Fragile Fighter

Fragile Fighter is a story-driven adventure game and platformer, that uses beautiful artwork and an impressive original soundtrack to convey the fragility and vulnerability of life. This dark and emotional story is in contrast to its vibrant, stunning colours and is filled with symbolic references relating to mental health. The strength in this game lies in its atmospheric story-driven narrative, rather than its platformer control mechanics that do little to impress. If you liked GRIS, you should like this title. [u]Pros[/u] + Beautiful, vibrant artwork. + Excellent original soundtrack (included as an extra with every copy of the game). + Hand-drawn animated cut scenes. + Emotional and gripping story + Challenging gameplay. + Diverse and interesting boss battles. + Extremely symbolic. + Three upgradable weapon types with customisable colours. [u]Cons[/u] - After a cut scene the music stutters and then starts blaring again. I found this to take away from my immersion experience. - Steam overlay problems. If I pressed shift + tab ingame, it seemed to mess with the full screen options. - Screenshot problems. When I pressed F12, it brought up ingame console options. [h1]Story[/h1] You play as a young girl named Kira who is in a vulnerable state and is facing her inner demons via a fantasy world. There are an array of characters who each have their own fragile states and their short stories are conveyed to the player through small cut-scenes. Each character has something they are battling internally such as eating disorders, depression and even abuse. The characters fight their demons through the platformer levels, eventually leading to the boss fight. I believe this is symbolic and refers to defeating their inner demons and overcoming their fragile states, but this may be open to interpretation. At the end of the game, the full gallery will unlock and players will discover the protagonists story as well as the conclusions of all the other characters in the game. [b] Side note:[/b]The story of [i]Fragile Fighter[/i] is very emotional and raw. Some individuals may find this confronting, particularly those recovering from eating disorders due to graphic imagery. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1773724841 [h1]Gameplay[/h1] [i]Fragile Fighter[/i] is a rather challenging platformer with over 30 levels where the player must advance through a dream-like fantasy to the door at the end. At the end of each level, there will be a short cut-scene that portrays the story of each character. There are three weapon types in the game including a reflective shield, sword and bullet sprayer. These weapons can each be upgraded and colour customised by using points gained from destroying enemies and collecting crystals (collectables). The 'enemies' in the game seem symbolic and are little black clouds with red eyes, I interpreted this as being the characters dark thoughts or 'demons'. Other examples of enemies include wolves that will pounce once you're near, jellyfish that stun you and the many unique boss battles throughout the game. As stated previously, this game is challenging! Expect to die.. many times. Dodge the wolves and fireballs, shoot/block the bad guys and fly through the air using bouncy mushrooms. Although I did enjoy the platformer aspect of this game, I found the controls to be a tad annoying and my weapons sometimes did not respond when I used them. This would result in an enemy hitting me and then I'd have to restart the level. I've since discovered that holding down the weapon (M1) is most useful, rather than just using it when I want to kill an enemy due to the few second delay for the weapon to initiate. Secondly, I thought the aiming of the weapons was difficult and I struggled to use them on specific angles. Despite this, overall I still enjoyed the platforming mechanics and found the maps to be well designed and not too repetitive. I wasn't too let down by the unresponsive controls due to the core of this game being in its excellent and immersive story-telling. [h1]Graphics[/h1] I've talked about this already and if you take one look at the screenshots on the store page, anyone can see that the artwork is simply beautiful and I love this design. The hand-drawn animated cut-scenes are no exception to this and are a vibrant contrast to the dark reality which the story portrays. The platforming levels are gorgeous as well and are unique to the story, portrayed with deliberate choices on colours and enemies to symbolise the specific individuals struggle. The artwork comes free with the game and I highly recommend checking this out. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1773725131 [h1]Sound[/h1] [i]Fragile Fighter[/i] features an [b]excellent[/b] original soundtrack! I am not typically one to highly praise a soundtrack in a platformer title but it works brilliantly, especially alongside the striking artwork. Whether it be upbeat, gloomy or hopeful, the soundtrack had a significant effect on my mood and the game simply wouldn't be as wonderful as it is without it. [h1] Bugs and Glitches[/h1] I found the game to run almost flawlessly, except for problems with the steam overlay and screenshot function. When using shift tab, my resolution changed and any steam chats went to full screen. Secondly, this game is extraordinarily beautiful and I wanted to take many screenshots, however the open console button seems to also be F12. This resulted in the console window popping up and blocking my screenshot. I could not see an option for remapping any in-game keys either. [h1]Price and Content[/h1] The game is relatively short and I finished my playthrough in just less than 3 hours. There is little motivation for second playthroughs unless hunting the different difficulty achievements. [i]Fragile Fighter[/i] is moreso an interactive experience than a game, but is extremely unique with its platformer core. I would recommend waiting for a sale, rather than the full price of $AU14.50 simply due to the short playtime, but it is an experience which I would recommend for all lovers of the game GRIS and other similar titles. [h1]Conclusion[/h1] [i]Fragile Fighter[/i] is an exceptionally unique and emotional game, disguised as a basic platformer, but it is so much more than this. Its beautiful artwork, immersive soundtrack, gripping story and fun gameplay make it a title that every story-rich adventure fan should own in their library. This review copy was provided to the OCG-Curations curator. [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/34936724][quote]Follow my curator page, [b]Cookie Reviews[/b], if you enjoyed this review and want to see more like it.

