Info about FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO: Maiden of Black Water:

Official game description:
FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO: Maiden of Black Water Digital Deluxe Edition
========================================================================
● 20th Anniversary Digital Artbook  
The special anniversary digital artbook features artwork and BGM tracks from past titles of the FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO series and can be accessed from the game menu.  
● Past Protagonists Costume Set  
Outfits of various past protagonists of the FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO titles will be available in the game:  
\- Mio Amakura Outfit (from “FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO Ⅱ Crimson Butterfly”)  
\- Rei Kurosawa Outfit (from “FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO Ⅲ The Tormented”)  
\- Miku Hinasaki Outfit 1 (from “FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO”)  
\- Miku Hinasaki Outfit 2 (from “FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO”)  
\- Mayu Amakura Outfit (from “FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO Ⅱ Crimson Butterfly”)  
\- Kei Amakura Outfit (from “FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO Ⅲ The Tormented”)  
Note: “FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO: Maiden of Black Water” is also available for purchase on its own. Please be careful to avoid making a redundant purchase.  
Note: The Digital Deluxe Edition set includes the contents of the FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO 20th Anniversary Celebration DLC. Please be careful to avoid making a redundant purchase.
About the Game
==============
“FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO: Maiden of Black Water” comes to Steam for the first time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the horror-adventure series FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO.
\[The Story\]
-------------
Mt. Hikami was once revered as a spiritual place.  
It housed a unique religion based on beliefs and customs of worshipping water as a deity and is said to have been a site of many gruesome incidents and mysterious phenomena.  
This mysterious and intertwined story follows three protagonists—Yuri Kozukata, Miu Hinasaki, and Ren Hojo—as each of them explores the ominous Mt. Hikami, a place where many came to die, and the secrets it hides.  
\[Gameplay\]
------------
Players use Camera Obscura, a special camera capable of repelling vengeful ghosts and sealing away their powers, to explore Mt. Hikami and the numerous incidents that took place there in the past.  
The story is divided into separate missions, and each mission is led by a new protagonist. The protagonists have a power called Shadow Reading, which allows them to sense the remnants of memories of people who have disappeared on the mountain.  
These memories lead the players deeper on secret mountain paths, but what awaits there are malicious spirits that want you to join them in the world of the dead. The only way to fight the spirits off is to capture them with the Camera Obscura. After a spirit is defeated, you can also use the Glance ability to see the final moments of their life.  
In addition to sealing the evil spirits that attack you, Camera Obscura can be used to reveal other things that can't be seen with the human eye and will help in the recovery of lost items.  
By using the camera and the various abilities, you will be able to unravel the mysteries of the sacred mountain.  
\[New Elements\]
----------------
\- Improved screen resolution  
\- New outfits and accessories  
\- New Snap Mode where you can freely place characters and spirits for creative shots  
\- Updated Ghost List  
\- Updated controls  
and more.  
\[Post-Game: after finishing the story…\]
-----------------------------------------
Unlock special missions where you can play as Ayane, a character from the NINJA GAIDEN series.  
The secret mission Ayane Chapter can be played once all sections of the main story from “First Drop” to “Last Drop” have been completed. The main character Ayane is a Kunoichi from the Hajinmon sect of the Mugen Tenshin clan. In contrast to Yuri and Miu, she is unable to use the Camera Obscura. However, she is able to make full use of her ninja abilities and is adept at working under the cover of night. She can hide from view and avoid the ghosts in order to accomplish her mission. Enjoy a fresh kind of playstyle through this unique chapter.  
Note: “FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO: Maiden of Black Water Digital Deluxe Edition” that includes the main game and bonus content is also available for purchase. Please be careful to avoid making a redundant purchase.

Release date: Oct 27, 2021

Categories: Survival Horror, Multiple Endings, Third-Person Perspective, Multiple Playable Characters, Camera Mechanics, Atmospheric Horror

