Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse

A ghost viewed through the Camera Obscura, showing it struck by a "Fatal Frame" shot

File:Japanese Fatal Frame sales comparison

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Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is a survival horror video game developed by Tecmo and Grasshopper Manufacture. It is the fourth installment in the Fatal Frame series, known for its unique gameplay mechanics that involve capturing ghosts using a special camera. The game was originally released for the Nintendo Wii in 2008, exclusively in Japan. It has since gained a cult following and has been subject to calls for international release.

Gameplay

Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse follows the series' tradition of using a Camera Obscura to fight off ghosts and uncover the mysteries surrounding the haunted locations the player explores. The game is set on the fictional Rogetsu Isle, where players control multiple characters, including Ruka Minazuki, Misaki Asou, and Madoka Tsukimori, who return to the island to recover their lost memories of their childhood spent there. The gameplay combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, with the Camera Obscura being used to capture and pacify spirits.

Plot

The story revolves around the mysterious disappearances and deaths of girls who had previously been kidnapped and taken to Rogetsu Isle. The protagonists, having survived their abduction in childhood, return to the island to uncover the truth behind their fragmented memories and the island's dark past. The narrative delves into themes of memory, loss, and the supernatural, with the titular "Mask of the Lunar Eclipse" playing a central role in the unfolding mystery.

Development

The development of Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse was a collaboration between Tecmo and Grasshopper Manufacture, with significant input from series creator Makoto Shibata. The game sought to utilize the Wii's unique control scheme to enhance the horror experience, allowing players to use the Wii Remote as the Camera Obscura, aiming and capturing ghosts in a more immersive manner. Despite its innovative gameplay and atmospheric storytelling, the game was not released outside of Japan, leading to fan petitions and campaigns for its localization.

Reception

Upon its release, Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse received positive reviews for its atmosphere, story, and the use of the Wii's controls to create a tense horror experience. However, it was also criticized for some technical issues and the sometimes cumbersome controls. The game has been praised for its contribution to the survival horror genre and is considered a cult classic among fans of the series.

Legacy

The game's limited release has not hindered its status as a sought-after title for fans of the series and the survival horror genre. In recent years, there have been rumors and hopes for a remastered version or an international release, allowing a wider audience to experience one of the hidden gems of the Wii's library. Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse remains a testament to the potential of collaboration in game development and the enduring appeal of the survival horror genre.