Review: Fatal Frame II – Crimson Butterfly

I’m winding up my 2003 game reviews with a classic survival horror title, Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly. It’s been five years since I reviewed the first Fatal Frame. And, while it wasn’t the most riveting horror title I’ve played, there were enough unique gameplay elements  that I knew I wanted to see more. If you’re not familiar with the first Fatal Frame, I highly recommending taking a glance at my original review here: Fatal Frame review. This review you’re reading now will assume you are familiar with the unique aspects of the original game, and my previous review will catch you up.

This entry in the Fatal Frame series was released at the end of 2003 for the Playstation 2. A year later, an updated version was produced for the original Xbox. The Xbox version includes slightly improved graphics, new UI options, and additional content. I should also note, that a remake of the game was also produced for the Nintendo Wii, but this version was only released in Japan, Australia, and the EU. Of the two original versions, the Xbox release is considered to be the definitive edition. However, this version of the game is not available digitally. So, for this reason, I was forced to play the PS2 version that is available on the Playstation Network for PS3 consoles.

It’s important to note that this game is not a direct sequel to the original title. Instead, it tells the story of two twin sisters, Mio and Mayu. The game begins when the girls visit a secluded forest. They used to play together at this location when they were young. However, an upcoming construction project threatens to terraform the area, so the girls want to visit their old stomping grounds one final time. One interesting aspect about this forest is that it is rumored to host an ancient ghost town, Minakami Village. This hidden location is said to be haunted and anyone who visits it is never seen again. During their visit, Mio and Mayu become separated. It turns out that Mayu has become entranced by a vision of a crimson butterfly, which leads her to the gates of the haunted village. Eventually, Mio is able to catch up with her, but she quickly realizes that something is wrong with her sister. Before she can figure out what’s going on, it becomes obvious that their surroundings are indeed haunted and two of them are trapped. In order to escape, they must explore their surroundings and unravel the ancient mystery behind this secluded location.

The game plays very much like the first Fatal Frame title. In the early part of the game, the player will obtain the Camera Obscura – a magical camera that has the ability to drain spirits of their power. This camera is your only weapon against the various spirits that will frequently assail you. The core gameplay elements remain unchanged from the first game. To damage a ghost, you must catch it in the reticle of the camera and snap a picture at just the right moment. Of course, there are upgrades that can be made to the camera that gives it further range, more exorcismal power, etc. Upgrading the camera is a big key element of the game. Some upgrades come in the form of items and various camera parts that are discovered through exploration. However, others are made by spending points on various upgrades. Points are earned every time you inflict damage to a ghost or manage to snap a picture of the various non-hostile phantoms that are hidden throughout the game.

So far, all of this will sound extremely familiar to anyone that’s played the original Fatal Frame. The biggest change to the gameplay in this title is actually in the UI that appears on screen during combat. The camera-based battle system is a little easier to understand this time around thanks to the redesign of the various meters and gauges that appear when you have the camera engaged. Still, getting the hang of the combat system does take a little getting used to. It’s all about finding the right timing and angles and learning the movement and nuances of the different ghosts you are forced to battle.

The rest of the game works nearly identical to the original. You explore creepy dilapidated houses, a foggy moonlit village, and chilling gravesites. All the while you search for clues, uncover bits of lore that detail the backstory, and interact with various ghosts. There are puzzle elements that pop up from time to time, but the real challenge always comes from the combat.

Atmosphere is really the name of the game here. That’s what kept me playing, not the challenge. The game is filled with various save points, so even on the few occasions where I perished, it was always easy to reload a save and try again. It was the story and the storytelling that motivated me. There’s way more to the plot than just what I outlined above, and it develops over time as you continue to progress in the game. Another thing worth mentioning is the just how incredible the game looks. The graphics are phenomenal and the level design and atmospheric effects are top notch. The developers did an absolutely fantastic job of taking an ancient Japanese village and making it feel terrifying. Everything from the lighting to the background audio is just perfect.

Some survival horror games achieve their goals by focusing on enemy placement and dwindling resources. This game succeeds with visuals and audio cues. It’s the perfect game to play in a dark room late at night. And somehow, the uniquely Japanese feel of the game lends even more weirdness to the experience.

Sitting back and analyzing my experience with this game, I have to say that it is certainly several steps ahead of the original Fatal Frame. I’m not sure that I liked it as much as I enjoyed some of the Silent Hill or Resident Evil games, but Fatal Frame II has an undeniable charm to it. The concept of being forced to do battle in the first-person perspective is unique and certainly adds to the tension. If these sort of games are what you crave, this is one that I highly recommend. Hopefully, we will see a re-release of this game and its predecessor in the future. Having the definitive Xbox version made available on modern systems would certainly be a blessing.

Version Reviewed: PS2

Difficulty: Variable – This game offers multiple difficulty options, so there’s something here for every player. The Xbox version even includes an additional “Fatal” option. During my playthrough I experimented with the various settings. I found did find them to increase in difficulty pretty noticeably. However, the game still seemed fairly easy regardless of the setting I chose. I can’t speak for the Xbox exclusive option, as I did not play that version of the game.

Multiplayer: No.

Story: This game mixes Japanese folklore with all of the chills of a psychological horror. The story is unique and it captured my attention in a way I didn’t expect. It’s expertly crafted and it’s revealed as you play the game in a masterful way.

Originality: To a large extent this game is really a refinement of what was seen in the original title. Even so, the uniquely Japanese design and locale makes this game stand out among other similar games of the era.

Soundtrack: The music in Fatal Frame II is very minimal. In fact, it’s pretty much limited to the title screen and the end credits. The gameplay itself is filled with chilling, ambient sounds. And as was the case with the original game, these noises do a much better job of giving this game its creepy feel than any musical score could.

Fun: I really enjoyed the atmosphere presented in this title. The storyline is also surprisingly gripping. Perfect spooky fun.

Graphics: Fatal Frame 2 is a great looking game. It’s really an excellent example of what the PS2 was able to accomplish. If you can get your hands on an Xbox copy, it manages to look even better. The use of lighting, particle effects, and the creepy level design are a master class in horror game visuals.

Playcontrol : As if often the case with survival horror titles, the playcontrol is a little rough around the edges. I found this game to be a vast improvement over the original. But the button map still feels very unintuitive at times.

Downloadable Content:  N/A

Mature Content: Gruesome images, paranormal themes, violence

Value: If you still own a PS3, this game is available on PSN for $10 and is very much worth the price. Sadly, it’s not available digitally on any other platform. Used copies often sell for well over $100 on eBay. It’s a great game, but I can’t claim that it’s worth the prices that some sellers seems to be asking.

Overall Score (1-100): 85  – If you liked the first Fatal Frame, you’re going to love this one. It’s an improvement to the original game in almost every way. That being said, it’s quite different from most other survival horror titles. It’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea – but that’s ok. There’s no denying this games offers a unique and absolutely chilling experience. If you’re a fan of the genre, this is one game you will want to take a look at.

Original System: PS2

Available today on:  PS3  (PSN only)   – (Updated as of Summer 2025)

Best Experience: Xbox   – (Updated as of Summer 2025)

Other Reviews In This Series:

Fatal Frame    –   Fatal Frame II    –    Fatal Frame III    –    FF: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse    –    FF: Maiden of Black Water

Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir