FATAL FRAME PROJECT ZERO Mask of the Lunar Eclipse

Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is the fourth installment of the survival horror series launched in 2001. The production appeared in 2008 on the Nintendo Wii console and did not leave the borders of Japan for nearly fifteen years. Only after that time did it live to see a re-release for other platforms, which also hit other markets. While the original was developed by Grasshopper Manufacture studio and released by Nintendo, the development and release of its other versions was handled by Koei Tecmo.

Storyline

The story presented in Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse begins in the 1970s. At the time, five girls staying on the island of Rogetsu were kidnapped by a serial killer. Although they were all eventually rescued, these traumatic events left a lasting mark on their later lives. Ten years after the kidnapping, two of them died under mysterious circumstances. Despite their horror, the other three decide to return to Rogetsu Island, hoping to uncover the dark truth behind the events. Following in their footsteps is Chosiro, an aging detective hired by the mother of one of the girls.

Mechanics

In Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse, the action is viewed from a third-person perspective (TPP). We traverse the abandoned buildings on Rogetsu Island by the dim light of the moon, aided by a flashlight. During the exploration we have to look carefully for objects that are a source of valuable information about the events of the past.

The matter is complicated by the fact that numerous ghosts stand in our way, with which we fight, making use of a camera called Camera Obscura. By photographing aggressive phantoms, we inflict damage on them, the amount of which depends on the quality and detail of a given photo. The latter often makes us face the dilemma of whether to keep the ghost in question at a safe distance, or to allow it as close to us as possible to take the best possible photograph. Besides, a flashlight also comes in handy in clashes with enemies, which we use to exorcise our attackers. As we progress, we acquire various upgrades for the flashlight, as well as a variety of lenses and film for the camera, so we can face increasingly powerful enemies over time.

Additional variety is provided by finds (there are 79 dolls waiting to be found and photographed, unlocking access to various bonuses), as well as a special challenge mode.

Technical issues

The game's graphic design of Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is kept in a gloomy style. Compared to the original on the Nintendo Wii, the version for other platforms stands out due to an improved lighting system (and therefore shadows), as well as refreshed character models. In addition, new costumes have been added for the heroines and the ones in the original have been improved.