Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly (Director's Cut) (Xbox, 2004)

Pons:
Scary without gore :)
Really interresting gameplay.
Excellant storyline.


Cons:
You might often refer to Internet to find solutions...

"A horror game without blood and gore... it must be dull..." you might think. Well, you are wrong... As you are playing with Mayu, a young girl followed by her twin sister Myo, you'll have to find a way out of a mysterious village where you will only meet wandering spirits and the only way to repel the is an old and rusty camera. The ghost are really scary especially when they get out of a wall, whisper or even shout at you (especially behind you). The various effects also increase the horror of the game just like when all the colors, the sounds and the music will fade away while you will only hear your heart beat or an hostile ghost laughing at you. The biggest problem in the game is when you get block, their is often no way to remember what you have to do and you will have to refer to Internet... which is long and not fun. But anyway, if you have the chance to reach the chapter 6 & 7, you will agree with me that it's one of the scariest game on XBOX.

I love the game overall. The story is what drew me most to buy this game, because its so horrifying, yet so well told. You're fighting off ghosts with a camera, known as the camera obscura, which I have yet to see any other game do when it comes to killing the undead in a unique way. The music, when there is music, and the dialogue is well done and well placed, and its key to listen to the ghosts in order to know when to run or when you should strike out at them. The gameplay is solid, though there are occasional glitches here and there and backtracking, not that I mind that.

The first person view adds to the tension. it has a lot of replay as different endings are available as well as unlockable costumes and the desire to try and get 100% with all the photographs. The x-box version also comes with an alternate ending known as the Promise Ending. I would highly recommend this game to anyone who wants a different kind of horror game. Its a well told horror story that will have you worrying about ghosts wandering around your house playing it late at night.

This is an amazing game, and definitely worth the buy. I previously owned the PS2 version of this, but the extra content in the Director's Cut is worth it.

On top of the basic things that come with the PS2 version, there is also a FPS mode, alternate costumes, and a new ending. Plus, the graphics are a little cleaner (at least to me), and they replaces the 180 turn from the first game (a minor point, but one that comes in handy).

All in all, for survival horror fans, Fatal Frame is a great series, and Fatal Frame II is the best in the series. If you have an XBox and want a great game, go for the upgraded version. You won't regret it.

My personal favorite of the 3 Fatal Frame games released in the U.S. (which means that doesn't include the 4th that is only in Japan). The camera angles, haunting music, and frighteningly realistic character situations make this game come alive. The fact that you have nothing but a camera with which to defend yourself just makes it that much creepier. If you thought games like Dead F.E.A.R and Dead Space were on the scary side, this one takes away your gun, making it even better. And the storyline is incredible!! I really felt bad for several of the lost village inhabitants when I learned how they lived and died. And it's even based on a true story! LOVE this game!

Its a very good game, better graphics than the 1st one but not as good story wise, I would recommend it if you are into games like Silent Hill but play the 1st one first.