Through The Fragmentation
- May 13, 2021
- Máté Pribelszky
- 4h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io StoreAtmospheric first person aventure game focusing on immersion and exploration. Meet strange characters, discover secrets and try to unfold the mystery of the Fragmentation.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and immersive exploration experience with a captivating atmosphere and intriguing narrative.
- It features multiple endings and hidden secrets, encouraging replayability and rewarding curiosity.
- The minimalist art style and sound design effectively enhance the game's surreal and mysterious vibe.
- The game is relatively short, which may leave some players wanting more content and depth.
- Some puzzles can feel simplistic or easy, potentially reducing the challenge for experienced players.
- The narrative can be confusing or feel incomplete, with some players expressing disappointment in the ending.
- story60 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game's story is engaging and features multiple endings, encouraging players to explore and experience its depth through environmental storytelling and character interactions. While some found the plot to be fragmented and occasionally clichéd, the overall atmosphere, unique art style, and intriguing themes, including social commentary, contribute to a compelling narrative experience. Despite its brevity, the game effectively utilizes its mechanics to enhance storytelling, making it a memorable journey worth revisiting.
“Charming and fun experience with surprisingly deep storytelling and worldbuilding.”
“Super cool art style and a perfectly restrained story that doesn't reveal too much and keeps on getting more and more interesting.”
“The game has an amazing atmosphere with a dark story which is really where the game shines.”
“The plot is kind of weird and can be interpreted in different ways.”
“The final resolution is also a bit... non-existent, ironically (considering the themes of the story).”
“Lot of secret stuff to find and a weird story.”
- atmosphere60 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 32 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its unique and immersive qualities, featuring a blend of dark, melancholic tones and surreal elements that enhance the overall experience. Reviewers highlight the effective use of sound design, visual style, and world-building, creating a memorable environment that captivates players despite the absence of cutting-edge graphics. The atmosphere is described as both unsettling and nostalgic, contributing significantly to the game's appeal and emotional impact.
“But what it can give you is a fantastic atmosphere, phenomenal world-building, and a powerful urge to peel back the curtain even just a little bit.”
“The atmosphere of this game is one of its best qualities and it made the experience memorable.”
“Heavily stylized through a clever use of shading, color, and music, the game manages to nail down a particularly unique atmosphere of ambivalent everyday limbo with its surreal, even psychedelic elements and relaxed exploration-based gameplay.”
“Some key triggers/items are elusive, and the bleak atmosphere of the game doesn't help them make more conspicuous.”
“I adore their suffocating, claustrophobic, and simultaneously sickly nostalgic atmosphere.”
“It isn't as tightly paced as those two games, but the slowness gives way to a deliberate tone, a vague atmosphere of gloom.”
- graphics36 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are praised for their unique art style, which combines minimalist and trippy visuals to create an immersive atmosphere. Reviewers appreciate that the game demonstrates that compelling visuals don't require cutting-edge technology, and the aesthetic complements the storytelling and gameplay effectively. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's charm and replayability, enhancing the player's experience.
“Everything is extraordinary; visuals, music, details, game design... you name it.”
“Unique atmosphere that emanates from the game visuals and interactions with characters also adds to those strong positives.”
“I was always attracted to these flat visuals, and here they are dripping with style.”
“The game has a different art style from what I'm used to.”
“When I first saw the Steam page, I was concerned if the art style would stick with me, but all that doubt washed away and I was completely immersed in the first minutes of starting it.”
“When you see scars and blood, poverty and hardship, leaking sewage pipes, and the rampant discontent of almost every character you meet, it's all the more effective for being filtered through its crystal clear art style.”
- gameplay32 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 81 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by immersive exploration and investigation mechanics, with a focus on item interaction that enhances player engagement. While it features straightforward tasks like walking, item collection, and NPC interactions, it also incorporates unique elements that contribute to its surreal atmosphere. Overall, players find the gameplay enjoyable and effective in supporting the narrative, despite some noting its simplicity and occasional issues.
