Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water

 Wii U
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 291 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 217 out of 291
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 291
  3. Negative: 41 out of 291
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  1. PanPrado30
    Nov 15, 2021
    9
    In my opinion is the best part od Project Zero/Fatal frame. Beutiful characters, nice graphics, interested plot and incredible climate.
  2. TivooGames
    Nov 10, 2021
    7
    Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water ritorna sulle attuali console con qualche novità al comparto tecnico, ma senza brillare particolarmente dal punto di vista delle novità, offrendo sul piatto quello che alla fine era già stato a suo tempo un discreto survival horror.

    Link: https://www.tivoo.it/2021/11/08/project-zero-maiden-of-black-water-recensione-xbox-series-x/
  3. Chovicha
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    best game on wii u!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  4. Steyraus
    Feb 1, 2021
    10
    Fatal Frame 5 might be the last true Survival Horror. Its Japanese Horror to its core and has all the hall marks of the best SH games.. Visually the game is gorgeous and very amospheric. Exploring Japanese houses and creepy forests have all the right sounds and effects that really pull you in... The game runs at a smooth 60Fps which is a treat on console. One feature that took some getingFatal Frame 5 might be the last true Survival Horror. Its Japanese Horror to its core and has all the hall marks of the best SH games.. Visually the game is gorgeous and very amospheric. Exploring Japanese houses and creepy forests have all the right sounds and effects that really pull you in... The game runs at a smooth 60Fps which is a treat on console. One feature that took some geting use to was the camera, but once you do , damn its fun. And considering most new horror games have no combat and are basicly just walking simulator puzzle games, it hard to complain about the feature..
    The game has great replayability with some of the best unlockables you can get, Fan Srrvice!!!yeah boi.. You unlock sexy outfits for the stunning woman in the game.. Which is the last great thing I will gush over, the attention to detail in the character and their animations. When your character gets wet their cloths drip and cling the their boddies. The waking and runing movement is spot on..

    If you are dissapointed with modern horror , with how lazy and boring they are. If your sick of walking around looking at stuff and soving a rudementry puzzle every half hour...Then try Fatal frame , it has exploration and some puzzles. But its paced well and its brocken up with combat. Kust like the otigional and best Survival Horror games were.    … Expand
  5. Parrots
    Dec 31, 2020
    8
    Fatal Frame 5 is a solid game and one of the few reasons I got the Wii U. The last game in the franchise I played was 2 and I decided to pick up after hearing about it. The game has this unique feel in horror games that I don't necessarily feel anywhere else. Sure they're not scary but the dark atmosphere with the ghosts and sneak attacks feel great. The Wii U pad felt off but wasn't tooFatal Frame 5 is a solid game and one of the few reasons I got the Wii U. The last game in the franchise I played was 2 and I decided to pick up after hearing about it. The game has this unique feel in horror games that I don't necessarily feel anywhere else. Sure they're not scary but the dark atmosphere with the ghosts and sneak attacks feel great. The Wii U pad felt off but wasn't too bad too take away from the experience. Just wish I could've done it with a regular controller.

    The soundtrack is nice as always, graphics for it's time is pretty cool, Frame rate sucks and the gameplay is of course, Fatal Frame as normal which is awesome.

    The story is also good but I don't think it was as good as 2. The Ayane chapters were a good bonus. The Voice acting (ENG) was enjoyable as can be as well.