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 0; verdict: Works Well; summary: Based on the provided reviews, the only Linux/Proton-related evidence is a single positive report stating the game runs well on Steam Deck. No issues, tweaks, or blockers were mentioned. The game appears to work well on Proton/Linux out of the box.
- Steam Deck: score 55; verdict: Playable but Flawed; summary: Fatal Frame / Zero series remaster suffers from significant control responsiveness issues, poor performance with low FPS and stuttering, occasional crashes and freezes, and lacks native gyro support. While playable on Steam Deck, the experience is marred by technical flaws that require tinkering or tolerance.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: Across all hardware cohorts, the game receives mostly positive recommendations. Isolated performance issues like a black screen loading bug were reported on lower VRAM systems, but players on other cohorts report smooth performance with proper settings.
  - Sample size: 29 (4% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (positive, 10 reports): Most players recommend the game, but one user reported a black screen loading bug that forced replaying entire chapters.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (positive, 9 reports): Players report that after locking the FPS and using a controller, the game runs fine.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (positive, 8 reports): No performance issues were mentioned; all available reviews are recommended.
  - Caveats: 29 of 742 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is mostly Windows-based.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $20.00
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews indicate the full price (often cited as too high, e.g., £33 or implied by 'over 200') is not considered fair. There is a consensus that the game is only worth purchasing at a discount. One specific comment in Portuguese (likely Brazilian Real) states that paying 50.00 on sale was a fair price for the time. Given typical sale discounts and currency conversions, a reasonable fair base price range in USD is between $10 and $20, representing the price point where many reviewers feel the game becomes acceptable.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 50.0h
  - Story completion: 18.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Story completion (main story playthrough) is reported as 14-20 hours in a Chinese review and 15+ hours in an English review, so a midpoint of 18 hours is chosen. Game completion (full 100% including all achievements) is indicated by the Portuguese review stating 50 hours for platinum. Session length is not explicitly stated, but chapter duration is 30-60 minutes; however, no average play session length is given, so null. Endgame content duration is not reported with a specific number, only general mentions of extra content, so null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game has a slow start with repetitive combat and backtracking, but the story and pacing improve significantly in the second half, making it enjoyable for those who persist.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Reaching the second half of the game
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: slow pacing; repetitive combat; backtracking; clunky controls; slow start; lack of checkpoints
  - Unlock drivers: story cohesion in second half; improved pacing; engaging atmosphere; addictive camera mechanic
  - Conditions: tolerance for slow initial pacing; interest in atmospheric horror; playing with a controller; investment in storyline; preference for survival horror
- Player Archetypes:
  - Newcomer-Friendly Horror Explorer (buy)
    - Motivation: Experience Japanese horror atmosphere and story without overwhelming fear
    - Playstyle: Slow-paced exploration, taking photos of ghosts, enjoying cutscenes and narrative, using easy mode if needed
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: newcomer; horror fan; casual player; story seeker
    - Reference games: Silent Hill; Resident Evil 0; The Ring (movie)
  - Series Veteran Nostalgia Seeker (buy)
    - Motivation: Nostalgia for classic Japanese horror and completing the Fatal Frame series
    - Playstyle: Methodical, comfortable with older controls, uses camera combat effectively, plays for story and atmosphere
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: series fan; old-school player; collector; horror purist
    - Reference games: Fatal Frame 1-3; Rules of Rose; Haunting Ground; Resident Evil 0
  - Port-Aware Pragmatist (sale)
    - Motivation: Play a beloved horror game despite port issues, using optimal input method
    - Playstyle: Uses controller, may adjust settings, tolerates clunky controls for the experience
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: PC gamer; controller user; port critic
    - Reference games: Wii U version
  - Fanservice & Visual Appreciator (sale)
    - Motivation: Enjoy the sexy character designs and fanservice elements
    - Playstyle: Focuses on visual spectacle, may take many photos for aesthetic reasons, plays for the character models and atmosphere
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: fanservice enjoyer; anime fan; visual appreciator
    - Reference games: Lies of P (GUST collaboration); Atelier Ryza


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- High-quality visuals and design (weight 0.4): The game's graphics, character designs, and overall aesthetic are frequently praised as beautiful and impressive. This includes character models, costumes, and ghost designs.
- Great story and characters (weight 0.39): The story is consistently praised for being well-written, touching, and emotional. Characters are also highlighted as well-developed and visually appealing.
- Unique and satisfying combat (weight 0.39): The combat system, centered around the Camera Obscura, is described as unique, engaging, and satisfying. Players enjoy the strategic and tense encounters it creates.
- Multiple endings and high replayability (weight 0.2): The game features multiple distinct endings, which greatly increases replayability and player engagement. The intertwining stories of three protagonists add depth.
- Authentic Japanese horror atmosphere (weight 0.1): The game delivers a genuine Japanese folk horror experience with a focus on dread and atmosphere rather than jump scares. This unique horror style is highly valued.
- Excellent sound design (weight 0.08): The sound effects and music are noted as excellent, contributing greatly to the atmosphere and overall horror experience.

