Fatal Frame/Project Zero version recommendations?

[CaptainSkelly]

As title suggests, I'm on the hunt for some more horror titles and Fatal Frame was one I never really got into. I've noticed there's USA and EU versions for patched/undubbed versions of the games.

For Fatal Frame I, I think I'm going for the Project Zero EU undub, but for Fatal Frame II I feel like I'm at a bit of a crossroads as for what would be the better pick between the USA and EU undubs.

For Fatal Frame III, I might just stick with the USA undub because between that and the EU version, there doesn't seem to be much difference? Unless I'm totally wrong about that lol. I'm quite new to Fatal Frame/Project Zero so, all suggestions and help much appreciated!

 

[RETRO-VETRO RETRO-VETRO]

For Fatal Frame I, the EU Project Zero un-dub is definitely the way to go, better PAL optimization and the Japanese audio fits the atmosphere perfectly.

For Fatal Frame II, the choice between USA and EU undubs is a bit trickier. The EU version has slightly different localization choices and PAL formatting, but some folks prefer the USA version for smoother NTSC performance and subtitle timing. If you're emulating, NTSC might be the safer bet unless you're specifically going for PAL accuracy.

As for Fatal Frame III, you're right, there’s not much difference between the USA and EU un-dubs. The USA version tends to be the go-to just for simplicity and compatibility, especially if you're keeping things consistent across the trilogy.

If you're planning to patch or emulate, I can share some setup tips too. Either way, you're in for a beautifully eerie ride. Enjoy the ghost photography!

 

[CaptainSkelly]

For Fatal Frame I, the EU Project Zero un-dub is definitely the way to go, better PAL optimization and the Japanese audio fits the atmosphere perfectly.

For Fatal Frame II, the choice between USA and EU undubs is a bit trickier. The EU version has slightly different localization choices and PAL formatting, but some folks prefer the USA version for smoother NTSC performance and subtitle timing. If you're emulating, NTSC might be the safer bet unless you're specifically going for PAL accuracy.

As for Fatal Frame III, you're right, there’s not much difference between the USA and EU un-dubs. The USA version tends to be the go-to just for simplicity and compatibility, especially if you're keeping things consistent across the trilogy.

If you're planning to patch or emulate, I can share some setup tips too. Either way, you're in for a beautifully eerie ride. Enjoy the ghost photography!

Planning on Emulating!

I appreciate your input and time.

 

[RETRO-VETRO RETRO-VETRO]

Planning on Emulating!

I appreciate your input and time.

No problem buddy, glad I could help!

 

[Vexicrypt]

If you'll get to Fatal Frame 3, you should know that some voice lines are not subbed in the undub version. So for the first playthrough I'd go with a regular English version. But yeah overall if you are emulating there is no reason to pick PAL versions over NTSC since they usually run at lover Hz/FPS. However, I don't remember if its the same for 2 and 3, but Fatal Frame 1 has an option in the menu to change between 50Hz and 60Hz, so the version doesn't matter much. Just get the one with the last boss fix (original game just freezes during final bossfight when you aim the camera, if emulated).

 

[nobitakun]

Everything that has original voices and 60Hz. Run away from 50Hz like you life depended on that, even if somebody tells you the game is optimised for 50Hz.

 

[CaptainSkelly]

If you'll get to Fatal Frame 3, you should know that some voice lines are not subbed in the undub version. So for the first playthrough I'd go with a regular English version. But yeah overall if you are emulating there is no reason to pick PAL versions over NTSC since they usually run at lover Hz/FPS. However, I don't remember if its the same for 2 and 3, but Fatal Frame 1 has an option in the menu to change between 50Hz and 60Hz, so the version doesn't matter much. Just get the one with the last boss fix (original game just freezes during final bossfight when you aim the camera, if emulated).

Beast. Thank you!

 

[TinRattler]

Play all 3 I enjoyed them but then again they weren't everyone's cup of tea

 

[DanCalibur]

I've beaten all 3 in PCSX2 using the original NTSC dubbed version without any problems. I can't say anything about the undubs but the official Dub is quite good. Fatal Frame 2 is on my top 10 best PS2 games right along Silent Hill 2, you are in for a good ride

 

[Dany28]

Fatal Frame is one of the best horror games ever. Maybe there will be a remake.

 

[CaptainSkelly]

Fatal Frame is one of the best horror games ever. Maybe there will be a remake.

A remake would be so sick especially with modern visuals. But idk I don’t have much faith in modern gaming as much anymore. They almost always seem to mess something up.

