FRAGILE

More proof, as if we needed it, that the Wii will be kicking arse from here to Christmas 2009 and probably further. Namco Bandai are busying themselves working on a brand new RPG for the Wii entitled Fragile. This is excellent news for Wii gamers longing for some classic JRPG action. Initial release is going to be Japan only, for the usual reasons, but Fragile is being planned for an EU release also.

As an RPG being developed for the Japanese market it’ll have all the hallmarks, atmosphere, graphical style and storyline that western gamers often demand from their JRPG’s. More good news is that the third party developers, tri-Crescendo, co developers on Gamecube’s Baten Kaitos, are involved in developing Fragile which for me elevates the game from mildly interesting to an absolute one to watch.

Story? You want a few more details? Ok, here’s the teaser trailer first….



I found a translation of what was actually being said…. “Ah Hotaru. This Star, it's this sort of vastness the Earth is overflowing with people, but every person thinks "why am I alone?" It’s because their mind is rot with madness. And to end this madness I must destroy that world, and to do that, I must locate the virus."

Hmm a bit of Japlish but you get the picture. Fragile is set in the near future. The human race almost extinct and the world will soon end. Your quest is to search for new allies and to find out why everything is dying. The moon is the only thing Seto has to guide him on his perilous journey and along the way you discover the problems lie with bad spirits that you must defeat in order to return normalcy to the world. During the adventure, Seto will have to explore deserted towns where humans once lived but have now vanished, yet is not alone on this escapade as a mysterious heroine is waiting in the wings to lend a helping hand.

The Wiimote and Nunchuk will act as whatever you’re holding and will respond to movement. Fighting will also be mapped to Wiimote and Nunchuk.

When is this due for release? The game is currently around 35% complete but, believe it or not, Namco Bandai have stamped this with a guaranteed 2008 release date although this will be for the Japanese market only. The official Fragile website is already live and, although all in Japanese, is stunning and well worth checking out. Some great music to listen to and after just a few wrong clicks you’ll find some stunning screenshots too.

Like a good JRPG? Fancy a Japanese? All this plus rumour control all on the GAMEOV3R FORUM