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When it comes to the Fatal Frame series, Fatal Frame II might be one of the most recognizable entries due to it appearing on the PS2, Xbox, and Wii ahead of the Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC remake. Ahead of the return of Mio and Mayu, Siliconera spoke with Fatal Frame Series Producer Makoto Shibata about the project and what we can expect from this latest version of the game.
Jenni Lada: Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake is the second remake of this game in the series. How did the team decide this would be the correct entry to bring back again?
Makoto Shibata: When we released the recent remasters, we received a strong response from fans asking specifically for Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly. Responding to those voices was the primary motivation behind this project. As it’s one of the most popular titles in the series, we felt that a full remake—rather than a simple remaster—would allow it to be embraced by players who enjoy a wide variety of modern horror games today.
How influential were additions to the Xbox version of the original Fatal Frame II and Wii release to this version of the game, and can we expect to see some of those additions remain?
Makoto Shibata: There are no elements carried over from the Xbox version or the additional features of the Wii version. While screenshots from the Wii version may give a similar impression due to the over-the-shoulder camera angle, the controls and camera in this remake were completely rethought based on modern, standard TPS design. Once players actually try it, we believe they will clearly feel how different the experience is.
The recent Fatal Frame remasters included photo modes. Can we expect to see that in this Fatal Frame II remake?
Makoto Shibata: Photo Mode is also available in this title. However, since the development environment has changed from the remasters and this game fully utilizes the engine during gameplay, we were unable to include certain features, such as placing additional characters. That said, players can still create original scene compositions using lighting adjustments, filters, stickers, and frames.
The new Camera Obscura features in Fatal Frame II Remake will let us zoom in on certain wraiths. How often will zoom come up, considering the official site noted there will be some wraiths and environmental elements specifically using this new mechanic?
Makoto Shibata: Zoom has been added as a function of the Camera Obscura itself. As such, players can enjoy the game fully without using this feature during normal play. Using zoom extends the effective range of the Camera Obscura and allows players to capture Wraiths at a larger scale, making it easier to deal greater damage. In exchange, the field of view becomes narrower while zoomed in, making it more difficult to track enemy movement. During exploration, zoom can also be used to photograph distant wandering Wraiths more clearly, and some exploration elements can only be captured using zoom.
Charms are new to Fatal Frame II Remake. How did you decide what types to add and address balancing with them?
Makoto Shibata: We incorporated Team NINJA’s action RPG development expertise when designing systems that support gameplay and enhance the Camera Obscura’s capabilities. These include a wide range of effects, from standard increases to attack and defense, to features that make Wraiths easier to photograph or items easier to find. From a balance perspective, adjustments are made based on Camera Obscura performance and overall game progression. While the Camera Obscura can be upgraded in this title, not all abilities can be enhanced at once. The system allows players to compensate for weaker aspects or further strengthen their preferred strengths, enabling flexible fine-tuning to suit individual play styles.
Is there any particular charm you really like that you can talk about?
Makoto Shibata: There is a charm that automatically turns the camera toward the direction of nearby Wraiths, making the game easier to play for those who are less comfortable with camera controls. For players who enjoy photography, there is also a charm that applies pan focus when taking scenic photos. While it does not affect combat, it is a feature that reflects the unique nature of a game centered around using a camera.
The original Fatal Frame II had different story segments and four possible endings, with some parts locked beyond certain choices or difficulty levels, and the Wii remake added two more. Will there be any additional endings or scenes, and will the ability to hold Mayu’s hand affect things?
Makoto Shibata: This title is a remake of Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly, and it does not include the two endings from the Wii version. However, we have added a brand-new ending. In the original game, holding hands with Mayu was only depicted in cutscenes, but in this remake it has been implemented as a new gameplay action. While we cannot go into detail, we can say that it plays an important role in the newly added and revised story elements.
This is now the third time we’ve seen the second Fatal Frame game and remasters of the fourth and fifth entries appeared on multiple platforms. How would you feel about a remake of the original game or remaster of the third, given they’re now no longer widely available?
Makoto Shibata: This full remake of Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly was created in response to many requests from fans. We are aware that the first and third titles in the series are currently difficult to access or play, so if there is sufficient demand, we would consider it.
Likewise, we’ve seen a lot of Fatal Frame remasters and remakes, but there hasn’t been a new entry lately. How would you feel about a new one?
Makoto Shibata: At present, there is nothing we can share regarding a brand-new title. However, since this remake was rebuilt in a way that is very close to creating a new game, if we were to develop a new entry in the future, it would likely be an evolution of the systems and know-how established here.
Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake will come to the Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC on March 12, 2026, and a demo will appear on March 5, 2026.
