The developers of Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake have responded to discussion surrounding the new outfits for the main protagonists, clarifying that the costumes have not been censored but rather enhanced with improved textures. The statement was shared on the official Fatal Frame social media channels following speculation among fans after the remake’s reveal.
In their message, the team thanked fans for their support of the long-running series while outlining some of the upgrades being introduced. The remake, scheduled for release in early 2026, will be built using Koei Tecmo’s latest game engine. As part of this overhaul, the outfits worn by the central characters Mio and Mayu Amakura have received updated texture work to better align with the overall graphical improvements. The developers emphasized that these refinements are meant to enhance detail rather than remove or alter the original designs.
Beyond character models, the project aims to modernize the classic horror experience in several ways. The setting of Minakami Village, already infamous for its haunting atmosphere, has been rebuilt with darker, more realistic lighting and shadows to heighten tension. Core gameplay elements such as controls, level design, and spirit battles are also being reworked by Team Ninja Studio, incorporating knowledge gained from their experience developing action RPGs.
The remake is being overseen by producer Fuminiko Yasuda alongside directors Hidehiko Nakajima and Makoto Shibata, who all stressed their desire to make this the most immersive entry in the series. According to their statement, “As this title is being remade using the latest technologies, we believe fans of the series and newcomers alike will find it enjoyable.”
First released in 2003 for the PlayStation 2, Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly quickly became recognized as one of the genre’s defining works, praised for its chilling story of sisters trapped in a cursed village and its innovative use of the Camera Obscura to combat spirits. It was later ported to Xbox and received a Wii remake in 2012. The upcoming 2026 release marks its second full remake, this time with a more ambitious scope intended to deliver both nostalgia and modern horror sensibilities.
