http://www.4gamer.net/games/254/G025443/20140717028/) (http://www.4gamer.net/games/254/G025443/20140717028/TN/003.jpg) (http://www.4gamer.net/games/254/G025443/20140717028/TN/005.jpg) (http://www.4gamer.net/games/254/G025443/20140717028/TN/004.jpg) (http://www.4gamer.net/games/254/G025443/20140717028/TN/010.jpg) (http://www.4gamer.net/games/254/G025443/20140717028/TN/012.jpg) Looks very nice. While it was depressing that Fatal Frame 4 and the Fatal Frame 2 remake never made it to American shores, maybe Fatal Frame: The Black Haired Shrine Maiden has a better chance.
P.S. It's a bit silly, crazy to mention this, but @trintran has retweeted Nintendo Co. Ltd. tweet on the game https://twitter.com/Nintendo/status/489654619379732480 (https://twitter.com/Nintendo/status/489654619379732480) So, at least we know that they know the game exists.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) JPN. 2014/09/27
Post by: Evan_B on July 17, 2014, 09:31:24 AM
I want this game so badly I don't even know what to do with myself.
I seriously hope Nintendo buffs the Western library with this game.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) JPN. 2014/09/27
Post by: Soren on July 17, 2014, 10:36:54 AM
Is that the game's Japanese release date? If so, it's way sooner than I expected. Might point to a 2015 release date here.
My only fear is that NoA might foolishly think their 2015 lineup is strong enough already, and the game either gets pushed back or not released at all.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) JPN. 2014/09/27
Post by: ejamer on July 17, 2014, 01:37:25 PM
I'm ok with pushed back as long as they actually release the game in North America this time.
Imported the two Wii releases and was thrilled to play them, but would much rather have a properly regional release. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) JPN. 2014/09/27
Post by: Adrock on July 17, 2014, 03:05:59 PM
Never played the series, but I still hope it's brought over. Fatal Frame: Dark-Haired Girl Gets Camera, Sees Ghosts could be one of those elusive actually-uses-the-GamePad-effectively games. We're still pretty early in the Wii U's life (unless you're one of those people who weirdly and incorrectly thinks the console will be in bargain bins by year's end); it could use as many original, exclusive titles niche or otherwise.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) JPN. 2014/09/27
Post by: Luigi Dude on July 17, 2014, 03:43:36 PM
As long as it's released in Europe like the FF2 remake, we'll at least get it in America via eShop. As we've seen with the 3DS, NOA has no problem releasing certain niche games as digital only, so as long as a translated version of the game gets made, we'll get it this time.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) JPN. 2014/09/27
Post by: Stratos on July 17, 2014, 09:11:40 PM
Maybe they can give us FF2 or FF4 as a pre-order bonus on this game.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) JPN. 2014/09/27
Post by: Nile Boogie Returns on July 17, 2014, 10:15:27 PM
Not bad looking at all. Never played the series and was confusing this with Fragile Dreams for some strange reason.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) JPN. 2014/09/27
Post by: Triforce Hermit on July 18, 2014, 06:04:19 AM
Owned Fatal Frame II and it would be amazing to see this come over. The series never took off like Resident Evil or Silent Hill because of the japanese theme I think, but it is sure as hell a lot scarier then both of series.
Camera controls actually sound better with the gamepad. Can't explain how annoying it was to have a spirit behind you and you can't swing your camera around fast enough.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) JPN. 2014/09/27
Post by: Nile Boogie Returns on July 23, 2014, 12:28:14 PM
Just watched the extended trailer and this is completely creepy and dirty old man-ish but the main girl is kinda sexy for a game character , which I haven't said in my adult life.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | 2014/09/27 (JPN)
Post by: Nile Boogie Returns on September 10, 2014, 12:30:05 AM
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | 2014/09/27 (JPN)
Post by: Galford on September 13, 2014, 09:36:56 PM
Thanks for the links. This game feels like a classic FF game gone next gen.
About FF in general, this franchise has always had a dichotomy in the west. Environment/storytelling it's pure Japanese, while the actual gameplay is almost out of Halo. The best selling versions of it were on the original Xbox while the 3rd game released PS2 only, right before the PS360 launch in NA.
FF3 ranks right up with Rule of Rose and Haunting Ground as forgotten survival horror gems of yesteryear.
