Game Reviews

Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon is that type of game that would not have seen a release in the States 15 years ago. Yet thanks to companies like Atlus, NIS America and XSEED Games, a niche market of distinctly Japanese games has grown to a point where a game as unusual and dreamlike as Fragile can make it to Western shores.

The lead character is Seto, a young man who has been left alone by his recently deceased grandfather. With no reason to remain in his home, Seto departs with a cryptic message to head for a mysterious tower miles away (which players will recognize as Tokyo Tower). Shortly after venturing outside, he encounters the silver-haired Ren. Even though she quickly eludes him, Seto is compelled to find her again.During this pursuit he encounters a host of characters, each one as interesting as the next. The mischievous Crow is a pest a first, but soon develops a heart-felt friendship with Seto. The playful Sai is a bodiless soul who guides Seto through a good portion of the game. Even a portable computer that Seto carries on his back develops a touching relationship with him. Seto will need all the friends he can get in a world devoid of humans, through a journey to gather clues on why everyone has disappeared.Seto's world very much reminiscent of the History Channel series Life After People; man-made structures are everywhere, but there is no one to maintain them. Vegetation has grown, metal has rusted, and buildings are run down. This adds an effective level of otherworldliness even though the surroundings are recognizable.