Project Zero/Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly originally launched in 2003, and its remake now has a release date of mid-March 2026. Emphasis on the word remake: the game has undergone a complete overhaul, offering a beautifully reborn haunting experience thanks to enhanced graphics, sound, and control elements. The game features Japanese voices with texts in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
The graphics offer a high level of detail with refined textures, and striking lighting and shadow contrast. The sound features spatial audio. Wraiths will appear unexpectedly, like by grabbing the protagonist’s hands while they reach for items; players need to react quickly to escape these attacks. If this doesn’t happen, it will inflict Willpower Damage and lead directly to intense combat.
Here is a description of the Camera Obscura’s gameplay mechanics, via Koei Tecmo:
The gameplay mechanics of the Camera Obscura, a signature feature of the Fatal Frame franchise, have also been reworked to offer a more intense and rich experience during combat and exploration. Players will still be able to attack wraiths by taking photos, but managing to align the focus point with their target will inflict more damage. If the damage dealt exceeds a certain threshold, players can activate Shutter Chance state, where they will then be able to deal significant damage with one single picture within a brief period – making it crucial for fans to be precise and to perfectly time their shot.
Players will be able to trigger a Fatal Frame by taking a shot at the perfect moment, which will interrupt and stun their opponent. If fans manage to trigger a Fatal Frame during a Shutter Chance state, they will activate a Fatal Time, a limited window that will allow them to take several shots in quick succession to inflict significant damage.
New Camera Obscura features include focus, zoom, and filters. Lighting up focus points focuses on the target and deals more damage. Zoom can be used to attack a spirit while taking cover and from a distance. Filters help unravel the mysteries by changing depending on the situation. For example, the Paraceptual Filter allows players to increase their shooting distance in combat and, when exploring, to reproduce past actions using the residual memories.
Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake will be available physically and digitally. Digitally, there are standard and Digital Deluxe editions. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes the base game, a digital soundtrack, a digital art book, and the Digital Deluxe Bonus Set with a Deluxe Charm and costumes for Mio and Mayu. The Digital Deluxe Edition can also be purchased separately. Any player who purchases the game before March 26, 2026 — whether physically or digitally — will receive early purchase bonuses, including the Wraith Charm, the Peony Hair Ornament (Red), the Peony Hair Ornament (Blue), the Kimono (Red), and the Kimono (Black). Players who pre-order a digital version of the game before its launch will receive the Spirit Charm, the Cat Ears (White), the Cat Ears (Black), and two costumes: Crimson Butterfly – Mio (Original) / Crimson Butterfly – Mayu (Original).
Developed by Team Ninja and published by Koei Tecmo, Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake will be released globally for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Switch 2, and Xbox Series on March 12, 2026.
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