As if we didn't have enough games to screw up our psyche
I cant really classify a REASON as to why sanity's requiem was so awesome, but if I had to guess I would say it was a combination of the story and the ridiculously awesome sanity effects that were implemented in later stages of the game. As your sanity meter drops, you will find that increasingly strange things begin to happen, like the screen might cut to black for a moment, or a wierd sound glitch, or you'll see a room filled with enemies and they will all suddenly disappear...it really is incredible, because by the end of the game you won't want to get up and walk away for fear of the evil mutant zombie monster that you just KNOW is waiting for you outside the door.
Graphically, you have to be forgiving with this game. First, understand that it was made in 2002, an age not defined by graphical amazingness. Secondly, it's for a nintendo console, and nintendo has almost always been a step behind in terms of graphics, except for the Resident Evil Remake and one or two other choice games. However, despite the atrocious graphics, this game still manages to be immersive thanks to the engrosing storyline. It jumps from a dozen or so perspectives, each with their unique take, all wrapping up in a very satisfying (at least in my opinion) conclusion. It's pretty sweet, and if you don't like it then I believe you should be disemboweled....and then shown several hours of Days of Our Lives episodes to truly understand just how bag dialogue can become.
Immersion goes hand in hand with good sound design, so I see no reason to go into that, so I guess the last thing for me to do will be to clarify whether or not I recommend this game. Well let's see, it's an incredibly immersive survival horror game, with a great story and wonderful sanity effects. Hell yes you should get it, that is if you can find it. It is an amazing game and it will make you appreciate good survival horror. Remember though that if you play it right before going to bed, it will probably leave you with disturbing dreams. I seem to not have learned my lesson though, as I fully intend to review Fatal Frame II in a week or two, provided I haven't been institutionalized.