Fatal Frame 2 - Crimson Butterfly

[marcus]

Harsh words there Strider but I do agree with you in a way, so far Ive seen little in the way of co-operative gameplay, with Mayu's main intent seeming to be to get in the way as much as possible. Im still only four chapters in though, but I feel I must be enjoying the game more than you however. I quite like the story of the sacrificed twins, whilst the atmosphere and sheer darkness of it all is quite tense. Perhaps its not the outstanding game I was hoping for, but so far I cant say I feel particularly let down either, Im just enjoying it for what it is. I should have Siren in a few days, so will be able to compare them first hand, whilst Pete is currently at work on our review of this which should hit the homepage in a week or two.

[Strider]

I'll admit, it is getting better (I'm currently finishing off chapter 6) and while the atmosphere is just as good as the first and the silent hill series, it's not the improvement I was expecting.

We'll be reviewing it for the next issue, but it's going to have to do a lot more than it's currently doing to get a REALLY good score

[marcus]

Im currently on Chapter 4. For me the game scores its points on the atmosphere it generates, Im playing in the pitch black, on a large screen with the volume cranked - and I swear already this game has made me jump more times than most others put together. Each time you enter a room you just *know* something is likely to happen, even a sudden sound effect is enough to set me off, and I dont scare easily yet I find myself first using the map to get an idea of the layout of the room, then scanning it with the camera in FPS mode, before I take more than a couple of steps into any room. Its got me that spooked.

That said, I agree with you that the second charecter so far could of been used better, still its handy having her about as shes great bait for the ghosts, leaving you free to take clear shots as they attack her. Another thing Ive noticed, is that I already have about 20 herbals, lots of sacred water and tonnes of camera film, which is quite surprising. Either the game is so far easy, or is quite liberal with its replenishments, I dont know which as yet.

[marcus]

Two quite irritating negatives here, first, the lack of a 180 degree turn button, especially in camera mode which makes fighting teleporting ghosts very frustrating.

Second, and incredibly lapse, is that whilst playing the game I walked into a part of a room whereby it was a dead end, nowhere to go but back. However, Mayu just stood there, blocking my way back and refused to move whatsoever, forcing me to quit the game and start over. Very poor, quite how that got past QA testing I have no idea.

[Strider]

Two quite irritating negatives here, first, the lack of a 180 degree turn button, especially in camera mode which makes fighting teleporting ghosts very frustrating.

Second, and incredibly lapse, is that whilst playing the game I walked into a part of a room whereby it was a dead end, nowhere to go but back. However, Mayu just stood there, blocking my way back and refused to move whatsoever, forcing me to quit the game and start over. Very poor, quite how that got past QA testing I have no idea.

And that's why I havent given it an amazing score mate.

Don't get me wrong, the atmosphere is superb, but it all feels strangely rushed. There is a ****ing great bit on the 7th chapter, but this is way below the standard of the original

[PeteJ]

I've only played about half an hour so far, but I do like what I see.

Controls are a bit sticky when the camera changes view, but otherwise they are OK. Voice acting is improved over the original (nothing special still), which was easily the biggest flaw before.

So far so good, especially the black & white cutscenes - very creepy...

[darkangel]

Anyone know of a PAL release yet?

[marcus]

And that's why I havent given it an amazing score mate.

Don't get me wrong, the atmosphere is superb, but it all feels strangely rushed. There is a ****ing great bit on the 7th chapter, but this is way below the standard of the original

That said, to compensate the lack of a 180, come out of camera mode and turn, then go back in again and it changes pretty quick, so its not a massive issue to me, the bug was annoying though I must admit. More concern has to be that so far anyways, the game is really quite easy. Im on the final chapter and havent died once, have about 20 herbal remedies and another 10 sacred water, ammo is tight though mainly as Ive been killing everything and repeating a lot of areas. I expect Ill need this all for nightmare mode though.

Always go back when you goto a new chapter, somethings things change, and strange things happen, its very unsettling. The atmosphere is superb, there have been 3 times where I have literally jumped due to a moment of shock onscreen, which is a good sign for a game that sets out to do just that.

So far as comparison to the original goes, perhaps it isnt as good, but Id certainly say it wasnt far off. I dont recall the GamesTM score myself, but I remember thinking it was too low for what was an excellent original. Were I to rate this one, it would be a 7 from me, 6 would be an injustice to a very enjoyable game, whilst 8 is too high for a game which doesnt improve on the original in any way or introduce anything new to the genre. Its enjoyable and addictive, scary and atmospheric, which is pretty much what I was after.

[Strider]

We didn't give it a score as it come out too early. However, it would have been a high 8

[marcus]

I must say though that personally speaking, Ive enjoyed FF2 a lot, I find that I buy a large number of games these days but only very rarely do they hold my attention like this one has. The last was perhaps FFX2 and Shutokou Battle 0, I wouldnt say either of those were staggering games but something about them just made me keep coming back for more.

I see where you are coming from with FF2, its not a improvement on the original at all, it still has control issues and bugs, but I feel it acheives what it sets out to do, in making the gamer feel as on edge as possible. I think harder difficulty would of helped a lot too, I dont fear any battles as I know theres no chance Ill get beaten, particulary with the power of my camera and addons. I look forward to the review.

[Strider]

Have you started any of the missions yet Marcus?

[darkangel]

when the pal release strider? do u know?

[Strider]

Still unconfirmed at the moment I'm afraid

[marcus]

Im on the final chapter, just starting. I aim to complete this tonight, then will check out the bonus things.

[darkangel]

ah well... looks like im just gonna have to keep on pm'ng will, about modding my ps2.

Where is that guy?