Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black water is a game sequel of the Fatal Frame game released on 2008. After years of silence, it was finally released; and being an awaited horror-survival game, it has now been subjected to comments and critiques of fans. Most of which involves the level of scariness and the issue of censorship.
Being known in Japan as Project Zero, Fatal Frame makes its big comeback to the consoles. This horror-survival game has not played by horror gaming fans in years since its Wii release in 2008. And upon return, it now features open areas available for exploration which can be rewarded with film or any consumable item. Such items should be hoarded efficiently, though, in preparation for facing the final boss. Arts Technica commented that a lot has changed since then. Today, the game presents a rare balance between the usual conflict & resource management and the use of brawns & bullets, two of the usual ideas in horror gaming.
The game tracks out three strangers, all of which are drawn to the well-known murder-sucide area of Mt. Hikami and capture ghosts through their cameras. The characters are Yuri, a clairvoyant; Ren, someone with recurring nightmares, and Miu, a psychic who also makes a comeback from the first Fatal Frame. It is reported that there are three major parts of the game. First is that the player walks around, following spooky waypoints. Then, he gets involved into ghost fights which need to have their souls sealed through the Camera Obscura. And finally, the player gets to watch cutscenes.
However, Siliconera commented that only one of these three segments is scary. Furthermore, the game is also criticized for not being as scary as it should be. The combat was not that scary, resources are visually unlimited, health is abundant; basically, critics point out that the game does not capture the elements of a true horror game.
Another issue concerning Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water is a question of censorship. Nintendojo reports that some of its Japanese contents would be deducted in its Western release due to an issue of obscenity. It points out to the "skimpy and risqué" clothing of characters Yuuri Kozukata and Miku Hinasaki. It was also rumored that fan reactions across the net has gone too far as to declare that Nintendo might have been censored the game. Maiden of Black Water being a game for adults, a lot of fans are outraged by the fact that their freedom of choice is being breached by Nintendo by "playing things too safe".
Despite the comments for not being too scary, or for displaying mature costumes, Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Waters is still a game to wait for after years of silence. Since its last release on 2008, many fans have been waiting for a sequel of Fatal Frame, expecting another level of horror and suspense.
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