Abstract
The first chapter is a short introduction and scene-setter, following the Amakura twins as they are dragged into the hell of All God's Village. The main focus is the story of Miyako Sudo, another unwilling victim of the village, and her unfortunate demise in the small Osaka house. It is here that Mio finds the Camera Obscura, giving her a fighting chance at escaping the village alive. She learns all of the skills she will require later on, including following clues from spirits and breaking door seals.
All God's Village, Misono Hill
I've heard about this place... A long time ago, there was a village here that disappeared during a festival... People who get lost in the woods are trapped by the village...
Could this be that place?
Mio and Mayu stand at the top of the hill, overlooking the cursed village. The faint moonlight barely illuminates the silent houses. The place seems deserted... lifeless
would be a more appropriate word.
I heard singing before, but... there's nobody here...
The focal point of the hill is an five-pointed stone structure, surrounded with ceremonial ropes. Nearby torches spark in the darkness, one of the few light sources in the village. Turning back, the path the twins took up to the hill has simply vanished, leaving only a rotting Shinto gate.
To the southwest stands a small red lantern. These can be used to save the game, and once discovered appear as crimson butterflies on the map screen. If there are hostile spirits nearby, which there fortunately aren't at the moment, the lantern will dim and be rendered unusable until the ghosts are exorcised.
The path to the west leads to a cemetery, but it is too dark and too dangerous to explore. Instead, head east down towards the village.
All God's Village, Misono Hill-East
Along the path, Mio finds a Black Bag lying open on the ground. Inside are a News Clipping and followup Small News Clipping about one Masumi Makimura, along with a photograph of him with his girlfriend.
Whose is this, I wonder... Who else is here...
As they make their way down towards the village, they are unaware of a ghostly figure passing by the Osaka house. Even if this is the second time through, in which case Mio already holds the camera, this spirit cannot be photographed.
All God's Village, Osaka House, Front
A light moves inside the house, attracting the attention of the twins.
I wonder if anyone's here...
Mio feels the comforting hand of her sister on her shoulder, and reaches to take hold of it. As she does, Mayu walks on by to enter the house. Shocked, Mio spins on the spot to see nothing but darkness behind her, and stares in disbelief at her own hand.
Mio?
Mayu's voice brings her out of her trance, and the two enter the Osaka house in search of help.
Osaka House, 1F Entrance
The entrance is overlooked by a kimono room, and as the twins pass by they are watched by their first ghost. On the first play through, nothing can be done about it. Note how the presence of the spirit results in interference, creating a grainy film-like effect; this is a common signal of a paranormal encounter.
Spirit Alert: Waiting Woman
Personal best: 615pts
The ghost of Miyako Sudo watches from the kimono room. She can, of course, only be photographed on a repeat play. The bars separating the rooms may get in the way of the shot, and if so she will have disappeared by the time the film reloads, so be sure the capture circle is glowing before opening the shutter.
Osaka House, 1F Sunken Fireplace Room
The house is, like the rest of the village, deserted and dilapidated. It doesn't look like anyone has lived here for quite some time.
Isn't anybody here? Should we go inside?
But Mayu isn't listening. She stands rigid, in panic, her gaze flickering around the room as if seeing something in a dream.
Mayu? What's wrong?
Mio reaches for her sister's hand, but on taking it is dragged into her nightmarish vision. A woman walks along the corridor of the house, calling out for Masumi. Unbeknownst to her, she is being followed...
I don't want to kill any more.
In a flash, the woman is lying on the ground in a broken back room, gasping for breath as a shadowy man strangles her against his will. Elsewhere, another woman laughs maniacally, breaking the twins out of their trance.
What was that?
A torn page, Woman's Notebook 1, sits near the fireplace. The second part lies to the east, in the room behind the sliding screen door.
Osaka House, 1F Kimono Room
Woman's Notebook 2 is on top of the cabinet next to the save lantern. To the south is a closet containing Sacred Water, which may be used to restore health.
I feel like we're being watched by someone...
There is still more of the house to explore before the poor twins are dragged into the storyline, so head west back through the fireplace room.
Osaka House, 1F Big Tatami Room
Spirit Alert: Atrium Woman
Personal best: 419pts
Almost immediately after the camera angle changes on entering the room, Miyako will appear again outside the window to the south. Focusing on her in time is easy enough, but the capture circle only turns blue for a very short period. Keep her in sight and wait for the right moment to shoot.
There's Herbal Medicine in the kimono chest near the window, and Woman's Notebook 4 stuffed in the disturbingly human-shaped lump of bedding. Nothing more can be done, so follow Mayu's vision and head for the hallway to the NW.
