Nintendo has announced that Koei Tecmo's Fatal Frame: Maiden Of Black Water is coming to Switch later this year.
The surprise announcement came as part of the company's E3 2021 Nintendo Direct, and while we hoped to see the Fatal Frame series (known as Project Zero in Europe) return, a game that launched on Wii U and relied on its second screen Gamepad functionality so heavily seemed an unlikely candidate for a Switch port. Unlikely, but not impossible!
Happily for fans of the series who have been clamouring for its return, it's being given a second chance to shine on Switch — and not only Switch. The original game was published by Nintendo on Wii U, but it seems the Koei Tecmo will be putting it out on PlayStation 4/5 and Xbox One/Series X|S and PC. It appears that Koei Tecmo has come to an 'arrangement' with Nintendo on this one.
A turn-up for the books, to be sure, but a welcome one for fans who missed out on this excellent Wii U entry in the survival horror series.
Here are some more details from the PR plus some screenshots from NOA's game page:
In this horror adventure game, you’ll cast out ghosts using the Camera Obscura and explore the mysteries surrounding the ethereal but deadly Mt. Hikami. The spine-chilling story features various protagonists, letting you experience the game from different perspectives.
The title is an enhanced version of 2014’s Wii U release of the same name, which includes upgraded visuals to match the latest hardware advancements – offering an even more terrifying and immersive experience. Fans of this iconic series can not only play on their favourite gaming platform, but will also be able to enjoy an all-new Photo Mode, allowing them to set-up characters and ghosts in various scenes and adjust their poses in order to create the perfect spooky picture. In addition, there will be a selection of new costumes for the main protagonists, helping make every picture in your collection more unique.
There's no solid date on the game announced, just a vague "later this year" at the moment.
Excited to see this game given a second life on Switch? Did you play the original? Let us know below.
Comments 83
I never bought it on Wii U as I wanted to go back and try to finish Project Zero 2 on Wii first. Never did end up doing that but maybe I'll end up picking up Maiden of Black Water on Switch anyway.
Can’t wait to get this on switch. It’s nice seeing that the game is coming to other platforms
There had to be at least one Wii U port...
Update the Wii U games that haven’t come to switch
Ok that is Interesting to see it being released on other platforms. My only guess would be to release it on other platforms as to get more people to buy it and get into the series and then the next game will be exclusive for Nintendo.
I just wish there were more games from the Wii U that could be ported to the Switch. It's amazing that people still say there were no good games out on the Wii U.
Hey, I'm just glad more people get to play it.
I imagine when Nintendo makes 'arrangements' like this and The Wonderful 101 to allow them on other platforms, it's sort of a make-good courtesy to the developers who lost money on the Wii U versions.
This is weird.
Good game, I was expecting maybe a collection of Fatal Frame I+II+III+IV, but this works out too since barely anybody played this game.
Please had a physical release this time, the last time NA got the shaft. Also if this sell well then give us Fatal Frame 1-4 as well, Nintendo never knew what to do with this series so I'm glad they are giving it back to Tecmo.
Awesome. And I'm also glad it's going multi-plat. This series never seemed to resonate with the Nintendo fanbase.
I was tempted recently to buy it on the Wii U, so I’m glad I haven’t yet. It will be interesting to see how well it translates to modern systems.
WILL PLAY AFTER METROID
Good. I hope a lot more people buy it, and it just becomes a multiplatform property. The series was best before Nintendo stepped in.
@MS7000 I'm glad they choose the best one though I was expecting Xenoblade Chronicles X but this one is higher on my list.
I was just thinking the other day that I need to get around to getting this on Wii U. Will wait to see how the Switch version compares, but glad that it's getting a second lease on life!
Never played it on Wii U but this was a great surprise.
Hmm strange decision but OK. Imagine if Pokemon was going multi-platform hahaha
Is this actually any good? My impression was that critical reception of this game was rather poor.
@Ghost_of_Hasashi To be fair, this is one that I actually never got around to owning. I remember the physical release being extremely limited, so I couldn't be buggered to buy it as I missed out on preorders. I do need to try the series at some point.
Glad more people will be able to play this now. Strange seeing it coming to PlayStation and Xbox though, I wonder if that means Koei Tecmo are publishing it themselves this time
And now we wait for Xenoblade Chronicles X to finally get ported to Switch.
I was excited to see it on switch but getting it on steam is a no brainer. Can't wait
Never got around to this game, or the franchise. Surprised it's on other platforms, but that seems to mean Tecmo is publishing it themselves. I might try it out, despite being a major wimp when it comes to horror games.
Played this on Wii U... it's one of the weakest titles in the series, but does provide an occasional scare.
...I thought Nintendo owned Fatal Frame...
Meh, whatever, why do people hate this one? They're saying this is the worst one, never played one of these games before since I'm not into horror, but this isn't the jumpscare kind of game, so...
