First released exclusively on the Nintendo Wii U back in 2015 (2014 in Japan), Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water is a horror-adventure game that saw players navigate dark, eerie locales brimming with ghosts. The only way to defeat these spirits were through taking their photograph using the ‘Camera Obscura’, controlled by the Wii U Gamepad. It was a game developed with the Wii U’s unique features in mind, and I did not expect developer and publisher Koei Tecmo to offer it on any other platform in the future. Guess I was wrong on that one.
Koei Tecmo has announced that Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water will be headed to the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC later this year. This release is pitched as an “enhanced version” of the original game, offering enhanced visuals, an all-new Photo Mode which allows players to set-up characters/ghosts in various scenes, and new costumes for the main protagonists. Given my love of in-game photography, I can get on board with these additions.
Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water takes players to the eerie Mt. Hikami, a sacred location haunted by bizarre and unfortunate occurrences – and a place where the water is believed to be housed by vengeful spirits. Through the eyes of Yuri Kozukata, Ren Hojo, and Miu Hinasaki, they will rely on just a flashlight and a unique camera – the Camera Obscura – with the ability to take pictures of ghosts, as they explore the mountain to find those who have disappeared.
Will players be able to repel the deadly ghosts and uncover the mysteries surrounding Mt. Hikami?