View source for Fatal Frame

{{About|the video game series|the first game in the series|Fatal Frame (video game)|the film|Gekijōban Zero}}
{{Distinguish|Fatal Frames}}
{{Infobox video game series
| title = Fatal Frame / Project Zero
| image = File:Fatal Frame logo.png
| caption = Logo used in North American releases from the second game onward
| platforms   = [[PlayStation 2]], [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Nintendo 3DS]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Wii]], [[Wii U]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[Xbox One]], [[Xbox Series X/S]]
| creator = [[Makoto Shibata]], Keisuke Kikuchi
| developer   = [[Koei Tecmo]] ([[Tecmo]]), [[Grasshopper Manufacture]], [[Nintendo Software Planning & Development]]
| publisher   = {{Vgrelease|JP|Koei Tecmo (Tecmo), [[Nintendo]]|NA|Koei Tecmo (Tecmo), Nintendo|EU|[[Microsoft Game Studios]], Nintendo, [[Take-Two Interactive]], [[Ubisoft]], [[Wanadoo]]}}
| genre       = [[Survival horror]]<br/>[[Photography game]]
| first release version  = ''[[Fatal Frame (video game)|Fatal Frame]]''
| first release date     = December 13, 2001
| latest release version = ''[[Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse]]''
| latest release date    = March 9, 2023
| spinoffs    = ''[[Spirit Camera]]''
}}

'''''Fatal Frame''''', titled {{nihongo foot|'''''Zero'''''|{{ruby-ja|零|ゼロ}}|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} in Japan and '''''Project Zero''''' in Europe and Australia, is a Japanese [[survival horror]] video game series that was created, published and developed by [[Koei Tecmo]] (originally [[Tecmo]]). Debuting in 2001 with the [[Fatal Frame (video game)|first entry in the series]] for the [[PlayStation 2]], the series consists of five main entries. The series is set in 1980s Japan, with each entry focusing on a location beset by hostile supernatural events. In each scenario, the characters involved in the present investigation use Camera Obscura, objects created by Dr. Kunihiko Asou that can capture and pacify spirits. The series draws on staple elements of [[Japanese horror]], and is noted for its frequent use of female protagonists.

The series was conceived by [[Makoto Shibata]] and Keisuke Kikuchi. After being introduced to the PlayStation 2 hardware and after the success of the ''[[Silent Hill]]'' series, the pair decided to develop a horror series inspired by Shibata's own spiritual experiences and popular Japanese horror films of the time. Their main goal was to make the most frightening game experience possible. Later installments have refined the gameplay mechanics while also adding more complex narrative elements.

The series is recognized as one of the best-known horror video game franchises, and the second game in the series, ''[[Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly|Crimson Butterfly]]'', is considered one of the scariest horror games ever made. While the sales of individual games have never been high, the series as a whole has sold over one million copies worldwide as of April 2014. Multiple Japanese adaptations have been made, including manga and a 2014 [[Gekijōban Zero|live-action feature film]].

==Titles==
As of 2014, the series consists of five main-line video games, not counting remakes, rereleases and spin-offs.<ref name= "4Ginterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.4gamer.net/games/254/G025443/20140925135/|script-title=ja:「零 〜濡鴉ノ巫女〜」を生み出した任天堂＆コーエーテクモゲームスに，Wii Uによって実現した斬新な恐怖体験について聞いた|last=Inamoto|first=Tetsuya|publisher=4Gamer|date=27 September 2014|access-date=12 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922040254/http://www.4gamer.net/games/254/G025443/20140925135/|archive-date=22 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse]]'' was originally only released in Japan. While a European release was planned, it was eventually cancelled, and no North American release was planned.<ref name= "CubedRelease">{{cite web|url=http://www.cubed3.com/news/12486/1/tecmo-discusses-nintendos-cancellation-of-fatal-frame-4-wii.html|title=Tecmo Discusses Nintendo's Cancellation of Fatal Frame 4 Wii|last=Riley|first=Adem|publisher=Cubed3|date=6 March 2009|access-date=14 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014190539/http://www.cubed3.com/news/12486/1/tecmo-discusses-nintendos-cancellation-of-fatal-frame-4-wii.html|archive-date=14 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> A fan translation of the fourth game was released in 2010, which enabled the game to be played on any Wii system.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2010/01/fatal_frame_iv_fan_translation_finally_released|title=Fatal Frame IV Fan Translation Finally Released|last=Wahlgren|first=Jon|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|date=19 January 2010|access-date=15 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906035404/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2010/01/fatal_frame_iv_fan_translation_finally_released|archive-date=6 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Outside their international releases, the ''Fatal Frame'' games are not numbered. This was due to the series' creators considering each entry to be a standalone game, with minimal connections to previous titles.<ref name="WiiCreatorInterview">{{cite web|url=http://wii.com/jp/creators-voice/zero/|script-title=ja:クリエイターズボイス：『零 〜月蝕の仮面〜』|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|date=2008|access-date=14 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921232855/http://wii.com/jp/creators-voice/zero/|archive-date=21 September 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Since the fourth game, new ''Fatal Frame'' titles have been funded and co-developed by Nintendo, resulting in new series titles since the fourth game originally only appearing on Nintendo consoles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2012/06/21/report-nintendo-has-co-ownership-in-fatal-frame-ip/|title=Report – Nintendo has co-ownership in Fatal Frame IP|last=Hillier|first=Brenna|website=[[VG247]]|date=21 June 2012|access-date=20 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907184502/http://www.vg247.com/2012/06/21/report-nintendo-has-co-ownership-in-fatal-frame-ip/|archive-date=7 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Koei Tecmo would later purchase Nintendo's publishing rights for multi platform rereleases of ''Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse'' and ''Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water''.

