Fragile: Sayonara Tsuki no Haikyo
Encyclopedia
is a role-playing
video game for the Wii
developed by Namco Bandai Games
in co-operation with Tri-Crescendo
. The game was released by Namco Bandai Games in Japan on January 22, 2009. It was later published by Xseed Games
in North America on March 16, 2010, and in Europe by Rising Star Games
on March 19, 2010.
s that lurk within the ruins of the abandoned cities. Despite this, the producer of the game insists that Fragile Dreams is not a survival horror, rather it will focus on "human drama".
The world of Fragile Dreams will be filled with objects, sketches and short stories for the player to examine. Each artifact holds the memories of its former owner, and offers back story and hints to the player. A competition was held where readers of gaming magazines sent in their own sketches and short stories for inclusion in the game.
The Wii Remote
is used as an aid in exploration. Seto has access to a flashlight
, controlled by the Wii Remote, to illuminate his surroundings as well to solve puzzles and interact with the environment. The flashlight can also uncover hidden enemies which can be detected by pointing the flashlight in their direction and their sounds are picked up through the mini speaker.
Seto is moved with the Wii Nunchuck. Tilting slowly will make him creep around (this is normally used to avoid falling in heavily damaged floors). Pressing the C button on the nunchuck will make him crouch. Crouching helps him crawl into tight spaces and move across somewhat damaged floors.
Looking around, the player will need to press the B button sometimes to go into first person, while pressing A while doing so will zoom in on where the character is looking.
Some of the objects the player finds can be used as weapons.
near future Earth. Almost all the world's population has vanished, and the cities have been left abandoned. The game drops the player in the worn shoes of Seto, a young boy. In the game's opening, Seto narrates how his "grandfather," an old man that he lived with, died at the end of the summer. He buries his grandfather in a small hole in front of their house, and from that moment on he became truly alone. Seto decided to set out in search for other survivors in the ruins of Tokyo, marking the beginning of the game's events.
that was responsible for the PlayStation 2
titles Venus & Braves
and Seven. Director and producer Kentarō Kawashima came up with the concept for the game in 2003, before the Wii console was revealed. When the Wii was unveiled, it became the obvious choice as the game's platform as the Wii remote could be used to control the flashlight. Kawashima wrote the main scenario for the title, with the rest of the events being handled by sub-scenario writer Gingitsune. Additionally, Fragile Dreams includes 22 short stories
conceived by 19 different writers, some of which were fans of the game. The sound of the title was carefully designed to coincide with the game's environments. The game's music, composed by Riei Saitō, was built around the game's ruined atmosphere. The theme song and ending theme, and respectively, were performed by Aoi Teshima
.
In an interview with IGN
concerning the English localization of the game, Xseed stated that they will attempt to give players a dual-language option in addition to new content for the North American release. Fragile Dreams did indeed contain both dubs. Actual game content will not be changed, as Xseed aims to "keep the original creator’s vision intact as much as possible."
On Metacritic
the game currently has a score of 67%, based on 41 reviews. The substantial amount of criticism came from the game's gameplay, with many reviews stating the game had style over substance. Matt Casamassina from IGN awarded the game a score of 6.7 out of 10, stating "Fragile Dreams is a great example of a spectacular concept whose execution could have used a little more thought and time." Eurogamer
echoed IGN's sentiments, noting "Fragile Dreams fails to match its ambition with its systems and imagination." Japanese Magazine Famitsu
awarded the game a score of 31 out of 40.
GameZone's Michael Lafferty gave the game a much more positive write up, stating "While the story is intriguing, what really brings this game home are the beautiful graphics and amazing audio. The emotional elements – like a haunting loneliness that pervades the world, the despair resonating in the voices of the characters – are clearly in place and Fragile Dreams' development team, Tri-Crescendo, has found the right mix for a game that is truly a wonderful experience." Adding, "Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon is a game that goes beyond genre descriptions, creating an experience that is remarkable." Dylan Snyder of Gamer Limit agreed, awarding the game a score of 9 out of 10.
Bitmob writer Jasmine Rea called the game an "experience rather than a game" and cited that it had an emotional impact similar to that of Isao Takahata's adaptation of Akiyuki Nosaka's novel Grave of the Fireflies
.
