Fragile: Farewell Ruins of the Moon

[Evil Avnovice]

http://www.gamekyo.com/images_1/7994e68fc0e2e7b4e18e0f08b79078e220081206010944.jpg

-Official Website (http://fragile.namco-ch.net/) (Japan)

*North America: March 16, 2010
*Europe: March 19, 2010
*Austrailia: March 25, 2010

[Evil Avnovice]

A new trailer (http://www.gamekyo.com/videoen13354_fragile-new-video.html) and gameplay (http://www.gamekyo.com/videoen13360_fragile-new-gameplay-video.html) video from TGS 2008. (Gamekyo)

[Evil Avnovice]

TGS 2008 trailer in Gametrailers (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/41553.html) form.

41553

[JayVe]

Wow. Is this coming out over here?

[Generation ABXY]

Damn, that game looks sweet.

[Evil Avnovice]

Wow. Is this coming out over here?

Currently, no. :(

[Wraith]

I just watched that last trailer on Eurogamer.

If there's any game that gets me to buy a Wii, it'll be Fragile. Heck, I might even buy the game, leave it on the shelf, and wait until the next Nintendo console comes out, or there's a big Wii price drop. I really hope this game gets a U.S. release. It looks beautiful, and a little reminiscent of tri-Crescendo's other recent RPG Eternal Sonata (at least in terms of art & character design).

[Young Al Capone]

Looks wonderful, I really hope that this one makes its way.

[Purple Santa]

Currently, no. :(

You tease!!!! Game looks sweet...hell, flashlight and a sword...i'm there.

And since it was all in Japanese...the trailer that had the MC looking down the stairs...I was thinking he said "hell no i'm not going down those scary looking stairs...."ok, that's what i heard anyway :p

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new images (http://www.gamekyo.com/videoen13354_fragile-opening-movie.html). (Gamekyo)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520081027_111031_4_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images4_5_13354.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520081027_111031_5_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images5_5_13354.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520081027_111032_10_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images10_5_13354.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520081027_111032_11_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images11_5_13354.html)

Note: The game will release in Japan on January 22, 2009.

[Evil Avnovice]

The [Japan-only] pre-order bonus for Fragile: Farewell Ruins of the Moon is a soundtrack CD with ten songs, including the game's theme song. (IGN (http://wii.ign.com/articles/929/929326p1.html))

Bandai Namco announced today that those who pre-order Fragile over in Japan will get the Fragile Special Soundtrack for free. This soundtrack features 10 songs, including the game's theme song as performed by Aoi Teshima.

[JayVe]

This game is very, very pretty. I hope it is enjoyable as well.

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new images (http://www.gamekyo.com/newsen29391_fragile-new-screenshots.html). (Gamekyo)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520081127_134724_4_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images4_4_29391.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520081127_134725_6_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images6_4_29391.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520081127_134725_9_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images9_4_29391.html)

[Purple Santa]

The look reminds me of Eternal Sonata a little bit. Not a bad thing...that game was nice to look at...

[Wraith]

The look reminds me of Eternal Sonata a little bit. Not a bad thing...that game was nice to look at...Considering they're both by the same developer, it's not entirely surprising. :D

[Evil Avnovice]

New gameplay footage. It comes about 2 minutes into the video. (Gamekyo (http://www.gamekyo.com/videoen13710_fragile-new-video.html))

[JayVe]

I'm not sure what to think of that video. The art direction is fantastic and carries a sad air of mystery, and the concept is cool... but fighting invisible ghosts looks like it would simply frustrate the hell outta me. Maybe it plays well, but the controls appear cumbersome.

[Talon]

The androgyny is overwhelming with those characters.

Otherwise the art looks clean and nice.

[Evil Avnovice]

Japanese box art. (Gamekyo (http://www.gamekyo.com/blog_article215037.html))

http://www.gamekyo.com/images_1/7994e68fc0e2e7b4e18e0f08b79078e220081206010944.jpg

[Variable Gear]

That's some beautiful box art. :)

[Purple Santa]

Considering they're both by the same developer, it's not entirely surprising. :D

That's what I get for not paying attention. Although it's bad if I notice any kind of art style similarity or not. My critical art skill goes far as ...looks purty...

[Evil Avnovice]

That's what I get for not paying attention. Although it's bad if I notice any kind of art style similarity or not. My critical art skill goes far as ...looks purty...

As Wraith was pointing out, both this and Trusty Bell (Eternal Sonata) were developed by Tri-Crescendo. ;)

[Evil Avnovice]

Ninteen new images from Samus Aran's blog (http://www.gamekyo.com/blog_article216206.html). (Gamekyo)

http://www.gamekyo.com/images_1/7994e68fc0e2e7b4e18e0f08b79078e220081219140742.jpg

http://www.gamekyo.com/images_1/f07f1c661c65d3549f5938099cc2b98420081219140742.jpg

http://www.gamekyo.com/images_1/111af346b2a54d4395c96c1127fe413220081219140915.jpg

http://www.gamekyo.com/images_1/00f1c8dfb940e6610beb750e798d359420081219141055.jpg

[JayVe]

*giggle*

I love opening my control panel to find an EvAvnovice thread has been updated.

These screens look fab. Can't wait to uncover the mystery behind what happened to the world in Fragile.

[Evil Avnovice]

*giggle*

I love opening my control panel to find an EvAvnovice thread has been updated.

These screens look fab. Can't wait to uncover the mystery behind what happened to the world in Fragile.

True Story: Careful, JayVe. I once made Xerxes unsubscribe from my Conduit thread at EvAv. A little Avnovice will do you just fine. :p

[Variable Gear]

I like the look of this green level. :)

[JayVe]

I like the look of this green level. :)

Looks like the flashlight beam is green light. I wonder if different colors of flashlight have different effects on the game.

http://www.gamekyo.com/images_1/a0e3372b497aa3c11a5f669a31f81f7420081219140742.jpg

[Variable Gear]

Looks like the flashlight beam is green light. I wonder if different colors of flashlight have different effects on the game.

Ooooohhhh.... nice find. That's a good theory as well... I wonder what effects the flashlight will have.

[JayVe]

Ooooohhhh.... nice find. That's a good theory as well... I wonder what effects the flashlight will have.

According to a recent Joystiq post...

