Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Tecmo
  • Release Date: Dec 10, 2003
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 186 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 162 out of 186
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 186
  3. Negative: 7 out of 186
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  1. KristineC.
    Nov 3, 2003
    10
    This has got to be an awesome spin off from the original FF1! I loved the first one for it's horrific surprises. Don't let us down TecMo! I'm buyin this one too! Saw plenty of screen shots.....awesome.
  2. LormanL.
    Mar 31, 2004
    10
    Very tragic but "FUN TO PLAY"
  3. DanR.
    Jun 20, 2004
    10
    This game kicks ass!
  4. RuyaT.
    Jul 30, 2004
    10
    I never like scary stuff. I was always more of a Final Fantasy and Chrono Cross fan...and I hated the original Fatal Frame. Well, there I was at the video store and they had literally NO FANTASY SHIT LEFT! So I said, 'what the hell?'and grabbed Crimson Butterfly, not really intending to play it. Boredom got the best of me, so I popped it in. Now, I can't get enough scary I never like scary stuff. I was always more of a Final Fantasy and Chrono Cross fan...and I hated the original Fatal Frame. Well, there I was at the video store and they had literally NO FANTASY SHIT LEFT! So I said, 'what the hell?'and grabbed Crimson Butterfly, not really intending to play it. Boredom got the best of me, so I popped it in. Now, I can't get enough scary stuff!I actually WANT to be scared now! This is the best game ever! Not just in the survival/horror genre...EVER! ;_; BUT MY MEAN ASS MOM WON'T LET ME BUY IT! … Expand
  5. TrueZen
    Dec 16, 2003
    10
    This game is a crazy sarced me to death and back!!!
  6. CarolineM.
    Dec 18, 2003
    10
    This game rocks, man !!!! wheewww...!!! cant say anythin' except...Greatest game I ever played!!!
  7. BenR.
    Jan 26, 2004
    10
    The first one great and this is just the icing on the cake. Scary stuff indeed. the tecmo team has done it again for me.
  8. RachelQ.
    Apr 13, 2004
    10
    Absolutely terrifying, but in a way that is stylish, intelligent, and thought-provoking. I dare you to play this game with the light's off - you'll be so frightened you won't won't to go get a drink from the fridge out of fear that a girl in a bloodstained kimono will be waiting for you!
  9. MikeG.
    Dec 1, 2003
    10
    I can't wait to go and get this game somehow, no matter if I get it as a X-Mas present or I buy it myself. I can't wait to get my hands on it and read the intruction booklet. I extremely can't wait to pop it in my PS2 and see this game for myself and play it. The first one was like amazing to me. I absolutely loved it. The suspense,horror,story, everything about it is good, I can't wait to go and get this game somehow, no matter if I get it as a X-Mas present or I buy it myself. I can't wait to get my hands on it and read the intruction booklet. I extremely can't wait to pop it in my PS2 and see this game for myself and play it. The first one was like amazing to me. I absolutely loved it. The suspense,horror,story, everything about it is good, expecially when things pop out at you. I love that!! … Expand
  10. MattZ.
    Dec 14, 2003
    10
    After playing this game with a couple of my friends who were never really scared of horror any thing were scared to go home alone in the dark.
  11. JesseC.
    Dec 31, 2003
    10
    ***SPOILERS*** This game is DA BOMB! The graphics are good, the voice acting is superb and the story is awesome as it is creepy! I especially love the ghosts, my favorite being Chitose and Itsuki. The story really makes you feel sorry for these damned people of the village. At the same time, you feel the need to put an end to the chaos and unlock the mystery behind the crimson butterfly.***SPOILERS*** This game is DA BOMB! The graphics are good, the voice acting is superb and the story is awesome as it is creepy! I especially love the ghosts, my favorite being Chitose and Itsuki. The story really makes you feel sorry for these damned people of the village. At the same time, you feel the need to put an end to the chaos and unlock the mystery behind the crimson butterfly. The two endings are wonderfully crafted, as they force the player to determine which was worth saving: the village or your sister? I also love the fact that the game ties in nicely with the first game, featuring the story behind one of the ghosts from FF1. Overall, it's one helluva ride! It's right up there with Silent Hill 2!… Expand
  12. EricA.
    Dec 9, 2003
    10
    This was the most scariest game I have ever played in my life. When I played it I almost pooped my pants.
  13. Pat1L.
    Sep 14, 2003
    10
    I think its going to be so kool! i mean literally, it seems to not only going to have a sweet storyline but a more compelling gameplay with more HORROR! considering from the trailor, i really like how it has an new and original like storyline. nice indeed!_!
  14. JulieT.
    Jan 25, 2004
    10
    This game is soooo scary. It makes resident evil and all those other horror games look like a walk in the park. The best graphics i have ever seen. Also has the prettiest sceneries and the scariest of all. And the twin girls mio and mayu are so pretty. But most of all one of the greatest games ever made in history of gaming.
