FRAGMENTS OF HIM
No, you’re in pieces
Many modern games have a penchant for pulling on the old heartstrings, but rarely is death felt so staunchly than in Fragments Of Him. Bereft of all but the most basic of interactive elements, this narrative adventure is steeped in sorrow as it explores the anguish caused by the sudden loss of a loved one, and acts as a delicate reminder to cherish those we hold dear.
The story revolves around Will, the victim of a fatal car accident. He features briefly, but his character is primarily fashioned by those closest to him as they tenderly reminisce on past events. Its remarkable poignancy is all the more potent thanks to some exceptional voice work by the game’s meagre cast, comprised of just four characters. 1 The narrative is notably mature, not only for how it deals with grief, but also its portrayal of the strain in Will’s relationships with his staunchly oldfashioned grandmother and loving girlfriend, as they come to terms with his sexuality.
The game’s unadorned plot is coupled with an equally modest graphical style. Minimal detail and a washed-out colour palette bolster the melancholy tone. You don’t directly control any characters, you’re more of a spectral being, watching events as they unfold. 2 Progression is a simple affair, involving nothing more taxing than selecting highlighted objects.
It’s basic, and unnecessarily slow-paced at times – the university sections, in particular, feel a tad long-winded – and there is an abundance of loading screens linking each section. However, the captivating narrative is enough to see past the flaws. Hankies at the ready; this is a true tearjerker. Anne-Marie Coyle