Fatal Frame IV: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse (Wii) Review - PAGE 1

If anyone was still wondering whatever happened to the Fatal Frame series after the third game on the PlayStation 2, then you're sure to be disappointed. Zero: Tsukihami no Kamen -- aka Fatal Frame IV: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse -- was never released outside of Japan. While it was hinted at multiple times of having an overseas release, Nintendo eventually decided against it.

But have no fear: a group of hardcore Fatal Frame fans have released an unofficial patch which allows owners of the actual disk to play the game with full English subs, simultaneously circumventing the Wii's pesky region lock. Patch in hand, we got to work.

Although it's been quite a few years since the release of Fatal Frame III, not a large amount has changed really. You still play as a variety of different characters with most of the cast consisting of dainty female teenagers, though a manly journalist is thrown in the mix, so it's not all female eye candy. The mechanics are still the same as in previous games: you find the Camera Obscura -- a magical camera with the power to exorcise ghosts -- and you make your way through creepy environments snapping shots of ghosts to vanquish them.

Not all ghosts are hostile. Here and there you spot spirits who drift past or slam their face on the window to scare the living bejesus out of you; if you take a photo, the ghost is added to your ghost list and you can read up on what their story is.

Just like Pokemon, trying to catch 'em all is something that adds a lot of re-playability to the game, since if you miss one you generally don't have a lot of chances to snap him or her again -- those spirits can glide ridiculously fast.

In addition to the ghost list, there are 79 Hozuki Dolls in red kimonos scattered throughout the game. As with the spirits, if you miss one you'll usually have to wait through a second playthrough to snap one again. Collecting dolls and completing your ghost list gives you additional costumes and lenses and yes, the costumes do include sexy nurse and maid costumes.

Just like the previous games, Fatal Frame IV still retains its cold, creepy atmosphere and dark tone the series is so well known for. The game takes place ten years after various obscene rituals occurred on Rougetsu Island (meaning "Hazy Moon Island") revolving around several girls. Three of them make their way back to the island and you control them one by one, exploring a few locations throughout. At times you'll explore the same place several times with different characters, or you'll explore places you couldn't access before. In any case, there's quite a bit to explore and a lot to see.

The game really does look fantastic and the art style is old-fashioned and fitting to the Fatal Frame theme; it's easily one of the best looking Wii games out there. The locations are dark and the flashlight lights up every creepy corner; wind breezes down empty hallways, blowing curtains back and forth eerily;  the sound effects and lack of music create a true feeling of loneliness.