Osaka House, 1F Dirt-floor Hallway
Spirit Alert: Walks Inside
Personal best: 503pts
Prepare yourself as you pass by the candle, for Walks Inside will appear at the end of the hall, heading around the corner. Time is fairly short, but capturing the image should be no bother. Capturing it well, however, will require a fast aim.
Follow her to the back room, which is the only open left to explore.
Osaka House, 1F Back Room
It's.. a bit... cold...
According to Mayu's vision, here is where Miyako met her untimely demise. Fortunately for the twins, the room is empty save for the faintly disturbing Woman's Notebook 3.
I wonder if anyone's really here...
Osaka House, 1F Dirt-floor Hallway
Spirit Alert: Vanishes at Altar
Personal best: 377pts
This time Miyako is heading for the other door, and the roles are reversed: She appears beside the candle as Mio passes the corner. Time is as tight as it was the last time, if not even tighter, and the camera angle will not change when the ghost appears. Instead, stay alert for the usual clues of otherworldly presences and be quick to the shutter.
Mayu instinctively follows the presence, heading to the locked door at the end of the short corridor. Mio is free to head back to the kimono room to save, if she so wishes; Mayu will wait behind, transfixed by the presence she felt.
What happened?
There was someone over here...
The door is now slightly ajar, and the room beyond represents the beginning of the twins' journey...
Osaka House, 1F Family Altar Room
Something's... strange about this place...
The room itself is a mess. Someone or something has ransacked the place in search of something. Importantly, they have left something behind on the table...
First, collect the Herbal Medicine from the tatami room behind the screen, and find the Woman's Notebook 5 on the chest to the north of the divider.
Checking the items on the table, Mio finally acquires a Torch to provide much-needed light. It may be aimed independently with the right analogue stick, if something needs illumination. Next to the torch is an old book on Camera Obscura Pointers, detailing an unusual device which may be used to photograph spirits.
With her new torch, Mio is able to survey her surroundings in more detail. Something in particular catches her eye, lying in the corner of the room.
That's...!
As she touches the device, she is subjected to another psychic vision of its previous owner.
the Camera Obscura... It takes pictures of impossible things...
The man stands before an unusual stone pillar bound with ceremonial rope. He lifts the camera to his eye to see it in more detail, but is assaulted with flashes of nightmarish images as the lens focuses on the structure. Shocked, he stumbles backwards and drops the camera to the floor.
What was that!
He looks again at the pillar, this time with the naked eye. There is nothing to be seen.
I can't believe... so it's true... This thing is too dangerous...
Mio's vision ends and she recoils from the cursed device.
The Camera Obscura...
Mayu, sensing another presence, calls nervously to her sister.
Mio
What's that? Is someone here?
Someone is heading this way. Mio trains her torch on the wall, following the source of the disturbance as it approaches the door...
Mio is now in possession of the Camera Obscura, and some notes on Basic Camera Operation. Steeling her reserve, she approaches the door, only to find Miyako is holding it shut from the other side.
The door is sealed, and cannot be open until the seal is broken. Drawing the camera, Mio takes a photograph of Door Woman (303pts). Seal spirits don't vanish over time, so there's no reason not to aim carefully for the best shot. Although she is barely visible, her core circle can still be seen. This spirit, as with other seal holders, does not appear on the spirit list.
It's gone...
She stares in disbelief at the camera, before being shaken out of it by her sister.
Come on, let's get out of here!
On banishing the seal spirit, Mio obtains the photo of Warped Face Lady for her files. The only other door in the house is locked, although Mayu feels someone standing on the other side. Ignore it for now and head back outside.
Osaka House, 1F Sunken Fireplace Room
Except the door won't open. On trying it, Mayu notices a presence - Miyako again - at the door to the tatami room.
Spirit Alert: Vanishes at Door
Personal best: 440pts
If you have only just obtained the camera, this will be the first timed spirit you'll be able to capture. As soon as the short cutscene ends, Miyako will appear at the door to the west, staying there for a few seconds before fading away. Mio is already facing in the right direction, so just pull up the camera and take her picture.
The door to the tatami room is now sealed. Note the faint blue shimmer that hangs just before it; focus on this with the camera and it will develop into a mass of tortured faces. Take a photograph, and it will develop into an image of a familiar coal brazier.
Osaka House, 1F Back Room
There's someone here...
The brazier in the middle of the room has a similar shimmer, so take a photograph when the capture circle turns blue. Doing so breaks the seal on the tatami room door, and develops into an image of a Slashed Man. This is Miyako's killer, and the picture of him in the act...