In addition to the normal flashlight, Seto finds (at least) two more portable lights as he explores: a higher-power flashlight that can illuminate farther into the distance, and reveal hidden enemies more quickly, and an eerie green light identified only as the "strange light," which can reveal hidden messages written on walls. (http://www.nintendowiifanboy.com/2008/12/19/shine-a-light-on-fragiles-secrets/)

[Gorvi]

That does look great. Any word on a US release yet?

[axion]

Wow, I haven't followed this too closely coming in every once in a while, but the main character's a dude? Had no idea.

[Evil Avnovice]

That does look great. Any word on a US release yet?

There is still no word on a North American release.

[Purple Santa]

Well we all expect you to use your powers of persuasion to have this released here :)

[Doctor Setebos]

http://www.gamekyo.com/images_1/00f1c8dfb940e6610beb750e798d359420081219141055.jpg Is that Paris on the horizon?

[JayVe]

Is that Paris on the horizon?

I think it is supposed to be Tokyo (http://images.google.com/images?rlz=1C1GGLS_enUS291US304&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=tokyo+tower&um=1&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title)

[Doctor Setebos]

I think it is supposed to be Tokyo (http://images.google.com/images?rlz=1C1GGLS_enUS291US304&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=tokyo+tower&um=1&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title)Ah, good catch. I was picturing the Eiffel Tower.

[Evil Avnovice]

Fifteen new images from Samus Aran's blog (http://www.gamekyo.com/blog_article216610.html). (Gamekyo)

http://www.gamekyo.com/images_1/a325209ea7302520b1f0173427c1a81e20081227145739.jpg

http://www.gamekyo.com/images_1/c492d73281edd715f78d0cf54a912d2020081227145919.jpg

http://www.gamekyo.com/images_1/4637a944b8fa43c81fa37d53902983f820081227150122.jpg

[boratika]

http://www.gamekyo.com/images_1/c492d73281edd715f78d0cf54a912d2020081227145919.jpg

This game just reached new and dangerously high levels of want in me.

[Evil Avnovice]

Six (http://www.gamekyo.com/videoen13881_fragile-new-video.html) new (http://www.gamekyo.com/videoen13882_fragile-new-video.html) gameplay (http://www.gamekyo.com/videoen13883_fragile-new-video.html) videos (http://www.gamekyo.com/videoen13884_fragile-new-video.html) from (http://www.gamekyo.com/videoen13885_fragile-new-video.html) Gamekyo (http://www.gamekyo.com/videoen13886_fragile-new-video.html).

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new information from a recent Bandai Namco conference. I found this from a NeoGaf thread (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=346838&page=3):

Producer : Kentarou Kawashima (Seven, Venus and Braves)
Art Director : Keiko Harada (Seven, Venus and Braves)
Main Programmer : Munehito Yasui (Baten Kaitos - Tri Crescendo)

• After much investigations, they found out that the average Japanese and European home game user identify primarily three things in the games they play, in this order : 1) Story and Characters, 2) World presentation, 3) Game system.
For example, he (the producer) thought at the time (of "Seven"'s development) that rendering the gameplay mechanics more and more complex could alone make for an enjoyable game, when he found out that in fact, stressing the game system too much only lead to a dead-end.
Another example he brought up was about...the ramen restaurants : why is it that some ramen shop are radically more popular than some other despite serving basically the same thing - noodles in a soup : it's because customers are paying, not only for the good diner, but also for the "experience" provided by the restaurant.
Which is why, he concludes, as for the game system and mechanics, so the means used to entertain the user wouldn't be overdone, the question asked must be : "Which experience do you customer feel like getting ?", and the answer from the customer could be : "If I play this game, what kind of experience should I expect ?"

• Comparison brought up by Kawashima : "Resident Evil" = "frightening" ; "Fragile" = "oppressive"

• Kawashima thinks that it's essential than the creator reflects in his games the feelings he experienced himself, which is why they personally went out to take shots of existing locations (such as the Kawaji Dam, or the Tokyo Metropolitan Underground Discharge Channel), while observing the atmosphere, and listening to the environmental sounds. All of this seemed to have given a fairly high quality atmosphere to the game.

• The game should last around 30 hours. And because Kawashiwa considers that these 30 hours are most precious to the user, he wanted to make them the most meaningful possible.

• Kawashima's cherished theory is that, if the consumer demands to personally experience something interesting, then the game creator should create interesting games from these individual experiences "First is to provides varied experiences, the technology comes afterwards."

• Here is another thought from Kawashima : do the typical game user has a better response to the story of the superhuman which literaly makes the world revolve around him, or to the story of the average person which is confronted to occurrences he cannot control ? Well Kawashima himself, in addition to preferring the latter type, thinks that games haven't explored this type of plot enough. He calls this line of thought "From action games to reaction games".

• Fragile has actually been in development for around 2 years and became a fairly big project over time. "RPGs need a lot of money", he says. As expected, they intend to recoup these development costs with the game sales, and derived products. But the distribution and advertising won't be cheap either.

• At the start of the Fragile project, the game was supposed to be set in Winter (as opposed to the current game, which is set in Summer), and the main character was supposed to be a Treasure Hunter.

• A few elements survived the transition from the early project, such as the bonfires, the messages written on the walls, or the pointer/flashlight mechanics.

• The main programmer (Yasui) wasn't too hot on the battles as they were in the first prototype. He even proposed that the game would only consist of ruins exploration.

• Yasui worked hard with one other programmer to get the prototype version (the playable version which must allow the company to decide the fate of the project) up and running from the specification documents. So much that it was completed in about 4 months (he explains that his work on Baten Kaitos helped, as the Wii hardware is pretty close to the Gamecube), and the project could finally be greenlit.

• Seems like they had to change their art director at some point early, so Keiko Harada had the difficult task of inheriting her predecessor's work.

• A big work has been done on the sound flow, and the co-existence between the BGM and the environmental sounds.

• The project has been on schedule the whole time, so at the final development stage, they could actually afford to up the quality of the game significantly.

Also, be sure to check the pictures for what Seto originally looked like before his final design.

[Disgustipated]

Wow. What a gorgeous game.

[boratika]

After much investigations, they found out that the average Japanese and European home game user identify primarily three things in the games they play,Sounds like western localisation was always intended, which I'm very happy to hear :)


Also, that's some good design philosophy. Here's hoping this game pans out as good as it seems it will.

