Fatal Frame

Overview

Fatal Frame, which is also known as Project Zero in Europe and Australia, and Zero in Japan, was released in 2001 by Tecmo, and since then 3 more games have followed. Each game relies heavily on the survival horror template, but sets itself apart by using less gore and focusing on creating a tense and ultimately terrifying experience. Each game draws heavy influence from J- horror films such as the Pang Brothers, "The Eye" series and Takashi Shimizu's "Ju-on: The Grudge", which translates well into the survival horror franchise.

Gameplay

The game play often puts the player in the role of a young Asian female, who's only ability to defend herself is with a special camera, called the Camera Obscura, that can exorcise the spirits you photograph and reveal hidden clues in special locations. Each game takes place in a similar haunted Asian village, and plays off of actual Japanese folklore.

Popularity

Critically the series has been considered one of the best survival horror series to date, but it's slow pace and restricted movement have kept it from gaining a more mass market appeal. Despite that, the Fatal Frame series remains a valuable asset to Tecmo and continues on into the current generation of consoles.

Spin-Offs

Real: Another Edition is a Fatal Frame spin-off released in 2004 exclusively for cellphones in Japan. It used the cellphone camera as the Camera Obscura to capture ghosts.

Spirit Camera: Cursed Memoir is a 3DS exclusive spin-off featuring a similar camera vs. ghost gameplay concept.

Trivia

In Japan the game goes by the name Zero, which in Japanese also means Ghost.