Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse

We're thankful for this game finally coming to the West, because it's a well crafted, amusing survival horror. It needs a greater improvement on the graphical side, though.

It may not be perfect, but the localization of Fatal Frame: Mask of The Lunar Eclipse polishes the original product in ways that only benefit the package. Some things can't be easily improved, like stiff main characters or combat fundamentals, but this is a solid effort to bring this game stateside. Horror fans will have a great time here, but it might not be enough for everyone to jump into.

There's a decent horror game somewhere in here, but frustrating controls and barebones remastering work hold it back.

Fatal Frame Mask of the Lunar Eclipse proves to be too conservative, characterized by slow and anachronistic game rhythms. It is true, in any case, that structural changes could not be expected from a purely aesthetic remastering. For sure, historical fans will greatly appreciate the improved graphics, more realistic lighting, controls adapted to a traditional pad and the alternative costume compartment. Instead, those who have never tried a Fatal Frame will hardly digest a visibly dated play system.

Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is an old school survival horror game for better and worse. It's charmingly old school, and for people who grew up on a healthy diet of Resident Evil and Silent Hill back on the original PlayStation like we did, there'll be something nostalgic to the control foibles and camera issues. But there's no getting away from the fact that this is a game that feels older than it is, and the leaden pace will be off-putting to many.