Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly

1. crimsondoor

   Feb 20, 2019

   10

   This is a beautiful horror game and most importantly it is VERY Japanese. 12 years ago this game actually motivated me to learn JapaneseThis is a beautiful horror game and most importantly it is VERY Japanese. 12 years ago this game actually motivated me to learn Japanese because I wanted to understand the plot. After I got quite fluent I watched the playthrough again and appreciated it much more because of all the puns as well as elements related to Japanese culture and history.
   
   I think it's very unfortunate when people do not understand Fatal Frame games because of cultural differences. I would say it's worth to learn Japanese for this game :)
   
   On the game itself, 2 is the most unique and perhaps most beautiful entry out of the 3 PS2 FF games in my opinion.
   1. It's quite easy compared with 1 and 3. (Difficulty wise it's 3>1>2) Camera also lacks charging mechanism.
   2. It's not as scary and claustrophobic. Except for a few levels...like the black and white chasing sequences...
   3. Colour palette is more vivid and warmer than the two other games.
   4. It's about sisterly love, while 1 and 3 are about loss of loved ones, sorrow and agony.
   5. The ending is perhaps one of the most famous in video game history. It's legendary for a reason. You have to play the game to watch it for yourself. I thought (and still think) that there is no place for songs with vocal in a game unless they are ballads, but "Chou" by Amano Tsukiko changed my opinion.
   
   There is a reason people still pick the original PS2 game over the remake including myself. Not only gameplay mechanism is better and characters look more authentic (because of the unnecessary face job, Mio and Mayu in the remake look artificial, almost like dolls), but the perfect blend of the intro of the song and ending movie created the most shocking, haunting and beautiful PS2 game experience, while the Wii ending does not evoke the same feeling.
   
   **I read the other reviews and no one mentioned the amazing atmosphere or the plot? What the hell?! Is the English version lost in translation that's why no one cares for it?… Expand

   • 4 of 4 users found this helpful
2. DanR.

   Jun 20, 2004

   10

   This game kicks ass!

   • 0 of 1 users found this helpful
4. EricR.

   Nov 15, 2003

   10

   The only reason that I am going to give this game a 10, is because the number 11 wasn't an option. I have been waiting for this game to The only reason that I am going to give this game a 10, is because the number 11 wasn't an option. I have been waiting for this game to come out ever since I laid eyes on the original. I hope this one is longer because it only takes about 5 hours to beat the first one. The graphics look great. I cant WAIIIT!!! I just know its gonna be my new favorite game ever. And the scariest.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
5. Youngproscia

   May 8, 2020

   10

   One of the greatest survival horror games of all time. The only minor complaint is a muddled story. But effects, pacing, fear factor, ,One of the greatest survival horror games of all time. The only minor complaint is a muddled story. But effects, pacing, fear factor, , atmosphere all off the charts.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
6. Breikzer

   May 1, 2014

   9

   Fatal Frame 2: Cromson Butterfly is an excellent game, do not understand how I never get to play a great game like this because I'm a staunchFatal Frame 2: Cromson Butterfly is an excellent game, do not understand how I never get to play a great game like this because I'm a staunch fan of horror games. The atmosphere is creepy, very interesting history and exquisite gameplay. I'm really happy to have found this game, in this moment, I add a new series to my collection of horror games.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
7. guiletheguiles

   Mar 8, 2023

   8

   I've played this game many times before, back when I was way younger. It was one of my mom's favorite games and I used to help her withI've played this game many times before, back when I was way younger. It was one of my mom's favorite games and I used to help her with puzzles and fights. This was my first time finishing it solo.
   
   Fatal Frame 2 is an amazing game and a nice improvement over its predecessor. From how it looks to how it plays, this should definitely be your first game in the franchise. The setting of the lost village is quite disturbing and the incredible sound design, weird voice acting and haunting (or sometimes beautiful!) soundtrack helps to create a sinister atmosphere from start to finish. It is undeniably unique in what it sets out to do.
   
   The game is way less frustrating than its predecessor as well. They polished the combat a bit more, made movement a bit less stiff and gave you more room for improvisation, with a tiny bit of customization mixed in. Replayability is very much encouraged, as well. A step into the right direction, without a doubt.
   
   One thing that I didn't like at all, however, was how Zero Shots/Fatal Frames work here. It made more sense in the first one. Now you have to get too close to the ghosts and the windows for the shots are quicker than they should be. Also, I'm glad that the game is more puzzle-light and less punishing than before, but did it need to be that easy?
   
   And while the village and some VERY creepy places left quite an impact on me, I also feel like the mansion worked a bit better. Don't get me wrong, this game can get quite scary, but the first one did better, I guess. I blame that, especially, on the bad map design.
   
   In fact, this may be the one true bad aspect of the game. Again, the scenarios are great and the game is hauntingly pretty, but when you're inside the houses, it all looks the same! It's easy to get lost, hard to know what to do, sometimes. And item placement is a bit iffy. Some crucial items to understand the story or tweak your camera can only be found by randomly interacting with everything, everywhere, with little indication.
   
   And then there's the story... I'm not gonna lie, but the ending always brings me to tears. Both PS2 endings do, in fact. The story is a bit tricky to piece together at first, but when you're close to the end, it flows amazingly well. You understand what's going on and the writing makes everything seem dire, urgent and bloody. Mio and Mayu were also great simple protagonists. Their bond, Sae and Yae's ordeal and the village's wicked fate brings the story to a perfect conclusion.
   
   I did not play the other Fatal Frames, but after this ending, it could all stop here and it would be perfect. Fatal Frame 2 is a fantastic overlooked survival horror game, with a unique approach to the genre's cliches and a lovely story.
   
   I do hope the rerelease it, someday.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
8. MaikaoX.

   Feb 17, 2004

   5

   It was alright. Not much different from the first. I was expecting more from this one, so a little disappointed.

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful

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