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Fatal Frame Xbox
Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. Gamestyle
    90
    Scarier than "Silent Hill 2" and harder than a dozen "Genma Onimusha"s, this is simply amazing stuff.
  2. TeamXbox
    90
    For those of you who like to be creeped out, wigged out, or just plain scared, I can't recommend Fatal Frame enough. It uses just about all the senses to weave together a highly unsettling and downright scary experience.
  3. Game Informer
    90
    Those rare folk that love both "Myst" and "Resident Evil" should praise the heavens. [Jan 2003, p.114]
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  4. Cheat Code Central
    90
    I'm positive this is going to be many players' choice for game of the year.
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  5. GameZone
    88
    One of the strangest, most well-executed concepts in the history of the survival/horror genre.
  6. GameSpy
    88
    While titles like "Resident Evil" rely on shock value and cheap scares, Fatal Frame genuinely frightens in the worst possible way; slowly and subtly, ebbing away at you like a flesh-rotting disease.
  7. Official Xbox Magazine
    87
    This is not a game for casual, pick-up-and-play gamers. You'll need to spend a good chunk of time learning the nuances of surviving. [Jan 2003, p.86]
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  8. Media and Games Online Network
    82
    The graphics and audio presentation are sure to scare the living daylights out of you, and the longevity is there to last you a while.
  9. NTSC-uk
    80
    Fatal Frame feels like a breath of fresh air in a genre which has spent most of the last decade moving forward only in terms of narrative, and while it's a gruesome and disturbing way to spend an evening, the awe-inspiring power of the narrative style, hammered home by a brutally efficient game engine and nerve-wracking game mechanics, makes this the most compelling game of this nature yet to appear on a console.
  10. GMR Magazine
    80
    Gory and twisted in ways only the mature freak can appreciate. [Feb 2003, p.71]
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  11. Eurogamer
    80
    One of the most compelling horror adventure games ever, and must rank as one of the best games on the Xbox.
  12. IGN
    77
    A game that will knock your knickers off with great sound and impressive graphics, but with such a short main game, there's a chance the puzzle-solving and shutterbugging will end up leave you feeling hollow.
  13. GameSpot
    77
    The game's cohesive presentation is engaging, offering some genuine scares that are a rare treat.
  14. Play Magazine
    70
    Doesn't match the heights ascended by "Silent Hill" or "Resident Evil," but the game thoroughly entertains with its building tension. [Jan 2003, p.64]
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  15. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    65
    The perfect late-night rental. [Feb 2003, p.147]
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  16. Xbox Nation Magazine
    60
    It is the scariest survival horror title to date... We would like to forgive its unsatisfying combat and puzzles, but we cannot. [Winter 2002, p.93]
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  17. GamePro
    60
    Despite a few well-placed jolts, it lacks the unmentionable-damaging impact of more fright-fraught fare like "Silent Hill 2."
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User Reviews

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User Score
9.0 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. VincentJC.
    8
    This is an interesting title that combines interactive fiction with horror in a unique but well done manner. The storyline and plot are probably the strongest points of the game and I felt are what kept me interested through the end of the game. Story/Plot: (10 of 10) I'm pretty picky when it comes to games on story details and tying events together. I thought the writers of Fatal Frame managed to nail almost every aspect of the story in this game from start to finish. The development was suspenseful and well thought out and its delivery through a combination of cut-scenes and user-discovered notebooks/scrapbook items was ideal. Game Control: (6 of 10) This may have been the only disappointing aspect of the game. Navigating around the complex normally wasn't too tough but became very frustrating during combat. Graphics: (8 of 10) While I didn't feel that the graphics were stunning by any means, they were definitely appropriate. I don't think this was a game that would have benefited from overdone graphics. The rooms where drawn somewhat grainy and set the mood perfectly. I thought the background items were appropriate for the setting and effectively placed. Sound: (9 of 10) No real musical score to speak of but the background noises, voices, and general effects were enough to make the hair stand on the back of my next on several occasions. Again, well delivered and appropriately placed to help set the perfect mood. Misc: (8 of 10) Overall, I'd say this game deserves to be listed as one of the better titles released for the xbox. I think my rating of an 8 is consistent with both the critics and the users. My only other complaint is that by the end of the game, I was getting a little tired of fighting ghosts and was more interested in the story aspect of the game. Otherwise, I thought the title was well delivered and produced. Turn off all the lights and enjoy this game from start to finish.… Full Review »
  2. Mr.G.T
    7
    A very unique and fascinating concept and style. At first the ghosts are creepy but when the same ones constantly reappear you become desensitised and irritated. The sounds, atmosphere and storyline are the strongest and most effective elements. The central characters are likeable and you become more intrigued and determined as the story unravels. This game has a good 'scare factor' reminiscent of the Japanese horror movie 'Ring'. … Full Review »
  3. Josh
    10
    Best of the Best.
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