===Video games===
====Main series====
{{ VG timeline
| summary=The Fatal Frame series was introduced in 2001 with the titular first title, and has extended over multiple titles, including remakes. Note: this timeline is only for the main series, and the years they were originally released. Please do not include remakes, re-releases or spin-offs.
| range1 = 2001 -
| range1_color = #3e3e3e #f0f0fb <!-- Based on logo -->
| 2001 = '''''[[Fatal Frame (video game)|Fatal Frame]]'''''
| 2003 = '''''[[Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly]]'''''
| 2005 = '''''[[Fatal Frame III: The Tormented]]'''''
| 2008 = '''''[[Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse]]'''''
| 2012a = ''[[Spirit Camera]]''
| 2012b = ''[[Project Zero 2: Wii Edition]]''
| 2014 = '''''[[Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water]]'''''
}}
The [[Fatal Frame (video game)|titular first entry]]{{efn|Titled {{nihongo|''Zero''|{{ruby|零|ゼロ}} 〜zero〜}} in Japan and ''Project Zero'' in Europe.}} in the series was released on the [[PlayStation 2]] in 2001 in Japan and 2002 in North America and Europe and on the [[Xbox]] in 2002 in North America and 2003 in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=1286|script-title=ja:零 〜zero〜 (PS2)|publisher=[[Famitsu]]|access-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017183750/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=1286|archive-date=17 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/tecmo-confirms-fatal-frame-release-date/1100-2840610/|title=Tecmo confirms Fatal Frame release date|last=Ahmed|first=Shahad|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=18 January 2002|access-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017183922/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/tecmo-confirms-fatal-frame-release-date/1100-2840610/|archive-date=17 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="EuroDates1">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/games/project-zero|title=Eurogamer - Project Zero|website=[[Eurogamer]]|access-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930163951/http://www.eurogamer.net/games/project-zero|archive-date=30 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The second game, ''[[Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly]]'',{{efn|Titled {{nihongo|''Zero 〜Akai Chō〜''|{{ruby|零|ゼロ}} 
〜紅い蝶〜||}} and ''Project Zero 2: Crimson Butterfly'' in Europe.}} was released again for PlayStation 2 in 2003 in Japan and North America, and 2004 in Europe as well as for Xbox in 2004 in North America and in 2005 in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=1285|script-title=ja:零 〜紅い蝶〜 (PS2)|publisher=[[Famitsu]]|access-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526134059/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=1285|archive-date=26 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2003/05/14/e3-2003-fatal-frame-2-official|title=E3 2003: Fatal Frame II Official|website=[[IGN]]|date=14 May 2003|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018103257/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/05/14/e3-2003-fatal-frame-2-official|archive-date=18 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="EuroDates2">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/games/project-zero-2-crimson-butterfly|title=Eurogamer - Project Zero 2: Crimson Butterfly|website=[[Eurogamer]]|access-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001182133/http://www.eurogamer.net/games/project-zero-2-crimson-butterfly|archive-date=1 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Fatal Frame III: The Tormented]]''{{efn|Titled {{nihongo|''Zero: Shisei no Koe''|{{ruby|零|ゼロ}} 〜刺青ノ聲〜||lit. ''Zero: Voice of the Tattoo''.}} and ''Project Zero 3: The Tormented'' in Europe.}} likewise released for the PlayStation 2 in 2005 for Japan and North America, and 2006 in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=1287|script-title=ja:零 〜刺青の聲〜 (PS2)|publisher=[[Famitsu]]|access-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141212151950/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=1287|archive-date=12 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2005/11/08/fatal-frame-iii-to-stores|title=Fatal Frame III To Stores|last=Sulic|first=Ivan|website=[[IGN]]|date=8 November 2005|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018163602/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/11/08/fatal-frame-iii-to-stores|archive-date=18 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/games/project-zero-3-tormented|title=Eurogamer - Project Zero 3: The Tormented|website=[[Eurogamer]]|access-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002013329/http://www.eurogamer.net/games/project-zero-3-tormented|archive-date=2 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2008, ''[[Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse]]''{{efn|Titled {{nihongo|''Zero: Tsukihami no Kamen''|{{ruby|零|ゼロ}}  〜月蝕の仮面〜||lit. ''Zero: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse''}} in Japan and ''Project Zero: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse'' in Europe.}} released in Japan for the [[Wii]] and later received a fan-translation in 2010, and an official worldwide release by Koei Tecmo in 2023 for the [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox One]], [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]], and [[Microsoft Windows]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2008/05/28/nintendo-reveals-summer-lineup-in-japan|title=Nintendo Reveals Summer Lineup in Japan|last=Tanaka|first=John|website=[[IGN]]|date=28 May 2008|access-date=15 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141206144902/http://uk.ign.com/articles/2008/05/28/nintendo-reveals-summer-lineup-in-japan|archive-date=6 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-31 |title=Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC launches March 9, 2023 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/10/fatal-frame-mask-of-the-lunar-eclipse-for-ps5-xbox-series-ps4-xbox-one-switch-and-pc-launches-march-9-2023 |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031165154/https://www.gematsu.com/2022/10/fatal-frame-mask-of-the-lunar-eclipse-for-ps5-xbox-series-ps4-xbox-one-switch-and-pc-launches-march-9-2023 |url-status=live }}</ref> The fifth title, ''[[Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water]]'',{{efn|Titled {{nihongo|''Zero: Nuregarasu no Miko''|{{ruby|零|ゼロ}} 〜濡鴉ノ巫女〜||lit. ''Zero: The Raven-haired Shrine Maiden''}} in Japan and ''Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water'' in Europe.}} was released for the [[Wii U]] in 2014 in Japan and 2015 in North America, Europe and Australia.<ref name="PZreveal">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/07/16/fatal-frame-black-haired-shrine-maiden-revealed-wii-u/|title=Fatal Frame: The Black Haired Shrine Maiden Revealed for Wii U|author=Sato|publisher=Siliconera|date=16 July 2014|access-date=12 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410001619/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/07/16/fatal-frame-black-haired-shrine-maiden-revealed-wii-u/|archive-date=10 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/04/02/heres-all-the-news-from-aprils-nintendo-direct|title=Here's All the News from April's Nintendo Direct|last=Otero|first=José|website=[[IGN]]|date=1 April 2015|access-date=1 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402063920/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/04/02/heres-all-the-news-from-aprils-nintendo-direct|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/wii_u_horror_title_fatal_frame_confirmed_for_western_release_later_this_year|title=Wii U Horror Title Fatal Frame Confirmed For Western Release Later This Year|last=McFerran|first=Damien|website=Nintendo Life|date=1 April 2015|access-date=1 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402064334/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/04/wii_u_horror_title_fatal_frame_confirmed_for_western_release_later_this_year|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> During Nintendo's [[E3 2021]] [[Nintendo Direct]], it was announced that a remaster of ''Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water'' will be available later in 2021. The new version was released on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Microsoft Windows.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-15|title=Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water Announced For Nintendo Switch - E3 2020|url=https://sea.ign.com/fatal-frame-maiden-of-black-water/173170/news/fatal-frame-maiden-of-black-water-announced-for-nintendo-switch-e3-2021|access-date=2021-06-25|website=IGN Southeast Asia|language=en-sg|archive-date=2021-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625151106/https://sea.ign.com/fatal-frame-maiden-of-black-water/173170/news/fatal-frame-maiden-of-black-water-announced-for-nintendo-switch-e3-2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Spin-off and remake====
The first two titles have received expanded re-releases. An expanded port of the original game was released for the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] in 2002 in Japan and 2003 in Western territories. It featured additional story elements, gameplay refinements and a new difficulty setting.<ref name="EuroDates1"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tecmo.co.jp/product/ff/ |script-title=ja:Fatal Frame Xbox紹介ページ |publisher=[[Tecmo]] |access-date=17 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924113859/http://www.tecmo.co.jp/product/ff/ |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/fatal-frame/ | title=GameSpy - Fatal Frame (Xbox) | publisher=[[GameSpy]] | access-date=13 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908180304/http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/fatal-frame/|archive-date=8 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> For ''Crimson Butterfly'', a "Director's Cut" for the Xbox was released in 2004 in Japan and North America, and 2005 in Europe.<ref name="EuroDates2"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20041021/ff2.htm|script-title=ja:テクモ、「FATAL FRAME II CRIMSON BUTTERFLY」の予約特典を発表プレミアムファンディスクと特製ブックレット|publisher=Game Watch Impress|date=21 October 2004|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630034146/http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20041021/ff2.htm|archive-date=30 June 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2004/10/28/fatal-frame-2-date-confirmed|title=Fatal Frame II Dated|last=Adams|first=David|website=[[IGN]]|date=28 October 2004|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018102552/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/10/28/fatal-frame-2-date-confirmed|archive-date=18 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> A new [[Project Zero 2: Wii Edition|expanded remake]] for the Wii was released in Japan and Europe in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=16595|script-title=ja:零（ゼロ） 眞紅の蝶 (Wii)|publisher=[[Famitsu]]|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201134123/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=16595|archive-date=1 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/games/project-zero-2-wii-edition|title=Eurogamer - Project Zero 2: Wii Edition|website=[[Eurogamer]]|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001170605/http://www.eurogamer.net/games/project-zero-2-wii-edition|archive-date=1 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

