FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is a gripping survival horror experience that unfolds on Rogetsu Isle, where a group of children vanished during a festival, only to return as teenagers with no recollection of their past. Armed with the Camera Obscura, a device capable of revealing and sealing malevolent spirits, the characters hope to restore their lost memories. From disconcerting sounds to fleeting specters, the game masterfully evokes a constant feeling of unease, even venturing into the unsettling outdoors. However, this installment falls short of the expectations set by its predecessors within the Fatal Frame series.

The greatest strength of the game lies in its ability to create an atmosphere that consistently whispers, 'I shouldn't be here.' The environment is filled with tension, and the gameplay is balanced, offering moments of exhilaration mixed with peaceful interludes—despite the ever-present dolls, suspicious lumps beneath sheets, and an ever-ringing phone with a growling voice on the other end. The sound design is impeccably done, and is unsettling all on its own.

Furthermore, it's important to highlight that Mask of the Lunar Eclipse breaks away from the horror game trope of endlessly crisscrossing the map in search of keys to unlock the next area. While unlocking doors remains a part of the gameplay, each chapter unfolds as a more intricate and immersive experience. Switching between three protagonists’ points of view, the game introduces a mix of challenging ghostly encounters, puzzles to solve, and a gorgeously designed map to explore (including – yes – a required trip to the basement to flip a power switch!).

Unfortunately, where Mask of the Lunar Eclipse falters is in its narrative. The story lacks the compelling – and complex - storytelling seen in previous Fatal Frame games, even if you collect all of the files hidden throughout the game that expand on each character’s secrets and motivations. Numerous characters fail to leave a lasting impression, lacking the depth and substance that characterized the series' memorable antagonists. While the antagonists in Mask of the Lunar Eclipse mimic their predecessors by losing their sense of self and being coerced into a ritual against their will, they come across as mere imitations of past Fatal Frame antagonists, lacking the distinctive qualities to stand out on their own.

The gameplay also suffers from clunky mechanics, particularly in the use of the flashlight which is required to reveal hidden items. Personally, adjusting the sensitivity didn’t help, and I spent a significant amount of time trying to get items to appear, resulting in a frustrating experience. Additionally, I encountered areas where the protagonist would become stuck in doorways and in rooms filled with furniture (not what you want to have happen during a fight with a vengeful ghost!) that only added to the problem. I used a controller for my playthrough, although you can use a mouse and keyboard too.

Priced at $50, the game offers fair value considering its quality, but its replay ability is limited unless you are achievement hunting. After completing the initial playthrough, you can unlock the 'Sense' camera lens. This allows the Camera Obscura to reveal additional revenants hidden throughout the game, a requirement for earning several achievements. There are also ‘missions’ where you can fight an enemy within a time limit to earn further points for upgrades, and unlock new outfits. For reference, there are 13 chapters in the game, including a prelude and each chapter takes roughly an hour to complete on normal mode.

In comparison to Mask of the Lunar Eclipse, FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO: Maiden of Black Water represents a strong alternative. It is priced at $40 and has a compelling narrative with intricate ties to previous titles in the series (including the return of Miku Hinasaki, the protagonist from the first Fatal Frame game!). With 14 chapters, the game provides extended gameplay, each chapter averaging over an hour to complete, with significantly more challenging enemies on normal mode. It also offers a significant bonus to achievement hunters – you can select a specific chapter to replay, even on your first run-through, a feature not offered in Mask of the Lunar Eclipse.

Overall, I have mixed feelings about FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse. As a longtime fan of Fatal Frame, the opportunity to play a series title on PC is appreciated, especially for North American players who missed out on Mask of the Lunar Eclipse during its Japan-exclusive decade. However, given how weak the narrative in Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is, I would not recommend it to fans of the series, while I would, and do, recommend the game to horror enthusiasts.

