In an interview with Famitsu, Fatal Frame series Producer Keisuke Kikuchi explains why a Fatal Frame series remaster collection wasn’t considered for the 20th anniversary. Additionally, the interview goes into details regarding why Koei Tecmo chose to re-release Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water. [Thanks, Famitsu!]
Previously, it had been revealed that another title in the Fatal Frame series could potentially release if Maiden of Black Water sells well enough. However, this interview reveals why Koei Tecmo chose to re-release Maiden of Black Water specifically. This was largely due to Maiden of Black Water being the most recent entry in the series, according to Kikuchi. However, on the prospect of a potential Fatal Frame series remaster collection, he said this:
No, first of all, we wanted to focus on having a large number of people playing Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water, which is the latest entry in the series. This is because we’re very confident that this title will be accepted by those who are playing the Fatal Frame series for the very first time.
Additionally, Kikuchi shared his elation at the reception to Maiden of Black Water receiving a re-release.
It’s been a long time since the original release of Maiden of Black Water in 2014, so I was honestly quite worried. However, I was happy to receive a warmer welcome than I had imagined. We received a strong reception from people in North America, Europe, and Asian regions that will be able to play this title for the first time. I feel that Japanese-style horror is once again being accepted overseas.
Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water will be available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC via Steam on October 28, 2021.
