Fatal Frame III: The Tormented is a survival horror video game developed by Tecmo for the PlayStation 2. The third entry in the Fatal Frame series, it was published by Tecmo in 2005 in North America and Europe, and by Take-Two Interactive in Europe in 2006. Set after the events of the first two games, the story revolves around three characters who lost loved ones and are drawn into the supernatural Manor of Sleep. The gameplay revolves around exploring the Manor and tackling hostile ghosts using the Camera Obscura. Each character has different strengths and weaknesses, such as stronger attack or stealth elements.
Beginning development after Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly (2003), Fatal Frame III was planned as the series' final entry for PS2. Makoto Shibata and Keisuke Kikuchi returned as director and producer, Tsuyoshi Iuchi as lead writer, and Tsuki Amano to write and perform the theme song. The concept and scenario were based on Shibata's nightmares, with the theme of horror emerging from the familiar. Sales met Tecmo's expectations, and it saw positive reviews from journalists. Praise went to its atmosphere and story, but many faulted a lack of innovation in its gameplay.
Gameplay
Fatal Frame III: The Tormented is a survival horror video game that has players taking control of three different characters−Rei Kurosawa, Miku Hinasaki, and Kei Amakura−who explore the supernatural Manor of Sleep, fighting hostile ghosts through photography using the series' recurring Camera Obscura. The game uses fixed third-person camera angles, with the Camera Obscura using a first-person view.
The game is split between the Manor of Sleep—set in the characters' dreams—and the real world where players control Rei in her apartment. In the real world, Rei researches events assisted by Miku and Kei, with passive ghosts appearing in Rei's apartment later in the game. While in the Manor of Sleep, the goal is to explore its rooms, finding items which can either be used to solve puzzles or reveal aspects of the game's backstory. In addition to standard movement, there is a dedicated run button. Herbs used for healing and film ammunition for the Camera Obscura can be found within the Manor. Character health and the standard film type are restored to default levels upon leaving the Manor of Sleep. Progress is saved either at lanterns within the Manor of Sleep, or in Rei's apartment using the Camera Obscura.
Combat, carried over and expanded from earlier Fatal Frame titles, involves using the Camera Obscura to fight hostile ghosts, with damage being based on distance, the angle of the shot, and current film type. These factors also dictate the number of points awarded for a shot. When the Camera Obscura's lens flashes red with a ghost's attack, the player is given a Shutter Chance, allowing a high damage shot. Within a Shutter Chance, a "Fatal Frame" can be triggered which both increases damage and stuns the ghost. Combat points are used at save points to purchase items, and upgrade the Camera Obscura with lenses that increase damage or add special abilities. Passive ghosts can also be photographed for points, adding them to an in-game album.
Each of the characters have different abilities impacting gameplay. Rei is a balanced character with more upgrade opportunities and a "Flash" to knock ghosts away. Miku has stronger attack power and the ability to slow ghosts temporarily, but cannot use upgraded lenses. She can also explore different areas of the Manor by fitting through small gaps and crawl spaces. Kei has weak attack power, but high health allowing him to survive more hits and the option to hide from some stalking ghosts. He can also move heavy objects to open new paths.
Synopsis
After surviving a car crash which killed her fiancé Yuu Asou, freelance photographer Rei Kurosawa remains in mourning for him and takes to photographing reportedly-haunted locations. She is assisted by her flatmate Miku Hinasaki, who lost her brother Mafuyu to supernatural events. While photographing the ruin of Kuze Shrine, Rei sees a vision of Yuu and follows him into a place later dubbed the Manor of Sleep. After encountering the hostile ghost of a tattooed woman, Rei returns to reality. That night she dreams of the Manor of Sleep, waking up with a tattoo growing across her body. She begins investigating Kuze Shrine with the help of Miku and Kei Amakura, a friend of Yuu and uncle to Mio who lost her sister Mayu.