    This is a title that needs to be ported to modern platforms for everyone to enjoy. Also $50 until this day? Come on you can do better.    … Expand
  6. Phuz
    Nov 9, 2020
    10
    I played a demo ages ago. It was great. I am writing though to say what the hell is wrong with people giving 0 scores because a bikini has been ditched. If it is that important, go on any free porn site and type in 3D. Problem solved. Seriously, zero scorss based on porn factor. Grow up you weird little freaks.
  7. giio
    Sep 21, 2019
    9
    Un gran juego de horror japones que te sumerge en su historia a medida que avanzas
    el notable apartado grafico y su buena ambientacion hace que este titulo lo recomiende
    a quienes deseen pasarlo mal en la oscuridad ademas de tratar la historia de los antecesores de fatal frame espero que tecmo siga creando mas juegos de este estilo ahora lo unico malo son los skin que se han quedado    Un gran juego de horror japones que te sumerge en su historia a medida que avanzas
    el notable apartado grafico y su buena ambientacion hace que este titulo lo recomiende
    a quienes deseen pasarlo mal en la oscuridad ademas de tratar la historia de los antecesores
    de fatal frame espero que tecmo siga creando mas juegos de este estilo
    ahora lo unico malo son los skin que se han quedado en japon o europa pero aun asi sigue siendo un buen juego espero que salga para la switch
    pero si tienes una wii u tan solo te queda descargaro en la eshop y disfrutad de su terror y si te preguntas por el idioma eso no importa asi aprendes ingles y ya esta seguid apoyando estas sagas de horror que ahi muy pocas    … Expand
  8. Datamari
    Apr 19, 2018
    8
    A great horror game!
    As a Fatal Frame fan, I loved this game. It has a terrifying atmosphere, like any horror game should have, and the story is engaging, it'll keep you on the edge. The use of the gamepad as the camera is a bit odd, but it works well. People like to bring down this game because of the censorship in one scene, and while that is a bit disappointing, this is a game about    A great horror game!
    As a Fatal Frame fan, I loved this game. It has a terrifying atmosphere, like any horror game should have, and the story is engaging, it'll keep you on the edge. The use of the gamepad as the camera is a bit odd, but it works well. People like to bring down this game because of the censorship in one scene, and while that is a bit disappointing, this is a game about horror, not looking at lewd Japanese girls. The controls do seem a bit clunky, and the encounters do seem repetitive at times. But the environments, the horror element, everything about this game makes it worth that huge download.

    Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water gets an 8/10.    … Expand
  9. BITESCREEN
    Jun 22, 2017
    7
    Geister, Schreine, ostasiatische Folklore: Die Project Zero-Reihe war schon immer derart japanisch, dass der Erfolg im Westen trotz unbestreitbarer Gruselqualitäten ausblieb. Diesem Problem nimmt sich Tecmo Koei nun mit Project Zero – Priesterin des schwarzen Wassers Wii-U-exklusiv an: Das ist zwar in Setting und Thematik immer noch klassisch, schraubt aber für mehr Zugänglichkeit an denGeister, Schreine, ostasiatische Folklore: Die Project Zero-Reihe war schon immer derart japanisch, dass der Erfolg im Westen trotz unbestreitbarer Gruselqualitäten ausblieb. Diesem Problem nimmt sich Tecmo Koei nun mit Project Zero – Priesterin des schwarzen Wassers Wii-U-exklusiv an: Das ist zwar in Setting und Thematik immer noch klassisch, schraubt aber für mehr Zugänglichkeit an den sperrigen Gameplay-Mechanismen des Survival-Horror-Genres. So teilen sich für mehr Kurzweil drei Figuren den zermürbenden Plot um Massenselbstmord und okkulte Rituale, eine Map auf dem Touchscreen weist den rechten Weg, während Checkpoints das Vorankommen im umfangreichen Horrorspiel erleichtern. Die teils chaotischen Camera-Obscura-Geisterkämpfe sind dank Wii-U-Gamepad immersiv wie nie – gruseln aber so gar nicht. Dafür versprühen die verstörende Rest-Inszenierung und das düstere Setting rund um den Todesberg Hikami subtilen wie ungewohnt hübschen Japano-Horror. Etwas schade: Der niedrige Schwierigkeitsgrad und die fast gänzlich fehlenden Rätsel.… Expand
  10. BatCountry
    Feb 16, 2017
    8
    A great game, with an interesting story and good scares, in addition to the multiple endings system, better than in PZ2: Wii Edition. Really good graphics and a gameplay which makes good use of the Wii U gamepad for once!
    However some missions are pretty boring, such as Ren's, who becomes an interesting character at the end of the game unfortunately. That 'indignation' about censorship is    A great game, with an interesting story and good scares, in addition to the multiple endings system, better than in PZ2: Wii Edition. Really good graphics and a gameplay which makes good use of the Wii U gamepad for once!
    However some missions are pretty boring, such as Ren's, who becomes an interesting character at the end of the game unfortunately. That 'indignation' about censorship is completely pointless because it does not affect the game, really, this game does not deserve a '0' just because a few costumes were removed.

