The photography-focused survival horror series Fatal Frame has returned in the form of a pachislot slot machine. The acclaimed horror franchise's first installment released back in 2001 and spawned a number of successful sequels. The most recent installment in the series, Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water, released in 2015 for Nintendo's Wii U.
Next to nothing has been heard of the Fatal Frame franchise since its last installment, leaving many fans doubtful about the ghost photography series' future. In 2020 series producer Keisuke Kikuchi expressed his desire to create another game in the series, but he also explained that the final decision lies with Nintendo. The series' strong popularity could always result in a rebirth for the franchise, but less-than-stellar sales of each installment may make the video game giant hesitant to spend any more resources on a niche title.
A brand-new trailer has been released for a new Fatal Frame game on YouTube, but unfortunately, the game will take the form of a pachislot machine. Pachislots are a form of slot machine that is found very commonly in Japan, alongside pachinko machines, in casino-like pachinko parlors. Siliconera reports that the Yamasa Next corporation will handle the development of the new slot machine which is expected to utilize upscaled versions of cinematics from the franchise's games. The release of the Fatal Frame pachislot machine is meant to coincide with the twenty-year anniversary of the first game's release.
Fatal Frame's revival as a slot machine is likely to upset survival horror fans who are hoping for a new major installment in the franchise. However, those looking for a new survival horror title to be terrified by can look to the recently-released Resident Evil Village for assistance. The eighth major entry in the long-running series has received high praise from critics, with particular attention being given to the game's combat system and atmosphere. The game's first-person perspective is said to combine perfectly with a more action-oriented approach, fully immersing players in the titular village and perfectly playing to the franchise's strengths. Unfortunately, fellow survival horror icon Silent Hill has yet to receive such a successful resurrection. The last game in the series, Silent Hill: Downpour, was released in 2012 and Konami's withdrawal from E3 2021 has dashed fans' hopes for the reveal of an upcoming installment.
Fatal Frame is an imaginative and largely beloved survival horror franchise that is in need of a new release – albeit caught in a weird licensing limbo between Koei Tecmo and Nintendo. The announcement of a pachislot machine based on the franchise is interesting, but will likely disappoint those awaiting an actual new game. Fans can only hope that the announcement of the Fatal Frame slot machine is the first of many announcements to come during this twentieth-anniversary year.
Sources: YouTube, Siliconera