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Project Zero/Fatal Frame 5 Review Thread

The problem with this mindset is that game scores are not typically based on a "5 as average" scale but instead more on a school grading system, where 50% is a failing grade and 70% is considered merely adequate. I don't think there's any publication that would score something a 6/10 and consider it an above-average game.

EDGE
 

RK128

Member
As someone who hasn't been following this game too closely, what was cut?

Its not confirmed yet, but some of the unlockable costumes you can get by beating the game from the JP version might be replaced by the new Nintendo Themed costumes (Hyrule Warriors Zelda and Other M/Smash 4 Zero Suit Samus) that was announced a week or so ago.
 

NateDrake

Member
I don't understand the reviews saying the game controls poorly. It controls fine though a bit slow. My advice to people is to download the free chapters and then decide if the full purchase is worth it to you. Fatal Frame is as niche as they come, and most of the reviewers have likely never played the franchise before.

I'll be doing a 1hr livestream tomorrow night for the title.
 

Mattenth

Member
18 reviews on OpenCritic

I wonder if the problems are with the game or more with the audience. Reading through the reviews and watching the videos, it looks like it's largely the same type of game as it was ~5 years ago.

Seems like the Horror genre has evolved to leave Fatal Frame behind.

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Mithos

Member
Its not confirmed yet, but some of the unlockable costumes you can get by beating the game from the JP version might be replaced by the new Nintendo Themed costumes (Hyrule Warriors Zelda and Other M/Smash 4 Zero Suit Samus) that was announced a week or so ago.

Are the Ayane missions still in there or removed ?
 

TheMoon

Member
Cut content and those scores? I'm-a keepin' my money.

Cut content lol come on. There is no cut content.

I don't understand the reviews saying the game controls poorly. It controls fine though a bit slow. My advice to people is to download the free chapters and then decide if the full purchase is worth it to you. Fatal Frame is as niche as they come, and most of the reviewers have likely never played the franchise before.

I'll be doing a 1hr livestream tomorrow night for the title.

In fact Zero 5 is the first game in the series that lets you properly sprint! If anything, it's faster than ever before.

Whoa. I thought FF+ Gamepad would be a perfect match.

And it is if you actually read some of the things.
 

BiggNife

Member
Its not confirmed yet, but some of the unlockable costumes you can get by beating the game from the JP version might be replaced by the new Nintendo Themed costumes (Hyrule Warriors Zelda and Other M/Smash 4 Zero Suit Samus) that was announced a week or so ago.

That doesn't sound like something to get worked up about, especially since the Nintendo costumes look nice, but to each his own.
 
Its not confirmed yet, but some of the unlockable costumes you can get by beating the game from the JP version might be replaced by the new Nintendo Themed costumes (Hyrule Warriors Zelda and Other M/Smash 4 Zero Suit Samus) that was announced a week or so ago.

If I remember correctly, those costumes were pandering trash, so I'm pretty happy if this is the case.
 

Frumix

Suffering From Success
Cut content lol come on. There is no cut content.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/41332/fatal-frame-maiden-of-black-water-review

Those who are familiar with the Japanese versions of this series will also know that unlockable costumes usually include bikinis for the main female cast. I'm sad so say that, just like in the English release of Fatal Frame 2 on Wii, the bikini content is also removed from this game. This censorship seems silly for a game rated as Mature 17+ by the ESRB, but it certainly doesn't detract from the overall experience of the game, and there's plenty of other post-game bonus content to discover.
 

NateDrake

Member
In fact Zero 5 is the first game in the series that lets you properly sprint! If anything, it's faster than ever before.

True. The only thing I can fathom is that people don't like the tank-ish controls, because the GamePad serving as the camera works perfectly fine.
 

Anung

Un Rama
Jim took a big dump on Mad Max. I, myself, picked it up used and can't stop playing it.

Unless I see plenty of 4s and 3s, I think this could be another case of the critics and the fans not seeing eye to eye.

Same with Dying Light (which is a surprise GOTY contender for me)

I'm a fan of Jim's work and his opinions on things but mine and his opinions very rarely line-up when it comes to game reviews I've noticed.

To me though 5-7 isn't a terrible score.
 

alf717

Member
I'm still going in blind since this is my first Fatal Frame title anyway. I'll probably end up enjoying it anyway even with these mediocre reviews.

It sure would be nice if I could buy this at retail

With scores like these I doubt a US retail release will ever be considered.
 

kunonabi

Member
One review says that the ayane mission is in the game. The bikinis are confirmed to be cut although there is no mention of how this is addressed in the story. It sucks but I'll shell out for the Japanese copy and be done with it.
 

BiggNife

Member
One review says that the ayane mission is in the game. The bikinis are confirmed to be cut although there is no mention of this addressed in the story. It sucks but I'll shell out for the Japanese copy and be done with it.

