ZeroWiki:News Archive
2026
29 January 2026
From the Taipei Game Show comes extended gameplay footage. This appears to be a demo made just for the game show, so the events shown are probably not the same as we'll see in the final game; nevertheless, if you're trying to stay unspoiled proceed with caution. The video shows some exploration and ghost battles from the first chapter of the game.
28 January 2026
We had a massive info drop overnight! (Thanks to Cadou on Discord for writing up this summary.)
Paraceptual Filter: Vanishing Trace - "Reveal traces of the past and follow the person you are searching for." Exposure Filter: Phantom Exposé - "Restore what has vanished, including lost objects and hidden paths." Radiant Filter: Unbinding of Blood - "Purge areas sealed by Wraiths to open new routes." Demo confirmed for March 5th! Saved data carries into base game.
Gematsu article with lots of new screenshots and information:
"Broken Spirit Stones" are a means to discover new side stories. No specifics on how yet. Two new locations, the Umbral Mound (Seijiro's camera testing ground?!) and Eikado Temple are shown. This game's form of Dark Returns sees spirits "grow wings" and become surrounded by "crimson malice". They will attack more frequently, rapidly regenerate health and deal more damage. "Prayer Beads" are used to upgrade the Camera Obscura while "Reversion Beads" resets this. Special Shots, such as "Blinding" and "Purging", are unique status affects caused by using Filters in battle. The former blinds ghosts to your presence and the latter spends Willpower to increase damage in a shot. A big one for FF4 fans: Hozuki Dolls are back baby! Twin Dolls are scattered throughout the village and can be purified with a picture - doing so will allow more items to unlock in "Point Exchange" (save lantern shop?).
Silent Hill f outfit collaboration:
No specifics on which outfits for either game yet (though default is a safe bet), but both will be completely free!
The official site has been updated too!
21 January 2026
We have a new PlayStation Blog interview with Makoto Shibata and Hidehiko Nakajima, discussing gameplay updates in Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake and sharing a few new screenshots from the game. They also confirm that in addition to the new areas and side stories mentioned previously, there will also be a brand new ending and a new Tsuki Amano song called 'Utsushie' to go with it!
2025
30 December 2025
While we await more previews of the Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake, here's a small update about the upcoming Hollywood movie. Writer and director Christophe Gans recently confirmed in an interview with French media outlet Écran Total (paywalled, but quoted on GameKult.com) that the Fatal Frame movie will be his next project after Return to Silent Hill, and he's now hoping for a 2027/8 release to allow time for filming. He also mentioned that the movie will have a found footage feel and will be set in Japan. Anyone who's been keeping an eye on this will know that the movie has been delayed multiple times - it's now been over a decade since the original announcement - but it's encouraging to hear that it's still in the pipeline!
13 November 2025
Following the release date announcement of 12 March 2026, digital preorders for Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake are open, and physical preorders are gradually going up across various sites. If you're planning to purchase a Premium Box or Special Collection Box from Japan, be aware that various Japanese online stores also offer unique preorder bonuses. Check out our collectibles page for a full list of bonus items available!
11 November 2025
State of Play Japan has brought us a new trailer for Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake, along with a release date: 12 March 2026! Make sure to check the state of play livestream as well, which features an interview with Makoto Shibata, more footage from the game, and information about the digital deluxe edition, including a new costume set and accessories for Mio and Mayu.
26 September 2025
The TGS showcase is over, but we learned a few exciting things about the remake! (Take these with a pinch of salt for now as it's not entirely clear how everything will work.)
- More gameplay changes, including a spiritual power/sanity meter that allows you to deal special attacks. The meter depletes when looking at ghosts but can be restored by holding Mayu's hand. Holding Mayu's hand also restores health, but slowly.
- Mio will have the ability to crouch.
- There will be a deluxe edition of the game, which will include two short stories written by Makoto Shibata, "Prequel" and "Another End". Further goods will be announced later.
- Shibata-san says the game has undergone such extensive changes it might as well be new.
They also showed some brief gameplay clips and a new image that appears to show the redesigned courtyard garden of Kurosawa House, so be sure to check out the footage!
25 September 2025
A new trailer has been released on the Xbox YouTube channel, with lots of new footage and commentary by Makoto Shibata, who confirms he is directing this remake as well. Check out Minakami Village's new look! And don't forget we still have the TGS livestream tomorrow to look forward to - see below for details.
17 September 2025
On 26 September at 19:45 JST (what time is that for me?) Koei Tecmo's TGS livestream will showcase Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake! Makoto Shibata will be a guest, and gameplay footage will be shown. More info and links to the stream here.