Role-playing video game
Role-playing video games are a video game genre with origins in pen-and-paper role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons, using much of the same terminology, settings and game mechanics. The player in RPGs controls one character, or several adventuring party members, fulfilling one or many quests...
video game for the Wii
Wii
The Wii is a home video game console released by Nintendo on November 19, 2006. As a seventh-generation console, the Wii primarily competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3. Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of the two others...
developed by Namco Bandai Games
Namco Bandai Games
is an arcade, mobile and home video game developer and publisher based in Japan which is the product of a merger between the video game development divisions of Bandai and Namco. Namco Bandai Games is a wholly owned subsidiary of Namco Bandai Holdings and specializes in production and sales of...
in co-operation with Tri-Crescendo
Tri-Crescendo
Tri-Crescendo is a video game developer from Japan. It was founded in February 1999 by Hiroya Hatsushiba, who still runs the company. Hatsushiba, originally being a sound programmer, carried his experience into Tri-Crescendo; the company was initially responsible for the sound in all games by...
. The game was released by Namco Bandai Games in Japan on January 22, 2009. It was later published by Xseed Games
XSEED Games
XSEED redirects here. For the proposed supertall structure see X-Seed 4000.Xseed Games is a video game publisher and distributor founded by former members of Square Enix USA. Their goal is to bring high-quality interactive entertainment to the North American market...
in North America on March 16, 2010, and in Europe by Rising Star Games
Rising Star Games
Rising Star Games is a video games publisher formed as a joint business venture between Scandinavian distributor Bergsala and Japanese video game publisher and content developer Intergrow....
on March 19, 2010.
Gameplay
The player character, Seto, wanders the world, searching for survivors and the answers behind the disappearance of everyone else, most of humanity itself. Seto also searches for a mysterious girl named "Ren." In his quest he must deal with ghostGhost
In traditional belief and fiction, a ghost is the soul or spirit of a deceased person or animal that can appear, in visible form or other manifestation, to the living. Descriptions of the apparition of ghosts vary widely from an invisible presence to translucent or barely visible wispy shapes, to...
s that lurk within the ruins of the abandoned cities. Despite this, the producer of the game insists that Fragile Dreams is not a survival horror, rather it will focus on "human drama".
The world of Fragile Dreams will be filled with objects, sketches and short stories for the player to examine. Each artifact holds the memories of its former owner, and offers back story and hints to the player. A competition was held where readers of gaming magazines sent in their own sketches and short stories for inclusion in the game.
The Wii Remote
Wii Remote
The , also known as the Wiimote, is the primary controller for Nintendo's Wii console. A main feature of the Wii Remote is its motion sensing capability, which allows the user to interact with and manipulate items on screen via gesture recognition and pointing through the use of accelerometer and...
is used as an aid in exploration. Seto has access to a flashlight
Flashlight
A flashlight is a hand-held electric-powered light source. Usually the light source is a small incandescent lightbulb or light-emitting diode...
, controlled by the Wii Remote, to illuminate his surroundings as well to solve puzzles and interact with the environment. The flashlight can also uncover hidden enemies which can be detected by pointing the flashlight in their direction and their sounds are picked up through the mini speaker.
Seto is moved with the Wii Nunchuck. Tilting slowly will make him creep around (this is normally used to avoid falling in heavily damaged floors). Pressing the C button on the nunchuck will make him crouch. Crouching helps him crawl into tight spaces and move across somewhat damaged floors.
Looking around, the player will need to press the B button sometimes to go into first person, while pressing A while doing so will zoom in on where the character is looking.
Some of the objects the player finds can be used as weapons.
Plot
Fragile Dreams is set in a post-apocalypticApocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction
Apocalyptic fiction is a sub-genre of science fiction that is concerned with the end of civilization due to a potentially existential catastrophe such as nuclear warfare, pandemic, extraterrestrial attack, impact event, cybernetic revolt, technological singularity, dysgenics, supernatural...
near future Earth. Almost all the world's population has vanished, and the cities have been left abandoned. The game drops the player in the worn shoes of Seto, a young boy. In the game's opening, Seto narrates how his "grandfather," an old man that he lived with, died at the end of the summer. He buries his grandfather in a small hole in front of their house, and from that moment on he became truly alone. Seto decided to set out in search for other survivors in the ruins of Tokyo, marking the beginning of the game's events.
Characters
- Seto: A fifteen-year-old boy. After the old man he lives with passes away, Seto travels alone searching for survivors like himself somewhere in the world, with his only clue being in the letter the old man left him. In the English version, he is voiced by Johnny Yong BoschJohnny Yong BoschJohnny Yong Bosch is an American actor, voice actor, martial artist, and musician.He may be best known for portraying Adam Park in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and being the English voice of Ichigo Kurosaki in the hit anime series Bleach, Vash the Stampede in Trigun and Lelouch Lamperouge in Code...
. In the Japanese version, he is voiced by Hoko Kuwashima. - Ren: A silver-haired girl whom Seto first encounters sitting on a lurching steel frame, singing beneath the moonlight. Walking in the ruins, playfully drawing large, cryptic drawings, looking for treasure, meeting with cats, Ren dreams of meeting another human. In the English version, she is voiced by Danielle JudovitsDanielle JudovitsDanielle Judovits is an American voice actress, who has also been credited as Danielle Judovitz and Danielle Judouits.-Career:...
