Project Zero (Fatal Frame): Maiden of Black Water Review - The Final Verdict

Maiden of Black Water is not the best game in the Fatal Frame series. It’s probably not even in the top 3, but what many might have forgotten is that it’s still a solid entry in a series that really doesn’t really have any bad mainline games. While the uniquely eerie tone and mysterious storytelling of the original Fatal Frames is certainly watered down in this one, it still comes together as a worthwhile horror game that deserves to stand among its forbearers.

Some mild clunkiness here and there is, sometimes, a bit too reminiscent of the era from which it came, and there’s no denying that this is one of the weaker stories in the series. That said, the extra strategy and depth afforded to its combat, the efficient manner in which the gameplay unfolds, and solid up-scaling of the originals’ visuals do add some extra points to it as a remaster and as an admirable entry of an iconic survival horror series.

[ARIXANDRE]

This series is highly underrated. Crimson Butterfly is up there with RE 1 and Silent Hill 2 as a horror classic.

[TheLEDkiller]

I hope that we will see the whole collection remastered on this gen in the future

[sirspongey]

As soon as im done with this im going back to Project zero 1 2 and 3. These games deserve more recognition one of the best horror game franchises ive ever played 👏

[khpc]

Remember the 1st few games were super scary and loved it for it. Definitely will get this and hope Fatal Frame gets a new good sequel on PS4/5.

[kcadventures]

Best review I have seen for this remaster yet. I saw one review that the first thing they said was they want an HD remaster of the series but then proceeded to s*** all over the game and give it a four out of 10.. great way to sell the series bud.

[graviron]

I want the first trilogy to be remastered.. I would buy it day one.. miss those games so much..

[CesarGonzalez-jjec]

As a huge fan of fatal frames 1 to 3, I am ADORING this one so far! It’s the first time I’ve ever played it and just... the mechanics are so well made. Every ghost fight feels tense with the motion controls, one of the few games where they actually work intuitively and make you feel really engaged! And the presentation is just stunning!
I would have liked them to tone down the voyeurism a little bit, as jiggly boob physics feel a bit excessive, but other than that it’s surprised me quite a bit, and my expectations were already high!!

[vthelastrun]

Love it so far great combat, atmosphere, horror and I really like Japanese culture presented in this game

[jeremychong]

Gonna get this for my xbox. I miss this franchise on the ps2.

[venmosh]

Very good review this Fatal Frame remaster looks good. Now I would love if we could get the OG Fatal Frame 1 & 2 from PS2 remastered in 4k and with updated textures and effects, that Would 🐝 so 😎

[joshrchanfan]

This is such a great review! Very well stated. I love this series and it is so great to see it get more attention. And this review is definitely spot on!

[TheKurupt]

whether its the greatest one or not when your a fan, your a fan … ill buy it, play it and keep it as part of my collection … im just grateful for games like this … keep em comming …

[Tyger]

4:05 "By needing to manage how wet your character is." Phrasing!

[budlikycz]

You dont even know how glad I am they released this game for todays consoles. I played the first game like three years ago via emulator and I was consumed. Crimson butterfly was also superb. There was so much shit to see. After I played those games and when learnt how forgotten the series is I need them to be revived.

[jonathanmoss]

Just finished it. My first fatal frame game. I think the story was fine. The characters seemed lifeless though. No screams, facial expressions, barely any dialogue. If you buy it and play for the first time get ready to read your way through, during your breaks from combat. I had fun at first towards the end it got a little repetitive, and I wanted to skip the last few ghosts, but the doors lock until you defeat them. The last boss get ready to take 2000 pictures. I had fun for the most part and the atmosphere and areas were great. I agree I think it's an 8 for survival horror game. A fun experience at first, with a story that jumps into the combat, has a creepy atmosphere, and keeps you playing. I loved the doll chapters and marriage chapters. Hated the surveillance chapters besides the girl singing that was pretty creepy.

[TAMPATLBLACK]

Fatal Frame & Clock Tower are 2 old skool survival horror games worth playing

[PNWAffliction]

i want all the fatal frames and silent hills to be remastered. its such an underrated genre.

[GMARAS]

Crimson Butterfly was my favorite horror game ever created!

[Whalewraith]

So excited to finally play this, hope it does well se we can get a english remaster of 4.

[jonathanjohnson]

I love this game but honestly i think that when it was first released on the wii u was a killing blow to the series. It never got the proper recognition it deserves due to bad marketing. Even when it was released around Halloween like this.
Hopefully there's a bundle that gets released on all consoles next year. And hope for a new game in 2023.