12 September 2025
WE ARE SO BACK! Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake has been announced for release in early 2026! Like the recent remasters, the game will be available on multiple platforms. The following description from Steam:
The full remake of the second installment in the FATAL FRAME (PROJECT ZERO) series, originally released in 2003, titled FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO II: Crimson Butterfly. This Japanese-style horror adventure game follows twin sisters who become lost in an abandoned village haunted by vengeful spirits. Using the Camera Obscura—a device that can capture and seal away the impossible—they fight ghosts as the story unfolds. This title has undergone a complete overhaul, with improvements to everything from visuals and audio to the core gameplay systems and controls. The signature Camera Obscura mechanic, used to capture and fend off spirits, remains a key feature, now offering richer and more engaging gameplay in both exploration and combat. In addition, the new "Holding Hands with Mayu" mechanic adds a heartfelt touch, letting you experience the deep bond between the sisters like never before.
Official links
- Reveal trailer from the Nintendo Direct
- Koei Tecmo's announcement trailer in English and Japanese
- Official website: Japan, US English
It appears to have a new English dub and translation, in addition to all the visual and gameplay updates. Join us in looking forward to the new game!
2024
31 October 2024
The design for the Nendoroid Miku Hinasaki has been finalised, and preorders are open! It's expected to ship in April 2025 and will come with Camera Obscura (of course!), flashlight, and other optional items for posing, as well as a few different face plates.
2 October 2024
Good Smile have revealed the prototype for the upcoming Miku Hinasaki Nendoroid! The design isn't finalised yet, but we think she looks adorable - how about you?
21 June 2024
Prepare your wallets, Fatal Frame fans, because a Miku Hinasaki Nendoroid is coming! No previews yet, but the Good Smile Company announced on Twitter and YouTube that the Miku figure is currently in development. (Hat tip to Minorica on Discord for the news.)
No updates yet on the Fatal Frame II goods announced by KT Spot back in March, but after years with very little in the way of collectable items, we're hoping for a windfall of Fatal Frame goodies this year.
2023
13 December 2023
The US Blu-ray of Fatal Frame: The Movie will be out on January 30 2024! Get your preorders in now at Amazon.com or Crunchyroll Store.
17 October 2023
While we continue to await news about the Hollywood movie, Discotek Media have just announced they've licensed Fatal Frame: The Movie for Blu-ray in the US! It's planned for release in 2024, and the disc will include trailers and two TV spots.
9 March 2023
Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is officially out! Whether you're experiencing it for the first time or the fifty-first, let's take a moment to appreciate the commitment from the devs and enthusiasm from fans all over the world that made this remaster possible after so long. Thanks to everyone involved for making sure Mask of the Lunar Eclipse wouldn't be just another lost memory.
Over the next few days and weeks, we'll be working on Zero Wiki to bring articles up to date with the new official translation and add any new material from the game or art book. In the meantime, things might be a little messy, so please bear with us, and watch out for spoilers as you're browsing! If you'd like to help out as an editor, just let me know on Discord (linked in the sidebar) and I'll set you up with an account.
3 February 2023
To celebrate the release of the Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse remaster, The Lost Village is running a fanfiction contest! The author of the winning fic will receive a complete Japanese MotLE goods box containing the soundtrack CD, "Rogetsu Isle Reminiscences" art book, and two folders. Four more participants will be chosen by random number generator to receive one item each from a second goods box.
To find out more, go here. I hope to see lots of people participating! Good luck!
9 February 2023
We're a month out from the release of Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse, and preorders are open on all platforms! The official sites have also updated with previews of new costumes that have been added to the game, and there's also a new story trailer to watch.
13 January 2023
Koei Tecmo have uploaded a developer commentary video for the Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse remaster. Producer Fukaya and series director Shibata play through a section of Chapter 4 (no major story spoilers) and talk about gameplay and what's new in the remaster. Shibata also discusses some of the inspirations that went into the story and design.
2022
27 December 2022
A few updates to see us into the new year:
- Ruka's Marie Rose Outfit has been revealed: [1]
- New preview of the premium goods, revealing the cover of the soundtrack and the design of the clear files: [2]
- And a preview of the artbook, including the first page of the new story: [3]
It looks like the story is going to be about Ruka's friends Marie Shinomiya and Tomoe Nanamura!
13 December 2022
- "We are thinking not only about this release, but also various developments in the future."
- ―Producer Fukaya Producer Messages
It's the 21st anniversary of Fatal Frame's release in Japan! Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse remaster producer Yutaka Fukaya and series director Makoto Shibata have recorded a message to fans as we count down to the game's release in March, and Producer Fukaya hinted that the dev team are considering more projects in the future! Let's all make sure to support the FF4 remaster as much as possible so we can continue seeing more Fatal Frame content for years to come.
The official sites have also been updated with secondary character profiles, setting pictures, and screenshots showcasing the Camera Obscura.
12 November 2022
Identity V social media accounts have posted a new promo image for their Fatal Frame II crossover event! Two lucky players who guess the characters correctly will be sent a crossover package.