A mobile title, ''Real Zero'', was released in 2004 for [[Freedom of Mobile Multimedia Access|FOMA]] and [[NTT DoCoMo|DoCoMo]] mobile devices. The game involves users taking pictures of their environments and superimposing ghost images somewhere in the frame. Seventy different ghosts were available to collect, with each new ghost triggering the sending of an email to provide clues for finding the next ghost or other messages.<ref name="GWItecmo"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/real-another-edition-impressions/1100-6108757/|title=Real: Another Edition Impressions|last=Palley|first=Stephan|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=25 September 2004|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018211828/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/real-another-edition-impressions/1100-6108757/|archive-date=18 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The game's service was terminated in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://0.tecmo.jp/|script-title=ja:ｻｲﾄ終了のお知らせ|publisher=Real Zero Website|date=31 March 2011|access-date=19 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706071203/http://0.tecmo.jp/|archive-date=6 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> A spin-off for the [[Nintendo 3DS]], ''[[Spirit Camera]]'',{{efn|Titled {{Nihongo|''Spirit Camera: The Possessed Notebook''|心霊カメラ 〜憑いてる手帳〜|Shinrei Camera ~Tsuiteru Techou~}} in Japan and ''Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir'' in Western territories.}} was released in all regions in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/comzdw/ghost_camera_screens/|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|title=Screens Of the 3DS Fatal Frame Spinoff Ghost Camera|work=Andriasang |publisher=Andriasang.com|date=16 December 2011|access-date=29 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225064500/http://andriasang.com/comzdw/ghost_camera_screens/|archive-date=25 December 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name= "JoyCamera">{{cite web|first=JC|last=Fletcher|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/fatal-frame-spinoff-spirit-camera-the-cursed-memoir-chills-3ds/|title=Fatal Frame spinoff Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir chills 3DS in April|publisher=[[Joystiq]]|date=17 January 2012|access-date=29 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201051921/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/fatal-frame-spinoff-spirit-camera-the-cursed-memoir-chills-3ds/|archive-date=1 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/29103/|title=Spirit Camera Coming to Europe in 2012 - News|publisher=Nintendo World Report|last=Ronaghan|first=Neal|date=26 January 2012|access-date=29 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105104409/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/29103|archive-date=5 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The story follows a girl named Maya, who is trapped in a haunted house controlled by a mysterious woman in black, and seeks to escape the woman's control.<ref name= "JoyCamera"/>