[Wraith]

This may have been in one of the Gamekyo links posted earlier, but this is new to GameTrailers (http://www.gametrailers.com/game/5779.html), at least:

43992

[JayVe]

This may have been in one of the Gamekyo links posted earlier, but this is new to GameTrailers (http://www.gametrailers.com/game/5779.html), at least:

43992

Everything I see or hear about this game makes me want it even more. :D

[Evil Avnovice]

One of the music tracks for Fragile, "Hikari", which is sung by Aoi Teshima, is available for your listening/ringtone pleasure. I found this at [donmanou]'s blog (http://www.gamekyo.com/blog_article217057.html) at Gamekyo.

[Variable Gear]

That's very cool. Thanks for the update, EvAv! :)

[Evil Avnovice]

That's very cool. Thanks for the update, EvAv! :)

As I've been out sick for the past week, I had to do quite a bit of digging for that one. Ugh, can't wait til' I hit the internet again. I already know that I'm going to be swamped at GoNintendo/Gamekyo....:eek:

[Purple Santa]

Very cool song Avnovice. It's nice to see you back again...told you you were missed.

[Spigot]

Now this is a game I'm excited to look forward to as one of my 6 games of 2009... assuming it hits NA shores.

[boratika]

Now this is a game I'm excited to look forward to as one of my 6 games of 2009... assuming it hits NA shores.

Other five?

[Spigot]

Other five?inFamous is the only other one that I've got carved in stone right now. If White Knight Chronicles or FFXIII make it over here this year, I'll definately grab them, but otherwise I haven't really pinned the other 3 down. Lots that I'm wanting to play, but not a lot that I want to buy... or that I can justify getting at the expense of one of the slots on my list :)

[Purple Santa]

Now this is a game I'm excited to look forward to as one of my 6 games of 2009... assuming it hits NA shores.

You don't think this will come to NA? Really? Or i'll soften that to say a possibility that it won't come here...Why?

[Spigot]

You don't think this will come to NA? Really? Or i'll soften that to say a possibility that it won't come here...Why?Paranoia .

[tombofsoldier]

I'm really not seeing what everyone else is here. As far as I can tell it's a game with clumsy controls and anime cutscenes. Can someone point out how I'm wrong?

[Spigot]

I'm really not seeing what everyone else is here. As far as I can tell it's a game with clumsy controls and anime cutscenes. Can someone point out how I'm wrong?You say that like it's a bad thing...

[Purple Santa]

Paranoia .
Paranoia will destroy ya :D
I'm really not seeing what everyone else is here. As far as I can tell it's a game with clumsy controls and anime cutscenes. Can someone point out how I'm wrong?

Well if it's a genre you usually entertain yourself with then I can see your point. However if it's not...it's like Spigot said...it just might not be your type of game :D

[Doctor Setebos]

I'm really not seeing what everyone else is here. As far as I can tell it's a game with clumsy controls and anime cutscenes. Can someone point out how I'm wrong?Odd thing to say when we have no idea how it controls yet. :confused:

[JayVe]

Odd thing to say when we have no idea how it controls yet. :confused:

Well, I'll come on board and state that the controls for combat, based on the videos, do not look great. The rest of the game seems excellent. I'm very curious to explore the Fragile world and try and find out what happened to the other inhabitants. It is atmospheric, moody, and has some cool flashlight gameplay ideas.

Can not wait. Hope it rocks.

[Evil Avnovice]

"Japanese Battle Montage" video. (Gametrailers (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/44289.html))

44289

[Purple Santa]

Combat does look a little clunky but the game looks really nice. I think with this type of game, I can live with clunky controls.

[JayVe]

Combat does look a little clunky but the game looks really nice. I think with this type of game, I can live with clunky controls.

Looks better than previous videos I'd seen. The environments look great. Can't wait to play myself. :D

[Spigot]

For some reason I had it in my head that this is a DS game and was blown away by the environments.

Then I double checked and realized it was a Wii game... but I'm still excited.

[Evil Avnovice]

"Japanese Musical" trailer. (Gametrailers (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/43993.html))

43993

Eight days left. http://www.mazeguy.net/happy/cloud9.gif

[Purple Santa]

I love the song in that video. Not that I understand a word what was being said...but extremely catchy. Let us know your impressions Avnovice. I've loved the look of this game, i'm hoping it ends up playing ok too.

[Evil Avnovice]

A new trailer (http://www.gamekyo.com/videoen14017_fragile-new-trailer.html) clocking in at almost 5 minutes. (Gamekyo)

Edit: Along with a youtube version. (Nintendo-Difference (http://www.nintendo-difference.com/news15810-un-trailer-pas-si-fragile.htm))

L0vJlGf92tY

[Purple Santa]

Who is the person we begin begging to to bring this game come to NA?

[boratika]

A new trailer (http://www.gamekyo.com/videoen14017_fragile-new-trailer.html) clocking in at almost 5 minutes. (Gamekyo)

Edit: Along with a youtube version. (Nintendo-Difference (http://www.nintendo-difference.com/news15810-un-trailer-pas-si-fragile.htm))

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f66/boratika/Terranigma-2.gif

That about sums my feelings.

[Evil Avnovice]

Who is the person we begin begging to to bring this game come to NA?

Namco Bandai or Tri-Crescendo is your best bet. I should have this near the end of the month from Play-Asia. ;)

[Evil Avnovice]

A few new images (http://www.gamekyo.com/newsen29731_fragile-new-pictures.html). (Gamekyo)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520090120_093549_1_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images1_4_29731.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520090120_093549_3_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images3_4_29731.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520090120_093549_4_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images4_4_29731.html)

[Evil Avnovice]

A few more new images (http://www.gamekyo.com/newsen29708_fragile-new-pics.html). (Gamekyo)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520090119_002447_0_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images0_4_29708.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520090119_002447_5_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images5_4_29708.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520090119_002447_1_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images1_4_29708.html)

Two more days left.

[Evil Avnovice]

A walkthrough from the game's intro, up until the first save point, in three youtube videos. (GoNintendo (http://gonintendo.com/?p=70033))

Part 1:

rr8YPJ5-vmg

Part 2:

y7kQeD3trmk

Part 3:

MkRxqC97NNw

[Evil Avnovice]

The latest trailer that I've already posted before (Post #65), some kind soul out there went and provided english subtitles for it. (GoNintendo (http://gonintendo.com/?p=70051))

p7HFO37RtwI

[Evil Avnovice]

Play-Asia just shipped my order, so I'm expecting this to be delivered at my doorstep next Tuesday. :D

[Urizen]

Negro, are you even learning Japanese?