[h3]While Mask of the Lunar Eclipse struggles to match Fatal Frame's legacy, it may captivate horror fanatics with its terrifying atmosphere.[/h3] FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is a gripping survival horror experience that unfolds on Rogetsu Isle, where a group of children vanished during a festival, only to return as teenagers with no recollection of their past. Armed with the Camera Obscura, a device capable of revealing and sealing malevolent spirits, the characters hope to restore their lost memories. From disconcerting sounds to fleeting specters, the game masterfully evokes a constant feeling of unease, even venturing into the unsettling outdoors. However, this installment falls short of the expectations set by its predecessors within the Fatal Frame series. The greatest strength of the game lies in its ability to create an atmosphere that consistently whispers, 'I shouldn't be here.' The environment is filled with tension, and the gameplay is balanced, offering moments of exhilaration mixed with peaceful interludes—despite the ever-present dolls, suspicious lumps beneath sheets, and an ever-ringing phone with a growling voice on the other end. The sound design is impeccably done, and is unsettling all on its own. Furthermore, it's important to highlight that Mask of the Lunar Eclipse breaks away from the horror game trope of endlessly crisscrossing the map in search of keys to unlock the next area. While unlocking doors remains a part of the gameplay, each chapter unfolds as a more intricate and immersive experience. Switching between three protagonists’ points of view, the game introduces a mix of challenging ghostly encounters, puzzles to solve, and a gorgeously designed map to explore (including – yes – a required trip to the basement to flip a power switch!). Unfortunately, where Mask of the Lunar Eclipse falters is in its narrative. The story lacks the compelling – and complex - storytelling seen in previous Fatal Frame games, even if you collect all of the files hidden throughout the game that expand on each character’s secrets and motivations. Numerous characters fail to leave a lasting impression, lacking the depth and substance that characterized the series' memorable antagonists. While the antagonists in Mask of the Lunar Eclipse mimic their predecessors by losing their sense of self and being coerced into a ritual against their will, they come across as mere imitations of past Fatal Frame antagonists, lacking the distinctive qualities to stand out on their own. The gameplay also suffers from clunky mechanics, particularly in the use of the flashlight which is required to reveal hidden items. Personally, adjusting the sensitivity didn’t help, and I spent a significant amount of time trying to get items to appear, resulting in a frustrating experience. Additionally, I encountered areas where the protagonist would become stuck in doorways and in rooms filled with furniture (not what you want to have happen during a fight with a vengeful ghost!) that only added to the problem. I used a controller for my playthrough, although you can use a mouse and keyboard too. Priced at $50, the game offers fair value considering its quality, but its replay ability is limited unless you are achievement hunting. After completing the initial playthrough, you can unlock the 'Sense' camera lens. This allows the Camera Obscura to reveal additional revenants hidden throughout the game, a requirement for earning several achievements. There are also ‘missions’ where you can fight an enemy within a time limit to earn further points for upgrades, and unlock new outfits. For reference, there are 13 chapters in the game, including a prelude and each chapter takes roughly an hour to complete on normal mode. In comparison to Mask of the Lunar Eclipse, FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO: Maiden of Black Water represents a strong alternative. It is priced at $40 and has a compelling narrative with intricate ties to previous titles in the series (including the return of Miku Hinasaki, the protagonist from the first Fatal Frame game!). With 14 chapters, the game provides extended gameplay, each chapter averaging over an hour to complete, with significantly more challenging enemies on normal mode. It also offers a significant bonus to achievement hunters – you can select a specific chapter to replay, even on your first run-through, a feature not offered in Mask of the Lunar Eclipse. Overall, I have mixed feelings about FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse. As a longtime fan of Fatal Frame, the opportunity to play a series title on PC is appreciated, especially for North American players who missed out on Mask of the Lunar Eclipse during its Japan-exclusive decade. However, given how weak the narrative in Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is, I would not recommend it to fans of the series, while I would, and do, recommend the game to horror enthusiasts.