Common complaints:
- Overall controls are clunky and unresponsive (weight 0.39): Across both keyboard/mouse and controller, players describe controls as sluggish, tank-like, and unresponsive. This affects movement, camera, and combat, leading to a frustrating experience.
- Long animations hinder gameplay (weight 0.21): Many players complain that door opening and item pickup animations are excessively long, slowing down exploration and combat. This is a recurring frustration that breaks pacing and wastes player time.
- Weaker entry in the Fatal Frame series (weight 0.15): Long-time fans consider this installment inferior to earlier Fatal Frame games in terms of story, scares, and overall quality. It is seen as a step back for the franchise.
- Slow pacing and tedious gameplay (weight 0.14): Beyond slow animations, the overall pacing is considered slow, with repetitive combat and monotonous gameplay that leads to boredom.
- Story is mediocre and confusing (weight 0.14): The story is criticized as weak, monotonous, hard to follow, and fragmented. It fails to engage players compared to previous series entries.
- Excessive cutscene interruptions (weight 0.11): The game is interrupted by too many cutscenes, particularly at the beginning, making it feel like a walking simulator rather than an interactive horror game.
- High refresh rate breaks game speed (weight 0.11): The game speed is tied to frame rate, causing it to run abnormally fast on high refresh rate monitors (e.g., 2.5x speed at 144 FPS). This is a critical technical bug that makes the game unplayable on many modern displays.
- Not scary enough for a horror game (weight 0.1): Several players find the game lacking in horror elements, being less scary than previous titles and failing to deliver genuine frights.
- Combat is too easy and repetitive (weight 0.1): Combat is described as monotonous and excessively easy, even on the highest difficulty, which reduces challenge and engagement.
- Frequent end-game crashes (weight 0.07): Some players experience frequent crashes, especially near the final stages of the game, which can ruin progress and the overall experience.
- No Spanish language support (weight 0.06): The game lacks Spanish subtitles or dubbing, disappointing Spanish-speaking players who expect localization.
- Audio and video desync issues (weight 0.06): Some players report audio being out of sync with video, which detracts from immersion and cinematic moments.

Gameplay feedback:
- Camera-based combat system (weight 0.74): The game uses a Camera Obscura as the primary weapon in a third-person survival horror setting, requiring players to photograph ghosts and spirits to defeat them. Mechanics include aiming at weak points, using different lenses and film types, and strategic timing.
- Photography-focused exorcism (weight 0.54): The core gameplay loop revolves around photographing ghosts to exorcise them, requiring players to get close for effective shots. This photography-based combat is the defining feature of the game.
- Combat requires strategy (weight 0.36): Combat is not straightforward; players must use the camera's zoom, focus, and framing to maximize damage, with mechanics like Fatal Frame and shutter chance adding depth.
- Third-person exploration (weight 0.3): The game is played from a third-person perspective, emphasizing exploration of haunted environments while using the camera for combat and puzzle-solving.
- Camera Obscura as weapon (weight 0.22): The Camera Obscura is not only a combat tool but also a puzzle-solving device, requiring strategy and timing to defeat enemies and progress.
- Upgrade and scoring system (weight 0.2): A scoring system based on combat performance allows players to earn upgrades, new lenses, and special items. Different film types and lenses provide varying damage and effects, enhancing strategic depth.
- Multiple playable characters (weight 0.19): The game features three playable characters—Yuri, Ren, and Miu—each with different camera types, backstories, and perspectives that weave together into intertwining narratives. Their stories lead to multiple endings based on player choices.
- Fatal Frame mechanics (weight 0.18): A key mechanic is the Fatal Frame, which stuns enemies or allows for chain shooting and critical hits by capturing ghosts in the camera's view with proper framing. This adds a layer of strategy to combat.
- Multiple endings (weight 0.1): Players can achieve multiple endings depending on specific actions and choices made throughout the game. The three protagonists each have their own ending possibilities, encouraging replayability.
- Port from Wii U (weight 0.08): The game is a port of a previous Wii U version, which may affect expectations regarding controls and visuals. However, the core gameplay remains similar to other entries in the Fatal Frame series.
- Slow-paced survival horror (weight 0.05): The gameplay is described as a slow-paced, chill horror experience with exploration elements. It focuses on atmosphere and tension rather than fast action, fitting the survival horror genre.
- Character backstories (weight 0.05): Each of the three main characters has a unique backstory that intertwines with the main narrative, enriching the story and providing different perspectives.
- Ghost hand interference (weight 0.05): When picking up items, a ghost hand mechanic can randomly interfere, adding an element of unpredictability and tension to exploration.