PS - Some how my login still works??
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | 2014/09/27 (JPN)
Post by: Enner on September 22, 2014, 04:42:09 AM
Tokyo Game Show 2014 trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBrpN8v82O0&list=WL
Looking good. The Japanese release date nears so we might be hearing how it plays soon.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | 2014/09/27 (JPN)
Post by: Enner on October 01, 2014, 01:41:47 PM
A small bit of wishful thinking from The X Button on Anime News Network.
Domestic Release: Early reports had it that Fatal frame V would show up only in Japan, but official livestream footage hints that a localization may be in the works, possibly with the title Fatal frame: Oracle of the Sodden Raven. I like that title.
Never heard of the official livestream footage, but it sounds encouraging.
In the mean time, take a look at the first 40 minutes of the game courtesy of NitenDaan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_BttNrji3M&list=UU7tVVqmiO7aNBCtn-hhtapA
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | 2014/09/27 (JPN)
Post by: Triforce Hermit on October 01, 2014, 06:58:00 PM
Ayane is in it! Wooh!
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | 2014/09/27 (JPN)
Post by: Louieturkey on October 15, 2014, 08:14:37 PM
Even if it was just an eshop title, I know at least one person who would pick up a Wii U just for this game.
I'm really excited for it and hoping it does make it west.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | 2014/09/27 (JPN)
Post by: Soren on April 01, 2015, 07:28:45 PM
Hey!!!
(http://i.imgur.com/OHq89GF.png)
I might just buy Hyrule Warriors to show my gratitude to Koei Tecmo and Nintendo for bringing this game to the west.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | 2014/09/27 (JPN)
Post by: Evan_B on April 01, 2015, 07:43:00 PM
Very excited about this title coming over. If Nintendo wanted to show off the Gamepad, this is a great example. Plus, it looks gorgeous.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | 2014/09/27 (JPN)
Post by: Enner on April 02, 2015, 02:22:35 AM
It lives! I'm very happy that this is coming over.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | 2014/09/27 (JPN)
Post by: ejamer on April 02, 2015, 10:02:13 AM
Yay! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | 2014/09/27 (JPN)
Post by: Stratos on April 02, 2015, 02:31:18 PM
Maybe if this ssells well enough we cam have the previous Wii games in a new collection.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | 2014/09/27 (JPN)
Post by: ejamer on April 02, 2015, 04:38:46 PM
Maybe if this ssells well enough we cam have the previous Wii games in a new collection.
I'm still hoping for a Wii U release of the (already translated) Fatal Frame 2 Wii version. Should be easy and relatively inexpensive, but I'm not holding my breath.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | 2014/09/27 (JPN)
Post by: Louieturkey on April 06, 2015, 04:34:47 PM
Maybe if this ssells well enough we cam have the previous Wii games in a new collection.
I'm still hoping for a Wii U release of the (already translated) Fatal Frame 2 Wii version. Should be easy and relatively inexpensive, but I'm not holding my breath.
I'm hoping for #4 which they also never released here. At least with 2, you had a chance at it with the PS2.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | 2014/09/27 (JPN)
Post by: ThePerm on April 06, 2015, 05:45:52 PM
so have any of the fatal frame people seen silent hills, or are they in the nintendo void now?
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | 2014/09/27 (JPN)
Post by: Evan_B on April 07, 2015, 06:56:50 AM
I'm not sure where to begin with that question, Perm, but I'm pretty sure Silent Hills is now in a void of its own.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | 2014/09/27 (JPN)
Post by: SgtFlowers on April 07, 2015, 12:51:55 PM
I'm not sure where to begin with that question, Perm, but I'm pretty sure Silent Hills is now in a void of its own.
It's there to get away from the last few Silent Hill games Konami has pushed out.
I'm very happy to see This title coming over, never played a fatal frame but i'm willing to give this one a go.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | Coming to NA!
Post by: Enner on June 16, 2015, 02:19:51 PM
Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/40480/fatal-frame-v-gets-a-title
Now an official title with a target release date of this Fall.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | Coming to NA!
Post by: ejamer on June 16, 2015, 08:48:07 PM
It's unfortunate they didn't show anything of this during the presentation - not even a teaser or title shot. Easily one of my most highly anticipated games coming from Nintendo. I'm excited to hear more - especially a more specific release date.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | Coming to NA!