“Great story presentation, fun exploration/investigation mechanics, and overall, a very enjoyable experience.”
“Heavily stylized through a clever use of shading, color, and music, the game manages to nail down a particularly unique atmosphere of ambivalent everyday limbo with its surreal, even psychedelic elements and relaxed exploration-based gameplay.”
“Although this game is quite short, I believe it does everything it needs to do well and only added mechanics necessary to the storytelling and gameplay.”
“Judging from pictures, it might look like 'Through the Fragmentation' is one of those indie games that is heavy on story and light on gameplay.”
“The gameplay is very straightforward: walk around, collect some items, talk to some NPCs, and help them a bit.”
“Gameplay consists of small bits of dialogue, exploration, and short hide-and-seek fetch quests.”
- music28 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to create an immersive atmosphere, complementing the visuals and enhancing the overall experience. While some players noted a lack of a consistent background soundtrack, the unique and moody compositions are often described as exceptional and fitting for the game's surreal themes. Additionally, the free original soundtrack has been a pleasant surprise for many, further elevating the game's appeal.
“Heavily stylized through a clever use of shading, color, and music, the game manages to nail down a particularly unique atmosphere of ambivalent everyday limbo with its surreal, even psychedelic elements and relaxed exploration-based gameplay.”
“I loved the soundtrack and how it complemented the atmosphere of the game.”
“I often turn music down or off but this one got it right on.”
“Both music and sound effects work really well with the graphics and setting, creating a powerful atmosphere.”
“Heavily stylized through a clever use of shading, color and music, through the fragmentation manages to nail down a particularly unique atmosphere of ambivalent everyday limbo with its surreal, even psychedelic elements and relaxed exploration-based gameplay.”
- humor10 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its quirky and darkly comedic elements, such as interacting with humanoid birds, which adds a unique charm. While some players expected a lighthearted experience, they found a blend of mystery and existential themes that enhanced the humor. Overall, the game offers a strange yet funny atmosphere, making it appealing for those seeking something unconventional.
“Talking to birds in humanoid bodies is kinda funny; never thought I'd see a bird with a cigarette in its mouth.”
“It's focused on puzzles, which may feel out of place, but it creates a recognizable and darkly humorous world.”
“Buy it if you want to get into something short, strange, and funny.”
- replayability8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability due to its multiple endings and numerous hidden achievements, encouraging players to return for a more comprehensive experience. Its unique aesthetic and engaging universe further enhance the desire to explore and uncover all content, making it a highly recommended choice for those seeking replay value.
“The game is short but it has so much replayability with its multiple endings and many hidden achievements.”
“The multiple endings and achievements add replayability, and coming back for more was well worth it.”
“Controls great, lots of replayability, very unique aesthetic and a really interesting universe, will have you hooked and wanting to explore till you get every last achievement and ending, definitely recommend!”
- stability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is frequently criticized due to its tendency to glitch and crash, particularly during moments intended to be clever or meta. Players express frustration with these technical issues, which detract from the overall experience and immersion.
“I don't want to give away too much, but this game does something it thinks is very clever and meta and original, but at this point it's so overdone that it's honestly more of a surprise when a game doesn't blow your mind with the surprise reveal that it's a game and none of it is real and then it glitches out and turns itself off.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively time-consuming, likening it to needing a "second life" to fully engage with the content. The slow pacing and simplistic puzzles contribute to a tedious experience, particularly in the early stages.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Great walking sim with a slow start and simple yet tedious puzzles.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game effectively evokes a range of emotions, leaving players feeling both confused and awe-struck, thanks to its deep and metaphorical themes. Many reviewers found the emotional depth touching and relatable, indicating a strong designer vision that resonates with players.
“I'm sure about one thing - the game's designer had a solid vision, and by sharing it, he made me feel just as confused and awe-struck as intended.”
“There's some pretty deep and metaphorical stuff going on, which might hit home for many of you. I found it really touching too.”