    So, a really great game, not the best FF, but still, as a FF fan, I can say it provides ones of the best scares seen in the entire series!    … Expand
  11. Tlale
    Dec 4, 2016
    10
    Amazing game, it is a great experience, the best fatal frame using the camera obscura. The atmosphere is absolutely perfect for a japanesse horror game
  12. Lone_Wolf_Sones
    Aug 7, 2016
    7
    Fatal Frame is a good game mired with some slight issues. The first thing you notice about Fatal Frame is its ability to build tension and atmosphere. Its not uncommon to see a ghost pop up in an unexpected location. Or you may witness a ghost re-enacting their demise. Crawling through a tunnel and seeing ghostly feet before you is unsettling. But what is more striking is the themes thatFatal Frame is a good game mired with some slight issues. The first thing you notice about Fatal Frame is its ability to build tension and atmosphere. Its not uncommon to see a ghost pop up in an unexpected location. Or you may witness a ghost re-enacting their demise. Crawling through a tunnel and seeing ghostly feet before you is unsettling. But what is more striking is the themes that are present in the game. Ritual sacrifices, suicides, etc are perhaps some of the darkest themes to grace a Nintendo console. Fatal Frame V doesn't shy away from disturbing imagery to say the least.

    The game also boasts what is perhaps one of the most novel and logical uses for the gamepad. You use the gamepad to take pictures of ghosts and it works surprisingly well. It feels as if your looking through the viewfinder of an actual camera. You can also swap between different lenses and film. Manage to exorcise the ghost and you can then touch them to see a glimpse of their untimely demise. The controls can take some getting used too and are a bit janky. Voice acting is stilted but passable. Purists may want to opt for the original Japanese voice acting. There is some clipping of the models and some of the items you find are floating off the ground.

    Of course there is some controversy surrounding the game with regards to 'censorship'. The reason behind many of the 'meta bomb' reviews seen here; where they give it a zero for that reason alone. In the japanese version some of the female characters have lingerie outfits that can be unlocked. Its certainly not a deal breaker and I think its silly to get bent out of shape over this when you get a Zelda and Zero Suit Samus costume in their place. I mean what girl would go hunting ghosts in her skivvies anyway? Especially when a good portion of the game hinges upon how 'wet' your character is. Rain and water cause a meter to fill making ghosts become more drawn to your character.

    Of course this is a digital only release. So yes of course you may need an external HD. Fortunately you can get a decent size external for $50-60. I can understand the frustration. I myself would have preferred to see a retail release. But Fatal Frame is a niche series to begin with. A digital release is a safer alternative to a full retail release. Its a way of gauging interest. Unfortunately I fear that because of this people will disregard the game which sends the wrong message to Nintendo. If you want a retail release of Fatal Frame in the future? You need to show Nintendo you care about the series. You can say you want a physical copy all you want. But if you don't support what is there? You can't exactly blame Nintendo for not releasing future games stateside. Fatal Frame hasn't seen many western releases to begin with.

    In the end is Fatal Frame V worth its $50-60 price tag? I would say maybe. It all depends on whether or not your a fan of classic survival horror and can look past its flaws. Its not a perfect game. But I feel it is an enjoyable one if given the chance. Try the demo for yourself.    … Expand
  13. RealSamurai
    Jun 26, 2016
    9
    I was mad about censorship at first, but it turns out that this is the lightest case of censoring the WiiU has seen these last years. You gotta respect that they actually replaced those bonus outfits instead of changing or just removing them.
  14. kurbonhart
    Apr 5, 2016
    2
    How to make a game in lazy mode ON, i love the Fatal Frame saga but this is just "more of the same" and the graphics are too awful and old gen. I expect more from this saga.
  15. Moby1985
    Feb 15, 2016
    8
    Fatal Frame is a good entry to the series but definitely not the best. Its presentation is excellent and after a creepy, but mostly uneventful first chapter the game really picks up. The graphics are great - perhaps pushing the Wii U's hardware. Character models especially are very well done. The music is ambient and environments creepy with some good jump scares.Combat works quite wellFatal Frame is a good entry to the series but definitely not the best. Its presentation is excellent and after a creepy, but mostly uneventful first chapter the game really picks up. The graphics are great - perhaps pushing the Wii U's hardware. Character models especially are very well done. The music is ambient and environments creepy with some good jump scares.Combat works quite well with the Wii U controller and you'll probably find yourself like me: playing standing up and looking at the Wii U screen most of the time.