Do the bikini outfits actually have anything to with the story at all? It sounds like it's just a post-game bonus. Not sure why it's worth buying an import copy just for those costumes unless there's more to it.
 

TheMoon

Member
True. The only thing I can fathom is that people don't like the tank-ish controls, because the GamePad serving as the camera works perfectly fine.

And it's the first time that North Americans have played the "new" over-the-shoulder style Fatal Frame which has been standard in the series since Zero 4 came out in 2008.
 
IMO it's the exact opposite, and I said so in my review: the prologue and first chapter are worryingly slow, and then the game takes off once the second chapter (which is part of the free-to-play demo) begins.

I may think about it, but Jim Sterling's review is damning, especially since he's coming to this with prior experience with the franchise.

Same with Dying Light (which is a surprise GOTY contender for me)

I'm a fan of Jim's work and his opinions on things but mine and his opinions very rarely line-up when it comes to game reviews I've noticed.

To me though 5-7 isn't a terrible score.

5 is as low as game review scores get, barring a complete disaster that fails to function at all.

Devil's Third got one.

Only because there was a massive Internet outcry at the indignity of Nintendo of America passing it over, an outcry that Fatal Frame did not and will not receive.
 

TRI Mike

Member
The reviews are the final nail in the coffin. Sad to see the franchise die in the west like this but the biggest problem isn't this, is NoA's imcompetence when it comes to publishing.
 

TheMoon

Member
I don't really care for opinion war. My decision is clear.

How about you just try the free chapters and judge the game based on that? Sounds way more rational to me.

Do the bikini outfits actually have anything to with the story at all? It sounds like it's just a post-game bonus. Not sure why it's worth buying an import copy just for those costumes unless there's more to it.

The bikini crap is purely for "fanservice" and is merely an unlock, just like the Samus and Zelda costumes. People just love throwing a fit over censorship because reasons.
 
The reviews are the final nail in the coffin. Sad to see the franchise die in the west like this but the biggest problem isn't this, is NoA's imcompetence when it comes to publishing.

A physical release and even a bit of marketing would have done absolutely nothing to save this game. At this point I'm just happy it's being released.
 

Gears

Member
How about you just try the free chapters and judge the game based on that? Sounds way more rational to me.

It still is cut content, regardless of your feelings on it homie. Im excited for the game though, havent had much horror this year.
 

TRI Mike

Member
A physical release and even a bit of marketing would have done absolutely nothing to save this game. At this point I'm just happy it's being released.

They said the same about many of Tecmo's niche japanese games and yet, they keep coming and even getting limited editions. This is Nintendo's fault.
 

Kintaro

Worships the porcelain goddess
The reviews are the final nail in the coffin. Sad to see the franchise die in the west like this but the biggest problem isn't this, is NoA's imcompetence when it comes to publishing.

How would the reviews have changes if this game got a retail release? It would have cost NoA even more money with the same reviews. I...what?
 

Sakura

Member
Do the bikini outfits actually have anything to with the story at all? It sounds like it's just a post-game bonus. Not sure why it's worth buying an import copy just for those costumes unless there's more to it.

Well Miu is a gravure idol,
and there is a short scene in the game where she is wearing a bikini.
 
I know they're different horror experiences, but are we talking 5/10 ZombiU? Because I actually loved the fuck out of that game. But if we're talking something truly mediocre like Cursed Mountain on the Wii then I'm out. Some cool settings but boring as shit.
 
They said the same about many of Tecmo's niche japanese games and yet, they keep coming and even getting limited editions. This is Nintendo's fault.

Who's "they"? I certainly cannot think of anyone who said that in the past about other Koei Tecmo properties. Fatal Frame has never, ever been a big franchise in the west. It's certainly never been as big as Musou games, Dead or Alive, or Ninja Gaiden.

Yes, Nintendo could have published a physical copy in NA and yes, I wish they would have, but it would not have changed this game's fortunes in any way.
 
Fatal Frame generally doesn't review well, so the reaction isn't surprising.

Could have should have been the game for the Wii U.

Well, maybe it still is.

I know they're different horror experiences, but are we talking 5/10 ZombiU? Because I actually loved the fuck out of that game. But if we're talking something truly mediocre like Cursed Mountain on the Wii then I'm out. Some cool settings but boring as shit.

There's going to be a demo where you can play the first 2 chapters for free. Judge it for yourself.
 
I jumped ship the second they announced it was digital only. Massive shame because I was incredibly looking forward to this game soooooooooo bad

Scores are alright. Nothing to be too upset about, I think.
 

_DiGiTaL_

Member
Kids these days are what is killing the industry. Calling a 7/10 bad? Since when are 7's bad? a 7/10 just seems like a decent number borderline solid game. ~5 yeah I would call that bad but calling a 7 bad? Years ago getting at least a 7 was a decent accomplishment.
 
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