Koei Tecmo and developer Team Ninja have announced Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake, a new version of the 2003 horror game originally released on PlayStation 2. The remake is planned for release in early 2026 on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. The announcement was made during Nintendo’s September 12 Direct showcase, accompanied by a teaser trailer.
The game follows twin sisters Mio and Mayu Amakura as they stumble upon a mysterious village erased from modern maps. Caught in an endless night and pursued by vengeful spirits, the sisters become entangled in a forbidden ritual. Players take control of Mio, who must search for her missing sister while wielding the Camera Obscura, a supernatural device capable of capturing and sealing hostile ghosts. The narrative combines exploration of abandoned buildings with survival encounters, centered on the theme of familial bonds and guided by the symbolic crimson butterfly.
According to Koei Tecmo, the remake will feature overhauled graphics, improved audio design, and updated gameplay mechanics. The Camera Obscura system has been expanded, aiming to enhance both the combat and exploration elements. While remaining faithful to the core storyline, the developers are introducing refinements to controls and pacing to better align with modern expectations.
The original Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly is widely regarded as one of the most influential entries in the series. First released in 2003, it earned a reputation for its atmospheric setting and unique use of photography as a defensive tool. The remake marks the latest effort by Koei Tecmo to revive the franchise, following the re-release of Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water in 2021.
The upcoming title will include Japanese voice acting alongside text localization in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Further details on gameplay features, release date, and potential special editions have not yet been disclosed.