    There are negatives. For me it was lack of variety in enemies. While each chapter usually opens up new areas of the mountain, by my count there were only perhaps 11-13 enemies in the entire game. Battles quickly become repetitive. The story - granted designed by Japanese people and in reference to their culture - was difficult to follow. I'm not saying the story was bad, but it was hard for me to understand as a Canadian born and raised.

    I was also troubled by the final boss. I found it extraordinarily difficult and non-intuitive. In fact, I spent 90 minutes fighting it until my fingers hurt and I was out of film until per chance I moved my character around and got the hint on how to finish the thing. Perhaps my biggest issue with the game is that the ghosts you just see wandering around (who are creepy in and of themselves, even though you do not fight them) randomly disappear from the game about half-way through. Yep, all those classic moments with benign ghosts just stop...As if the developers got bored or ran out of time?

    I have played and own all Fatal Frames released in North America and this one is solidly in fourth place. I use "fourth" instead of last, because I still found it enjoyable and worth its money. The digital-only release will be a barrier for many Wii U owners who don't have the larger hard drive or do not wish to fill over half of it with one game. It was cheap to not release it on disc. Big issues have been made with the censorship, but I do not care for seeing a 15 year old Japanese female character dolled up in a bikini, so I won't object to said censorship.

    Summary: Recommended for Wii U fans looking for actual horror on the system, or Fatal Frame fans. But do not keep your expectations very high.    … Expand
  16. allwititnow
    Feb 3, 2016
    10
    I want to first say thank you to Nintendo for finally releasing this game over here I first downloaded it when it first released but I haven't gotten around to playing it until the past 3 or 4 nights and I want to say that this game is an 8 or 9 but I gave it a 10 to help accommodate for the people that give it such low scores like a 0 or 1 which is ridiculous but I rate games on how muchI want to first say thank you to Nintendo for finally releasing this game over here I first downloaded it when it first released but I haven't gotten around to playing it until the past 3 or 4 nights and I want to say that this game is an 8 or 9 but I gave it a 10 to help accommodate for the people that give it such low scores like a 0 or 1 which is ridiculous but I rate games on how much they make me want to return to playing it and since I started playing this game I have not been able to put it down I think it's a fantastic exclusive for the Wii U it's a shame that not a lot of people will play this game just like the wonderful 101 which was another fantastic game that didn't sell huge but if the game was released on PlayStation 4 or Xbox one it would sell a ton of copies I have not played any of the other fatal frames so I can not compare it to them but I must say that I am extremely happy this game was released over here because they kept saying we were not going to get this game and I think it's definitely worth the money especially that you get to download the demo first which I didn't download I've been waiting for this game so long I just purchased it right away so it's very easy for everyone to make their own decision with the demo… Expand
  17. stAmbrosius
    Jan 7, 2016
    0
    Censorship ruins the game.
    There'a lot to love about this game. Lots of Japanese stuff, optional Japanese voices and classic survival horror. It's also nice to look at and the environment and sounddesign are really creepy. Sadly the game was censored. Most obvious are the missing bonus costumes, but there's more. The Jihadis at Nintendo found it necessary to alter a cutscene and remove    Censorship ruins the game.
    There'a lot to love about this game. Lots of Japanese stuff, optional Japanese voices and classic survival horror. It's also nice to look at and the environment and sounddesign are really creepy. Sadly the game was censored. Most obvious are the missing bonus costumes, but there's more. The Jihadis at Nintendo found it necessary to alter a cutscene and remove alltogether the breast physics and water effects on the protagonist's bodies. Now it's like the ladies all had boob-jobs, because nothing moves. I don't know why Nintendo doesn't want children to see a female body, but even worse, this is a mature rated game. And it was even censored in Europe, where people are not as weird as in the US.    … Expand
  18. LADDLY
    Dec 20, 2015
    5
    Fatal Fra,e: Maiden of Black Water seems to run fairly smooth, the graphics look decent for a Wii U game, and from what I've played the story is fairly interesting. Sadly the censorship, and the lack of newer ideas being integrated in the series lead me to a low score, for 15 bucks I'd buy every episode but sadly it's a bit more expensive. Save your cash.
  19. Natakuara
    Dec 20, 2015
    0
    90% buy it when I saw the trailer. but now is 0%. I'm picky and I dont like taking stuff away because of censorship. similar with Xenoblade X as well.
  20. HSuke
    Dec 5, 2015
    6
    Good game, but not nearly as good as Fatal Frame 2, which is the best in the series. Lowering the score since Nintendo censored the NA versions and didn't even give an option to purchase the bikini outfits.
  21. Ensigned
    Dec 4, 2015
    8
    Innovative use of the gamepad makes this one of the better shooters on the Wii U. This game is downright immersive and the best fatal frame to date. If you are a fan of horror genre, then this game is a must have.
  22. ps4misery
    Dec 3, 2015
    10
    A great horror game!
    As a Fatal Frame fan, I loved this game. It has a terrifying atmosphere, like any horror game should have, and the story is engaging, it'll keep you on the edge. The use of the gamepad as the camera is a bit odd, but it works well. People like to bring down this game because of the censorship in one scene, and while that is a bit disappointing
  23. Acrontus
    Nov 26, 2015
    8
    A lot of people will say to you, "it's censored, dont buy it" but to be honest, look what happened to DOA Xtreme 3, got cancelled because of sexism, and surely this one had very similar fate, also, the Zelda and Samus outfits feel like a great fan service, but let's talk technical stuff now.

