Pros
- Addictive Gameplay Loop
- Outstanding Soundtrack
- Charming World and Character Designs
Cons
- Grinding Becomes Necessary in Late-Game
- Consulting a Guide or Online form Seems Necessary
- Final Boss Defaults to an Extremely Challenging Mode
First, and foremost, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is a reminder that Level 5, Inc. used to develop great RPGs. It has been more than ten years since Level 5, Inc. developed a critically acclaimed and commercially successful game. But for many older gamers, they would reminisce of Level 5, Inc. developed games like Rogue Galaxy, Dark Cloud, and the lauded Dragon Quest VIII — from more than twenty years ago. Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is a long-awaited return to form for Level 5, Inc and a signal that colorful, cheerful, grand RPGs can still break through to the mainstream.
Less is more, and more is more? In the first few hours of the game, I realized that I had to manage my in-game goals appropriately, or I would be forced to pay with added playtime. The amount of content is overwhelming. I was excited about the multiple lives (jobs and crafting), but I knew better than to allow my excitement to impede my goal: to finish the game. In the end, my final playtime was slightly more than 35 hours. I feel satisfied with my experience, but I must admit there is a lot of content that I did not get through. Puzzlingly for me, when I neared the 30 hour mark and felt the end of the game was drawing near, the game introduced a requirement to make the ending easier. Basically, the choice was to level grind for many more hours or region grind for many more hours. It only turned out to be five more hours for my choice of region grinding shrines, but I would have appreciated communication that Ginormosia (the semi-open world map) would be more integral to progressing to the end of the game. Ultimately, the price is right for the amount of game you get — and you get A LOT!
As an anthropologist (I am a non-archaeological social anthropologist by training), the overzealous spirit of discovery written into one of the main cast members, Edward, made me smile everytime they were on-screen. He is unfazed by danger, and it becomes a recurring gag in the main story. Edward’s confident curiosity must have been contagious, because, in the first few hours of my playthorugh, I tried to go everywhere and do any quest that was available. I believe this was made easy because the world is colorful and approachable. The characters are cooky and disarming, and the gameplay is varied and undemanding, at first.
Speaking of characters, there are many important, respectable, and influential women in this story. I think the script struggles with some of the usual anime-game tropes and archetypes, but it is much more balanced than many other titles. I appreciate Level 5, Inc. crafting a world where players of any gender, age, persuasion could feel comfortable.
I thoroughly enjoyed my 35 hours with the game, and despite my disdain for the required grinding for late game quests and bosses, I do think I may reproach the game for the extra post-game content. I played on Steam Deck, and the performance was great at 40 frames per second. I know most people are playing on Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2, but I think steam is the way to go. Especially, since there is cross-save and cross-play. I did dabble in online play and had a lot of fun, but like most other things in the game, it requires a significant time commitment. I think I spent about 45 minutes each in my first few online dungeons.
With all that said, how Playful is it? — Don’t wait FOUR a discount! I strongly recommend the game!