Fractale – a shattered illusion of an ultimate paradise?

“Nessa hates Hate, and Nessa loves Love!”

Clain shouts a lot

The world of Fractale is definitely the most interesting universe that has appeared this season. The setting is unique and the background art is beautiful to say the least.

Stretchy

Plot summary from AniDB: “With the completion of the Fractale world administration system, humanity has, for the first time in history, reached the ultimate paradise in which living requires absolutely no effort. It is now 1000 years after the System’s activation… Our story begins on an island in the far corner of the continent as Fractale begins to show signs of decay. Clain is a boy who lives an aimless life. One day, he helps a girl, Phryne, who is being pursued by unknown persons. However, she soon disappears before his very eyes, leaving only a broach. Contained within the broach is data, which projects itself as Nessa, an avatar in the form of a girl. Clain, together with Nessa, leaves on a journey in search of Phryne. In doing so, he will learn the truth behind the System…”

Body slam!

Clain’s world is really intriguing. It’s hard to imagine how life would be where you mostly interact with doppels of people, even if they happen to be close family members (and even pets). From the 2 episodes seen so far, it seems director Yamamato Yutaka is really striving for a strong sense of belonging.

Trippy...

Where Fractale falls are in a few semi-important characters, namely Enri and her buffoons. I dunno whether it’s the glasses or how they appear in general, but the 2 douches that accompany her remind me of an old Ghibli movie for some reason >_> However they’re much more annoying and stupid to watch. Seriously, the less screentime these guys get, the better. They’re beyond childish.

Clearly no Solid Snake here...

On the other hand, while Nessa may easily fall into the token moe character category, unlike K-On’s Yui (among others), I find her quite entertaining. Voiced by the ever so lovely Hanazawa Kana, her active and positive personality hides the various mysteries that surround her. Clain isn’t too bad, and it’ll be interesting to see how he develops in this adventure.

*epic douchebag pose*

Fractale has had a fairly good start and I can’t wait to see what answers lie in wait later down the track. As long as Clain wimpy side doesn’t predominate and Enri and her cronies grown up, the journey should be smooth sailing.

OP: interesting idea using the whole kaleidoscope thing. The song isn’t too bad.

ED: minimalistic. The song sounds like it harks from an older age.

More screaming.