    First of all, the flaws i've seen in the game are the bland expressions of the characters,    A lot of people will say to you, "it's censored, dont buy it" but to be honest, look what happened to DOA Xtreme 3, got cancelled because of sexism, and surely this one had very similar fate, also, the Zelda and Samus outfits feel like a great fan service, but let's talk technical stuff now.

    First of all, the flaws i've seen in the game are the bland expressions of the characters, usually you have to pay a lot of attention just to notice the movement of their lips, also the controls are a bit clunky but you'l get used to it eventually.

    We also have lustful ghost's that will get you out of your atmosphere.

    Apart from that it's a great scary game with lots of suspense and good storytelling, you will lose the scare factor over time but every Fatal Frame fan knows that so there's nothing new there.

    In the end it's a good FF game, not the best of all but you will enjoy it nonetheless, i wouldn't recommend it to non FF fans in general because they may not enjoy it, but it's your call so you'l know what you want.    … Expand
  24. ParuShimak
    Nov 19, 2015
    0
    Important plot segments of this game were altered from the original Japanese version to meet the puritanical western morality police. Don't buy this censored, hamstrung version of the game and support the restriction of artistic freedom.
  25. Enellos
    Nov 18, 2015
    10
    Gran episodio de la saga , es un indispensable del genero de terror en wii u.hay que jugarlo , pasaras gran parte del tiempo ennsuspenso , ademas tiene un gran uso del wiiu gamepad.
  26. CandarianGaming
    Nov 18, 2015
    10
    If you want a slow, atmospheric mentally draining survival horror game, then I highly recommend. It follows themes of suicide and death and had me on edge for most of the game. It utilizes the wiiu gamepad in the best way possible, my favourite game so far this generation, I need more
  27. tripenfall
    Nov 18, 2015
    8
    I have just completed the game and was seriously impressed. Initially I was concerned about the lack of actual game play in the early levels - it felt like an interactive movie of sorts where atmosphere is everything. Thankfully my concerns were unfounded, there is a good game underneath all the tension and the upgrades and different equipment gave the game much needed depth.
    Rather than    I have just completed the game and was seriously impressed. Initially I was concerned about the lack of actual game play in the early levels - it felt like an interactive movie of sorts where atmosphere is everything. Thankfully my concerns were unfounded, there is a good game underneath all the tension and the upgrades and different equipment gave the game much needed depth.
    Rather than jump scares that you may find in games like Until Dawn (PS4) Fatal Frame instead chooses to focus on very dark themes and fills you with a feeling of dread throughout. When I say dark I mean it, suicide and murder are detailed and shown in graphic detail but where the game really gets under your skin is when the protagonists start to succumb to those instincts themselves. Some surreal scenes are in the game that I won't spoil for you but the forest of hanging people and the stage with the CCTV get a special mention.
    The graphics are some of the best on Wii U and lighting and shadows are used to perfection. The game pad is used beautifully, this game could only be on Wii U. It's a shame that all the talk has been about the costumes and the lack of a physical release (which is crazy) but I live in Australia and if anyone can get the limited edition with the art book and extras it was well worth it and adds to the overall experience.
    This is my first time playing a game from this series, it hopefully won't be the last.    … Expand
