Get Ready for a Horror Classic Remake with Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Releasing March 12

By:Nicole Azucena

One of the most terrifying horror games to release at the beginning of the 21st century, Fatal Frame 2 is finally getting its own remake 23 years after the original game was released. It was back in November that Koei Tecmo revealed the release date of the Fatal Frame 2 Remake, which is scheduled for March 12.

Now, with the launch only two months away, fans of the acclaimed Japanese horror series cannot wait. Here’s everything you need to know about the game, including the release schedule and what to expect at launch.

Fatal Frame 2 Remake

Mio Amakura
Image of Mio Amakura, courtesy of Koei Tecmo and PlayStation

Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly is finally being remade for the modern era of gaming. The original game was released in 2003 for the PlayStation 2, and needless to say, that was a long time ago. The gaming industry has definitely evolved from what it used to be in 2003, and more and more games that have come out during that time are being remade with modern technology, updated graphics, and added production, so that we may experience these popular games today.

With one of the most popular Japanese horror game franchises getting its own remake, there’s so much we can expect to see within this game.

The original Fatal Frame 2 follows Mio and Mayu Akamura, twin sisters who, though they are very close, have a strained relationship, find themselves trapped in a haunted town, separated, while being tormented by the spirits who roam the village, with only a supernatural camera to protect themselves. The sisters uncover secrets of the village, and though the game has multiple endings depending on your choices, the game ends with Mayu’s death.

Release Date

The Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake is scheduled to release on March 12. It will be available on PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC (Steam). Koei Tecmo has yet to reveal global release times for the game, but there should be updates coming soon.

Pre-Order Bonuses

Fatal Frame 2 Remake Digital Deluxe Edition
Screenshot of Fatal Frame 2 Remake Digital Deluxe Edition, courtesy of Koei Tecmo and PlayStation

Along with the release date announcement, Koei Tecmo has revealed some pre-order bonuses for Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake. There will be a pre-order bonus set, an early purchase bonus set, and a digital deluxe edition bonus set available once the game launches. Here’s what comes in all three:

Pre-Order Bonus Set

  • Crimson Butterfly Mio original skin
  • Crimson Butterfly Mayu original skin
  • Spirit charm
  • Cat ears (Black)
  • Cat ears (White)

Early Purchase Bonus Set

  • Red kimono skin
  • Black kimono skin
  • Wraith charm
  • Peony hair ornament (Red)
  • Peony hair ornament (Black)

Digital Deluxe Edition Bonus Set

  • Digital Soundtrack
  • Digital Art Book
  • Deluxe Charm
  • Lace Gloves (White)
  • Lace Gloves (Black)
  • Japanese Gothic (Left Wing)
  • Japanese Gothic (Right Wing)

After the release of Resident Evil 2 and 4 Remake and the Silent Hill 2 Remake, Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly is finally getting a remake of its own. The remake craze in the gaming industry has really taken off within the last decade. It simultaneously fills long-time fans with nostalgia and comfort, while introducing new players to well-established fandoms of older games.

With the release of the Fatal Frame 2 Remake, this will complete the trifecta of Japan’s horror trio, with Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and now Fatal Frame having their own remakes. This is definitely one of my most anticipated horror game releases this year because of how much I love the original game, and I know long-time fans are also eagerly waiting for its release. Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake will release on March 12, so don’t forget to pre-order if you want to grab any of the bonuses.