Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir

Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir on 3DS is a spin off title in the acclaimed Project Zero series (also known as the Fatal Frame series).

For those unfamiliar with Project Zero; it's a collection of horror games centred around exorcising ghosts with a camera. In this adventure however, your 3DS camera is your weapon against the ghosts as they materialise in your own home (or wherever you happen to be playing).

It's quite an ambitious game as it tries to make you believe there's evil spirits wandering around you, but unfortunately the game doesn't always recognise space and depth, meaning ghosts can appear to be tiny but at least it gives you a laugh.

Spirit Camera comes bundled with an AR booklet, known in-game as the Purple Diary, that you must scan with your 3DS in order to solve puzzles and progress through the game. There's some great use of 3D effects as the diary distorts and creates gateways to other worlds, possibly some of the most impressive use of 3D technology I've seen on 3DS.  Our copy of the game was pre-owned and unfortunately the Purple Diary was missing, but you can find the PDF file online and just print out a new copy.

While Spirit Camera has its flaws, it's great to see a developer trying to find new and innovative ways to immerse you in the game. Hopefully with the improved 3DS capabilities of the New 3DS lineup; more developers will be encouraged to experiment and provide a unique game-playing experience like this one.