Camera Obscura (FF2R)
While technically the eleventh Camera Obscura to be introduced in the Fatal Frame Series, this camera's origin and history are exactly the same as the second. However, in terms of gameplay, it is very different.
History of the Camera
This camera was created as a prototype for Dr. Kunihiko Asou's research into photographing the 'Other World'. Dr. Asou gave this specific camera to his close friend, the folklorist Seijiro Makabe, for his research on the Minakami region.
Seijiro used the camera to take a photograph of Sae and Yae Kurosawa, as well as several sites around the village. However, his curiosity to learn more about the secret rituals of the village got the better of him, and he was imprisoned and sacrificed as a Kusabi. The camera was left abandoned in the Osaka House, where it stayed for years until Mio Amakura and her twin sister Mayu found the Lost Village.
Mio takes the camera and uses it to aid her in exploring the village and defending herself against the ghosts that attack her. Two ghosts are immune to the camera's effects: the laughing girl covered in blood and the Kusabi. At one point, while running from the girl, Mio drops the camera and has to survive for a short time without it. She is finally able to regain her camera and continue.
New information added in the remake states that this camera was created with a piece of mirror inside. Dr. Asou called this the Holy Mirror, and believed had the power to purify the forces of hell itself. However, fearing the effect that viewing such sights might have on the user, Dr. Asou sealed the mirror with a safety mechanism, and Seijiro Makabe did not consider the time right to remove it.[1] Near the end of the game, Mio removes the safety mechanism, which allows her to defeat the Kusabi (and, depending on the ending, Sae Kurosawa).
Fate of the Camera
It is not clear what happens to this camera. In the Abyss ending, Mio is seen dropping it on the ground in the Abyss cavern. In the other endings, including the canon ending, it does not appear at all.
Owners
Gameplay
The experience of using the Camera Obscura in the remake differs significantly from previous games in the Fatal Frame series. Rather than the usual capture circle, which charges power either from proximity or by continuously keeping the ghost in view, this camera makes use of focal points, which light up when they overlap with a spirit. The more focal points are lit up, the higher the score. There is no longer any need to wait for power to charge, so raising the camera for a quick shot at the right moment can be a more successful strategy than staying in viewfinder mode for long periods. The camera also has manual focus adjustment, leading to better pictures and therefore a higher score, and a zoom function, allowing the player to "snipe" ghosts from a distance.
In another change, Fatal Frame Shots no longer automatically result in a chance for a combo shot. Instead, the player must deplete the ghost's health to a certain point (shown by a white line on the health bar), and then take another Fatal Frame Shot to achieve a combo.
Upgrading & Equipment
Upgrading
The camera's abilities are upgraded using Prayer Beads. Once the basic abilities have been maxed out, further upgrades can be unlocked using Transcendence Beads. Fully upgrading the camera and all Charms will unlock an achievement.
Filters
- For the full article, see Filters.
The Camera Obscura has four built-in filters, which are unlocked automatically as the player progresses through the game. Each filter has unique abilities that can aid in exploration and combat.
Charms
- For the full article, see Charms.
Charms, while not technically a camera upgrade, are equippable items that can bestow certain benefits during gameplay. Some charms are found in the form of Spirit Stones left behind by spirits; these cannot be upgraded, but most confer multiple benefits. Other charms may be purchased from the point exchange at Save Points. These can be upgraded up to five times. After completing the game for the first time, Charm Bags are also unlocked for purchase, allowing the player to equip up to five charms at a time. Sparkling charms, which are unlocked after completing the game with different endings and then completing a new side story, do not have any bonus effects but allow the player to view different endings when equipped.
Types of Shots
TBA
Misc Info
- One of Mio's idle animations during the game shows her checking the Camera Obscura.