Fragile Dreams is the best game I've ever played that feels like an interactive anime film.
It's also the only game I've ever played that feels like an interactive anime, but if you've been reading any of my more recent reviews, you were probably expecting this. Though filled with flaws, the positives were still enough that I was quite satisfied with the game, despite feeling it could have been done better.
Positives:
-The world you are given to explore is beautiful, and a joy to explore.
-The idea of running around shining your flashlight with the controller works very well.
-The characters - if a little hit and miss at times - are generally well written and getting to know them and their story is handled nicely, with some beautiful and also sad moments.
-Great audio all round, between voice, effects and music.
Negatives:
-Combat! No lock on button, strafing is hard, weapons break constantly, enemies are hard to hit... there's not very much to like about the combat, but thankfully that is not the focus of the game.
-It all feels very anime at times - not that this is a bad thing, but if anyone is turned off by anime (and I know people who are!) then this just won't be very enjoyable.
-Gets tedious at times; some of the quests have you backtracking and running around looking for things for ages.
-Sometimes gets a bit directionless and leaves one wondering where to go/what to do next.
It's hard to recommend this game to everyone because I am sure there are some out there who will dislike it immensely. However, if you can stomach some very anime moments, some clumsily implemented combat and think that exploring the beautifully realized ruins of a world much like the world of today is a tempting offer, it's most worth checking out.
If not, know that you're missing out on a fairly unique gaming experience which, despite some glaring flaws, proved to be quite enjoyable.
4 comments:
I've really been enjoying your reviews of commercial-but-not-overly-mainstream games that are often overlooked by larger game sites.
Thanks!
Thanks Nick!
Semi obscure games are often the ones that I find the most interesting to play, because they're often very creative. I still play some bigger title games as well, but do prefer the quirkier games that seemed to get less attention than the huge selling titles.
Also, cool to see another Western Australian around these parts! :)
If you get a chance, you should try Maken Shao (PS2). It's the best worst game I've ever played.
Dodgy animations, and infuriating platforming and combat, balanced by a strangely involved branching story.
Ahh, if I had a PS2 then I would most surely see if I could find a cheap copy just to try it!
Sadly I haven't yet bought a PS of any sort... behind the times I know. If/when that time comes, I'll see if I can find it and give it a whirl. Interesting to hear of other games with frustrating gameplay but story that makes up for it.
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