TECMO® SHIPS FATAL FRAME TO RETAILERS
Terrifying True Tale And Supernatural Atmosphere Thrill Gamers
Who Call It The Scariest Survival Horror Game To Date
TORRANCE, Calif., February 27, 2002 – Tecmo
announced that it has shipped Fatal Frame™ for the PlayStation®2 computer
entertainment system to retailers. Based on a true story, Fatal Frame has been
called the "scariest game ever" by James Mielke, editor of Electronic Gaming
Monthly, due to its overwhelmingly frightening atmosphere. This edgy survival
horror game hits shelves this week guaranteeing chills and thrills as players
follow the tale of Miku as she explores the haunted Himuro Mansion in search of
her missing brother.
"I am very excited that gamers everywhere can
finally experience this bone-chilling game firsthand," said John Inada,
Marketing Director, Tecmo, Inc. "We’ve been surprised by the overwhelmingly
positive response to this title, which has exceeded our expectations. Gamers are
saying they’re ready for a new, refreshing take on survival horror. Unlike other
games which spook you once and then let you relax, Fatal Frame continually
maintains that feeling of apprehension, buffeting you with wave after wave of
constant fear and terror."
Editors have been very enthusiastic. Official
U.S. PlayStation Magazine said it "makes Silent Hill feel like Disneyland."
While Electronic Gaming Monthly claimed, "it does a great job of scaring the
$#!@ out of you." IGN.com stated it "is by far the scariest game I’ve ever
played!"
Fatal Frame tells the story of Miku and her
terrifying ordeal, as she tries to discern the whereabouts of her brother Mafuyu,
who has gone missing. He hasn’t been seen for two weeks following his personal
investigation into the disappearance of three people, one of whom was his
mentor, the famous writer Junsei Takamine. Mafuyu’s search last led him to the
Himuro Mansion. Overcome with worry, Miku follows her brother into the haunted
mansion, her only weapon an antique camera given to her by her mother. Guided by
her sixth sense and a few clues, she enters the haunted house and begins a
horrifying journey into the unknown…
Fatal Frame differentiates itself from other
survival horror games by focusing on the use of a single weapon throughout the
game – an antique camera with supernatural powers. Instead of a standard arsenal
of knives, shotguns, or rocket launchers, Miku uses this special camera to
damage attacking ghosts with its startling, supernatural flash. The more
centered the spirit is in the picture, the more damage the flash will do. As the
game progresses, the player will be able to upgrade the camera and unlock
special abilities such as slowing ghosts, tracking them, or even making them
easier to see. Players will also be able to view a photo album of their most
memorable snapshots later on.
Fatal Frame boasts a revolutionary new sound
technology called ARNIS. This technology simulates 5.1 surround sound, even if
the gamer doesn’t own a surround sound system. The atmospheric, creaking sound
effects and unsettling music will leave the hairs on the back of a player’s neck
standing straight up, especially if the game is played in the ideal setting –
with headphones, in the dark.
Fatal Frame™ is now available in stores with a
suggested retail price of $49.99, and an ESRB rating of Teen. Gamers can order
Fatal Frame at Tecmo’s website (http://www.tecmoinc.com).
Those interested in the game can visit the official user-interactive Fatal Frame
website (http://www.fatalframegame.com),
which offers an insightful interview with the developer; a feedback area where
readers can share personal stories about their supernatural experiences to enter
a contest to win a free camera; and an intense movie which shows off the game’s
chilling atmosphere.
About Tecmo, Inc.
Tecmo, Inc. (http://www.tecmoinc.com/)is
well known for its premiere fighting game series Dead or Alive™. Other notable
classics include the million-selling series Ninja Gaiden® and Tecmo Bowl. Tecmo
also publishes the hit series Monster Rancher and Gallop Racer for the
PlayStation2 computer entertainment system.
###