[Evil Avnovice]

Pics of the pre-order CD, game disc, and instruction manual from Aurelie Despres's blog (http://www.gamekyo.com/blog_article218222.html) at Gamekyo.

http://www.gamekyo.com/images_1/a5f791e7cc1834d396ce1bb10f7160f620090122103503.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/media21486.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/images_1/462b85c0009e5e71e73d0d17abfc3c3020090122103503.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/media21487.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/images_1/ce2fd71ff044a268b97c6bf3f4bfb29420090122103504.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/media21488.html)

[Evil Avnovice]

Negro, are you even learning Japanese?

If you call Ubisoft's My Japanese Coach learning, depends.

[Gorvi]

If you call Ubisoft's My Japanese Coach learning, depends.
How's that working for you? I've been considering picking that up.

[Spigot]

I eagerly await impressions of this title. It is still one of the more intriguing games to come out this year.

[Evil Avnovice]

How's that working for you? I've been considering picking that up.

I've been learning basic words/phrases/sentences without a problem, but it's spotty with some of the pronounciations when the speaker says them for you, and I think Ubisoft could have worked more with the Kanji exercises, in particular, stroke order. Maybe work on the menu, to where you can back out at anytime instead of having to scroll all the way to the beginning or end of a lesson.

Other than that, I've been sticking with it. And I don't hit any other lessons until I feel I'm good with previous ones I've already covered.

[TheEvilNarwhale]

This game looks amazing. I might need to get a wii.

[Variable Gear]

Pics of the pre-order CD, game disc, and instruction manual from Aurelie Despres's blog (http://www.gamekyo.com/blog_article218222.html) at Gamekyo.
I'd love it if the pre-order CD came of the US, along with the game itself. :p

[Purple Santa]

If you call Ubisoft's My Japanese Coach learning, depends.
That's a cool idea. I should try that. I'm guessing it does help when you play games. Well those you import anyway ;)
I'd love it if the pre-order CD came of the US, along with the game itself. :p

Pre-order goodies...yessss...

[Evil Avnovice]

The game's been out in Japan for a few days, but I couldn't resist. (Gamekyo (http://www.gamekyo.com/newsen29898_fragile-new-pictures-spoil.html))

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520090126_235405_0_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images0_4_29898.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520090126_235406_2_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images2_4_29898.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520090126_235406_5_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images5_4_29898.html)

[Evil Avnovice]

You move your flashlight/camera with the wii-mote. Press C to crouch and again to stand up. The d-pad is used to access your menus. The A button allows you to attack ghosts. The type of weapon equipped determines what attack you can use (quick hits, slow but powerful, etc). The map, which is located on the lower left shows your location and save points in the area. The plus and minus buttons let you zoom in/out.

Progress feels like a series of small mini-quests. You'll find this item, head to this area, find this person/spirit. The wii-mote speaker is integral to the game, as it factors into finding someone, or is very useful to warn you ahead of time when ghosts are nearby and ready to attack. You can equip weapons that happen to be available, though their durability is limited. When it hits "0" you can only swing it once and the attack power is drastically reduced. Fragile is mostly exploration and a teesny bit of RPG, as you earn experience from defeated ghosts to gain levels.

Seto has an inventory similar to Leon's Attache Case in Resident Evil 4, where you can hold and rearrange your items. In addition to that, you can check your map, items you've picked up and discovered, and view Seto's status all within the menu screen. To save, you start a campfire, and you can also check your items before moving on.

The game looks beautiful, and the music is gorgeous. But I swear I've mentioned one of those things somewhere else. :p

[Purple Santa]

The game looks beautiful, and the music is gorgeous. But I swear I've mentioned one of those things somewhere else. :p
Maybe. Right here (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=4964&page=2)? :p

Love the initial impressions so far. I just hope I have the cash to buy this game when it comes out. I really don't want to rent this i'd rather own and give the money to the developers.

[Evil Avnovice]

Why did I bump this thread? :confused: (GoNintendo (http://gonintendo.com/?p=79991))

Appreciate the heads-up on Fragile, it’s a title that’s been requested many times before so we’re looking into it. To everyone that’s written in to us, we will expect everyone to get their pre-order in the week that we announce it if we should get lucky enough to work on such a great looking title. - Ken @ XSEED Games

[Wraith]

Why did I bump this thread? :confused: (GoNintendo (http://gonintendo.com/?p=79991))
Do want! (http://members.iinet.net.au/%7Enick_smith/Do%20want.jpg)

Most definitely.

[Gorvi]

Woohoo, there's hope! :)

Avnovice, did you ever play any more of your import copy?

[Evil Avnovice]

Woohoo, there's hope! :)

Avnovice, did you ever play any more of your import copy?

It currently sits neglected, as Rune Factory Frontier/Samurai Showdown Anthology currently take up a majority of my time.

But you know, if you keep pestering me about it, I may be forced to hook up my import Wii and fire it back up. God knows I want to whenever I entertain the thought. :o

[Gorvi]

It currently sits neglected, as Rune Factory Frontier/Samurai Showdown Anthology currently take up a majority of my time.

But you know, if you keep pestering me about it, I may be forced to hook up my import Wii and fire it back up. God knows I want to whenever I entertain the thought. :o
I may do that. :) I really don't know what the game is even about or how it plays, just that I love what I've seen of the art style and the music I've heard.

[Spigot]

Ah, XSeed... bringing us the games Atlus won't.

[Evil Avnovice]

Pre-orders are available for Fragile's soundtrack at Play-Asia (http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-na-49-en-70-3c6m.html), which is set to release on May 27, 2009.

[Evil Avnovice]

Fuel for the fire. (Cubed3 (http://www.cubed3.com/news/12325))

AR: Is it realistically possible that we will see either a Fragile sequel or prequel in the future? Or even a Nintendo DS edition of this version - would that be technically possible if some changes were made?

KK: All of these options are currently under consideration.