=== Pachinko ===
In May 2020, a [[Pachinko|pachislot]] machine simply titled ''Pachislot Zero'' was announced by Yamasa Group. Set to be released in Japan for pachinko parlors in July 2020, the game recreates scenes from the first game in the series with updated graphics, along with additions like new characters and a third ending.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Silva|first=Angelo|date=2021-05-10|title=Fatal Frame retorna... só que como máquina de pachinko|url=https://www.densetsugames.com.br/fatal-frame-pachislot-zero/|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Densetsu Games|language=pt-BR|archive-date=2021-05-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525013430/https://www.densetsugames.com.br/fatal-frame-pachislot-zero/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Related media===
'''Zero4D'''

To commemorate the release of ''Crimson Butterfly'', a special interactive attraction titled ''Zero4D'' opened in 2004 in Tokyo. It featured movie scenes designed by the same team behind the CGI movies for ''Crimson Butterfly''.<ref name="GWItecmo">{{cite web|url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20040715/tecmo.htm|script-title=ja:テクモの「零〜紅い蝶〜」が4Dホラーアトラクションに! 携帯版「REAL 〜零〜」も発表|publisher=Game Watch Impress|date=17 July 2004|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122172818/http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20040715/tecmo.htm|archive-date=22 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> A manga based on the series written by [[Shin Kibayashi]], ''Fatal Frame: Shadow Priestess'',{{efn|{{Nihongo|''Zero: Kage Miko''|零 影巫女|}}}} was released in both Japanese and English through [[DeNA]]'s website in July 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-07-18/fatal-frame-manga-by-kindaichi-amagi-gets-english-release/.76781|title=Fatal Frame Manga by Kindaichi's Amagi Gets English Release|date=18 July 2014|work=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=18 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628202904/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-07-18/fatal-frame-manga-by-kindaichi-amagi-gets-english-release/.76781|archive-date=28 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> 

'''Gekijjoban Zero'''

A [[Gekijōban Zero|Japanese live-action movie]] directed by [[Mari Asato]] for [[Kadokawa Pictures]] was released in cinemas in 2014. The novel it was based on, ''Fatal Frame: A Curse Affecting Only Girls'' by [[Eiji Ohtsuka]], was released a few months prior to the movie.<ref name="ANNmedia" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Romano|first=Sal|title=New Fatal Frame announced for Wii U|url=http://gematsu.com/2014/04/new-fatal-frame-announced-wii-u|publisher=Gematsu|date=24 April 2014|access-date=17 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917173148/http://gematsu.com/2014/04/new-fatal-frame-announced-wii-u|archive-date=17 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

'''Planned American Film''' 

A Hollywood film adaptation of the first game was announced in 2003. Robert Fyvolent and Mark R. Brinker were hired as the project's writers, and [[John Rogers (writer)|John Rogers]] was hired as its producer. The title was being produced by [[DreamWorks Pictures|DreamWorks]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2003/04/23/games-to-film-frenzy|title=Game-to-Film Frenzy|last=Linder|first=Brian|website=[[IGN]]|date=23 April 2003|access-date=19 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019173656/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/23/games-to-film-frenzy|archive-date=19 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that year, [[Steven Spielberg]] was helping Rogers to polish the game's script, and that sessions to find a director and cast the movie would follow.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/fatal-frame-movie-update/1100-6076233/|title=Fatal Frame movie update|last=Calvert|first=Justine|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=1 October 2003|access-date=19 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019173502/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/fatal-frame-movie-update/1100-6076233/|archive-date=19 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014 alongside the formal announcement of ''Maiden of Black Water'', it was confirmed that the Hollywood film was still planned. Now produced by [[Samuel Hadida]], it was set to begin production after the completion and release of the game.<ref name= "ANNmedia">{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-04-23/fatal-frame-horror-game-hollywood-film-also-still-in-the-works|title=Fatal Frame Horror Game's Hollywood Film Also Still in the Works|work=[[Anime News Network]]|date=23 April 2014|access-date=18 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150804225314/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-04-23/fatal-frame-horror-game-hollywood-film-also-still-in-the-works|archive-date=4 August 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Christophe Gans said in an interview that the movie will take place in Japan in an attempt to capture its Japanese haunted house setting.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2020/02/01/silent-hill-movie-fatal-frame-new-2020/|title=New Silent Hill Movie Announced|website=comicbook.com|author=Tyler Fischer|date=January 31, 2020|access-date=February 9, 2020|archive-date=February 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202144941/https://comicbook.com/gaming/2020/02/01/silent-hill-movie-fatal-frame-new-2020/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Common elements==
===Series gameplay===