Post by: TOPHATANT123 on June 18, 2015, 05:37:50 PM
Project Zero 5 is on treehouse now, lights turned down, suicide inbound, hide your chillun hide your wife.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | Coming to NA!
Post by: TOPHATANT123 on June 18, 2015, 06:00:16 PM
Holy **** this is dark, I'm speechless... and Nintendo is publishing this?! No English voice acting as of yet though, wouldn't be surprised if it was just subtitles considering how niche it is.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | Coming to NA!
Post by: Enner on June 18, 2015, 06:07:52 PM
The Treehouse Live segment was really good. The archive should be coming by the end of the day.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | Coming to NA!
Post by: Enner on June 18, 2015, 09:25:14 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXP0UCh2-NE
Treehouse Live demo. It's a good watch.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame for Wii U (Zero : Nuregarasu no Miko) | 2014/09/27 (JPN)
Post by: Soren on June 19, 2015, 07:40:18 AM
so have any of the fatal frame people seen silent hills, or are they in the nintendo void now?
This game was developed by Koei-Tecmo alongside Nintendo SPD. The previous game was developed by Grasshopper alongside Tecmo and Nintendo.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: ejamer on June 19, 2015, 09:13:08 AM
Another case of not wanting to watch the Treehouse event because I want to go into the game knowing relatively little... but really like reading the comments here, as they only increase my anticipation for this release. ;D
I'm a little bit surprised at how little publicity this game is getting. It's bound to be an under-appreciated gem in the Wii U library.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Evan_B on June 19, 2015, 10:39:07 AM
Every Wii U game is under appreciated, considering the sales of the console.
The gameplay just made me want this more. I'm looking forward to playing this with my girlfriend.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: rlse9 on June 19, 2015, 11:49:42 PM
Another case of not wanting to watch the Treehouse event because I want to go into the game knowing relatively little... but really like reading the comments here, as they only increase my anticipation for this release. ;D
That's how I feel about Treehouse Live in general. It's cool that they show as much as they do but it's more than I want to see of the game. I watched 5-10 minutes of Star Fox then turned it off because I didn't want to see too much. Same thing with Fatal Frame, I watched about two minutes of the video afterwards and it looks good but that was enough for me to know I'm interested and didn't want to see more.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Stratos on June 19, 2015, 11:52:00 PM
The game looks beautiful. Anyone hoping for a pre-order bonus of one of the previous games like we got for Bayonetta?
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Enner on June 20, 2015, 03:39:56 AM
The game looks beautiful. Anyone hoping for a pre-order bonus of one of the previous games like we got for Bayonetta?
While there is an EU version of Fatal Frame 2 for Wii, Fatal Frame 4 (Wii) is Japan only. I have doubts that we will see either game as a bonus.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: ShyGuy on June 20, 2015, 04:38:38 AM
I'm not up on Fatal Frame, but I am excited for this game. What's the story with Fatal Frame 1 , 2, and 3? Wan't Fatal Frame 1 for the PS1?
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: sudoshuff on July 13, 2015, 01:29:25 PM
Can anyone give a basic summary of what this game is about (I've never played the series). It looks like Pokemon Snap meets RE. Do you solve environmental puzzles? Is it really linear or more open exploration? I would watch the Treehouse segment, but I'm afraid of seeing too much of the game.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Enner on July 13, 2015, 01:34:02 PM
Hmm, a good way to think of it is that Fatal Frame is sort of like Resident Evil 4 except the only weapon you have is a ghost-killing camera. I can't say much to how many environmental puzzles there are or the scale and scope of the game. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will chime in.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: sudoshuff on July 13, 2015, 03:28:12 PM
Thanks, Enner. The atmosphere it invokes is definitely up my alley. I'm very curious to hear how fun the actual gameplay is when it comes to NA.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: MrPhishfood on July 14, 2015, 09:49:04 AM
I played the fan translated version of Fatal Frame 4 on a hacked Wii and I loved it. It wasn't the typical horror adventure type game. There was a kind of collection meta game where you would photograph sneaky hidden out of the way ghosts and the combat felt satisfying.