Performance notes:
- Frequent crashes and instability (weight 0.21): Multiple reports describe crashes occurring during various parts of the game, including startup, loading screens, chapter endings, boss fights, and specific drops. These crashes can lead to autosave loss and make the game unplayable for some.
- Resolution and display issues (weight 0.17): Some players experience resolution problems such as being stuck at 720p, no support for 4K, or black screens during loading. Workarounds include playing at certain resolutions or using compatibility modes.
- Game speed tied to refresh rate (weight 0.15): Many players report that the game's speed is directly tied to the monitor's refresh rate, causing gameplay to run too fast at high refresh rates. The workaround is to manually lock the game to 60 FPS or set the monitor to 60Hz via graphics card settings.
- Poor PC optimization and performance (weight 0.13): Many reviews cite poor optimization, resulting in low frame rates, stuttering, and lag even on capable hardware like the RTX 3060. Locking FPS to 60 is a common fix but highlights the lack of proper optimization.
- Limited graphics and visual quality (weight 0.13): The game has limited graphical options, blurry textures, and no noticeable improvements over the console port. Players feel the need to use mods to improve visual quality, and the lighting bug on AMD cards is unaddressed.
- Audio and video desync (weight 0.1): Players report that audio is delayed or out of sync with the video, particularly during cutscenes, making the game unplayable for some. This is a common issue with the PC port.
- Controller and keyboard input problems (weight 0.1): The game has issues with keyboard and mouse controls, including stuttering due to controller input detection. Some players report that connecting a controller fixes the problem, and mouse support is described as horrible.
- Freezing during loading and cutscenes (weight 0.1): The game frequently freezes during loading screens and cutscenes, especially in certain chapters. This can require file verification or system restarts to resolve.
- Some players have no issues (weight 0.09): A subset of players report that the game runs beautifully with no problems, or runs fine on their systems. This suggests the issues may be hardware or settings dependent.
- Missing original content (weight 0.03): Some players note that the PC port is missing original unlockable costumes, which they consider censorship. This is a specific issue that may affect content expectations.
- Upcoming patch expected (weight 0.03): There is mention of an upcoming patch that is expected to address FPS and controller issues, giving hope for future fixes. This indicates developer awareness of some problems.
- Low system requirements (weight 0.02): Despite performance issues, the game is noted to have low system requirements, which may contribute to the problems on higher-end setups or cause misunderstandings about needed fixes.

Recommendations:
- Controller required for play (weight 0.31): The game is best experienced with a controller and is not recommended for keyboard and mouse players. Using a controller avoids poor and uncomfortable controls.
- Good entry for newcomers (weight 0.21): The game is recommended as a good entry point for newcomers to the series and for those who want to start playing the Fatal Frame franchise.
- Good for atmospheric horror lovers (weight 0.2): Fans of atmospheric, story-driven, and slow-paced survival horror games will find this game enjoyable, especially those who like Japanese-style horror.
- Recommended for Japanese horror fans (weight 0.16): The game is highly recommended for fans of Japanese horror, culture, and mythology, as well as those who enjoy classic Japanese horror stories.
- Buy on sale only (weight 0.14): Many players feel the game is not worth buying at full price and recommend waiting for a sale to purchase it at a discounted price.
- Game is worth playing (weight 0.13): Enthusiastic players strongly encourage others to play the game, calling it fun and a great entry into the series.
- Good for series veterans (weight 0.1): The game is also recommended for players who have followed the series and for fans of other games in the franchise.
- Not recommended without controller (weight 0.1): Players strongly advise against buying the game if you do not have a controller, as the keyboard and mouse experience is poor.
- Some strongly discourage purchase (weight 0.09): A minority of players regret buying the game and advise against purchasing it at all, even at a discounted price.
- Avoid if you dislike slow pace (weight 0.08): The game is not recommended for players who dislike slow, methodical gameplay or prefer fast-paced action.
- Must-play for horror fans (weight 0.05): The game is considered a must-play for series fans and horror genre enthusiasts.
- Watch story online instead (weight 0.04): Some reviewers suggest that it may be better to watch a video of the game's story rather than playing it yourself.
- Suitable for less brave players (weight 0.04): The game is considered suitable for players who are not good at horror games or find them too scary, offering a less intense experience.
- Not for newcomers to franchise (weight 0.04): Some players believe the game is not suitable for newcomers and recommend it only for longtime series fans.
- Better on Switch or Wii U (weight 0.04): The Nintendo Switch and Wii U versions are recommended over the PC version due to superior gyroscope controls.
- Not for non-Japanese horror fans (weight 0.04): The game is not recommended for players who are not interested in Japanese horror or are not fans of the series.