The gameplay has remained consistent through the series' lifetime. Each environment is filled with ghosts, with separate games having different attack behaviors for them.<ref name="NWRfatal"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/ps2/project_zero_3_the_tormented/news/project_zero_3_q_and_a.html|title=Project Zero 3 Q&A|last=Orry|first=James|publisher=VideoGamer.com|date=6 February 2006|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911012139/http://www.videogamer.com/ps2/project_zero_3_the_tormented/news/project_zero_3_q_and_a.html|archive-date=11 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> While navigating these environments, the main character's only means of defense is the Camera Obscura, which can be used to damage ghosts, capturing them on film and pacifying them. When using the camera, the view switches from a third-person to a first-person perspective. The camera locks onto a ghost, with the amount of damage dealt depending on how much of a focus the Camera Obscura has on the ghost, but ghosts fade in and out of existence, making focusing more challenging. Shots of varying closeness and angles also affect how much damage the ghost takes. The most damaging is a "Fatal Frame", which is performed by taking a photo just before a ghost's attack lands, dealing massive damage and allowing a combo if subsequent shots are timed correctly. A ghost's captured spirit energy is converted into points, which can be used to buy items to upgrade the Camera Obscura and obtain more powerful film.<ref name="IGNffReview">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/03/05/fatal-frame-2|title=Fatal Frame Review|last=Smith|first=David|website=[[IGN]]|date=5 March 2002|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819033952/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/03/05/fatal-frame-2|archive-date=19 August 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name= "NinImpressions">{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/09/first_impressions_taking_a_shot_at_fatal_frame_maiden_of_black_water|title=First Impressions: Taking A Shot At Fatal Frame: Maiden Of Black Water|last=McMahon|first=Conor|website=Nintendo Life|date=30 September 2015|access-date=13 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002162636/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/09/first_impressions_taking_a_shot_at_fatal_frame_maiden_of_black_water|archive-date=2 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="CubedReview">{{cite web|url=http://www.cubed3.com/review/1589/1/zero-tsukihami-no-kamen-nintendo-wii.html|title=Zero: Tsukihami no Kamen (Wii) Review|last=Lichi|first=Albert|publisher=Cubed3|date=30 September 2014|access-date=14 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916031812/http://www.cubed3.com/review/1589/1/zero-tsukihami-no-kamen-nintendo-wii.html|archive-date=16 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

In addition to hostile ghosts, there are passive ghosts encountered in parts of the environment: if they are not caught on film at once, they vanish from the rest of the game. Ghosts captured on film are added to a list, which reveals a ghost's past.<ref name="NWRfatal"/> For the first three games, navigation is done using semi-fixed third-person view of environments, with characters moving at a slow pace through them. For ''Mask of the Lunar Eclipse'' and later entries, the camera perspective was altered to a third-person over-the-shoulder view and character movement was increased a little to speed up gameplay. The ability to either dodge or break free from a ghost's grip was added in ''Maiden of Black Water''.<ref name= "4Ginterview"/><ref name="WiiCreatorInterview"/><ref name="IGNffReview"/><ref name= "NinImpressions"/>

===Setting===
The ''Fatal Frame / Project Zero'' series is set in the 1980s, before mobile phones were commonly used in Japan. Aside from a few recurring characters, each game has a self-contained story focusing on a different supernatural threat. The main unifying factor is navigating through haunted locations struck by a supernatural catastrophe, with a recurring setting being abandoned Japanese mansions.<ref name="WiiCreatorInterview"/> Recurring characters include Dr. Kunihiko Asou, an occultist who lived in the 1800s and created objects such as the Camera Obscura;<ref name="NWRfatal">{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/32312/scary-nintendo-memories-fatal-frame|title=Scary Nintendo Memories - Fatal Frame|last=Brown|first=Andrew|publisher=Nintendo World Report|date=3 November 2012|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151021080834/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/32312/scary-nintendo-memories-fatal-frame|archive-date=21 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and Miku Hinasaki, the protagonist of ''Fatal Frame'' and one of three protagonists in ''The Tormented'', who also appears in ''Maiden of Black Water'' as one of the main characters' missing mother. A second recurring feature is the exclusive or frequent use of female characters in the leading role. This was explained as being due to the overall tone of the series: since traditional violence was not used, it was better to use a female character to convey this. It was also felt that women were more spiritually aware than men.<ref name="GSpInterview"/> Another recurring concept is a pseudo-physical location bridging the physical and spiritual worlds, inspired by a [[tanka]] written by Japanese poet Taeko Kuzuhara: these were represented by the Hellish Abyss in ''Crimson Butterfly'' and the lake in ''Maiden of Black Water''.<ref>{{cite book |script-title=ja:零〜濡鴉ノ巫女〜コンプリートガイド|publisher=[[Koei]] |isbn=978-4775809433 |date=29 November 2014|pages=170–171}}</ref>

The first chronological entry in the series, ''Mask of the Lunar Eclipse'', takes place in 1980. The story revolves around three girls who travel back to the fictional Rougetsu Island to recover memories of being kidnapped while they lived there ten years before. On the island, they must investigate the secrets behind a local ritual dance and an ancient mask related to the ritual.<ref name="WiiCreatorInterview"/> ''Fatal Frame'' is set in 1986, with ''Crimson Butterfly'' being set in 1988 ''The Tormented'' is set two months after the second game's events.<ref name="GSpInterview">{{cite web|url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/fatal-frame-3/644109p1.html|title=Fatal Frame III: The Tormented Interview|last=Nutt|first=Christian|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|date=22 August 2005|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013053036/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/fatal-frame-3/644109p1.html|archive-date=13 October 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Maiden of Black Water'' is set at an unspecified date after the third game. It takes place around the fictional Mount Hikami, a site infamous for suicides and rituals associated with local bodies of water. The main protagonists are each drawn to the mountain intent on rescuing someone, confronting hostile ghosts along the way.<ref name="PZreveal"/><ref name= "FFBook5">{{cite book |script-title=ja:零〜濡鴉ノ巫女〜コンプリートガイド|publisher=[[Koei]] |isbn=978-4775809433 |date=29 November 2014}}</ref>

