Developer: Koei Tecmo, Tecmo, Grasshopper Manufacture
Publisher: Koei Tecmo America Corporation
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Release date: March 9, 2023
Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is a remaster of the 2008 game previously only released in Japan. While the remaster boasts updated graphics, its gameplay shows its age. The story is decently told, with a creepy atmosphere and a few jump scares. Sadly, the experience is marred by outdated gameplay, including glacial movement by the characters. Die hard fans of the series may still love the game, while newcomers are more likely to be put off by the gameplay mechanics. You play as four different characters over the game’s 15 hour or so run, though not much differentiates them, especially in their gameplay. The Camera Obscura makes a return, along with a Spirit Flashlight as your main weapons to combat ghosts. Both can be upgraded by finding blue and red spirit stones. The game also has collectibles to seek out, along with possessed dolls to cure.
PROS
Decent story
Creepy atmosphere with some effective jump scares
Camera Obscura and Spirit Flashlight can be upgraded for more effective combat
Visuals are well done
CONS
Outdated gameplay mechanics
Cheap deaths
Characters all have ridiculously slow movement, even while “running”
Some technical issues
Menus can feel a bit clumsy
Save points far apart, autosaves only at manual save points
In short, Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse has a decent story and manages a nice, creepy atmosphere, but is marred by its outdated mechanics and gameplay. More for long time fans of the series, not so much for newcomers.
6/10 stars
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