It's a shame Nintendo won't get it translated and offer it on Wii virtual console.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: ejamer on August 24, 2015, 09:21:34 AM
Remember that gorgeous special edition that will be available in Europe?
NoA has decided to go digital only. No special edition needed, because there is no retail release at all. This is better than either of the Fatal Frame entries on Wii, but still much worse than every other region.
Anyone else massively disappointed? Should I just lower expectations far enough that disappointment isn't an option any longer when NoA is involved?
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Soren on August 24, 2015, 09:23:02 AM
I'm truly bummed out.
From the news:
Quote
Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water, co-developed by Koei Tecmo Games, launches exclusively in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U on Oct. 22 for $49.99, just in time for Halloween. Players can download this free-to-start game and play the prologue, chapter 1 and most of chapter 2 for free. The full version of the game can be purchased as DLC directly from the Nintendo eShop or via the in-game menu.
Just goes to show, desperate Nintendo is the best Nintendo the Nintendo that still doesn't believe in its hardcore audience but hey we gotta release something so we might as well release this, but give it the absolutely minimum promotion possible.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Nile Boogie Returns on August 24, 2015, 09:39:28 AM
Who thought this was a good idea? Maybe the digital future is closer than I hoped.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Soren on August 24, 2015, 09:43:12 AM
Nintendo of America doesn't care about Fatal Frame people...
... Just goes to show, desperate Nintendo is the best Nintendo the Nintendo that still doesn't believe in its hardcore audience but hey we gotta release something so we might as well release this, but give it the absolutely minimum promotion possible.
Frankly, I'm hoping the internet throws a hissy fit and NoA backs off from the digital only distribution.
I mean, NoA are publishing retail copies for Devil's Third (which I'm glad about and had planned to buy, despite it looking pretty terrible) but not for something that is cool and unique, has reviewed well in Japan and previewed well elsewhere. How does that even make sense? Fatal Frame doesn't project to be a huge seller, but could they really not do some kind of limited retail release through the Nintendo website, or by partnering with a retailer like GameStop?
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Stratos on August 24, 2015, 12:34:45 PM
I was really set on buying this for the holidays. I'll eventually get it if it is digital only but, geeze, why do that when it is physical in EVERY OTHER REGION and Europe gets an awesome special edition.
I almost wish NoA got assimilated into NoE and they became Nintendo of the Western World. Their leadership is way more on point right now.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Adrock on August 24, 2015, 02:58:32 PM
Considering Wii U's status as a struggling console possibly getting replaced next year, I'm hardly surprised. Nintendo of America probably views this the same way it viewed the Operation Rainfall titles. Niche games will always be a tougher sell. A digital-only release is better than nothing though that's more of a consolation prize than a silver lining. I can't blame people for being disappointed.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Enner on August 24, 2015, 05:00:28 PM
The free-to-start/demo is nice. Not having a retail version of what I assume will be a large-data-size game is a bummer.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Ian Sane on August 24, 2015, 05:28:57 PM
I suppose we could have not gotten it at all so while this could be done better it could be much worse.
Reggie came aboard shortly before the DS and Wii kickstarted the biggest period of Nintendo prosperity since the NES days. As a result I think the current management of NOA thinks of that casual buck as the "normal" thing and main focus so they're really thrown off by the Wii U and they don't get the idea of appealing to more dedicated gamers with releases that are more niche. We see another game to help keep the Wii U puttering along where every new release on the shelves just makes it look that much less of a failure to the public. NOA sees Fatal Frame as the sort of game that won't appeal to the Wii Fit crowd so they don't see value in it. They're hit focused so stuff like Mario Kart is what matters and the smaller stuff does not.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: sudoshuff on October 10, 2015, 08:55:40 PM
Several more sites have posted gameplay footage (maybe the review copies are out?) and I am really impressed with what I've seen so far. The English voice acting is OK, not bad, not great. I'm trying not to watch too much though...as this game seems like it would be more fun if I knew as little as possible before playing.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: TOPHATANT123 on October 12, 2015, 12:53:35 PM
God tier Nintendo Europe subsidiary Nintendo UK has made a really good trailer for the game including but not limited to a spooky bathing scene. I think the voice acting is decent but if you want to it confirms you can change to Japanese voices. At least in the short term this is my most anticipated game.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Phil on October 12, 2015, 01:44:34 PM
I wish I had room on my Wii U for this. It's what's keeping me from having a vested interest in this.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Evan_B on October 12, 2015, 11:44:05 PM
I wonder if this game will be available for purchase on Amazon? I have store credit there and since they've begun selling digital copies of games via their site...