==History and development==
The concept for ''Fatal Frame / Project Zero'' first occurred by Makoto Shibata. The idea occurred after the development of ''[[Tecmo's Deception: Invitation to Darkness]]''. Inspired by his own experiences of supernatural events, and heartened by the success of the ''[[Silent Hill]]'' series, Shibata and Keisuke Kikuchi set to work on creating the basics for the game. Shibata was in charge of the majority of game and scenario development, while Kikuchi was in charge of general oversight.<ref>{{cite book |script-title=ja:零〜刺青ノ聲〜公式完全攻略本 導魂之書publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |isbn=978-4757724983 |date=October 2005|publisher=エンターブレイン }} [http://fftranslations.atspace.co.uk/ff3interviewgb.html Translation] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105032057/http://fftranslations.atspace.co.uk/ff3interviewgb.html |date=2015-11-05 }}</ref> When creating the atmosphere, the team watched both high and low-budget Japanese horror films, and war films. One of their goals was to make the game as scary as possible.<ref name="WiiCreatorInterview"/><ref name= "ZeroStaffInterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.tecmo.co.jp/product/zero/zero_staff_id1.htm|script-title=ja:スタッフインタビュー『零が生まれた理由』|publisher=Zero Japanese Website|date=2002|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080619145008/http://www.tecmo.co.jp/product/zero/zero_staff_id1.htm|archive-date=19 June 2008|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2013/05/01/fatal-frame-behind-the-lens-of-the-ps2-horror-classic/|title=Fatal Frame: Behind the Lens of the PS2 Horror Classic|last=Shibata|first=Makoto|publisher=[[PlayStation Blog]]|date=1 May 2013|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003024408/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2013/05/01/fatal-frame-behind-the-lens-of-the-ps2-horror-classic/|archive-date=3 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The Camera Obscura was not in the initial discussions between Shibata and Kikuchi, with the original idea being that ghosts would be avoided and repelled by light. Ultimately, they decided to have a type of offensive power, which resulted in the Camera's creation. Kikuchi was initially opposed to the idea, but saw that it fit very well into the game's context as development progressed.<ref name="WiiCreatorInterview"/><ref name= "ZeroStaffInterview"/> The first game was marketed in the West as being based on a true story, and while this was not accurate, the story of ''Fatal Frame'' was inspired by both real locations noted for alleged haunting and local ghost-related folklore.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2002/10/23/finding-fatal-frame|title=Finding Fatal Frame|last=Boulding|first=Aaron|website=[[IGN]]|date=23 October 2002|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151021082339/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/23/finding-fatal-frame|archive-date=21 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

For ''Crimson Butterfly'', the team toned down the frightening aspects so players would be willing to complete a playthrough, alongside creating a stronger story. The story was inspired by a dream Shibata had, with the interpretive nature of the game's events being inspired by his feelings about the dream.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2013/05/02/fatal-frame-2-hits-psn-tuesday-series-director-speaks/|title=Fatal Frame 2 Hits PSN Tuesday, Series Director Speaks|last=Shibata|first=Makoto|publisher=[[PlayStation Blog]]|date=2 May 2013|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930130419/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2013/05/02/fatal-frame-2-hits-psn-tuesday-series-director-speaks/|archive-date=30 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> For ''The Tormented'', they decided to focus on horror elements emerging out of everyday life, focusing on the effects of dreams upon reality.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2013/10/01/fatal-frame-iii-the-tormented-reemerges-today-on-psn/|title=Fatal Frame III: The Tormented Reemerges Today on PSN|last=Shibata|first=Makoto|publisher=[[PlayStation Blog]]|date=1 October 2013|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912110754/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2013/10/01/fatal-frame-iii-the-tormented-reemerges-today-on-psn/|archive-date=12 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Mask of the Lunar Eclipse'' was co-produced by Koei Tecmo, Nintendo and [[Grasshopper Manufacture]], with Grasshopper Manufacture's [[Goichi Suda]] acting as a co-director with Shibata.<ref name="WiiCreatorInterview"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2008/01/30/fatal-frame-4-preview|title=Fatal Frame IV Preview|author=Bozon|website=[[IGN]]|date=30 January 2008|access-date=14 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014221132/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/01/30/fatal-frame-4-preview|archive-date=14 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The gameplay was constructed around the Wii hardware, with the main concept being for players to feel the fear physically. The entire concept occurred by Kikuchi when he saw the specifications for the Wii.<ref name="WiiCreatorInterview"/><ref name= "FFBook5"/> ''Maiden of Black Water'' originated when Kikuchi saw the Wii U hardware, and was co-produced by Koei Tecmo and Nintendo. As they wanted to bring more people into the series, they included a stronger narrative and new gameplay elements to make the experience easier for newcomers.<ref name= "FFBook5"/><ref>{{cite journal|date=25 September 2014|journal=[[Famitsu Weekly]]|issue=1347|pages=92–93| publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|language=ja}}</ref>