[quote][url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/32732116-IndieGems/]Follow our curator page: [b]IndieGems[/b] if you like and want to see more reviews like this one.[/url][/quote] [i]Fragile Fighter[/i] is a 2D platformer with pictoral exploration into several lives that have been tragically altered through strokes of bad luck. The artwork in this game is amazing, and the music is very nice too. The deep topics that are explored are also worth mentioning. The frailty of humans, physical or mental, is portrayed well in this game through convincing art with so much emotion. Thus it is with a heavy heart that I have to give this game a thumbs down at this time because the platforming core component of the game is just not quite there, plus a bunch of smaller issues that I have currently with the game. What caught my eye at the very beginning about this game was the artwork, and that is pretty amazing and maintains that same magic throughout, bringing more emotion and more meaning as you progress. To use art to explore serious human emotion in a game is not easy, and this exploration is what I think brings in the name of the game. You will find out at the end of the game who the protagonist is and the conclusions of all of the characters are revealed. (I will not make these spoilers of course.) However, in a 2D platformer, the player should be looking for responsive, challenging, and fun platforming. The controls probably work as intended, but there is a very floaty effect that just makes me cringe. Initially I asked for having this adjusted, but it became less of an issue when I used the score (credits) to purchase an in-game upgrade. However, this gets taken away in the final level of the game and that floaty jump is actually crucial for making it through there. I can see where there's plenty of neat level design and that the variety found within the game is commendable. The most unfortunate aspect of the platforming for me was that it was a seriously repetitive set of simple motions and I did not find the platforming very enjoyable. I ended up working through the levels so that I can unlock all of the gallery and see the story to the end. Optimization needs some work, I was getting a lot of screen lag when using one of the weapons when it was hitting the enemies more frequently. The buttons are currently not remappable, that's something that should always be an option. Let me just point out that the game is rather short. Of the 3 difficulties, I chose Normal and completed a full run in 2.5 hours. Unfortunately the achievements only credited me for having completed the game on Easy for some reason. I assume this is a minor error in triggering achievements that will get fixed later on. The developer is very responsive and has experience in the healthcare field, and this is probably why she was able to use the most evocative imagery in the artistic plates to discuss the serious topics depicted within this game. Overall, I think it's an experience worth having, but having a 2D platformer core for this seems somewhat mismatched for the ideas conveyed. While I enjoyed my experience, I also think that it's a bit overpriced. Base-price of $10 USD is quite high for something that lasts only so briefly. (I died a lot in my run that lasted 2.5 hours.) Because the most meaningful parts of the game for me were in the time spent in between the platforming levels, I really cannot recommend this game to my friends. Here's a video of my first entry into the game: https://youtu.be/WGN_bIUcViY [quote]I received the product for free. I did not receive any compensation to write this review. The opinions represented here are entirely my own and were not influenced in any way.[/quote]

FULL DISCLOSURE: I was given an early copy of Fragile Fighter for review and feedback from Marina Hova. I must say, the majestic culmination of motif, audio and language absent storytelling is a real knock out here. I had some hesitancy to try this out given I'm total ass at platforming but my patience with my own ability paid off. If you have any affinity for immersive games this one is a mandatory inclusion in your library.

