Fragile Fighter

Pros: -Touching Story -Gorgeous art style -Beautiful soundtrack Cons: -Short game -Level length/difficulty varies Content Warning: Game deals with some heavy situations, and may cause negative triggers. Fragile Fighter is a narrative 2D platformer focusing on short scenes, or doorways, into the difficult lives of a group of individuals. We follow our blue-haired protagonist, Kira, as she explores some of the insurmountable difficulties of existence the cast of individuals has endured. The story is primarily told through short scenes between the levels, culminating in a traditional boss room for each character. Some of the levels felt significantly lengthier but may have been related to weaknesses in platforming ability. The scenes are mostly silent and there are some openings for individual interpretation of each situation and its outcomes. My personal favorite aspect of the game would be the soundtrack, if you do not get a copy with the game, I highly suggest picking it up. Songs range from bright punctuating bangers to anxiety-inducing haunts and paired well with the visualizations of each level. There were a few things that restricted my enjoyment, first the lack of customizability and options I felt this with the controller mapping especially, it still worked but I would have preferred configuring rather than learning. Second, I felt that some of the collisions felt unfair, granted I am not the best platformer but a few times I was a bit more 'wut' than I would like when I had to restart. Finally, there were some issues at release that were causing frame rate issues likely resulting from the projectile collisions, most noticeable during some of the boss battles. These have been patched and played well for the last bosses I completed, and the team was responsive to the issues identified. I will likely replay the story, definitely have the soundtrack in my music rotation.

Wow! To sum this game up in one word, that's the word I'd use, "wow" I've played all types of games over the years and typically enjoy parts of each. This game, however, got me all the way and the reason is because it checked off all the boxes. I was engaged with the story, moved by the music, drawn in by the characters and fully enjoyed the challenge the gameplay presented. You don't have amazing armor or impenetrable skin to endure tons of hits or falls, etc. Essentially you have one hit and you're done. You can upgrade as you progress, but are still forced to focus in and think through the gameplay as you move methodically forward. Each of the doors, which present a series of levels were also very different. Not the same monotonous play repeating itself with different backgrounds, which most games seem to have. I myself am a filmmaker, and I was most affected by the sheer cinematic quality this game presents. The cut scenes were masterful as they gave you one frame, one quick look each time at a character and as the saying goes... each picture was certainly worth 1000 words. The sweeping musical score propels both the story and your emotions to a dramatic and gut-wrenching end. I found myself watching a movie unfold amidst the backdrop of a really enjoyable game... it felt like I was contributing to the story as I weaved our courageous Fragile Fighter through to the end. Everything comes full circle at its conclusion which is the mark of great storytelling. There is so much heart behind this game... which is so much more than just a game. Hat's off to Marina and all the people who worked to bring Fragile Fighter to life!

If I created a tagline for this game, it would read, "Every Struggle Is Different." Because that is my takeaway from this game. Both the story elements, told in simplistic, yet comprehensible imagery and the gameplay, which alternates in difficulty and style through, tell the stories of several young individuals who had experienced or are experiencing very real and very traumatic struggles in their life. In particular, the gameplay does as well a job if not better to help you experience these struggles firsthand, as the protagonist experiences these struggles along with them through a creative storytelling using level design and mechanics, before facing her own brushes with death and braving a narrow path to recovery. The music is gorgeous, as is the animation and still images, and although it has a very short play time, the ending is a satisfying one. This game is worth every penny, and will send you on a feels trip you didn't know you needed.

What a wonderful game with a very touching story. I highly recommend finishing it. The soundtrack and the atmosphere is beautiful. Best Indie game i have played in a very long time.

I was unsure what to expect when I started this. The controls seemed floaty, and a bit inaccurate at the time. As I got more of a feel for the game, I was drawn into the storytelling, the art, and the motif's for each door. There were a couple of them that hit exceedingly close to home, and it was a bit of an emotional ride. I very highly recommend this game, and as I've completed it on Normal, I'm considering a second playthrough on Hard just to get it done and experience it again.

Well done, Ms. Hova ;)

Full Disclosure: I was given a copy to review this game. I haven’t had much time to play the game myself but from trying it out and having seen my friends play it, it has been a roller coaster ride of emotions. Fortunately all that goes through to the audience even if they’re not playing and everything from the music to the artstyle really shine through. Gameplay can feel a little finicky sometimes and the one touch death mechanic can frustrate new players but the need to finish the story, although very short, is a very big motivator. At its price it’s a short experience but full of impact and I felt like it was worth it.

my heart :( EDIT: My original review wasn't very good, just impulsive after the first door. Now that I have played some more... layering audio to evolve the OST as you progress is neat. never seen a game do that before... not that i can think of at least. this game has its flaws. i dont think the design of it is very complex/ ground breaking. it feels more like an art project. but honestly, id prefer that over another try hard platformer. now, back to crying. baiiiii

This game is absolutely GORGEOUS but the soundtrack? PERFECTION. I've listened to it every single day since I played it, can't get enough of it. The gameplay is a lot of fun and the right amount of challenging. There were some lag issues and I know the developer is working on them, but the stories are beautiful. Loved it <3

to be honest i just bought this game because of the free ost... im a fan of the artist who does vocals on it (i think maybe she made the game too... not sure...?) but the game is actually pretty good too