Comments on: Nintendo Power Sheds Light On Fragile’s Exploration

By: Chris Taran

Chris Taran — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:54:09 +0000

I'm eagerly awaiting it's NA release. This is one of the choice few games that makes me not regret buying a Wii.

I love these dark moody/depressing game atmospheres and stories. Almost didn't expect the Wii to ever see games like this.

Between this, Muramasa, the Silent Hill re-imagining, and Metroid: Other M, looks like the Wii finally has some games that appeal to my aesthetic.

By: Ishaan

Ishaan — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:47:31 +0000

“Fragile” or “tranquil” actually sounds really neat. It's one of the reasons I love winters or rainy days in Rune Factory. They just seem so peaceful.

By: Scypher

Scypher — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:04:34 +0000

Hmm… I'm really hoping for something along the lines of ICO atmospheric, with that Metroid Prime exploration/exposition. The gameplay does sound a little disappointing now, but I'll forgive that if the little details and stories make for a nice atmosphere.

By: Nika

Nika — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:03:19 +0000

I didn't have so many issues with it, and I don't think the in-game graphics look that bad.

The fighting is indeed a bit clunky, but I got used to it pretty fast. Same with the inventory, whether intended or not, they helped me give the feeling that Seto isn't a world-saving-hero but a normal person. That for once can't carry around 50 pieces of equipment.

The only reason why I find this game hard to recommend is because to play it you have to like the atmosphere and pace of the game. Its a good game, and a good story, but very gloomy and goes forward at a calm paste. 'Fragile' or tranquil would probably be the best to describe it. And I don't think everyone would like that so easily.

By: Ishaan

Ishaan — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:33:41 +0000

Mmm. I didn't know there was a leveling up aspect to it. None of the videos really give that away. I wonder if XSEED will decide to take some additional time to tweak some of this stuff…highly doubt it though. Still, they are aware these issues exist.

By: Aoshi00

Aoshi00 — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:28:05 +0000

You can avoid battles for the most part (unless you're in a locked room), but a lot of times the monsters stand in your way. Also you can't get very far unless level up by fighting along the way, so I guess it's unavoidable.

The other thing that's extremely annoying is the inventory case a la Resident Evil. All these interesting memories need to be picked up before you can view them at a save point. So if you come across items when your inventory's full, you need to discard either healing items or weapons, sorting and equipping is also a pain, the whole interface is clunky. So despite the unique presentation, it's very hard to recommend this game.

By: Ishaan

Ishaan — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:20:30 +0000

Is there a way to avoid the battles so you don't have to deal with the battle controls too often? Honestly, I'm only interested in the exploration part of Fragile…I suspect a lot of people feel that way about the game.

By: Aoshi00

Aoshi00 — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:58:44 +0000

All those extremely beautiful screenshots are a little misleading since the in-game graphics are kind of horrible.. I couldn't bring myself to finish the game yet, couple more hours to go (I'm in the mansion now searching room by room and hitting ghosts w/ a stick, tedious…). The setting is unique, but for its meager “gamplay” and wonky control, it's good to try it at $20 at best, I personally do not think it's worth $50 at all. No excuses about it, the developers totally neglected the gameplay part, potential wasted.