 

[Dany28]

A remake would be so sick especially with modern visuals. But idk I don’t have much faith in modern gaming as much anymore. They almost always seem to mess something up.

Yeah that's true.

 

[Anim8rDude Anim8rDude]

Everything that has original voices and 60Hz. Run away from 50Hz like you life depended on that, even if somebody tells you the game is optimised for 50Hz.

This is how I experienced them & regret nothing, probably the best way to play them unless you just really wanted to change it up for a new playthrough!
Also when encountering ghosts throughout the series they do drop words or sentences sometimes. So unless that's subtitled (I'm guessing probably not) you're going to be missing out on voice lines that tie in with lore, & it kinda adds up.
Personally I'm a fan of the voice acting here & actually find it fitting for the series.

 

[Lokgamer]

Glad you've decided to get into Fatal Frame. Even now it's my second favorite franchise of horror games ever (only surpassed by Silent Hill). highly recommended

 

[CaptainSkelly]

This is how I experienced them & regret nothing, probably the best way to play them unless you just really wanted to change it up for a new playthrough!
Also when encountering ghosts throughout the series they do drop words or sentences sometimes. So unless that's subtitled (I'm guessing probably not) you're going to be missing out on voice lines that tie in with lore, & it kinda adds up.
Personally I'm a fan of the voice acting here & actually find it fitting for the series.

That’s awesome. When they say “original voices” they mean just play them dubbed anyways unless I wanna go back for undub just to experience the JP voice acting after I’ve played through English?

 

[Anim8rDude Anim8rDude]

That’s awesome. When they say “original voices” they mean just play them dubbed anyways unless I wanna go back for undub just to experience the JP voice acting after I’ve played through English?

I'm guessing they mean dubbed. For me anyway the English VA is solid & fits it perfectly. But yeah there's a decent amount of "ghost talking" mid game & it would be a shame to miss out on it, really adds to the experience. Then you can go full undub after a playthrough or two, that's my opinion anyway.

 

[breremarer]

Don't have anything helpful to say about the versions, really, but I'm just adding my voice to being stoked for the journey you're about to take. They're such special games, with such a unique vibe. The PS2 entries scared the shit out of my brother and I as kids.

I'd recommend checking out IV too, when you're ready! The Wii controls are a bit wonky if you emulate, but it's actually one of my favorites in the series. There's also a very accessible remaster on Steam with the original Japanese voices, if you'd prefer to go that route. Have fun! They're genuinely terrific.

 

[CaptainSkelly]

Don't have anything helpful to say about the versions, really, but I'm just adding my voice to being stoked for the journey you're about to take. They're such special games, with such a unique vibe. The PS2 entries scared the shit out of my brother and I as kids.

I'd recommend checking out IV too, when you're ready! The Wii controls are a bit wonky if you emulate, but it's actually one of my favorites in the series. There's also a very accessible remaster on Steam with the original Japanese voices, if you'd prefer to go that route. Have fun! They're genuinely terrific.

That’s fantastic. Thanks for your input! I really appreciate it. I’ve been a huge fan of Resident Evil and Onimusha so. More horror classics on the ps2 please lol

 

[nobitakun]

That’s awesome. When they say “original voices” they mean just play them dubbed anyways unless I wanna go back for undub just to experience the JP voice acting after I’ve played through English?

When somebody say "original voices" in a game like Project Zero means japanese voices. The game takes place in Japan, with japanese characters and they speak japanese as their original and native language. Everything in the game looks, seems and feels japanese, so the original work when the game was created came from japanese voice actors.

 

[CaptainSkelly]

When somebody say "original voices" in a game like Project Zero means japanese voices. The game takes place in Japan, with japanese characters and they speak japanese as their original and native language. Everything in the game looks, seems and feels japanese, so the original work when the game was created came from japanese voice actors.

True! Sorry, was a silly question, but I like to be extra sure. I appreciate you taking my question seriously and giving me a real answer. Slightly off topic but lately I feel myself growing very tired of interacting with people in spaces where I should be able to make friends with due to similar interests - example being: public Discord servers for specific things like Monster Hunter - and it turns out that reaching out can get me hurt because people can be very weird or nasty or too comfortable being rude even to people they don't know, or newcomers in general to the community. I'm liking this forum a lot because it's refreshing to have normal conversations about the things I like and have people respond in a bit more of a 'respectful' manner. Sorry for the slight vent, but it's just been frustrating me so badly lately.

Again, appreciate your time and input. Currently playing through MH Portable 3rd, but I might have a go at playing Project Zero/FF on the side. There's not much I've been interested in anyways aside from chilling and leveling my gathering and culinary jobs on FFXIV.