Review: Wanderer: The Fragments of Fate
The initial release of Wanderer made a profound impact on me and the entire VR community. Therefore, when Mighty Eyes revealed their plans to not only remake the game but also enhance it with additional features, I was excited to discover what they had accomplished. I’ve journeyed through time once more, but has the experience been elevated?
Release Date: April 3rd 2025
Developer: Mighty Eyes
Publisher: Mighty Eyes
Price: US $49.99 / CA $66.99 / €49,99 / £39.99
Reviewed On: PlayStation VR2
* Access Provided For Review *
Change The Course Of History
In this game, you step into the role of Asher Neumann, embarking on a journey through a post-apocalyptic world to locate your grandfather’s missing apartment and the enigmatic artifacts concealed inside. Along the way, you are accompanied by a chatty wristwatch, which reveals your ability to navigate through time and space. The real challenge lies in whether you can alter the flow of history.
Time Bending Puzzles
The gameplay of The Fragments of Fates stands out in the action-adventure puzzle genre, particularly due to its emphasis on storytelling and narrative. However, what truly sets this game apart is its unique approach to puzzle-solving.
They have effectively utilised time travel elements, allowing you to explore various locations from 1525 to 1969. During your adventures, you may find that items from one era are essential for solving challenges in another; for instance, you might require an object from the game’s rendition of Woodstock to tackle a puzzle related to the Moon Landing. It’s challenging to discuss the puzzles without revealing too much, but I can genuinely say that this is among the finest VR puzzle experiences I’ve encountered still to this day, with each challenge offering a distinct experience, ranging from light-based puzzles to code deciphering.
You may be wondering how to transfer items between different time periods. This is made possible by the talking wristwatch mentioned earlier, which reminds me of the Tik-Tok character from Return to Oz. Not only does he make for a great companion during your adventures, but he also serves as your inventory, enabling him to carry items from one era as you leap into another. Initially, you have four slots available, but you can expand this to eight by collecting the necessary gems for upgrades. Additionally, if you need hints, you can easily detach him from your wrist by pressing a button, and he will provide you with a clue about your next steps. If you prefer not to receive hints and are concerned about accidentally triggering this feature while upgrading him, you can disable hints in the settings.
In addition to expanding your slots, you can discover disks that enhance his capabilities. A new and significant upgrade allows you to create a wheel for all your artifacts, eliminating the need to travel back and forth between different time periods and your apartment to access various years and settings.
Regarding the new features, there are some exciting additions alongside one that falls flat. I particularly enjoyed the enhanced traversal options, especially the climbing mechanics and the ability to slide along ropes to reach different platforms—something I truly appreciate in VR. Additionally, the levels have been expanded, and the puzzles have been redesigned, which means that even as someone who has completed the original game multiple times, I discovered new areas and challenges. On the downside, the increased focus on combat feels underwhelming. While one might expect this to enhance the experience, the execution lacks the necessary impact, weight, and sound effects. Fortunately, the development team is already working on improvements for the combat in an upcoming patch.
The Little Touches Count
The original Wanderer had a decent visual appeal for 2022, but the transformation in The Fragment of Fates is truly remarkable—it took me by surprise. When paired with the stunning capabilities of the PSVR2, including haptic feedback and other advanced features, it delivers what is likely the ultimate experience for this title. Exploring various time periods and locations, such as Central America, Germany, and a Mayan Temple, keeps the gameplay engaging and enables the team to craft incredibly detailed and visually stunning environments, keeping you fully immersed in the universe.
One aspect of the trailer that truly amazed me was the moment when they wiped the dirt off the mirror to unveil the characters’ reflection. Experiencing this first-hand was even more astonishing. It’s often the subtle details, like having reflections in mirrors, that can significantly enhance the immersive experience in virtual reality.
The team continues their impressive efforts with the audio design, ensuring that the right ambiance and music align perfectly with the era and scene you’re exploring. Coupled with strong voice acting for the characters, it’s clear how much passion the team has invested in creating the Wanderer universe.
Comfort
The Verdict
Initially, I was uncertain about the necessity of revisiting the original Wanderer, considering it was already an exceptional game and experience. However, after diving into The Fragments of Fate, I can confidently say that the team’s decision to enhance and expand the game was a wise one. While the combat may feel somewhat underwhelming, the various updates and modifications have significantly benefited the game, making it feel fresh and distinct for those familiar with the original. With Mighty Eyes already exploring potential improvements for the combat system, the game has the potential to become even more impressive. The breathtaking visuals, excellent audio design, and the integration of features from the PSVR2 and OLED displays elevate this version to possibly the finest iteration of the game. Whether you’re experiencing Wanderer: The Fragments of Fate for the first time or revisiting it after playing the original, you can expect an engaging journey that lasts over twelve hours from beginning to end.