Fragile Feelings
- October 12, 2023
- ebi-hime
Get on Steam"Fragile Feelings" is a visual novel about Ann Clements, a terminally ill assistant teacher at St. Cecilia's boarding school. Ann has a bleak outlook on life due to her illness, but her perspective begins to change when she meets the school's new nurse, Asaba Kohaku. The game explores themes of desire, loneliness, and the pursuit of experience in the face of adversity.
Reviews
- The writing is exceptional, with well-developed characters and a heartfelt, uplifting story that balances emotional depth with sweetness.
- The art and soundtrack are beautifully crafted, enhancing the overall experience and complementing the narrative effectively.
- The slow-burn romance between Ann and Kohaku is engaging and relatable, making it easy for players to become invested in their relationship.
- Some character expressions and sprites lack variety, which can detract from emotional moments in the story.
- Certain phrases and themes are repeated too often, leading to a loss of impact over time.
- The plot can be predictable, with some major story elements being foreshadowed too early, reducing suspense.
- story41 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The story is a heartfelt and uplifting romance that explores themes of self-worth, intimacy, and resilience in the face of adversity, particularly through the lens of terminal illness. While it features moments of darkness and emotional complexity, the narrative ultimately delivers a satisfying and wholesome experience, with well-developed characters and a strong supporting cast that enrich the plot. Readers appreciate the balance of light and serious themes, making it a compelling choice for fans of the genre.
“Despite the premise, it tells a surprisingly wholesome love story that is a real joy to watch unfold.”
“Overall, if you're looking for a great romance story that takes itself seriously, has great characters with well-defined personalities, and has a lot more worthwhile fluffiness than angst, pick this one up and you can't go wrong!”
“However, just as the store page describes it, 'Fragile Feelings' delivers an uplifting story about love and its power to persevere through otherwise insurmountable hardships.”
“Without going into spoilers too heavily, my one regret with this story - which had me crying throughout the entire end sections - is that the plotline following Tamaki is never really resolved, and I think that's a regrettable missed opportunity.”
“The main characters all ultimately display this uneasiness in varying forms, and the story purposely refrains from offering an easy answer on how to confront it even to its conclusion.”
“While the story deals with the topic of terminal illness, it also extends its reach more broadly into the areas of self-doubt and aimlessness in life: even if one does not share Ann's medical situation, her feelings of resignation and the sense of lacking prospects for her future probably speak to a very common experience.”
- music16 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received high praise for its emotional depth and fitting integration with the narrative, often evoking nostalgia and enhancing the overall experience. Reviewers noted the soundtrack's quality, with distinct themes for characters and situations, and expressed a desire for a standalone release of the OST. Overall, the music effectively complements the visuals and writing, contributing to the game's poignant atmosphere.
“One of the songs that played a lot through the VN reminded me of a piece of music from Spirited Away, which evoked a very sweet, nostalgic feeling in me.”
“There was a lot of care put into the music - so much so I wish I could get the OST to listen to when I'm walking or doing work around the house.”
“None of the tracks feel superfluous or haphazardly placed; characters and situations have distinct themes and the presence of several leitmotifs throughout the OST help make it feel unified and consistent.”
“I may not cry as hard as I could have with other games, but I’m sure the tears that welled up in what may feel like the penultimate scene cannot be attributed to just music.”
“The music and visuals complement the writing, and the three elements successfully come together to convey, generally, the subdued and somewhat forlorn tone that the visual novel aims for.”
“I wouldn't mind a separate release of the soundtrack.”
- emotional10 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its surprisingly wholesome love story that balances joy and depth, leaving players feeling happy despite its heavier themes. Reviewers appreciate the heartfelt writing and the portrayal of a sincere relationship between two women, noting that while it may not evoke tears as intensely as other titles, it still delivers a thoughtful and engaging emotional experience. Overall, it is recommended for those who enjoy slow, contemplative narratives that explore both light and dark moments.
“Despite the premise, it tells a surprisingly wholesome love story that is a real joy to watch unfold.”
“It's an emotional ride to be certain, but you walk away from it feeling very happy.”
“The romance is so wholesome, the writing is stellar, and I just love everything about it <3”
- graphics4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics in the visual novel are described as adorable and beautiful, effectively complementing the story and enhancing the overall experience. While some reviewers feel the artwork may not surpass the quality of the writing, it still contributes positively to the subdued and emotional tone of the game, making it a recommended choice for yuri fans.
“I think to the average player, they will find the artwork in this visual novel absolutely adorable, beautiful, and a great complement to the story.”
“The music and visuals complement the writing, and the three elements successfully come together to convey, generally, the subdued and somewhat forlorn tone that the visual novel aims for.”
“Wonderful writing plus wonderful artwork makes this a must-read for yuri fans!”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its sharp writing and entertaining character interactions, particularly the amusing exchanges between characters and the endearing, bratty kids that add a lighthearted touch to the narrative. Overall, the humor enhances the depth of friendships and enriches the overall experience.
“They both have many funny and entertaining exchanges, and watching their friendship deepen was a thrilling reading experience.”
“A few of the kids Ann helps teach are adorable, bratty kids with funny mannerisms.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The character development is highlighted through impressive illustrations and unique designs for the two main characters, enhancing their appeal and individuality.
“I loved the illustrations and character designs for these two main characters.”
“The character development is incredibly rich, allowing players to form deep connections with each character's journey.”
“Each character evolves in a believable way, making their growth feel authentic and engaging.”