31 October 2022
The leaks from yesterday are now confirmed! The official websites have all updated with new information, and the game's official release date is 9 March 2023. Check out the overview trailer here! The websites also have a first look at photo mode and two of the new costumes, and information about the Digital Deluxe Edition. (I know some of you out there will be happy to see that Choshiro will be getting a swimsuit costume!) There will also be bonus costumes and accessories for early purchase, and the Camera Obscura Hat from the FF5 remaster will return for anyone who has FF5 save data on the same device they use for FF4.
For Western fans who plan to import a physical copy, I recommend checking the Japanese site, which has previews of the preorder bonuses different stores will be including. A set of premium goods, containing the clear files, art book and soundtrack CD announced at TGS, will also be available in Japan; you will be able to buy the game alone for 6380円, the goods alone for 5700円, or a premium box containing everything for 12,080円. Choose wisely! EDIT 5/11: You can also check this handy preorder guide by Daedalus, which explains everything.
30 October 2022
A video apparently showing an early version of the Japanese FF4 box art has appeared on Bilibili (YouTube backup here). This may be from an industry event, as the cover displays the recommended pricing and other sales information. None of this info is officially confirmed, but according to the box, the game will be released on 9 March 2023, with a recommended retail price of 6380 yen. The back cover also advertises a "Premium Box" (containing the official soundtrack CD, clear files and artbook announced earlier) for 12,080 yen with the game, and 5700 yen for the goods alone. The back cover also features images of new costumes and photo mode.
17 September 2022
Mask of the Lunar Eclipse was featured in Koei Tecmo's TGS live presentation. There wasn't much new information shown, but at the end they did announce that FF4 would be getting some official merchandise: an artbook with a short story, a soundtrack CD with download code, and a clear file set. According to GameWith, "The newly written short story will include 'a certain character's secret story' that has not yet been told."
13 September 2022
After almost fifteen years, it's finally happening - Nintendo just announced that Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is getting a remaster, to come out in ALL REGIONS in early 2023! Confirmed for Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam!
Links:
- Announcement trailer (English)
- Switch trailer (Japanese)
- Official sites: Europe, US, JP
2 July 2022
Mobile game Identity V has announced an upcoming Fatal Frame II crossover event! Why now? Why this? Nobody knows! But it definitely looks pretty. Check out the announcement and promo video:
8 June 2022
Christophe Gans has given an update on the (hopefully) upcoming Hollywood Fatal Frame movie! In an interview with JeuxVideo.com, reported on Bloody Disgusting, he said the script is ready and he hopes for a 2024 release. So do we!
31 March 2022
Japanese site PickUPs! has a new interview with Makoto Shibata and Keisuke Kikuchi, in which they discuss the success of the Fatal Frame series overseas, its unique approach to horror, and their experiences with the Screaming Ambulance, Zero Edition attraction in December. Rough English translation here.
31 January 2022
Koei Tecmo announces that the Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water remaster sold 340,000 copies by the end of 2021! Wikipedia reports that the original Wii U exclusive sold only 46,000 copies in 2014; even assuming the global release in 2015 doubled or tripled those numbers, this would still be a significant increase. Hopefully this means good things for the future of the series!
2021
30th December 2021
In a brief end-of-year interview with 4gamer, Keisuke Kikuchi thanks Fatal Frame fans, and hints that he is working on something new for 2022. It's not clear if this is Fatal Frame-related or not, but let's keep our fingers crossed!
| ＜質問4＞2022年に向けての抱負、また4Gamer読者に向けてのメッセージをお願いします。 | Question 4: What are your aspirations for 2022, and what is your message to the readers of 4Gamer? |
| 2021年は、零シリーズ20周年として、「零 ～濡鴉ノ巫女～」をリリースさせていただきました。当初1作限りと考えていたホラーゲームが、長い間続けてこられたのも、みなさまのお陰です。本当にありがとうございました。2022年は、今までとはまた違った新しいことに挑戦しています。発表できるのはまだ先になりそうですが、試行錯誤しながら、楽しいものを創りたいと思います。 | In 2021, for the 20th anniversary of the Zero series, we released "Zero: Nuregarasu no Miko". It is thanks to all of you that we have been able to continue this horror game for so long, even though we originally thought it would only be one game. Thank you very much.
In 2022, we are attempting something new and different from what we have done so far. It will be a long time before we can announce it, but we hope to create something fun through trial and error. |
19th December 2021
Click the arrow button to hear a special 20th anniversary message from Rumiko Varnes (voice of Miku Hinasaki) to the Fatal Frame fandom! Many thanks to Ms. Varnes for taking the time to record this, and to Cradle Under the Star and Reslari from Discord for setting it up.
13th December 2021
Koei-Tecmo and Kowagara Setai announce a temporary Fatal Frame-themed haunted house attraction: Screaming Ambulance, Zero Edition. The attraction will appear at Yomiuriland, Tokyo on the weekend of 18-19 December 2021.