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. TheAdjuster
    Oct 23, 2015
    0
    Censorship on a mature-rated, already niche game? Way to alienate the fanbase that would have been interested in this game in the first place, Nintendo.
  2. MadWolf84
    Oct 25, 2015
    10
    Great game and a lot of fun for fatal frame fans. Don't let rabid horndogs stray you away from this one. More like an 8-9 if we want to be technical, but balancing things out. :P
  3. merciz
    Oct 25, 2015
    0
    i wanted the full fatal frame game.. not a censored or changed game! thanks but no thanks! it's not a matter of it being sexy or anything but if you can't have faith in your own product.. how can other people have faith in it ??? i wanted the original experience not something else! and yes even a piece of clothing will change the game because it set the tone of the game at that point ini wanted the full fatal frame game.. not a censored or changed game! thanks but no thanks! it's not a matter of it being sexy or anything but if you can't have faith in your own product.. how can other people have faith in it ??? i wanted the original experience not something else! and yes even a piece of clothing will change the game because it set the tone of the game at that point in time! thanks for ruining it! you will not recieve any further payment from me untill this is dealt with!… Expand
  4. Skyrar
    Oct 24, 2015
    0
    No chance I will support a censored game. Two costumes have been changed and the clothing of a female character during a cutscene, which makes the cutscene more or less pointless.
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. Hermylein
    Nov 6, 2015
    9
    Awesome game with awesome graphics and a creepy atmosphere.
    The gameplay with the gamepad as camera reminds me of pokemon snap and is a lot of fun :)
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. dressloarn
    Nov 5, 2015
    10
    dont listen to these western Reviewers. Metacritic doesnt even allow Japanese review sites like Famitsu or 4gamer to rate their own games first released in Japan by the way, its a fantastic game.
    Only downsize is Censorship ... thanks Nintendo for censoring a game rated 18
  14. 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
  15. LoneWolfSones
    Nov 7, 2015
    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
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. StyleTAP
    Nov 2, 2015
    8
    I couldn't just stand by and see this game being ripped on because it doesn't have costumes. Sure it might be s bit annoying but giving it a score of 0? Ridiculous. This game has a great atmosphere, an interesting story, and what I think to be great use of the Wii u gamepad. This game has its flaws but what game doesn't? I'm giving it a higher score than it deserves to make up for theI couldn't just stand by and see this game being ripped on because it doesn't have costumes. Sure it might be s bit annoying but giving it a score of 0? Ridiculous. This game has a great atmosphere, an interesting story, and what I think to be great use of the Wii u gamepad. This game has its flaws but what game doesn't? I'm giving it a higher score than it deserves to make up for the zeros. I'm sorry but it doesn't deserve that. I would give it a solid 8. Thoroughly enjoying the game so far.… Expand
  20. JTurner
    Oct 30, 2015
    8
    The unfortunate censoring of one scene is the only minor drawback of this otherwise creepy, unsettlingly enjoyable horror adventure. There are times when the controls feel a bit stiff, particularly in the more dramatic sequences. However, the game remains consistently compelling, and the concept of taking pictures of attacking ghosts is executed very naturally with the Gamepad.The unfortunate censoring of one scene is the only minor drawback of this otherwise creepy, unsettlingly enjoyable horror adventure. There are times when the controls feel a bit stiff, particularly in the more dramatic sequences. However, the game remains consistently compelling, and the concept of taking pictures of attacking ghosts is executed very naturally with the Gamepad. Graphically, the game looks mostly really good, although some parts look unpolished. The use of moody, atmospheric silence is the real triumph of the game, lending a spooky tone to the proceedings. The only thing I wish Nintendo would have done differently was not distribute this game as a digital only purchase. It would have been far more ideal to have a packaged release. Also, while the notion to censor sexual costumes is somewhat understandable, it's disappointing to fans who would prefer to see their imports from Japan uncut. Having said that, though, this is still one of the better horror games available on the WiiU (which may not be saying much, considering the woefully small amount of such games on the system). You might need to get a HDD to install the game, though, as it is a 16GB download. It's well worth checking out though.… Expand
  21. MissFelixia
    Nov 3, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The control system is suprisingly good i find, do people realize you can move the gamepad to look around? the so called censored thing is nothing since the camera is usually behind the character anyway and what they were replaced with are so much better in my opinion. i love this game so far although its just really creepy. it also shows how amazing the gamepad is big + there. shame they didnt market it a little more also they made picking up items intense since you can be grabbed while picking any up. fighting ghosts in small areas is also intense and adds new dificulty. massive + is you have 2 games in 1 since you unlock a character at the end and it becomes a stealth game. you also get 'fanservice' with this character. those not buying because of so called censoring (end game costume unlocks) are just missing out big time. also the game gets creepy the more ghosts you see when you dread running into certain ghosts… Expand
  22. DarkLordGig
    Nov 3, 2015
    10
    Seriously anyone who rips this game because "muh fanservice" was removed, should be ashamed of ever calling themselves a gamer. The gyro controls work perfectly for this game. The atmosphere is perfect. Those who say it isn't scary should go back to playing FNAF cause they are not true horror gamers.
  23. 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
  24. baloon123
    Oct 31, 2015
    8
    I think every one is a bit hard on the game. Sure it has its flaws with the camera an it doesn't do much different from the rest of the series. But the story is still really good an thats all that matters with these tipe of games. An about the censorship did we really have sank this low that we have to alter the game score just because our version doesn't have naked girl's that's patheticI think every one is a bit hard on the game. Sure it has its flaws with the camera an it doesn't do much different from the rest of the series. But the story is still really good an thats all that matters with these tipe of games. An about the censorship did we really have sank this low that we have to alter the game score just because our version doesn't have naked girl's that's pathetic it doesn't change the story or the game play in any meaning full way. At first everybody want this to get localised and now nobody wants it any more did we forget what dis genre was really like… Expand
  25. takoDGO
    Oct 26, 2015
    9
    buen juego cumple perfecto con el orror que uno espera de este tipo de titulos ya que realmente me a asustado mas de 6 veces y eso para mi ya es bastante! sin mensionar que ya hasia falta un juego mas con clasificacion M para mi wii u1 lastima que aca en america solo salio en digital!!
  26. Panzerdragoonsa
    Oct 30, 2015
    10
    Wow. This is without a doubt the second best Fatal Frame game in the series, after Fatal Frame 2, Wii Edition. Absolutely amazing. Deeply upsetting and disturbing (depending on how you choose to play and whether you decide to view all the VHS clips etc). This is a genuinely horrifying work, and like all the great horror literature, this game will use your own imagination against you. KoeiWow. This is without a doubt the second best Fatal Frame game in the series, after Fatal Frame 2, Wii Edition. Absolutely amazing. Deeply upsetting and disturbing (depending on how you choose to play and whether you decide to view all the VHS clips etc). This is a genuinely horrifying work, and like all the great horror literature, this game will use your own imagination against you. Koei Tecmo have nailed it with Maiden Of Black Water. I really hope that the criticism that this game may attract isn't purely based upon the terrible decision not to release it physically in the US. Because that would just make matters worse for genuine survival horror fans. This game is a masterpiece, and it will forever be viewed as such! Just like Xenoblade Chronicles and Panzer Dragoon Saga.… Expand
  27. rickemrobo
    Oct 24, 2015
    9
    This game is a treat for Fatal Frame fans. Yes the controls are clunky and the frame rate is less than stellar, but the atmosphere is top notch, sound design is terrifyingly good and the story is incredibly intriguing. It's also fun to see how much more powerful you are when you upgrade your Camera Obscura and destroy ghosts that once menaced you hours ago. Give it a chance, download theThis game is a treat for Fatal Frame fans. Yes the controls are clunky and the frame rate is less than stellar, but the atmosphere is top notch, sound design is terrifyingly good and the story is incredibly intriguing. It's also fun to see how much more powerful you are when you upgrade your Camera Obscura and destroy ghosts that once menaced you hours ago. Give it a chance, download the free version. Its a solid game, especially in time for Halloween!… Expand
  28. Omnimon
    Oct 28, 2015
    10
    Great survival horror, narrative is very good, controls good response, graphics really beautiful and atmosphere very very darkness, Fatal Frame 5 is real survival horror in 8º gen.
  29. Dogi
    Oct 27, 2015
    9
    Game is old school true survivor horror. Great atmosphere and visuals. Old school controls. Must have game for wii u. Costumes are just cosmetic and take away nor add nothing really. Perfect for Halloween.
  30. kuehnau
    Oct 28, 2015
    4
    First of all, it's nice to see that Nintendo is offering demos for these sorts of games, it's kind of cool you can buy content in episodes like the PC platform.

