The 52 Fragments

About

"The 52 Fragments" is a series of 52 experimental games and experiences, releasing one per week for a year starting Nov. 1, 2023. These games delve into themes of identity, agency, perception, and creativity, with elements that may alter over time. The game interacts with your system by accessing file explorer and hardware registers for gameplay purposes, but never uploads this data online. Follow the creator on various social media platforms for behind-the-scenes content.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

76%

Audience ScoreBased on 42 reviews

gameplay6 positive mentions

The 52 Fragments offers a unique and creative concept with each fragment providing a different theme and gameplay experience, encouraging players to think outside the box.
It's free to play, making it accessible for anyone to try, and many players find it enjoyable and thought-provoking, especially those who appreciate artsy and experimental games.
The game has a strong sense of evolving content, with players excited to see how the fragments connect and develop over time.

The game has been criticized for requiring players to join a Discord server to complete certain levels, which detracts from the single-player experience.
Some players feel that the gameplay is limited and lacks depth, with many fragments feeling almost content-free or overly simplistic.
There are concerns about privacy, as one player reported that the game prompted them to submit sensitive personal information, leading to a negative experience.

gameplay
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
30%
10%
The gameplay is characterized by unique themes that encourage players to think creatively and step outside their comfort zones, though some find it limited and not philosophically satisfying. The episodic structure offers interesting interconnections and replayability, while the mechanics are simple and visually appealing. However, there is a desire for more interpretative freedom within the gameplay, as the narration can feel restrictive.
- “Each of them has their own theme and gameplay, oftentimes making you think outside of the box or go out of your comfort zone (not in a malicious way) to properly 'win' each game, and they each leave you with something to think about.”
- “On the plus side, episodic fragmenting, with interconnections and replayability of episodes with updates based on other episode 'choices' is a really interesting mechanic.”
- “The mechanics are simple, the visuals are beautiful, and the whole take of the game is thought-provoking and philosophical.”
- “My only real criticism is that I would like the mechanics to be a bit more open to interpretation without the narration.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
The game's humor is noted for its cleverness and silliness, effectively addressing themes of player agency while eliciting smiles and laughter from players. Overall, it successfully blends wit with engaging gameplay elements.
- “This game has given me a smile and, in some cases, made me laugh about how smart or silly it is in addressing the theme of player agency.”
- “The humor in this game is clever and adds a delightful layer to the overall experience.”
- “I found myself chuckling at the witty dialogue and playful scenarios throughout the game.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game features a unique episodic structure that enhances replayability, allowing players to revisit episodes and experience different outcomes based on their choices in previous episodes. This interconnected mechanic adds depth and encourages multiple playthroughs.
- “Episodic fragmenting, with interconnections and replayability of episodes based on other episode choices, is a really interesting mechanic.”
graphics
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The graphics are generally considered adequate, meeting basic expectations without standing out significantly.
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its diverse scenes, each exploring various psychological themes, which effectively engage players on a deeper emotional level.
- “There are a good handful of different scenes you can load that have a unique concept, many of which touch on various psychological subjects.”
- “The game features a variety of scenes that explore deep emotional themes, each offering a unique perspective on psychological concepts.”
- “Each scene presents a different emotional experience, delving into psychological subjects that resonate on a personal level.”