Am I hopeless?
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Enner on October 13, 2015, 12:27:03 AM
I wonder if this game will be available for purchase on Amazon? I have store credit there and since they've begun selling digital copies of games via their site...
Am I hopeless?
I think there's a fair shot of it happening.
Wait, but that would mean that Amazon would have to have the ability to sell DLC since the digital version is structured as a free-to-start download where one DLC purchase unlocks the rest of the game. Hmm, since I vaguely recall GameStop selling the Mario Kart 8 DLC, it shouldn't be too much of a problem.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Shaymin on October 13, 2015, 07:26:17 AM
Amazon's code shop blew up recently: http://www.amazon.com/b?node=12597678011
I see Hyrule Warriors and Smash DLC there, plus what may be codes for eShop cards so you can buy that way.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Evan_B on October 13, 2015, 08:16:49 AM
I think those cards are the actual physical thing, but I'll double check.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Soren on October 13, 2015, 09:23:59 AM
Yeah, if those are digital codes then I would be pretty happy, but the reviews aren't helping.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: TOPHATANT123 on October 16, 2015, 11:22:05 AM
Have you ever wanted to hunt down the chozo ghosts with nothing but a camera and a skin tight body suit? Well now you can!
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Evan_B on October 16, 2015, 07:31:48 PM
What is not to love about this game...?
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: ejamer on October 16, 2015, 08:01:56 PM
I don't know, but it is a fairly big release. I'm surprised Nintendo isn't saying more about it, especially with the season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-cIGX8kE_g
Instead, they are content with releasing "Spoopy" trailers
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Enner on October 20, 2015, 12:19:33 AM
Reviews are out! And they are extremely mixed! It's Kirby and the Rainbow Curse all over again.
For the controls, reviewers have criticized the basic movement being frustrating and imprecise. Others took issue with the gyro controls losing tracking, recommending to use the control scheme with the sticks.
For the story, some couldn't care for any of the three playable characters. They found the story to be boring and tired.
What I find most damning are the criticisms of back tracking, repetition, and repeated content. The game has you trekking through previously explored areas multiple times while throwing more enemies and jump scares at you. A reviewer has written that the game is structured so that a 10 hour game is stretched to almost twice that.
It's not all gloom though. The reviewer at Ars Technica (http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/10/fatal-frame-maiden-of-black-water-review-ghost-emon-snap/) has a favorable verdict on the game. The IGN reviewer (http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/10/19/fatal-frame-maiden-of-the-black-water-review) came away enjoying the game, taking issue with clumsy controls and repetitive encounters. NWR's official review is one of the most favorable reviews on the game.
Comparing Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water to Sony's Until Dawn, I find it amusing that the most favored of this year's big-publisher-horror games is the one that is "less of a game." Putting away the lame snark, Until Dawn's writing, execution, brevity, and what not are what will put it ahead of this latest Fatal Frame.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Soren on October 22, 2015, 04:31:59 PM
Played the chapters in the trial version. The controls are indeed clumsy, but the combat feels good overall once you get a handle on the controls.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Enner on October 22, 2015, 06:09:32 PM
Mm hm.
For those curious, the free-to-start portion and the rest of the game is available now. The free portion is a 6.351 GB download and the rest of the game is a 9.964 GB installer download.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: sudoshuff on October 22, 2015, 08:35:46 PM
I find it amusing that the most favored of this year's big-publisher-horror games is the one that is "less of a game." Putting away the lame snark, Until Dawn's writing, execution, brevity, and what not are what will put it ahead of this latest Fatal Frame.
The ol' "less is more" effect.
I'm downloading the demo now--can't wait to finally try it out.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: ShyGuy on October 23, 2015, 01:59:21 AM
I'm guessing that the mentor lady is evil, because she creeps me out.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: broodwars on October 23, 2015, 10:25:46 AM
I started playing the game last night, and after finishing the first real chapter I went back to Yoshi. Man, I REALLY don't like how this game controls, even with the sticks. It just feels super stiff, and the gyro tilting feels really unreliable (like all motion controls) and for some reason also throws off my sense of where pushing the right stick move the aperture. I'll give the game another shot tonight, but the game really doesn't make a great first impression.