Since ''Crimson Butterfly'', theme songs have been created for each title, primarily performed by Japanese singer [[Tsuki Amano]]. The development team wanted an image song for ''Crimson Butterfly'', and Shibata found the then-newly debuted Amano in the Japanese independent community. Amano created the song using documents on the game's story, themes and setting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tecmo.co.jp/product/zero2/kaihatu1.htm|script-title=ja:『零〜紅い蝶〜』開発秘話 - その一 イメージソング「蝶」について...|publisher=Zero: Crimson Butterfly Official Website|date=2003|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530094335/http://www.tecmo.co.jp/product/zero2/kaihatu1.htm|archive-date=30 May 2015|url-status=live}} [http://fftranslations.atspace.co.uk/chou.html Translation] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424213324/http://fftranslations.atspace.co.uk/chou.html |date=2012-04-24 }}</ref> Amano returned multiple times to create theme songs for ''The Tormented'', ''Mask of the Lunar Eclipse'', and a new theme song for the Wii remake of ''Crimson Butterfly''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201206/21016584.html|script-title=ja:『零 〜眞紅の蝶〜』天野月×柴田誠スペシャル対談！ 『蝶』から『くれなゐ』へ|publisher=[[Famitsu]]|language=ja|date=21 June 2012|access-date=14 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928123932/http://www.famitsu.com/news/201206/21016584.html|archive-date=28 September 2015|url-status=live}} [http://fftranslations.atspace.co.uk/choutokurenai.html Translation] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525062651/http://fftranslations.atspace.co.uk/choutokurenai.html |date=2013-05-25 }}</ref> She again returned for ''Maiden of Black Water'', and a second new singer AnJu contributed a second theme song to the title.<ref name= "4Ginterview"/>

==Reception==
{{VG Series Reviews
| game1 = [[Fatal Frame (video game)|Fatal Frame]]
| mc1 = (PS2) 74/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/fatal-frame/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''Fatal Frame'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=10 November 2017 |archive-date=27 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427054627/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/fatal-frame |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(Xbox) 77/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/fatal-frame/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=''Fatal Frame'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=10 November 2017 |archive-date=27 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427054638/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/fatal-frame |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game2 = [[Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly]]
| mc2 = (PS2) 81/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/fatal-frame-ii-crimson-butterfly/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=10 November 2017 |archive-date=6 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006231545/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/fatal-frame-ii-crimson-butterfly |url-status=live }}</ref><br>([[Project Zero 2: Wii Edition|Wii]]) 77/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/project-zero-2-wii-edition/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |title=''Project Zero 2: Wii Edition'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=10 November 2017 |archive-date=30 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930011907/https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/project-zero-2-wii-edition |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(Xbox) 84/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/fatal-frame-ii-crimson-butterfly-directors-cut/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=''Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Director's Cut'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=10 November 2017 |archive-date=18 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118042146/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/fatal-frame-ii-crimson-butterfly-directors-cut |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game3 = [[Fatal Frame III: The Tormented]]
| mc3 = (PS2) 78/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/fatal-frame-iii-the-tormented/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''Fatal Frame III: The Tormented'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=10 November 2017 |archive-date=14 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814235757/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/fatal-frame-iii-the-tormented/critic-reviews |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game4 = [[Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse]]
| mc4 = (NS) 73/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/fatal-frame-mask-of-the-lunar-eclipse/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=''Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=10 November 2017 |archive-date=21 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321024833/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/fatal-frame-mask-of-the-lunar-eclipse |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PC) 69/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/fatal-frame-mask-of-the-lunar-eclipse/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=10 November 2017 |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311172247/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/fatal-frame-mask-of-the-lunar-eclipse |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PS5) 67/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/fatal-frame-mask-of-the-lunar-eclipse/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |title=''Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=10 November 2017 |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311142430/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-5/fatal-frame-mask-of-the-lunar-eclipse |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(XSXS) 64/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/fatal-frame-mask-of-the-lunar-eclipse/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |title=''Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=10 November 2017 |archive-date=15 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315211434/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-series-x/fatal-frame-mask-of-the-lunar-eclipse |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game5 = [[Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir]]
| mc5 = (3DS) 54/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/spirit-camera-the-cursed-memoir/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |title=''Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=10 November 2017 |archive-date=9 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109232450/https://www.metacritic.com/game/spirit-camera-the-cursed-memoir/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game6 = [[Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water]]
| mc6 = (NS) 73/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/fatal-frame-maiden-of-black-water/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=''Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=10 November 2017 |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107190620/https://www.metacritic.com/game/fatal-frame-maiden-of-black-water/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PC) 69/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/fatal-frame-maiden-of-black-water/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=10 November 2017 |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107064309/https://www.metacritic.com/game/fatal-frame-maiden-of-black-water/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PS4) 71/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/fatal-frame-maiden-of-black-water/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=''Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=10 November 2017 |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107064148/https://www.metacritic.com/game/fatal-frame-maiden-of-black-water/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PS5) 63/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/fatal-frame-maiden-of-black-water/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |title=''Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=10 November 2017 |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107063410/https://www.metacritic.com/game/fatal-frame-maiden-of-black-water/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(WIIU) 67/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/fatal-frame-maiden-of-black-water/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u |title=''Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=10 November 2017 |archive-date=26 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151026000034/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/fatal-frame-maiden-of-black-water |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(XSXS) 60/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/fatal-frame-maiden-of-black-water/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |title=''Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=10 November 2017 |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107064326/https://www.metacritic.com/game/fatal-frame-maiden-of-black-water/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}