[Evil Avnovice]

While this no longer has any impact THANKS TO THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE WHO TOOK MY NEWS BEFORE I COULD POST IT!:p, Fragile has been picked up by XSEED for localization later this year. (IGN (http://wii.ign.com/articles/987/987312p1.html))

[Gorvi]

While this no longer has any impact THANKS TO THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE WHO TOOK MY NEWS BEFORE I COULD POST IT!:p, Fragile has been picked up by XSEED for localization later this year. (IGN (http://wii.ign.com/articles/987/987312p1.html))
That's what you get for leaving the internet for trivial things like "work" or "sleep". ;) :p

[Evil Avnovice]

That's what you get for leaving the internet for trivial things like "work" or "sleep". ;) :p

Even the WDF needs his beauty rest after a hard day's spamming/shilling thank you very much. :p

[Spigot]

And here I though we were about to have a civil war within the WDF!

Nuts.

[Evil Avnovice]

Careful. I roll in lethal crowds of zero.

[Evil Avnovice]

Four new images. (Gamekyo)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520090202_192551_2_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images0_4_31143.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520090202_192551_3_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images1_4_31143.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520090202_192551_4_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images2_4_31143.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520090202_192551_11_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images3_4_31143.html)

[Wraith]

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/61961520090202_192551_3_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images1_4_31143.html)Jellyfish-slime?

[Evil Avnovice]

Jellyfish-slime?

They're jellyfish-like creatures that appear in swarms. They attack by mostly rearing back and ramming you. Nothing a few whacks from your stick couldn't handle.

[Evil Avnovice]

To build upon my initial impressions:

I kept struggling with it, but you can access your inventory and use items with right on the d-pad, which I couldn't for the life of me figure out. :o

The speaker on the wii-mote can be used to detect when enemies are about to appear, and figures into at least one objective with one of the characters Seto encounters. He picks up at least two additional flashlights, one of which gives a larger search radius, the other that gives off a green light and allows you to reveal hidden text in certain areas that Seto couldn't see before. And that comes into play in an objective as soon as you get it.

Progress is linear, and Fragile is designed in that you'll never need to backtrack or wander, and there are some shortcuts and routes that will take you back to certain areas without fuss.

[Wraith]

New images posted on IGN (http://media.wii.ign.com/media/827/827212/imgs_1.html), though not much we haven't already seen from the JP version.

http://wiimedia.ign.com/wii/image/article/990/990477/e3-2009-fragile-farewell-ruins-of-the-moon-screens-20090603101252561_640w.jpg (http://wiimedia.ign.com/wii/image/article/990/990477/e3-2009-fragile-farewell-ruins-of-the-moon-screens-20090603101252561.jpg)
Click for full-size.

[Evil Avnovice]

XSEED Games Newsletter:

In FRAGILE: Farewell Ruins of the Moon, players will explore a dark and abandoned world with the aid of their Wii Remote that functions as a flashlight and also a proximity sensor to track invisible ghosts. The highly cinematic presentation coupled with an emotive soundtrack bring the narrative of a lonely and lost soul to life as players encounter memorable characters and discover the backstory behind scavenged items that provide insight on people's last days before the apocalypse.

Story

Seto is a young boy that is extremely special; he may be the last human being alive on the planet. In a post-apocalyptic world that's covered in fog and has lost its light, he searches abandoned cities tirelessly with a flashlight in hopes of finding other humans, any humans, any companion at all...

As Seto searches through these eerily calm and beautiful ruins of a civilization lost, he comes across a mysterious girl named Ren, who quickly scurries away from him despite possibly being the only other living human in the world. As he struggles to locate Ren and search for other survivors, he must fight off the ghosts and demons that haunt this forsaken land while also piecing together the mystery of what brought about the disappearance of all mankind.

Key Feature

-Emotional Story about Abandonment, Loneliness and Redemption - The game's focus is on human drama as a boy wanders a post-apocalyptic world in search of answers and companionship.

-Gorgeous Graphics and Lighting Effects - High production values bring the desolate but eerily beautiful world to life as the lighting reflects realistically off environments to show all the tragic details of a previously inhabited land.

-Moving Musical Score - A haunting and inspired soundtrack helps convey a full range of emotions such as utter despair to finding small victories even when it appears all is lost.

-Controls Optimized for the Wii Remote - The Wii Remote is used as a flashlight and to control the direction of movement, while also serving another function as a proximity sensor to track invisible ghosts.

[Spigot]

I forget, have they set a date or is it just early 2010?

[Evil Avnovice]

I forget, have they set a date or is it just early 2010?

From Gorvi's news post, XSEED was saying that they were trying to shoot for "Winter 2009".

[Evil Avnovice]

And speaking of which: (XSEED Games (http://www.xseedgames.com/news.php?id=63))

Torrance, Calif., (May 28, 2009) – XSEED Games today announced that they have secured the North American publishing rights to FRAGILE: Farewell Ruins of the Moon (Tentative Title), an emotional adventure like no other for Wii™. Released in Japan as “FRAGILE: Sayonara Tsuki no Haikyo” by NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. on January 22, 2009, the title was developed by the acclaimed studio tri-Crescendo and received Famitsu Silver Award upon release.

Seto is a young boy that is extremely special; he may be the last human being alive on the planet. In a post-apocalyptic world that’s covered in fog and lost its light, he searches abandoned cities tirelessly with a flashlight in hopes of finding other humans, any human.

As Seto searches through these eerily calm and beautiful ruins of a civilization lost, he comes across a mysterious girl named Ren, who quickly scurries away from him despite possibly being the only other living human in the world. As he struggles to be reunited with Ren and search for other survivors, he must fight off the ghosts and demons that haunt this forsaken land while also piecing together the mystery of what brought about the disappearance of all mankind.

"We are ecstatic to be able to finally confirm FRAGILE: Farewell Ruins of the Moon for gamers in North America," said Jun Iwasaki, President of XSEED Games. "We have received countless requests from eager gamers pleading with us to publish this title, and it gives us great joy to be able to give the public what tey want while being able to work on such a great game."

In FRAGILE: Farewell Ruins of the Moon, players will explore a dark and abandoned world with the aid of their Wii Remote™ that functions as a flashlight and as a proximity sensor to track invisible ghosts. The highly cinematic presentation coupled with an emotional soundtrack bring the narrative of a lonely and lost soul to life as players encounter memorable characters and discover the back story behind scavenged items that provide insight on people’s last days before the apocalypse.

XSEED Games partnered with NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. to secure the North American rights to publish and distribute FRAGILE: Farewell Ruins of the Moon. The title is developed by tri-Crescendo and will be available Winter 2009 exclusively for Wii.