Don't come near me!
Spirit Alert: Man on Deck
Personal best: 615pts
The killer's ghost, oddly unwounded, appears at the window after the seal is broken. He stands completely still, and being just behind the brazier Mio should already be facing in the right direction.
Returning to the kimono room to save would be a very good idea, as there are a number of quick captures coming up.
Osaka House, 1F Big Tatami Room
Empty. (Except for the herbal medicine and notebook, if you failed to take them eariler.) However, on trying to leave, the cupboard door will fall from its hinges to reveal a much-needed Ginger Key.
Spirit Alert: Woman Behind Net
Personal best: 559pts
As soon as the key has been acquired, there's a static scream and Miyako appears yet again. This time, she is on the other side of the mosquito net, heading towards the door. Taking out the camera causes Mio to automatically turn to face her, but for the best picture it's worth aiming left a little. There isn't much time, though, so just point and shoot if you're worried about missing her.
Osaka House, 1F Sunken Fireplace Room
Spirit Alert: Stair Climber
Personal best: 563pts
You-know-who again. She appears on the stairs to the second floor as you pass, but fortunately Mio aims for you again. There will be more shots taken at unusual angles in the future, and without auto-aim, so use this one to get used to sudden changes.
Osaka House, 2F Sunken Fireplace Room
Spirit Alert: Standing Woman
Personal best: 314pts
This is by far the most difficult ghost of the chapter, so don't feel put out if you miss her. After reaching the top of the stairs and taking a step towards the door, Miyako appears yet again for the briefest of moments. Before making that step, point Mio towards the door. There is no change of camera angle to signal her appearance, so watch out for the filament and other clues.
Osaka House, 2F Servant's Room
Spirit Alert: Beckoner
Personal best: 419pts
Just a few steps into the room, and Miyako appears yet again, heading for the room to the southwest. With no obstructions and the auto-aim working perfectly, she shouldn't be difficult to snap.
To the right, where Miyako wasn't, look on the floor next to the folding screen for some very handy Type-61 film. This stuff is much more powerful than the standard Type-07 or 14, and is best saved for tough encounters. For now, it's probably best to stick to the weaker films. At the risk of spoiling things, switch away from Type-07 now. Follow Miyako.
Osaka House, 2F Guest Room
Woman's Notebook 6 lies on the table in the corner of the room, hinting at poor Miyako's growing madness. The next part, Woman's Notebook 7, may be found in front of the covered mirror in the adjacent room. The clock on the wall has stopped at 1:43. On approaching the final doorway, ready your camera for the last Miyako shot.
Spirit Alert: Stands Behind
Personal best: 419pts
This may take a few attempts. Miyako appears in the doorway separating the two guest rooms, where she slides the screen closed and traps the sisters. Unfortunately, this is right where Mayu is probably standing, and she may get in the way of the shot. Pay close attention to the capture circle if Mayu does appear in the viewfinder; if the circle is not blue, Miyako won't register.
Osaka House, 2F Study
The door is shut tight now, and Miyako is in here. Ignoring the glowing blue item temporarily, check the back shelves for Folklorist's Note 1. Then, brace yourself and examine the item on the ground. It is the final chapter in Miyako's tale, Woman's Notebook 8, and it ends very abruptly...
Mio kneels to read and muse over the story while Mayu examines the surroundings for clues.
She also became trapped here...
...where did she go? This place must be--
She is interrupted by a gravelly voice which only seems to register with Mayu. She turns to her sister, now wide-eyed and quaking with an all-too-familiar fear. Miyako is here again, leaning over Mio's shoulder. She stands, looking down on Mio with quiet menace as she quickly scrabbles away.
Hostile Spirit Alert: Wanderer
Personal best: 1835pts
Being the first hostile spirit you encounter, Miyako shouldn't prove too difficult to banish. She is slow and weakened by madness, and doesn't have too many tricks up her transparent sleeve. Stay calm and stick to the centre of the room, where switching out of viewfinder mode can give you a good view of the battlefield.
Miyako is able to teleport, albeit at long intervals, so don't be surprised if the filament suddenly changes in brightness. She usually teleports after having turned her back on you, during which time she poses no threat.
Keep an eye on Mayu. When not cowering in fear, she usually faces wherever Miyako is about to appear. She also acts as a potential target, drawing Miyako towards her. Waiting until the last moment before she attacks Mayu will give a Fatal Frame and potentially deal considerable damage.
Defeating Miyako results in a broken, static-enriched video of her death at the hands of her boyfriend, followed by a cryptic image of Mayu chasing a crimson butterfly.