Nice that more people get the opportunity to play it
This probably wont have the wiiu exclusive costumes then
I'm interested in how the GamePad functionality will be employed on this new version. Anyway that was a great announcement and hopefully a catalyst for a new entry soon.
@anoyonmus Zelda Twilight Princess HD, which is btw the only WiiU game I would ever care about.
I've never heard of this game before but it looks up my alley. Looking forward to its release.
It was so odd on how Nintendo treated this Game in the US years ago. making the first part of the game Free to Play (Pay to play the rest of it) and not even planning for a physical released on Wii U (US).
looking forward on giving the game a try though.
Going to have to get this for the ps5 for graphics and trophies
Nice to see this get another chance, hope it at least brings back the original costumes Nintendo censored out of the game. Not hopeful though.
Normally more to the Resident Evi seriesl, but I've played the first 2 Project Zero/Fatal Frame games (never finished any of them but they ARE pretty damn scary especially 2).
Will probably get this one (especially at $50 or so) as I'd love to play some good horror games on my Switch Lite (then it's also not as scary as on a big screen, which is only good lol).
I wonder if this will be download only or physical disc.
I can see how the camera would work with the Switch in an interesting manner, curious to hear about the way they set it up with the other platforms. Assuming this will not tipp the balance in the Switches favour, I'm happy to grab it for a UHD platform. The games do have a ... eye-candy aspect to it, that one would normally want to experience with the least bit of fuzziness available. They put so much effort into making things look ... good once wet, it would be a shame to miss out on that even a bit. It's all very, very serious stuff of course.
This was the announcement that made me sit up and yell YES! Surprised this is getting a multi platform release. Might just pick it up for PS5 then, but we'll see.
Not a bad way to recoup some money.
Xenoblade Chronicles X I want :/
This is one of my favourite franchises ever! The IP is owned by Koei Tecmo in spite of what some people here believe. I bought the physical limited edition that was very difficult to find (and didn't exist at all in US) and I will buy it again on Series X and keep supporting the series. Now, if we got the other four games (ignoring the 3DS spinoff) remastered that would be awesome!
Like many others this is the one I was waiting for, I think I can finally consign my Wii U to the attic once this comes out.
There's the odd couple of games like Wind Waker HD and Xeno X but I think they will make their way to Switch soon enough. I think we'll see Wind Waker before the year is out, they just wouldn't announce it yet and have it overshadow Skyward Sword.
@MS7000 The day they've run out of Wii U games to port is the day Nintendo ceases to exist.
Good! Now I'll be able to play it!!
@Octane They can start porting the GameCube games then, starting off with the re-re-release of Super Mario Sunshine 😂.
A brilliant game on the Wii U. Amongst the last of the great Wii U games yet to be ported finally makes the jump. Great news and insta-buy.
Lol this is a game i will skip.
I remember playing the first one, how scared i was, playing it at night haha. Where is luigi with his vacuum 🤣
Just Xenoblade X port to go!
Strange that Nintendo agreed to the PS4/5 & PC versions though.
Might just get it on PlayStation console. Just to mess with the trophies.
@Cheez Yeah. If Wii U didn't have good games, then why do people beg for Wii U ports of lots of games?
I bought 75 physical retails on Wii U, and over 150 eshop games on it.
I also own this Fatal Frame on Wii U as Special Edition in Steelbook, big boxed, with Art Book etc.
I completed most of it on Wii U. (Lost save in HDD failure).
Didn't restart the game as i think each level is around 45 mins..
Half the of scary fun were fiddling with Gamepad screen as a camera.
This coolness can not be replicated with a single screen.
Anyways. This Wii U game sure deserved as port as it's have very good atmosphere, scary sounds almost all the time etc.
Can tell the author never played the Wii U game much, if at all.
"Relied on its second screen Gamepad functionality so heavily made it an unlikely candidate for a Switch port."
Nope, the game includes full traditional dual analog controls as an option. While it's the default setup, the gyroscopic camera aiming is 100% optional.
With them perhaps regaining the reigns to this franchise, I hope the Wii sequel finally gets a proper western release. The Final Frame 2 remake that North America missed out on also would be great.
Right, now let's see if its UNCENSORED.
Preordering this one for sure!
(Hope the whole game is in a physical cart.)
@BenAV Same!
I am not happy to see Nintendo allow one of their games to release on other platforms but since Koei Tecmo seem to that have come to an agreement with the BIG N then okay I guess it's not that big of a deal as long as Nintendo stands to make all the money from the sale of this game
@Ventilator I thought this game had one of the best uses of the game pad. I won't go so far as to say "I can't imagine playing it single screen" I do think the Switch version will be far less fun.
I knew it would happen eventually. It would be an easy way for the game to reach a much larger audience, and I don't see why it would be held back by no second screen, when the Switch can be used handheld and has gyro.
I'd never have thought it would go to other platforms as well, but hey, great for them.