[Spigot]

No... NOOOOO!

I hope that by Winter 2009 they mean early 2010...

[Evil Avnovice]

A BatteryAcid interview (http://leakybattery.wordpress.com/2009/06/06/fragile-questions-answered/).

BA: Fragile producer, Kentarou Kawashima, said that other titles in the Fragile series may come about in the future. Is bringing Fragile to North America a way to establish a fanbase here so that future iterations of the series can succeed in at least North America and Japan?

XSEED: We didn’t know anything about this when we first started discussing the title with them. Can’t speak on their behalf, but it’s possible that wanting to make it a series motivated them more to release it worldwide.

[Evil Avnovice]

Impressions from Joystiq (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/impressions-fragile-farewell-ruins-of-the-moon-wii/).

[Evil Avnovice]

This is heading to Europe/Austrailia, courtesy of Rising Star Games (http://www.risingstargames.com/games/fragile-wii.html). The page lists a "Spring 2010" release date.

[Hawkzombie]

Wow. This looks gorgeous, and actually seems like it'll have substance. Certainly a must have when it does come out.

[Troggles]

Hopefully it has more variety than Eternal Sonata. I didn't play that one, but I heard about it from a friend and it sounded very blah.

[boratika]

This is heading to Europe/Austrailia, courtesy of Rising Star Games (http://www.risingstargames.com/games/fragile-wii.html). The page lists a "Spring 2010" release date.

*glee*....

[Evil Avnovice]

A couple of images (http://www.nintendoeverything.com/?p=18834) from NintendoEverything.

http://www.nintendoeverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/fragile_s-2.jpg

http://www.nintendoeverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/fragile_s-6.jpg

http://www.nintendoeverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/fragile_s-1.jpg

http://www.nintendoeverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/fragile_s-3.jpg

[Thanasimos]

This looks so very pretty. It may well be the only video game I make time to play during the school year (other than TF2).

[Gorvi]

And that is how a great art style can overcome the limitations of the hardware.

[Wraith]

Nintendo Power Sheds Light On Fragile’s Exploration (http://www.siliconera.com/2009/06/28/nintendo-power-sheds-light-on-fragiles-exploration/) (Siliconera)

Has a link to this article preview image (http://www.nintendopower.com/images/NP244_Fragile.jpg) from Nintendo Power's website.

[Spigot]

Cool write-up. That said, I had to chuckle when they acted like post-apocalyptic Tokyo is a unique setting for a game. SMT says hello!

I can't wait to play this though. It just looks so darned pretty.

[Evil Avnovice]

The official press release from Rising Star Games. (NintendoEverything (http://www.nintendoeverything.com/?p=18917))

29th June 2009 – Rising Star Games is pleased to confirm securing the publishing rights for the much anticipated fantasy adventure title. Fragile: Farewell Ruins of the Moon developed by Tri Crescendo, the team responsible for Baten Kaitos and, more recently, Eternal Sonata exclusively for Wii™. Fragile is scheduled for a Q1 2010 release in the PAL territories.

“Fragile has a great team of creative designers who in turn have brought to life a beautiful art style that pushes the limits of the Wii console without compromising on gaming quality” stated Tyrone Walcott product manager at Rising Star Games. “This announcement will delight European gamers and the Otaku community. Rising Star Games has again shown its commitment to bring the best games from Japan.”

For members of Rising Star Games exclusive Hoshi Club, this information was released exclusively 72 hours earlier. “We’re incredibly excited about bringing Fragile to the PAL territories. There’s been a massive upsurge of interest for this title since being showcased in Famitsu (Japan)” explained Simon Alty, Rising Star Games’ Head of Brand. “The feedback from fans in our forums was that this was a title they wanted us to champion and we are very excited to respond to that ‘fan power’ with this announcement.”

Fragile takes place in the near future, in a world that has lost its population. You play as Seto, a young boy searching through the abandoned cities and facilities of this world, trying to learn the truth behind the disappearance of all the people, and to find someone to keep him company. In addition to exploration, Seto has to deal with ghosts who appear in the ruins.

Players will be able to explore a dark and abandoned world with the aid of their Wii Remote™ that functions as a flashlight and as a proximity sensor to hunt down invisible ghosts. The cinematic presentation, joined with an emotional soundtrack, bring the tale of a lonely and lost individual to life as players encounter memorable characters and discover the back story behind scavenged objects that provide insight on people’s last days before the apocalypse.

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new images. (NintendoEverything (http://www.nintendoeverything.com/?p=18931))

http://www.nintendoeverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/item_shop_keeper_bmp_jpgcopy.jpg

http://www.nintendoeverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/sai_with_seto_1_bmp_jpgcopy.jpg

http://www.nintendoeverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/station_psd_jpgcopy.jpg

http://www.nintendoeverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/hotel_front02.jpg

[Wraith]

Some new images. (NintendoEverything (http://www.nintendoeverything.com/?p=18931))Also available here ;): http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=9911

[Evil Avnovice]

Also available here ;): http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=9911

I've seen the news post already. :p

[Evil Avnovice]

North American boxart. (GoNintendo (http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=89232))

[Wraith]

Ah, that's the same as the JP boxart, right?

[Evil Avnovice]

Ah, that's the same as the JP boxart, right?

Yep. Other than it being in english instead of japanese. I still prefer the japanese boxart. :)

[Spigot]

Nice. Any word on a specific date yet?

[Wraith]

Fragile fanart:


http://e-shuushuu.net/image/144123/
http://e-shuushuu.net/image/161468/
http://e-shuushuu.net/image/137178/

[JayVe]

I've got a friend with a Japanese Wii. Thinking about ordering this as an import and playing through it at his place. How much Japanese do I need to know in order to appreciate the game. I know none, and can fumble my way through Tetsunoko vs Capcom... but that's about all.

Is Fragile confirmed for a US release?

[Spigot]

Given that Fragile is an actual RPG-type of game, I'd think that knowing Japanese would be a huge plus. Unless something has changed, it is hitting NA sometime early next year.

[JayVe]

Given that Fragile is an actual RPG-type of game, I'd think that knowing Japanese would be a huge plus. Unless something has changed, it is hitting NA sometime early next year.

Patience is a virtue.

So is knowing Japanese.

[Gorvi]

Yeah, it's looking like a January release from XSEED. I've been really impressed with their localizations, so this should be done well.