Fragile Fighter is a very charming platformer. Progression feels smooth, controls are simple, levels are well crafted, etc. I think the game shines the most with its OST. Very rarely do you get to hear ORIGINAL vocals in a game, let alone an indie title. I immediately purchased the OST and listen to it at work. :P My favorite part of the game, for sure. All in all, FF is a great package and has a ton of memorable moments!

This Game is by far one of my favourite Indie games, great sound track, great combat and platforming. 100% reccomended!

The essence of Fragile Fighter cradles you into a unique-imaginative dreamscape portrayed by beautiful art and a delicate soundtrack that immediately grasps your attention. The game provides everything you want from a platformer complete with the frustration, but keeps you fully immersed throughout. This game is compelling, truly empowering, and is fun for anyone. I highly recommend getting this game in your library.

Just finished the first level, and felt inclined to jot down my thoughts. At first glance, Fragile Fighter seems very simple. The developers clearly want you to focus on the art/ music. That isn't to say the gameplay is bad... It is actually quite fun. But it is SIMPLE. It is a platformer. You buy upgrades to get stronger, You defeat bosses. The surprise was how CHALLENGING a simple game like this could get. The first 2-3 levels in each door are usually easy enough. But towards the end of each door, and during boss fights, there is a lot of challenge here. That made this package quite enticing! Great experience overall! Bravo. :)