In Japan, each title in the ''Fatal Frame / Project Zero'' series has seen modest success: the first game's lifetime sales are the lowest in the series, while ''Mask of the Lunar Eclipse'' currently stands as the best-selling title in the series to date.<ref name= "CubedRelease"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://nintendoeverything.com/image-japanese-fatal-frame-sales-comparison/|title=Image: Japanese Fatal Frame sales comparison|last=Richards|first=Brian|publisher=Nintendo Everything|date=1 October 2014|access-date=13 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101192853/http://nintendoeverything.com/image-japanese-fatal-frame-sales-comparison|archive-date=1 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Since its debut in 2001, the ''Fatal Frame'' series has sold 1.3 million copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cinematoday.jp/page/N0062343|script-title=ja:ホラーゲーム「零」が実写映画化！「Seventeen」美少女モデル2人を大抜てき！|publisher=Japan Cinema Today|date=22 April 2014|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524105114/http://www.cinematoday.jp/page/N0062343|archive-date=24 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

Multiple video game journalists have singled out the series. [[IGN]]'s Clara Barraza, in an article on the evolution of the survival horror genre, said that the first game "broke away from the use of weapons like guns and planks of wood to switch it up and try something completely different", praising the use of the Camera Obscura in evoking a sense of fear and calling the game "[a] unique spin on the genre".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2008/09/01/the-evolution-of-the-survival-horror-genre|title=The Evolution of the Survival Horror Genre|last=Barraza|first=Clara|website=[[IGN]]|date=1 September 2008|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023034246/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/01/the-evolution-of-the-survival-horror-genre|archive-date=23 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In a different article for IGN on the history of survival horror, editor Travis Fahs stated that the series gave a much-needed boost to the genre during a period of decline in the early 2000s, highlighting the Japanese horror aesthetic as a selling point that attracted players in tandem with the popularity of ''The Ring''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2009/10/30/ign-presents-the-history-of-survival-horror|title=IGN Presents The History of Survival Horror|last=Fahs|first=Travis|website=[[IGN]]|page=6|date=30 October 2009|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151021121315/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/10/30/ign-presents-the-history-of-survival-horror|archive-date=21 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of an interview with the series' creators in 2006, [[GameSpy]] writer Christian Nutt referred to it as one of the three best-known horror video game series alongside ''Resident Evil'' and ''Silent Hill''.<ref name="GSpInterview"/> Similarly, as part of a review of ''Maiden of Black Water'', Dennis Scimeca of ''[[The Daily Dot]]'' ranked the ''Fatal Frame'' series alongside ''Resident Evil'' and ''Silent Hill''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailydot.com/geek/fatal-frame-maiden-of-black-water-review/|title=Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water is a creepy return to classic survival horror|last=Scimeca|first=Dennis|work=[[The Daily Dot]]|date=19 October 2015|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151021143637/http://www.dailydot.com/geek/fatal-frame-maiden-of-black-water-review/|archive-date=21 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In an article on the series, [[Kotaku]] writer Richard Eisenbeis said that ''Fatal Frame'' succeeded in drawing his attention when most other horror games did not, generally praising the settings and the "master stroke" of the Camera Obscura in gameplay.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/why-fatal-frame-is-my-favorite-horror-series-1644687552|title=Why Fatal Frame is My Favorite Horror Series|last=Eisenbeis|first=Richard|website=[[Kotaku]]|date=10 October 2014|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905125813/http://kotaku.com/why-fatal-frame-is-my-favorite-horror-series-1644687552|archive-date=5 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview, ''[[F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin]]'' art leader Dave Matthews stated that the gameplay of ''F.E.A.R. 2'' was influenced by the ''Fatal Frame'' series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamewatcher.com/interviews/f-e-a-r-2-project-origin-interview/11422|title=F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin Interview|publisher=Gamewatcher|date=17 December 2008|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151021121955/http://www.gamewatcher.com/interviews/f-e-a-r-2-project-origin-interview/11422|archive-date=21 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In multiple articles, ''Crimson Butterfly'' has been singled out by video game publications and industry developers as one of the scariest games of the horror genre in general.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2014/09/29/28-developers-share-their-picks-for-best-horror-games-ever.aspx|title=28 Developers Share Their Picks For Best Horror Games Ever|last=Turi|first=Tim|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=29 December 2014|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119044857/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2014/09/29/28-developers-share-their-picks-for-best-horror-games-ever.aspx|archive-date=19 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.primagames.com/games/dead-space/feature/Top-50-scariest-video-games-10-1|title=The 50 Scariest Video Games of All Time: 10-1|last=Workman|first=Robert|publisher=[[Prima Games]]|date=31 October 2014|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228033118/http://www.primagames.com/games/dead-space/feature/Top-50-scariest-video-games-10-1|archive-date=28 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2014/08/22/the-top-10-survival-horror-games|title=The Top Ten Survival Horror Games|website=[[IGN]]|date=22 August 2014|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008033132/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/08/22/the-top-10-survival-horror-games|archive-date=8 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/interview-neil-druckmann-on-shooting-for-the-insane-with-the-last-of-us/0136656|title=Interview: Neil Druckmann on 'shooting for the insane' with The Last of Us|last=Jarvis|first=Matthew|magazine=[[MCV (magazine)|MCV]]|date=11 August 2014|access-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409070228/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/interview-neil-druckmann-on-shooting-for-the-insane-with-the-last-of-us/0136656|archive-date=9 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Portal|Video games|Speculative fiction/Horror}}
{{Wikiquote|Fatal Frame (video game series)}}<!-- * {{official website|http://www.tecmo.co.jp/product/zero/index2.htm}}<small> (PS2) </small>{{ja icon}}
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{{Fatal Frame|state=expanded}}
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[[Category:Fatal Frame| ]]
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