[Evil Avnovice]

Nintendo World Report (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/specialArt.cfm?artid=19928):

NWR: We'd like to talk a bit about some of the games that you're not showing here tonight. Can you tell us about the status of Arc Rise: Fantasia and Fragile, which you showed at E3?

KB: Fragile is going along smoothly. English voice-over recording has completed, and things are looking good in being able to keep the original Japanese voice-over recordings, something that we try with every single project. So that is looking like a 2010 release. Arc Rise: Fantasia, there's not too much to be said right now, but you'll hear something very soon; I can't disclose anything more at this moment.

[Evil Avnovice]

A few screens of the North American version from Joystiq (http://www.joystiq.com/photos/fragile-dreams-farewell-ruins-of-the-moon-wii/2427546/).

[Wraith]

A few screens of the North American version from Joystiq (http://www.joystiq.com/photos/fragile-dreams-farewell-ruins-of-the-moon-wii/2427546/).
So they're calling it "Fragile Dreams" now, with the same subtitle.

[Evil Avnovice]

So they're calling it "Fragile Dreams" now, with the same subtitle.

Correct. As seen by the latest press release. (GoNintendo (http://www.gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=103053))

[Evil Avnovice]

Fan art:

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx230/Avnovice/Miscellaneous/tumblr_ksngnaK8oO1qzp9weo1_1280.jpg

[Evil Avnovice]

European trailer. (GoNintendo (http://www.gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=107581))

[nixpayn]

am i missing something here? that looks like the most boring combat ever. character is chasing the mask thing around in circles hitting it with a flashlight...?

[Purple Santa]

am i missing something here? that looks like the most boring combat ever. character is chasing the mask thing around in circles hitting it with a flashlight...?

EA in earlier impressions stated it was more about the exploration and "liteRPG" elements. If i'm wrong on this EA...I apologize :). I don't think the game is about the combat since your weapon is a flashlight :p

I am pre-ordering this. March is an awful month due to way to many games out on top of the games in prior months that i'll be trying to catch up on. But i'm spending my dollars wisely. I want to support those games/developers that really need to show there are customers out there that want a particular type of game. Fragile is one. As Kelegacy would say...vote with your wallet. I am.

[boratika]

I love the placating disclaimer at the start: Original Japanese Voices Included

I for one am glad to hear it.

[Spigot]

EA in earlier impressions stated it was more about the exploration and "liteRPG" elements. If i'm wrong on this EA...I apologize :). I don't think the game is about the combat since your weapon is a flashlight :pI'm more than happy to just explore. I'm doing that in Silent Hill: SM and it's perfect. If I want to eviscerate something, I'll play GoW 3 or grind in FFXIII. Something different on the Wii, esp. with the nice style that Fragile is exhibiting, is right up my alley.

[Wraith]

Looks like the same trailer Avnovice posted, but may as well embed it anyway...Xseed, sorry, Rising Star Games released the first trailer of Fragile Dreams: Farewell, Ruins of the Moon with English voice acting.

f47e1c98

Don't want to hear Johnny Young Bosch [sic] again? Fragile Dreams: Farewell, Ruins of the Moon includes the original Japanese voice track. We haven't about Fragile Dreams directly from Xseed for awhile, but it looks like the Wii game will be ready by March. Nintendo's release calendar gets more specific and pegs it for March 16, a day before Build a Bear Workshop: Friendship Valley.This Is Fragile Dreams: Farewell, Ruins Of The Moon In English (http://www.siliconera.com/2009/12/16/this-is-fragile-dreams-farewell-ruins-of-the-moon-in-english/) (Siliconera)

[Wraith]

ESRB description, includes a couple spoilers: Siliconera (http://www.siliconera.com/2010/01/06/fragile-dreams-farewell-ruins-of-the-moon-as-spoiled-by-the-esrb/).

I read them anyway. Nothing that's going to ruin the game for me, though...

[Spigot]

So is this still set for March 16? Damn it, I have about 5 things coming my way between late Feb and early March. Grr...

[Purple Santa]

I'm more than happy to just explore. I'm doing that in Silent Hill: SM and it's perfect. If I want to eviscerate something, I'll play GoW 3 or grind in FFXIII. Something different on the Wii, esp. with the nice style that Fragile is exhibiting, is right up my alley.
Well there was never any doubt you were a fan of this game :p
So is this still set for March 16? Damn it, I have about 5 things coming my way between late Feb and early March. Grr...
I think i'm buying more games in the first three months than I did over the last two years. This is already a killer year for me and it's only January.

[Evil Avnovice]

XSEED is looking into the possibility of a pre-order bonus: (Battery Acid (http://leakybattery.wordpress.com/2010/01/09/more-in-store-from-xseed/))

I once again contact XSEED to get info on pre-order bonuses related to their upcoming games and what’s in store for the rest of the year.

“In terms of pre-order bonuses, do you know about the Lunar Collectors Edition? Or how about the exclusive Ragnarok Online accessories for your online avatar by pre-ordering Ragnarok DS at participating retailers? We are also currently looking into a pre-order bonus for Fragile Dreams as well.”

[Evil Avnovice]

Fragile comes with a GameStop (http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=75588) pre-order bonus.

[Wraith]

Preordered.

[Wraith]

Joystiq hands-on (http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/hands-on-fragile-dreams-farewell-ruins-of-the-moon/).

Siliconera (http://www.siliconera.com/2010/02/12/fragile-dreams-farewell-ruins-of-the-moon-hello-north-american-bonus-features/) has some info on the soundtrack, and changes in the North American version of the game.Reserve Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon at Gamestop and you’ll get a Moonlight Tracks CD as a gift. Moonlight Tracks is a selection of twelve songs from Fragile Dreams which includes the opening and ending Japanese theme songs.

Xseed also announced new features made for the North American release. Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon has newly recorded English voiceovers plus the original Japanese language track. You get to choose. Players can also watch cutscenes, flip through concept art, and see the original Japanese trailers in “extras” mode. This option wasn’t in the Japanese version and can be unlocked by beating the game.

Your patience pays off in March, that’s when Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon comes out in North America.Also, looks like different cover art than we saw before? Someone in the comments section mentions "reversible covers." Didn't remember hearing about that. But if this is the outside cover, and they have the Japanese art on the reverse, that sounds like a nice compromise. The new cover looks pretty good, too.