[quote][i]Zapraszam na moją stronę [url=http://store.steampowered.com/curator/27231431/]kuratora Steam[/url]. Na pewno znajdziesz tam coś dla siebie.[/i][/quote] [h1]Jedyne, co jest tutaj "fragile", to koszmarnie niedopracowana gra - [i]Fragile Fighter[/i][/h1] Po raz pierwszy w swojej "karierze" recenzenckiej postanowiłam napisać dłuższy tekst o grze, w której spędziłam żałośnie mało czasu. Nie przez własną opieszałość, a z winy niedopracowanego produktu, z jakim wiązałam spore nadzieje. Przyznaję, że zapowiedź Fragile Fighter od razu przywiodła mi na myśl GRIS, rewelacyjną platformówkę. GRIS wydano w pierwszej połowie grudnia zeszłego roku, a to, w jak szalonym tempie zaskarbiła sobie sympatię tysięcy graczy, przeszło chyba najśmielsze oczekiwania samych twórców. Sądziłam, iż Fragile Fighter również zaoferuje mi piękną opowieść i wzruszenie, nawet kolor włosów bohaterek obu produkcji się w miarę zgadzał. W tej obecnie recenzowanej może i fabuła była, niestety nie zdołałam jej dobrze poznać... Naprawdę zastanawiam się, czy gra w ogóle była testowana, bo gdybym ja miała ją wydać i podpisać się pod tym "dziełem" swoim nazwiskiem, prędzej spaliłabym się ze wstydu. Bez wahania wydałam 35,99 złotych, licząc, najzwyczajniej w świecie, na udaną przygodę. Tymczasem już pierwsze uruchomienie Fragile Fighter wzbudziło moje obawy. Zanim program uruchomił się na dobre, zdążył się zamknąć bez wskazania błędu. Musiałam zrestartować Steam, ponieważ aplikacja NIE wyświetlała się w procesach w menedżerze zadań, a według systemu wcale jej nie zamknęłam. Nie było to jednorazowe. Za każdym razem gra albo się włączała poprawnie i po przejściu z menu głównego do poziomu rozgrywki zamykała, albo w ogóle nie reagowała na polecenie uruchomienia. I tak kilka razy z rzędu, wliczając w to parokrotne restartowanie platformy, jako że Steam uparcie twierdził, iż nadal we Fragile Fighter jestem. Kiedy już udało mi się pograć, czekała na mnie następna nieprzyjemna niespodzianka w postaci długich ekranów ładowania. Poprawne wczytanie następnego etapu, bądź restart bieżącego po śmierci, było jak wyciągnięcie szczęśliwego losu na loterii. Mówię, a raczej piszę, absolutnie na poważnie. Druzgocącym wręcz problemem jest sterowanie, czy raczej płynące z niego wrażenie przyciężkawości. Ociężała jest postać, a tragiczne uczucie "tępego" poruszania się, które skłania do mocniejszego wciskania klawiszy, jakby to miało coś zmienić. Oczywiście nie zmienia. Samo wskoczenie na element znajdujący się bardzo blisko potrafi wyczerpać wszelkie pokłady cierpliwości, bo skok ciągnie się i ciągnie, a w locie trzeba nakierowywać główną bohaterkę na podłoże, co nie zawsze się udaje. Bez względu na to, jak ocenia się własne zdolności manualne i zręczność, we Fragile Fighter doświadczy się wielu zgonów. Nie mam nic przeciwko ginięciu w platformówkach, gorzej, gdy nie ma punktów zapisu i gracz zostaje cofnięty do samego początku planszy. O ile gra nie zamrozi się podczas ekranu ładowania... Broń niebieskowłosej dziewczynki jest dość dziwna. To półkolista tarcza w mroźnym odcieniu błękitu, którą włącza się LPM. Przycisk należy przytrzymywać, jednocześnie manewrując myszą, by obracać warstwę ochronną w kierunku wrogich zwierząt. Frustrujące natomiast jest to, że tarcza nie zawsze działa poprawnie, a muśnięcie przeciwnika równa się zgonem. Jakby nie można było zaprogramować punktów zdrowia. Wzdycham nad tym rozwiązaniem ciężko i z totalną rezygnacją. Smuci mnie fakt, że o historii przedstawionej we Fragile Fighter nie jestem w stanie napisać dużo. Przenosimy się do wymyślonego świata chorującej dziewczynki, walczącej ze słabym organizmem w umyśle rządzonym przez fantastyczną krainę i nieprzyjazne stworzenia. Dziewczynka nosi imię Kira, a jej podróż polega na walce z różnymi obawami i strachami. W grze występują motywy nadużycia alkoholu, fizycznego znęcania się i zaburzeń psychicznych. Brzmi to wszystko ciekawie, podobnie jak inspiracja do stworzenia gry. Twórczyni, Marina Hova, wymyśliła Fragile Fighter dzięki latom doświadczenia w pracy w klinice ginekologicznej przy ciążach wysokiego ryzyka. Lubię, gdy gry jako medium są wykorzystywane do przekazania ludzkich i ważnych historii, lecz więcej superlatyw nie jestem w stanie wymyślić. Może poza tym, iż strona graficzna została zaprojektowana tak, żeby przykuć oko i rzeczywiście jest ładna. Podsumowując: nie kupujcie Fragile Fighter, bo prawdopodobnie i tak skończy się to nerwami i zwrotem. Warto dołożyć trochę złotówek i umieścić w koszyku wspomnianą na początku GRIS.

I don't know where to begin. Fragile Fighter is one of those rare games, going into it, you keep your expectations on the wayside. On the surface it's an innocent, ambiguous platformer that teaches you as it goes. It's respectfully challenging and gives you that "one more, just one more jump and I'll make it to the end" impetus to keep going. I've always said that a game is only as good as its pacing, and if you couple the chaotically daring platforming with the slower exposition, you're compelled to keep playing to see where the story goes. The art is beautiful, the music is engaging (who stayed in the water level more than 10 minutes, just me? some banging toons), and the story is worth it. Please play. Definitely play this.

Woah, this game is the definition of a hidden gem. Only beat the first door, but I'm enjoying it more than expected!