  15. RyanC.
    Mar 14, 2004
    10
    This is the most scariest game I have ever played and the best. If you don't have it, you have to get it.
  16. AnitaAndersen
    Feb 12, 2009
    10
    ...one of the creepiest and greatest games I have played so far. The story is well-created and depressing...you just want these girls to be happy no matter what. You feel the fear of the loss they have, and the horrible things which happened before their time to surface again...The battle itself is okay, it does not feel as if upgrading your camera really makes a difference, but since the...one of the creepiest and greatest games I have played so far. The story is well-created and depressing...you just want these girls to be happy no matter what. You feel the fear of the loss they have, and the horrible things which happened before their time to surface again...The battle itself is okay, it does not feel as if upgrading your camera really makes a difference, but since the story-line is so great and touching, it does not really matter. Play it, if you dare. But beware: You will see/hear things and be scared for life. A wonderful japanese folklore shinto horror game...… Expand
  17. 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 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.
  18. EduardoR.
    Dec 16, 2003
    10
    This is an excellent game, it feels more in the style of Silent Hill than part 1. The graphics are awesome! I hope we can get a part 3 soon soon.
  19. SteveH.
    Dec 26, 2003
    10
    Seriously...this game scared the sh*t out of me..its like the ring but better. start this game late at night, turn out the lights and have a friend with you.
  20. Brosman
    May 22, 2013
    10
    This game is made out of pure nightmares. I had to fear quit more times than i can remember as everything in this game just hits a home run to bring you one of the most terrifying experiences you'll ever have. Playing this game at night in the dark is how it was ment to be played. Me and four of my friends di this and were all freaking out on multiple occasions. Excellent story for aThis game is made out of pure nightmares. I had to fear quit more times than i can remember as everything in this game just hits a home run to bring you one of the most terrifying experiences you'll ever have. Playing this game at night in the dark is how it was ment to be played. Me and four of my friends di this and were all freaking out on multiple occasions. Excellent story for a horror game, great use of music and sound, and the best atmosphere i have ever seen in a horror game. This game deserves the number one spot for horror games. Just great.… Expand
  21. 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 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    This 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
  22. JesseLluvia
    Nov 2, 2015
    10
    Un juego de terror excelente. Una historia sublime que no te puedes perder. Originalidad de sobra. Es uno de los juegos de PS2 con mejores gráficos que hayan salido. Contenido de calidad es lo que contiene Fatal Frame II. Una vieja leyenda te espera para que la descubras en Fatal Frame II.
  23. ORevisor
    Apr 6, 2018
    10
    O melhor jogo do gênero que já joguei. Personagens carismáticas, história bem desenvolvida e dramática, cenários perfeitos, e muitos sustos. A única coisa que não gostei foi a velocidade em que a protagonista anda/corre (muito devagar mesmo).
  24. laniesweet
    Oct 19, 2021
    10
    Probably my favorite of the Fatal Frame series. It's a fun time though it's slightly hampered by small issues and plenty of backtracking. I've definitely played through this game more than any of the others but it's definitely worth playing.
  25. 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, , atmosphere all off the charts.
  26. Sergiopcv
    Apr 18, 2021
    10
    Un clásico del horror que merece un remake, juego que todo amante de los juegos retro debe tener en su estantería. Nota al Pie: Nintendo libera el juego para que pueda ser republicado y hacer un remake!!!!
  27. jorgepc95
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    One of the better survival horror games i have played. The plot, all the little details, enemies, environment, how you go thought the village and try to understand what is happening, is an unique experience. The way the storytelling works, is so horrible and emotional, love it. Play this on a dark place, good sound and try to find a very silent place.
  28. 9854
    Mar 18, 2023
    10
    The greatest horror game of all time, excellent pacing, great music it has it all
  29. IHateJannies
    Mar 20, 2023
    10
    Pretty much as close to a perfect horror game as you can get, don't get filtered by the slow paced gameplay. It's well worth the time and money
  30. BonbonA.
    Aug 7, 2005
    9
    Have u ever been in luph with a scary stuff? o_O Well, this game is pretty charming n very scary ;) I never play the 1st Fatal Frame, but this 1 is amazing. The graphics r just the best. The sound n the gameplay r pretty good :)
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Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Best PS2 Game of 2003
22
#22 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
16
#16 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. games(TM)
    60
    Exploring the lost village is a terrifying experience that's enhanced by a greatly improved graphics engine and a well-structured soundtrack. Tecmo's latest effort may be flawed and far from innovative, but it's still an enjoyably scary experience. [Feb 2004, p.114]
  2. PSX Nation
    90
    Warning though, this one's not for kids (unless you don't mind them staying up all night, too scared to go to sleep).
    Read full review
  3. Times Online
    80
    There’s not much innovation here — the gameplay is far too linear and there is too much emphasis on key searching to trigger the next cut scene — but for atmosphere alone it is hard to beat.
    Read full review
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