E3 09: XSEED shows off more of Fragile

Fragile: Sayonara Tsuki no Haikyo was easily one of my most wanted games the moment screens and info started to pop up for it last year. After Dale got time for a hands on at last year’s Tokyo Game Show, I wanted the game worse than ever, but since it was released in Japan in January there wasn’t much indication that it would get a US release. I was hopeful, but as the months passed I began to think I would never play the game in English.

The day I landed in Los Angeles for E3, the news hit that XSEED had announced Fragile for US release, and to say I was absolutely ecstatic would be a deep understatement. Called Fragile: Farewell Ruins of the Moon here, the game is the ultimate example of how an experienced Wii developer has no excuse when it comes to producing high quality visuals on the console. We sat down with XSEED on the last day of E3 to spend some time with the game and see what’s in store when it comes our way this winter.

From the first moment the screen appears on to the last moment of the demo, everything about Fragile is enchanting. In the part of the game we walked through, we were introduced to Juto, the main character. He is exploring what looked to be a deserted amusement park when he comes across a mysterious, feisty-looking boy who proceeds to taunt him about being human (the boy says “Humans arent from around here”).

By holding the Wiimote in my right hand and the nunchuk in my left, I was able to easily control Juto. The Wiimote acts as a flashlight, while you use the analog stick of the nunchuk to control movement. While the first moments of Fragile I saw did a good job of communicating the isolation of the world it takes place in, you will sometimes encounter enemies. You will start out with a tree branch as a weapon, but will later be able to find other types of things you can defend yourself with.

After a few moments with the mysterious boy, he steals your necklace, which is a precious gift from your grandfather. While he doesn’t seem to be deeply malicious, he still makes off with it, and if you want your talisman back, you’ll need to go after him. Damn these impish types!

Green fireflies will highlight things that you should pay attention to as you progress through the story, but add an organic touch to the atmophere. Speaking of story, XSEED let us know that Fragile will feature action, but puts more emphasis on crafting a rich, absorbing story that will deeply immerse the player. 

Any fan of game soundtracks will be instantly drawn to Fragile‘s hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, which I’ve had in heavy rotation in my Zune for several months now. XSEED also mentioned that there was some possibility that the Japanese songs would be rerecorded in English for the US release. Personally, I would be perfectly happy if they were left exactly as they are, but considering that a game this unusual is coming to the US in the first place, I won’t complain.

We can look forward to an early 2010 release, either in March or April. I know it sounds strange considering how many huge new games were debuted at this year’s E3, but Fragile: Farewell Ruins of the Moon was easily one of my favorite games I laid eyes on at the show. Thank you, XSEED — if this game is even half of what I expect it to be, this could be one of the most intriguing experiences I’ll have next year.