Game Review: Fatal Frame 3: The Tormented

Japanese horror themed games are on the rise in recent times. But before you even think of playing one, you should try out the one that made them all! Fatal Frame is one of the most popular action-survival horror games around. Recently, the third installment has been released, Fatal Frame 3: The Tormented.

Fatal Frame 3 follows the story of Rei Korosawa. Rei is a young photojournalist tormented by horrible dreams and guilt due to a car accident that she alone survived, but left her fiancé dead. One day she is out taking photographs of a creepy old house. While taking a shot, she sees the lurking shadow of her long dead fiancé! She then is tormented by horrible dreams that make it hard for her to tell reality from the nightmares. In her dreams, she is chased by a horrific tattooed woman. Each time this being touches her, a tattoo is burned into her! Rei seeks the help of Miku (from the previous Fatal Frame) and a writer named Kei. Will they be able to solve the mystery and end Rei's torment?

In Fatal Frame 3, you will play as all 3 characters. Each has his/her own unique abilities. You must switch between the characters to pass through each level. Some are needed for specific tasks. You must make use of the camera obscura that was used in previous Fatal Frame games. Take pictures of frightening ghosts and objects to get clues to the mystery. This is all done inside of the frightening "House of Sleep," where the scary tattooed woman resides.

The compelling storyline will keep you on the edge of your seat. The stories from the previous Fatal Frames are also integrated into this edition as well. This will make fans of the Fatal Frame genre more drawn in to the story as more of past stories will be revealed!

If you thought the last Fatal Frames were the scariest games you have ever played then get ready to be even more horrified. Not only is the story of Fatal Frame 3 more terrifying, but the ghosts are as well. Ghosts feature hideous facial expressions that worsen as they approach you! They will stare at you, follow you, and try to kill you! Previous frightening game elements are also present in this version. Echoes, creaking floors, cries of agony, shadows, terrifying images, and unexpected surprises await you. Danger is literally around every corner. The sound is horribly terrifying and the detailed environments add to the fear!

Fatal Frame 3 is available on Playstation 2. It has an ESRB rating of M for mature. This is because it features blood and violence. Not to mention the fact that it is the most horrifying game in existence!