Fatal Frame

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Tecmo
  • Release Date: Mar 4, 2002
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
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  1. GameZone
    90
    I am happy to report that after many hours of lost sleep, hearing things that weren’t really there, and near fatal heart attacks it definitely is not only the most terrifying game experience I have ever had, but one of the more solid ones I have had as well.
  2. Electric Playground
    90
    Through careful scripting, disturbing audio-visual tricks, solid gameplay and a judicious use of cinematics, Fatal Frame manages to convey the disarming sense of feeling one's sanity crumble under the assault of otherworldly influences...At least, that's what the Voices told me to say.
  3. Game Revolution
    83
    If you're one of those gamers with a predilection for The Creeps - you know who you are - Fatal Frame is simply a must-see.
  5. Media and Games Online Network
    82
    A nicely done title that delivers a unique experience, both visually and gameplay wise.
  6. GamerWeb Sony
    80
    Fatal Frame is damn scary. For the first time ever, I not only had to play a game with the lights on, but I had to throw in another game afterward playing this to kill the mood of it all.
  7. GameShark
    80
    I'm usually one to skip the cut scenes and get on with the game, but the cinema fits perfectly with the gameplay, balancing out story and action, making one just as enjoyable as the other.
  8. GameSpy
    80
    Injects a good dose of originality and fun into what can often be an unoriginal genre.
  9. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    Beyond seriously creeping me out, Fatal Frame made me feel like a wuss of a gamer: Put simply, it gets tough. [Apr 2002, p.102]
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  10. G4 TV
    80
    One of those rare titles that benefit from being played loud. All the background noise (or lack thereof) will play with your mind to the point that you'll be taking frequent breaks to collect yourself.
  11. Four Fat Chicks
    80
    If you can get past the horrible voice acting and the tedious backtracking, you're in for a good scare. If you dare.
  12. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    80
    Genuinely disturbing survival horror, dripping with menace. [Jan 2007, p.106]
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  13. IGN
    79
    Quite an inventive piece of survival horror, managing to keep the fright up and the frustration down with a few smart design decisions and an abundance of creepy style.
  14. Gaming Age
    75
    Fatal Frame has made me realize the company is definitely capable of producing fresh gameplay experiences that have the ability to thrill, chill and generally scare the bejeebus out of us.

Awards & Rankings

86
#86 Best PS2 Game of 2002
27
#27 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2002
92
#92 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 131 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 110 out of 131
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 131
  3. Negative: 4 out of 131
  1. Higher_Standard
    Aug 17, 2010
    9
    This game and that **** with the messed up neck still scare me to this very day. The sounds are amazing and give an effect of almost surroundThis game and that **** with the messed up neck still scare me to this very day. The sounds are amazing and give an effect of almost surround sound-like quality even on a normal stereo television. Very terrifying ambiance. Story is quite interestingly done also.… Full Review »
  2. CloudStrife
    Apr 10, 2005
    10
    One of the best Horror Games, or the best? Anyway it is VERY Scary even if you play it at daylight! i tried to play it once with headphones One of the best Horror Games, or the best? Anyway it is VERY Scary even if you play it at daylight! i tried to play it once with headphones and i almost pee on me!!… Full Review »
  3. LissaR.
    Nov 13, 2004
    10
    This is the best survival horror game out there, especially if you're not too scared to play it in the dark. I'm a big fan of the This is the best survival horror game out there, especially if you're not too scared to play it in the dark. I'm a big fan of the Silent Hill and Resident Evil games, but this game easily blows them both away. It's really too bad that so many people have been closed minded about it because you fight with a camera. The only way that this game could have been better would be if Miku's voice actress didn't sound brain damaged half of the time...… Full Review »
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