Creating a game that integrates two conflicting genres can oftentimes be difficult. If the mixture isn’t balanced, then you run the risk of highlighting some of the worst elements of those genres while also burying their strengths. However, if these mixtures are pulled off successfully, then you have the potential to create a unique gameplay experience. FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time looks to be a game that falls into the latter category, creating a game that is both fun in its use of action adventure RPG elements while also creating a laid-back and cozy experience.
Produced by Akihiro Hino at LEVEL5, the Fantasy Life series began life as a role-playing life simulation game originally released for the Nintendo 3DS back in Japan in 2012 and the rest of the world in 2014. Many of you might know Akihiro Hino as a director, game designer and story writer for dozens of well established games in the medium. He was the Director of Dragon Quest VIII, a story writer on Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney and was one of the key people responsible for the development of the Yokai Watch series, one of the best selling games on the 3DS. Akihiro’s ability to develop fun and engaging worlds with plenty of interactivity and engaging dialogue speaks for itself with the Fantasy Life series being no exception. The franchise made a name for itself with its ability to combine life simulation elements with classic RPG mechanics. Combine that with music from Nobuo Uematsu, the man responsible for some of the most iconic music tracks across the Final Fantasy franchise, and you’re left with one of the more unique games for the original 3DS.
Fast forward over a decade and now LEVEL5 has brought us FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time, a game that looks like it’s ready to provide the perfect experience for people who like cozy games, RPGs, anime and Nintendo games. Or at least, as cozy as you can get after you take on the ferocious dragon! Following the light emanating from a dragon’s fossil, your playable character accompanies archaeologist Edward to investigate an uncharted island. After a battle with a Dark Dragon, you find yourself at a strangely peaceful place filled with many wonderful characters who each have their own unique lives. Despite the rather energetic start, this is where the game truly begins.
The Girl Who Steals Time takes the foundation found in the original Fantasy Life game and improves it by giving you more options to explore using your own playing style. Freedom is the name of the game as you could go about creating your own adventure thanks to various jobs, otherwise known as “Lives,” and adventure paths at your disposal. You can switch freely from a battle oriented job such as a Paladin or a Hunter or you could take on an occupation that allows you to appreciate the little things in life like a Carpenter, Tailor or Cook. You could be slaying monsters one day or cooking a delicious meal the next. The Girl Who Steals Time seeks to fully embrace the idea of being a slow life sim and full fledged RPG all wrapped in one. Every path you take has its own quest line where you meet various charming occupants. This can lead to dozens of relationships with various occupants including Rem, Ranaoh or even the adorable bird Trip!
If you need a break from the action, you can also customize your own little island and home to reflect your own personal style. There are about fourteen jobs that you could freely change between, but even the RPG elements offer unique opportunities for fun adventures. Specifically the time travel system which allows you to freely switch between the past and the present. Players can restore the present-day island with materials and companions they’ve gathered from the island in the past and the open-world continent. You can also focus on gathering many companions, or put your energy into rebuilding the island: how you shape your adventure is entirely up to you! Defeat powerful enemies, mine for materials, solve mysteries, and become a master of the island by the end!
Of course the game is a blast on your own, but even more opportunities open up with the inclusion of multiplayer. You can invite people over to your island where you can explore the open world and slay monsters or gather materials together or maybe do the same thing for another player on their island. In fact, if you play with two controllers locally, one player can play Trip and help you on your adventures in real time with cross-saving being supported as well! So whether you’re playing at home on your favorite console, at home on your PC or on the go using the portable device of your choice, all of your progress is saved!
The Girl Who Steals Time will be available on Nintendo Switch, the PlayStation 4/5, the Xbox Series X/S and Steam. The game will release in Japan on May 22, 2005 and in the United States on May 21. You can learn more about the game on its Official Website or pre-order it digitally on your platform of choice. Seize control of your own destiny, create your own adventure and have a wonderful time!
LEVEL5 Inc.