I always wanted to play these games so this is a nice surprise
@Ghost_of_Hasashi I hope that they do exactly that. The press release says "KOEI TECMO America unveiled that their iconic Japanese horror-adventure series, FATAL FRAME, will be making its way to current generation platforms, with FATAL FRAME: Maiden of Black Water releasing on (...)".
It seems that they are thinking of the other games as well. I'll pre-order even if it's digital and hope for the other four games to come next.
@AchievingGamer That's fair. I was more poking fun that Nintendo are still trying to bleed the Wii U library dry. Hopefully this leads to a new Fatal Frame (though I have yet to play the series).
Very excited that this game is back, never got around to playing it on Wii U and am stoked to have the chance to experience it.
Always made me ***** my pants back in the day. Looking forward to creaming them once more!
Even though, unless I’m mistaken, this is the 20th anniversary of the first (Project) Zero/Fatal Frame’s release, I wasn’t holding my breath for any kind of surprise. So, this surprised the hell out of me! I’m happy, but now I want more.
This is a very very good and very very scary game on Wiiu.
I managed to buy collectors edition when it was released.
I am tempted to double dip on XBox Series S.
Wondering if this version will have the Nintendo Outfits now that it's multiplatform. Or those outfits that were cut from the west.
@BowtieShyGuy I’m wondering if each platform version will have at least one unique costume. This is rather curious!
@BlueOcean Mario Sunshine will now run at 1200i. And Mario has a new hair style! (Cappy Amiibo required.)
I am gonna get this. Maybe it will be 50 dollars hopefully
@TheFox Switch version will still be better for those who never played it on Wii U. They don't know what they miss out anyway.
Playing Splinter Cell Blacklist on a non Wii U system were not the same either as the Touch pad were the gadget and also the gyro drone camera. Removed in other versions of course.
Actually really pumped for this!
@chipia it’s a great horror game. I’m a HUGE horror fan and I’ve never finished it because it gets on my nerves.
3 times I’ve tried and I’ve failed. What the hell?
@Ralizah Nintendo didn't "step in". They saved the series who was dying on PS2. And they did the same for Monolith Soft. Now instead of criticizing this you should ask yourself why Sony didn't help them while having full control of the industry and prefered favoring western videogames. People who buy japanese games on playstation are dumb and support sony's anti japanese policy.
@MS7000 Actually i expected more than one Wii U port. lol
There is still a bunch of games to be ported.
And this: Wii U had no games? If Wii U didn't have games, then why do people still beg for Wii U ports after years?
@Ventilator And this: Wii U had no games? If Wii U didn't have games, then why do people still beg for Wii U ports after years
This. This is what has been ****ing me off for the last few years. It is immensely frustrating as a Wii U owner that people kept saying the system was not worth owning all those years, when so many people; quite a lot of who were originally saying the Wii U wasn't worth it, now asking for ports of these games. I don't mind people getting to play these games, but I have despised the fact that Nintendo have been relying on them and that people are magically interested all of a sudden. The Wii U was a great console; doomed to forever be underrated.
@MS7000 Exactly. People said Wii U were not worth getting and yet same people bought the way more expensive PS4 because of only 1-2 games.
Meanwhile Wii U had Bayonetta 2, Zelda TTP HD, Zelda Wind Waker HD, Mario Kart 8, Super Mario Maker, Captain Toad TT,
Fast RMX, Fatal Frame, Zombi U, Splatoon, Devil's Third, Super Mario 3D World, New Super Mario Bros, Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze, Monster Hunter Ultimate, Starfox, Sonic Lost World, Xenoblade Chronicles X, Pikmin 3, Game & Wario, Paper Mario , Mario Tennis, Hyrule Warriors, Lego City Undercover and more.
On top of it polished ports of games with Wii U exclusive features like. Tekken Tag Tournament, Mass Effect 3, Ninja Gaiden Razors Edge, Deus EX, COD Black Ops 2, NFS Most Wanted, Splinter Cell Blacklist to name some of the best third party games.
NFS Most Wanted have so much Wii U exclusive features that it looked like a Wii U exclusive game. LOL.
The retail cover of NFS MW looks like a straight cheap port...Criterion worked very hard for 6 months on Wii U version. They even added PC textures on Wii U.
Zelda BOTW were technically a Wii U game that were delayed because of Switch.
On top of it, Indies were all over Wii U.
Also. Removing all Wii U games on Switch, Wii U had a better exclusive line up than Switch.
Even today i still think Wii U is superior to Switch for probably over 10 reasons.
Hopefully people won't be upset with Nintendo about this port.
I always meant to play a Fatal Frame game, the old ones were hard to come by so I never did. I like the concept of taking photographs.
Nintendo still co owns the series with KT. They are listed in the copy right down below in the trailer and website, I think
Managed to snag a special edition physical on the Wii U. Its a great game for those who haven't played it. Hopefully a few extra bits and bobs are added.
@BlueOcean yes
Remaster Deep Crimson Butterfly for the switch, other platforms if possible.
and actually release it in NA
Been wanting to play a Fatal Frame game since the Wii era. This is awesome!
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