    So, anyways, Fatal Frame is a franchise that involves you basically exploring creepy, Japanese stylized locations. Your only means of defense is a old camera that allows you to see past the veil and take pictures of spirits.    First of all, it's nice to see that Nintendo is offering demos for these sorts of games, it's kind of cool you can buy content in episodes like the PC platform.

    So, anyways, Fatal Frame is a franchise that involves you basically exploring creepy, Japanese stylized locations. Your only means of defense is a old camera that allows you to see past the veil and take pictures of spirits.

    So I tried the demo.. And unfortunately I wasn't really overly impressed with the game presented. First of all, the dialog has a tendency to be really dry and boring.

    Second, all of these haunted Eastern locations are starting to become really boring. I am really surprised with the popularity of ghost hunting shows in the west, someone hasn't done a modernized version of the game for the west based around the concept of ghost hunting.

    Further, the controls are just really stiff and awful. Sometimes your character will just stop walking for no reason at all, which really sucks. I have a brand new Wii-U and it is by no means the fault of the controller.

    While using the special controller for the camera interface is a interesting idea, at the end of the day it's fairly unwieldy. It feels like just another gimmick tacked on to the game in an attempt by Nintendo to justify their awful choice in controller design.

    Finally, the people complaining about the "censorship" issues are insane. The bonus clothing removed from the game in no way impacts the design or experience of the game. Not to the extent these idiots are claiming. The folks giving a zero rating on a product because of some skimpy clothing removed are sad and pathetic.

    I am not sure if I will be buying any extra episodes. The Nintendo market is pretty starved for mature and horror games, but I am not that starved that I am going to buy a poorly designed, clunky game that feels like it should have come out in the PS2 era.    … 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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