. In the Japanese version, she is voiced by Miku Yoshikawa. - Sai: The bodiless consciousness of an young woman wandering the ruins. Despite her friendly acquaintanceship (and soon friendship) with Seto, she has a connection to what brought about humanity's demise. In the English version, she is voiced by Karen StrassmanKaren StrassmanKaren Strassman is an American voice actress and actress who is most known for her television and film appearances as well as voice acting. She voices many characters in many video games, animated series and anime series, including Zhalia Moon in Huntik: Secrets & Seekers, Fantine in IGPX, Kallen...
. In the Japanese version, she is voiced by Ryo HirohashiRyo Hirohashiis a Japanese voice actress represented by a talent agency Aoni Production. She originates from Nagaoka, Niigata and is a graduate of Ryukoku University...
. - Crow: An amnesiaAmnesiaAmnesia is a condition in which one's memory is lost. The causes of amnesia have traditionally been divided into categories. Memory appears to be stored in several parts of the limbic system of the brain, and any condition that interferes with the function of this system can cause amnesia...
c boy. He refuses to despair, remaining cheerful, mischievous and straightforward. In order to find his birthplace, he relys on only a single photo. Though he and Seto go on a rocky start, they soon become friends. He is voiced by Steve StaleySteve StaleySteve Staley is a voice actor who is also known as Steve Cannon. He is represented by Arlene Thornton & Associates.When he is not working in the booth, he teaches a voice acting class at Kalmenson & Kalmenson in Burbank, California....
in the English version and by Mie SonozakiMie Sonozakiis a Japanese voice actress and singer represented by Remax.-Television animation:* Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto * Beyblade 2002 * Bleach * Burst Angel * Comic Party...
in the Japanese version. - Personal Frame (P.F.): A portable computer that Seto carries on his back and helps guide him. Having been alone for a long time, waiting for someone to come, she was happy when Seto suddenly showed up. She loves having conversations more than anything else, and has a duty to serve Seto to her fullest. The English voice is provided by Heather HalleyHeather HalleyHeather Halley is an American actress and voice actress. She is best known as the English voice of Para-Medic in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. She also reprises her role as Para-Medic in Metal Gear Portable Ops. In the "Tales" series, she performs the role of Chloe Valens from Tales of Legendia....
. in the Japanese audio, she is voiced by Umeka ShōjiUmeka Shōjiis a Japanesevoice actress from Kanagawa Prefecture. She is affiliated with the studio Aoni Production and has starred in a number of voice-over roles for various anime, video games, and television shows since beginning her career in 2005.-Anime:...
. - Chiyo: The bodiless consciousness of an old woman. She resides in an old hotel where Seto encounters Sai and refuses them entry to pass. She sets Seto out on a pointless scavenger hunt only to prove Seto truly trusted her selfish demands. She is voiced by Laura BaileyLaura Bailey (voice actress)Laura Dawn Bailey is an American actress, voice actress, Singer, Line Producer and ADR Director. She has provided voices for a number of English language versions of Japanese anime films, television series, as well as video games...
in the English version and Chiwa SaitōChiwa Saitois a Japanese voice actress employed by I'm Enterprise.Saitō is one half of the voice acting duo "coopee", along with Natsuko Kuwatani. In the "Divine Design" arc of the Getbackers drama CDs, she voices a character who battles the character voiced by Kuwatani. She is a member of the voice acting...
in the Japanese version. - The Merchant: A mysterious man who trades in various goods. Always merry, he collects lots of sparkling things to bring back to his sleeping princess. He is voiced by Dave WittenbergDave WittenbergDavid Richard Paul "Dave" Wittenberg is a prolific South African-born American video game and anime voice actor with nearly one hundred titles to his credit. While Wittenberg was born in a hospital in South Africa, he was primarily raised in Boston...
in the English version and Tomohisa AsōTomohisa Asois a male Japanese voice actor from Kanagawa Prefecture affiliated with Aoni Production. His real name is . He is best known for his role of Peppy Hare in the Star Fox series.- Anime :* BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad...
in the Japanese version. - Shin: The antagonist, he is the AI version of a "genius scientist" whose brilliance has earned him envy from his colleagues. He considers speech to be an inferior means of communication, and intends to wipe out the last remnants of humanity (Seto included) by means of a "project". He is voiced by Sam RiegelSam RiegelSamuel Brent Oscar "Sam" Riegel is a voice actor, writer and director who appears in many television cartoons, anime, and video games. He began as a child actor in theater in Virginia, and moved to New York City to perform in Broadway and off-Broadway shows...
in the English version and Toshio FurukawaToshio Furukawais a Japanese voice actor affiliated with Aoni Production and is married to fellow voice actress Shino Kakinuma. His height is 164cm. Hobbies are Fishing, diorama, reading and movies.In July 2011, Furukawa appeared at Anime Expo as a guest.-Career/Personal:...
in the Japanese version.
