"Overall, this is one of the better and certainly most polished horror games to date."

Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly is one of the many horror titles that slips under the radar due to the many other high profile games in the same genre, though undeservingly so; as it sticks with the best of them.

Fatal Frame 2 brings a familiar style of gameplay back from its predecessor, capturing or exorcising the souls of the dead. The method in which the player performs this is with the Camera Obscura, a camera that is found within minutes of the games beginning. As the game rolls on the player will find higher quality film for the camera, each has its own effect and amount of exorcism power. The starting film is unlimited, but significantly weaker than just the next step up. The method in which the player captures spirits is quite enjoyable. The game has our protagonists, Mayu and Mio, running around in a third person view quite similar to "Resident Evil." Though when enemies appear, to capture them the player must switch to the camera, which is in the first person. When in this perspective the player can still move and look all around the area, much like a FPS, though its pace is under even that of medium-speed. The camera can be fully upgraded with many skills and features, some that will adjust loading/shutter time and others that will even seek out an enemy for the player. It's fun to customize the camera and use its many features in the right spots at the right time. The switching of views adds a new element not seen in any horror game before and also adds to the fun of exploring the Fatal Frame 2 world, it takes away from any monotonous feeling the overall speed of the game may have given off.

Aside from its unique battle system, the game also has a hefty list of other unique features. As spirits are captured, some leave behind orbs or rocks that contain what the spirit was thinking. These can be used with the radio, also found shortly after the beginning of the game. Aside from the stellar cut scenes, diaries and other scrapings tell Fatal Frame 2's one of a kind story of the twin sisters. Album mode is also available; this is where the player can save his or her pictures that were taken throughout gameplay and/or battles. Other features that are unlocked down the road contain mission mode, galleries, special costume and accessory acquirements, added difficulty settings, plus more. The value of this game is simply amazing as so much is unlockable and it keeps the player playing in or out of story mode.

The graphics are well done; the FMV's are beautiful as are the rendered character models and backgrounds. The game has little to no graphical flaws and that's a tough procedure considering the free roaming first person option that is available. The only suggestion would be to have an option to turn the grain on or off, the way it's a still layer over moving picture can be a bit annoying at times. Otherwise the graphics are well done and decently polished.

Sound wise the game contains an eerie and fitting soundtrack that is faint but well blended. The sound effects are also well done, from the camera noises to the many sounds of an old and rotting village. Some effects will even send a chill down your spine, no joke.

Overall, this is one of the better and certainly most polished horror games to date. With its many features, deep story, and unique gameplay, it'll certainly leave the gamer with much to do post-game, not to mention a more than enjoyable first run. With its spine tingling addicting gameplay, every owner of this game will surely want to complete every last ounce of gameplay.