And on a side note, Until Dawn is a great game. ^_-
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Enner on October 23, 2015, 03:14:46 PM
It sounds like Koei Tecmo made "another Fatal Frame game" when the world needed "a new Fatal Frame game".
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: broodwars on October 24, 2015, 01:19:06 AM
As I said I would, I went back to the game tonight and replayed through the first "Drop" (Chapter 1) and then up to "Drop 4". It's taken me a while to warm up to the PS1/PS2-era tank controls and moving around under duress is still a colossal pain in the ass, but I think the game's starting to click with me. Racking up points so you can upgrade your cameras is fairly addicting (I even managed an S Ranking in Drop 3), but I can definitely see a formula setting in.
The storytelling also seems exceptionally clunky by modern standards, with characters sometimes talking without moving their mouths and the story boiling down to exposition text dumps/recaps at the end of each "Drop". It's disappointing since the character models really are quite lovely. They just don't emote. At all. This game definitely did not get NoA/NoE's Localization "A Team" treatment, but it's sufficing so far.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Enner on October 24, 2015, 02:03:36 AM
The characters can emote. The cut scenes in the trial portion have displayed that. It's just that the flat affect that a lot of Japanese horror stuff does makes emotion really subtle. Doesn't help that the one character that could be the least sullen has been seemingly offed. But the in-game character stuff are quite stiff. Outside of big budget games, Japan has never been good with its characters emoting.
I've played through the free-to-start trial in a little over two hours. This is the Prologue, Drop 1 (the tutorial), and Drop 2 up to Fuyuha fight. While I enjoyed my time, I can already see where the disappointed reviews are coming from. The characters move heavily and can not turn around in place quickly (actually I don't think they can turn around in place at all). I had Mui and Yuri getting caught in all sorts of things and angles.
Then there's the combat where the game becomes a first-person shooter. The gyro controls are the gyro controls; either you are acclimated to them or not. I was fond of flicking the GamePad up and down in Splatoon and that has translated to Fatal Frame's two axes. However, Maiden of Black Water requires the manipulation of a third axis for portrait or Dutch angle shots. While it is an interesting game mechanic, it creates confusion with the controls in both shooting mode control schemes. Lastly, those using the gyro controls should be mindful of how they manipulate the Y-axis of the left stick. When you settle you GamePad after a hectic aiming moment, you may find your camera pointed at the sky or the ground.
Thinking on it, I'm not sure if I want a survival horror game that hasn't evolved much from Resident Evil 4.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Evan_B on October 24, 2015, 09:21:51 AM
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I thought some of the appeal of horror titles like Silent Hill, Resident Evil, and such were the chunky controls. Even Revelations, which is quite late in the series and more action based than he originals has a good amount of trudging and wonky aiming.
I'll have to play the demo myself today to get a feel for it. I'm looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Enner on October 24, 2015, 11:38:20 AM
I tolerated the movement and aiming scheme of Resident Evil 4 (GCN) at the time I was playing it. I don't want to go back to that style. Granted, I'm not a survival horror or a horror game guy in general. Looking at the big horror darlings of this year (SOMA, Until Dawn) and past (Alien: Isolation), all have characters that control roughly the way you would want judging from video footage.
The first time you try to do an about face in Fatal Frame (quickest is to pull back on the left stick and press ZL to reorient the camera) it will not feel good at all. These days, I don't think even horror games can get away with character control that feels cumbersome and unwieldy. If you are going to scare a player now it is not through clumsy character movement that makes the player character seem dumb.
Then again, maybe more horror game fans want that sort of wrestling with character movement then I think.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: sudoshuff on October 24, 2015, 12:36:42 PM
I just finished the demo and the controls suck. I totally agree with Enner....not interested in fighting the stiff character movements. In fact, everything seems slow about the game...movement, cutscenes, even opening doors takes about 7 seconds. I know this is supposed to add to the suspense, but I feel like there is a better way to create suspense than by slowing EVERYTHING.
The camera obscura has so much potential on the gamepad, but I could not get used to having to look down, then up, then down again.