Development
Fragile Dreams was developed by the team at Namco Bandai GamesNamco Bandai Games
is an arcade, mobile and home video game developer and publisher based in Japan which is the product of a merger between the video game development divisions of Bandai and Namco. Namco Bandai Games is a wholly owned subsidiary of Namco Bandai Holdings and specializes in production and sales of...
that was responsible for the PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
titles Venus & Braves
Venus & Braves
Venus & Braves: Majo to Megami to Horobi no Yogen is a tactical role-playing game developed by Namco for the PlayStation 2. A pseudo-sequel to the 2-dimensional RPG Seven: Cavalry Troop of Molmorth, it takes place in the same fantasy world...
and Seven. Director and producer Kentarō Kawashima came up with the concept for the game in 2003, before the Wii console was revealed. When the Wii was unveiled, it became the obvious choice as the game's platform as the Wii remote could be used to control the flashlight. Kawashima wrote the main scenario for the title, with the rest of the events being handled by sub-scenario writer Gingitsune. Additionally, Fragile Dreams includes 22 short stories
Short Stories
Short Stories may refer to:*A plural for Short story*Short Stories , an American pulp magazine published from 1890-1959*Short Stories, a 1954 collection by O. E...
conceived by 19 different writers, some of which were fans of the game. The sound of the title was carefully designed to coincide with the game's environments. The game's music, composed by Riei Saitō, was built around the game's ruined atmosphere. The theme song and ending theme, and respectively, were performed by Aoi Teshima
Aoi Teshima
is a Japanese singer and voice actor.-Career:While Aoi Teshima went to C&S music academy in Fukuoka, she began a music career as an amateur in 2003...
.
In an interview with IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
concerning the English localization of the game, Xseed stated that they will attempt to give players a dual-language option in addition to new content for the North American release. Fragile Dreams did indeed contain both dubs. Actual game content will not be changed, as Xseed aims to "keep the original creator’s vision intact as much as possible."
Reception
Fragile Dreams sold 26,055 copies during its week of release in Japan, making it the 2nd best-selling game of the week.On Metacritic
Metacritic
Metacritic.com is a website that collates reviews of music albums, games, movies, TV shows and DVDs. For each product, a numerical score from each review is obtained and the total is averaged. An excerpt of each review is provided along with a hyperlink to the source. Three colour codes of Green,...
the game currently has a score of 67%, based on 41 reviews. The substantial amount of criticism came from the game's gameplay, with many reviews stating the game had style over substance. Matt Casamassina from IGN awarded the game a score of 6.7 out of 10, stating "Fragile Dreams is a great example of a spectacular concept whose execution could have used a little more thought and time." Eurogamer
Eurogamer
Eurogamer is a Brighton-based website focused on video games news, reviews, previews and interviews. It is operated by Eurogamer Network Ltd., which was formed in 1999 by brothers Rupert and Nick Loman. Eurogamer has grown to become one of the most important European-based websites focused on...
echoed IGN's sentiments, noting "Fragile Dreams fails to match its ambition with its systems and imagination." Japanese Magazine Famitsu
Famitsu
is a line of Japanese video game magazines published by Enterbrain, Inc. and Tokuma. Currently, there are five Famitsū magazines: Shūkan Famitsū, Famitsū PS3 + PSP, Famitsū Xbox 360, Famitsū Wii+DS, and Famitsū Wave DVD...
awarded the game a score of 31 out of 40.
GameZone's Michael Lafferty gave the game a much more positive write up, stating "While the story is intriguing, what really brings this game home are the beautiful graphics and amazing audio. The emotional elements – like a haunting loneliness that pervades the world, the despair resonating in the voices of the characters – are clearly in place and Fragile Dreams' development team, Tri-Crescendo, has found the right mix for a game that is truly a wonderful experience." Adding, "Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon is a game that goes beyond genre descriptions, creating an experience that is remarkable." Dylan Snyder of Gamer Limit agreed, awarding the game a score of 9 out of 10.
Bitmob writer Jasmine Rea called the game an "experience rather than a game" and cited that it had an emotional impact similar to that of Isao Takahata's adaptation of Akiyuki Nosaka's novel Grave of the Fireflies
Grave of the Fireflies
is a 1988 Japanese animated war tragedy film written and directed by Isao Takahata. This is the first film produced by Shinchosha, who hired Studio Ghibli to do the animation production work...
.