10 Horror Video Games That Had No Right To Be This Good
3. Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly
Video game sequels are a tough act to pull off. You've got to juggle between keeping pre-existing fans happy and changing the formula enough to make the follow-up feel different. It's a balancing act that many titles struggle with (looking at you, Dead Space 3, urgh!). Fatal Frame, however, nailed it.
The first instalment of this series was a strong and promising title. It was creepy and atmospheric, with the focus on the Camera Obscura mechanic (which saw you defeat spirits by taking photos of them), putting you right in the firing line for terrifying moments.
When it came to making the sequel, the developers created a masterpiece of gaming horror. The story - which focussed on a pair of sisters exploring a paranormal village - was gripping and provided plenty of reason to be afraid. The village itself was creepy, the ghosts were terrifying, the mechanics were tighter than ever, and the lore was dense.
Alongside the terror, the game also had a solid emotional hook thanks to the sister pairing of Mio and Mayu. Their ordeals, relationship, and potential endings delivered a narrative that was way better than it even needed to be.