I know a lot of survival horror has been linear/on rails, but I just can't get used to being constrained to a dirt path through a forest in a beautifully rendered 3D environment. I don't want it completely open, but just let me explore on my own. This game goes from cutscene to flashing arrow to "x" marks the spot to shiny object on the ground. Why do I even have control of the character at all? I can't choose to do anything other than follow the one path through the game. Trying to veer off in the forest brings up a dialogue box saying, "Oh, I don't think she went that way" in reference to the person you're trying to follow.
I'll leave the demo on my system, but highly doubt I will be purchasing this.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: broodwars on October 24, 2015, 12:48:42 PM
I've never agreed with the notion that shitty controls are a prerequisite for "scary" games. I remember when Shinji Mikami was defending RE5's tank controls with "well, it's not scary if you can shoot while backing up". Then Dead Space and Dead Space 2 released, which had the ability to shoot while walking backwards and yet were 10x creepier/scary than RE5 despite also being very action-heavy. Fear should come from the scenario & the atmosphere, not the controls.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: broodwars on November 12, 2015, 01:10:09 AM
Well, I've finished the main campaign and...man, I have so many questions about this game's story. The core "threat" is alright, but all the extraneous details around it just feels thrown together and don't really make sense. I got the "good" endings for all 3 characters and it doesn't really feel like anything was resolved in a satisfactory or logical manner. Also, the hit detection on the "touch" ability has been spotty the entire game, but it was really off when I was fighting the final boss. I had to waste so much film on her simply because the game just refused to register that I was next to her so I could deliver the final blow with the Fatal Glance.
Overall, my previous experience with the series was Fatal Frame 2, and this game feels like a real step down from that. It's not bad, but it's certainly not "great", either. The entire game feels like ideas and features were just thrown at the wall, and whatever stuck made it into the game. Add in the ridiculous amount of needless backtracking and re-used areas, and the game's just tedious.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Enner on November 12, 2015, 04:01:12 AM
Hmm, echoing much of the criticism levied at the game.
While Koei Tecmo's teams aren't the greatest of developers, I had hoped better for Fatal Frame 5.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Triforce Hermit on November 12, 2015, 08:06:23 AM
Aside from the hit detection....that sounds like typical Fatal Frame narrative in my opinion.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Soren on November 12, 2015, 08:08:00 AM
I played the fourth drop last week and haven't gone back into the game. It took me over an hour to get through it and the backtracking is tedious. There were at least 3 times when I finished a battle that I thought should have been the end of the chapter, only to have to do something ridiculous like escort a character all the way back to the start of the level. If that's the rest of the game I don't know if I'll have the patience for it.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: broodwars on November 12, 2015, 08:15:47 AM
I played the fourth drop last week and haven't gone back into the game. It took me over an hour to get through it and the backtracking is tedious. There were at least 3 times when I finished a battle that I thought should have been the end of the chapter, only to have to do something ridiculous like escort a character all the way back to the start of the level. If that's the rest of the game I don't know if I'll have the patience for it.
That is the rest of the game. ****, IIRC 2 of the "Drops" just have you repeating 2 of the previous Drops note for note as you're pursuing another character.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: Evan_B on November 12, 2015, 08:23:19 AM
Sudoshuff, I'm quite certain there are several additional ghost encounters and item drops if you explore the forest more thoroughly, which can add to your overall score.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: broodwars on November 12, 2015, 08:23:53 AM
If you're too close to a ghost when they're entering their "fading away" animation, the game doesn't trigger the "Touch" prompt. Problem is, the more powerful ghosts are only in that state for less than a second so you have to be near them before they start the animation to have any shot at getting a Fatal Glance. As I said, this became a real problem at the end of the game since the Final Boss can only be finished off with a Fatal Glance. If you miss it, the boss regenerates all of their health and the battle continues, so it's really annoying (and expensive) for that prompt to be so buggy.
Title: Re: Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water | Coming to NA Fall 2015
Post by: broodwars on November 12, 2015, 10:20:23 PM
Well, finished the Ayane missions, all 4 of them (and you don't even DO anything in one of them). That was sure pointless. You spend the entire time sneaking around flashing ghosts (with your flashlight, sicko! :P ) so you can run past them through environments you've already done for about a half hour. I'm still at only 68% episode completion, so I imagine it's either counting Nightmare mode completion or getting all the endings.
