The essence of many classic JRPGs often lies in the downtime moments rather than just the intense battles. For instance, in Final Fantasy VIII, the serene walks through Balamb Garden, and in Final Fantasy X, the peaceful sequences in Besaid and Kilika create lasting memories. The world of Monster Hunter showcases a beloved stop at taverns, while the Persona series captures the charm of hanging out with friends.
Following this tradition, Fantasy Life, developed by Level 5—the team known for Ni no Kuni, Inazuma, and the Professor Layton series—returns with an exciting sequel, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time. This new installment builds on the foundation laid by the original game, released in 2012 for the Nintendo 3DS, which gained a strong following. Although the sequel, initially announced, encountered delays, it has now re-emerged, amassing tens of thousands of players and receiving high praise shortly after its release.
Fantasy Life i is described as a blend of a life simulator and construction game, featuring activities like cooking, crafting, and home design. Players can choose from 14 job roles and explore an expansive continent, with options for solo play or groups of up to four. The game has quickly garnered attention, peaking at over 34,000 concurrent players on its launch day and achieving a notable 92% positive rating from more than 2,500 Steam user reviews.
Released on May 21, the game is priced at $59.99 / £49.99, making it an enticing choice for fans of the genre. This resurgence marks a hopeful return for players who cherish the blend of adventure and a comfortable life simulation inherent to the RPG genre.
Overall, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time brings a fresh chapter to a beloved franchise, emphasizing the importance of downtime and exploration, which are the hallmarks of great JRPGs.