  28. mikevillagran
    Nov 17, 2015
    10
    I really like this kind of games, all the other negative comments are from people that don't have experience in this games, before criticize try the 3ds game and elder games of Fatal frame and you'll understand the role of this game.
  29. leopoldo
    Nov 12, 2015
    6
    Fatal Frame: Maiden of Blackwater is a horror game of the series Fatal Frame. The game has many qualities, but many problems. The story is great and disturbing as it should be. The gameplay with the GamePad is great and works great, but as it has many ghosts, the gameplay seems a lot more action than horror. Another downside is that some ghosts are seductive, and it certainly does not makeFatal Frame: Maiden of Blackwater is a horror game of the series Fatal Frame. The game has many qualities, but many problems. The story is great and disturbing as it should be. The gameplay with the GamePad is great and works great, but as it has many ghosts, the gameplay seems a lot more action than horror. Another downside is that some ghosts are seductive, and it certainly does not make me afraid, I'm sure. The graphics are weak, they are exceeded; but facial expressions are convincing .Overall, it is a good horror game with a great story, but the many ghosts that appear, do lose a lot of the climate of terror., and that sucks. 6.5 / 10… Expand
  30. pelayus12
    Nov 11, 2015
    10
    I could tell you how much I enjoyed the game, I could tell you to ignore all the critics giving low scores, I could tell you that other users low scores are wrong but I'm won't.

    What I will tell you is this: Download the demo, go, do it and play it. Controls have a learning curve and even if you don't like the default gamepad setting you can tweak them but you'll still have to deal with    I could tell you how much I enjoyed the game, I could tell you to ignore all the critics giving low scores, I could tell you that other users low scores are wrong but I'm won't.

    What I will tell you is this: Download the demo, go, do it and play it. Controls have a learning curve and even if you don't like the default gamepad setting you can tweak them but you'll still have to deal with the learning curve so do it using the demo. Then if at the end of the demo you've enjoyed what you played despite the games flaws (because it has them), buy it because it means you will enjoy the whole game.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Best Wii U Game of 2015
10
#10 Most Discussed Wii U Game of 2015
13
#13 Most Shared Wii U Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 58 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 58
  3. Negative: 4 out of 58
  1. Power Unlimited
    Dec 10, 2015
    86
    Its atmospheric horror, improved camera combat, fancy HD graphics and intense story make this the best entry in the classic horror series yet. [dec. 2015 / page 059]
  2. NZGamer
    Dec 6, 2015
    50
    A game that’s atmospheric as hell, but that does nothing with it.
    Read full review
  3. Gamer.no
    Dec 4, 2015
    60
    The premise of the Project Zero series, quite literally having to face up to your fears to catch them on camera, is ingenious. Furthermore, at its high points, Maiden of Black Water showcases a generous amount of the very peculiar and likeable Japanese horror atmosphere. However, the experience suffers from imprecise and slow controls, making for frustrating maneuvering through the rather samey surroundings of the haunted Mount Hikami. Add to that the large amount of terribly dull and boringly angst-ridden notes that most of the narrative is related through, and you have a game that, unfortunately, doesn't quite live up to its potential.
    Read full review
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