Other player notes:
- Request remasters of older games (weight 0.04): Players are requesting HD remasters of several classic Fatal Frame titles, specifically Zero, Crimson Butterfly, Deep Crimson Butterfly, Tattoo of the Eclipse, and Mask of the Lunar Eclipse. They want these remasters available on PC and PS5.
- Hope for a sixth installment (weight 0.02): One player expressed hope for the development of a sixth main game in the Fatal Frame series, indicating ongoing interest in new entries.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.19): Players express significant frustration with the PC port's poor controls, especially keyboard and mouse, which are described as awkward, clunky, and unresponsive. Technical issues like crashes, infinite loading bugs, and progress-blocking glitches, along with tedious gameplay elements like slow animations, repetitive sections, and difficult boss fights, compound this feeling.
- Disappointment (weight 0.12): Disappointment stems from the game being seen as a weak entry in the series, with a weak, nostalgia-reliant story, boring and repetitive gameplay, and a poor PC port lacking modern features. Players expected more from a Fatal Frame title, citing a lack of scares, innovation, and improvements compared to previous games.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.09): Satisfaction is derived from the game's effective horror atmosphere, engaging storyline, and satisfying camera combat mechanics. Players also appreciate completing the game and its content, such as multiple endings and DLC, along with good performance on platforms like Steam Deck.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.07): Players found enjoyment in the fun combat, good story, and attractive character designs, with the unique photography mechanic being a highlight. The immersive atmosphere, Japanese horror setting, and overall gameplay loop provided a positive and engaging experience.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Excitement is fueled by the revival of the series and anticipation for remakes of earlier titles like Crimson Butterfly. The game's unique combat, compelling lore, and character designs, particularly the 'wet' aesthetic, also generated enthusiasm for exploring the franchise further.
- Annoyance (weight 0.04): Annoyance arises from repetitive gameplay elements such as slow movement, frequent backtracking, and the ghost hand mechanic interrupting item pickup. Technical issues like poor controls, audio problems, and the need to replay final chapters for different endings also contribute significantly.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Players show appreciation for the game's strong atmosphere, authentic Japanese horror themes, and beautiful character and ghost designs. The unique camera mechanic and emotional storytelling, along with the preservation of the series' core identity, are also valued.
- Amusement (weight 0.03): Amusement comes from the game's excessive fan service, such as jiggle physics and wet clothing, which undermines the horror tone and is often described as humorous or absurd. Players find the contrast between the creepy premise and the sexy character models entertaining.
- Fear (weight 0.03): Fear is effectively triggered by the game's strong horror atmosphere, jump scares, and menacing ghost designs. Tense moments, psychological horror, and effective sound design contribute to a genuinely scary experience, particularly for new players.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): Nostalgia is a major emotion as the game recalls fond memories of playing earlier titles in the series on the PS2 or Wii. Players feel a sense of returning to the Fatal Frame universe and re-experiencing classic survival horror gameplay.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Boredom sets in due to repetitive level designs, excessive backtracking, and monotonous combat that becomes tedious over time. Slow pacing, predictable story elements, and uninteresting gameplay loops lead to a lack of engagement.
- Love (weight 0.02): A strong sense of love for the game is expressed by players who deeply appreciate the Japanese aesthetic, atmosphere, character designs, and the unique photo-shooting mechanics. Despite any flaws, the game resonates as a comforting and beloved entry in the series.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Anger is directed at Koei Tecmo for delivering a poor quality PC port with bugs, technical issues, and a lack of basic features. Players feel that the publisher showed negligence and disrespected the franchise with a lazy release.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Admiration is expressed for the game's high-quality character models, beautiful graphics, and perfect music. Players laud the artistic direction, horror atmosphere, and emotional story, often calling the game a masterpiece of Asian horror.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion is caused by an unclear and hard-to-follow story, as well as a lack of guidance that makes objectives and character relationships difficult to understand. Poor localization and unexplained character appearances also contribute to this feeling.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is centered on the future of the franchise, with players wishing for more PC ports, remakes of older games, and a new sequel. They express optimism that the game's success will lead to the entire series being revived and made available on modern platforms.
- Happiness (weight 0.01): Happiness comes from achieving good endings and experiencing the game's emotional conclusion. Players are joyful about the series' revival and the ability to play Fatal Frame on PC, which evokes a sense of fulfillment and nostalgia.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): Disgust is expressed towards the game's fan service, specifically incest plot points, excessive sexualization of characters, and poor-quality DLC. These elements are seen as shoehorned and a major detraction from the horror experience.
- Relief (weight 0.01): Relief is experienced because the game is less scary than other horror titles, making it more accessible, and because its controls and movement are more fluid than previous entries. The touching story ending also provides a sense of emotional closure.
- Sympathy (weight 0.01): Sympathy is felt for the game's characters, particularly those with tragic backstories and those who silently endure suffering. Players connect emotionally with the protagonists' plights, which enhances the narrative's impact.}