(Images below Flickr-limited to 1024px. Siliconera has the full-res versions, if you hit the link above.)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4351678561_bb35a02b59_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4352425260_5e6ea44a31_b.jpg

[Spigot]

Crap. I keep forgetting that this is out in March too. Damn it, March is the new November... worse, actually, because I didn't have nearly this many games on my plate!

[Evil Avnovice]

Press release about the pre-order bonus from XSEED's Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/notes/xseed-games/xseed-games-announces-pre-order-bonus-for-fragile-dreams-farewell-ruins-of-the-m/303087477051) page.

[Wraith]

Press release about the pre-order bonus from XSEED's Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/notes/xseed-games/xseed-games-announces-pre-order-bonus-for-fragile-dreams-farewell-ruins-of-the-m/303087477051) page.Ah, there's the relevant bit about the reversible cover:As an added bonus, FRAGILE DREAMS: FAREWELL RUINS OF THE MOON will also feature a dual-sided box front, with the original Japanese box front on the reverse side.

[Evil Avnovice]

From Rising Star Games' Twitter (http://twitter.com/risingstargames) page, the release date for Europe will be March 19, 2010 (http://twi.to/XIc).

[JayVe]

Man oh man! I'm a big fan of the box art, which is something I didn't expect. Typically, US gets really crappy box art.

[Spigot]

Dear March,

Stop raping my wallet with all of your awesome games.

Thanks.

[Doctor Setebos]

Dear March,

Stop raping my wallet with all of your awesome games.

Thanks.For you. :D

http://setebos.fathomthat.org/images/random/march_wallet.png

[Purple Santa]

Great pic. I laughed out loud and almost had to explain what I was laughing about to my supervisor.

[Wraith]

Fragile Dreams Preview (http://www.destructoid.com/preview-fragile-dreams-164563.phtml) (Destructoid)

[Evil Avnovice]

Q & A with Director/Creative Producer, Kentaro Kawashima. (Examiner (http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-13269-Gaming-Lifestyle-Examiner~y2010m3d2-QA-with-Fragile-Dreams-Kentaro-Kawashima))

[Evil Avnovice]

Austrailia's release date is March 25, 2010. (Aussie-Nintendo (http://aussie-nintendo.com/news/21744/))

[Urizen]

For you. :D

http://setebos.fathomthat.org/images/random/march_wallet.png

I'm not really well-versed in rape, but is it normal to have a hand in the air like that?

[Doctor Setebos]

I'm not really well-versed in rape, but is it normal to have a hand in the air like that?That's just how the month of March rolls, yo.

[Spigot]

Well, it looks like I might get to sink some time into this over the weekend. The in-laws have a Wii so I'll take this along for those rare moments I might get a chance to play something. I like what little I've played already and just wish it hadn't come out during what was probably the busiest month of releases for me since Sept or so.

[Spigot]

So... Is anyone else playing this?

I've spent the last few nights working on it and it's heartbreaking. It's like they made a game of Grave Of The Fireflies. Every time I think I have a glimmer of hope, it's crushed by the cruel boot of fate.

I'm not sure how long the game is but I'd be happy if it hit somewhere in the 15-20 hour mark. I don't know if I could handle more than that.

[danhoo]

So... Is anyone else playing this?

I've spent the last few nights working on it and it's heartbreaking. It's like they made a game of Grave Of The Fireflies. Every time I think I have a glimmer of hope, it's crushed by the cruel boot of fate.

I'm not sure how long the game is but I'd be happy if it hit somewhere in the 15-20 hour mark. I don't know if I could handle more than that.

Ugg, a video game version of Grave of the Fireflies would make me want to jump out a window of a tall building by the end.

EDIT: So how does this game play, really? I'm still trying to determine if it's an action-survival-horror game + light RPG elements, or something else entirely.

[Spigot]

Ugg, a video game version of Grave of the Fireflies would make me want to jump out a window of a tall building by the end.

EDIT: So how does this game play, really? I'm still trying to determine if it's an action-survival-horror game + light RPG elements, or something else entirely.That is basically what it has boiled down to so far. It's a lot of exploration with light puzzle solving elements and some levelling up. Most of that is basically reflected in stronger attacks and more HP.


The sense of desolation and isolation is what really pervades the game. Sure, there are monsters/ghosts but they're almost as cute and playful as they are creepy. I don't know if I'd call it survival horror though it is creepy, but in an almost cute way. Think of it as chibi-Silent Hill :) It does use the wiimote as a flashlight very well... in fact, the game does remind me a lot of Shattered Memories but with a few differences in the gameplay and a less bloody/violent tone, though the sense of sadness is just as strong.

[Tayaya]

You just sold me on this, Spiggy. Not sure when I'll buy it, but I was interested in it when it came out in Japan, and then forgot all about it, thinking it would never come here.

I don't know why I like sad/lonely/depressing games. I shouldn't, as I am not exactly mr sunshine and rainbows myself (unicorns maybe, and puppies, but not sunshine and rainbows), but I do tend to get absorbed into them more than any other type of game. Survival Horror is one of my favorite genres, and Heavy Rain touched a few nerves with its narrative as well.

[Spigot]

I really want to do a TTS on this but unlike many of the games I write-up, I want to do my best to finish this off before I write it up.

It has had a few different changes in tone that sort of swing back and forth from goofy anime trope to silent hill-esque desolation and back again. I'm sort of stuck in a place right now where I have to do something that the game has given me no real context for prior to this place and I'm not sure if I'm frustrated by the change or was just tired last night when I tried it. I have no idea where the story is going which is one of the big draws for me. It's kind of like I felt about The World Ends With You... give me something that I can't see the inevitable narrative arc and I'll be your biggest fan :)

[Tayaya]

I really want to do a TTS on this but unlike many of the games I write-up, I want to do my best to finish this off before I write it up.

Not gonna pull a Yakuza again? :p

[Spigot]

Not gonna pull a Yakuza again? :pI could except that I'd probably end up spoiling myself if I did my usual cheat. I have played enough of Fragile that I could do a write-up on it, much like how I'd played a good chunk of Yakuza when I wrote it up. The thing is, Fragile is kind of at a place right now where it could either continue to be amazing or it could devolve into something disappointing... and I have no idea which way it could go. Don't get me wrong... I think that even if it disappoints it will still be good. It just won't be AS good.