Level-5 Reveals Key Changes Behind Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time Success on Nintendo Switch

Level-5’s acclaimed RPG, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, has quickly captured attention following its recent debut on the Nintendo Switch.

Launched to widespread praise and awarded a 9/10 in major reviews, including its versions optimized for both Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2, Fantasy Life i stands as a testament to the developer’s commitment to quality and innovation.

In a revealing conversation with the YouTube talk show Denfaminicogamer, as reported by Automaton, Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino provided fresh insight into what led Fantasy Life i to its acclaimed reception.

Hino disclosed that the development team recognized significant issues just a year before launch, with the experience feeling restrictive and, in his words, "designed to artificially prolong playtime at the cost of enjoyment." This realization prompted Level-5 to undertake a substantial reworking of the core gameplay, focusing especially on the game’s map and movement system. Previously, the game featured a smaller world map and lacked dynamic traversal mechanics such as parkour, leading to a more constrained gameplay loop.

Hino revealed that the team made the bold decision to "practically remake" the entire game late in development, replacing the restricted design with a larger, open-world map and introducing streamlined movement systems.

The team’s goal was to eliminate elements that felt stressful, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable player experience. Remarkably, Level-5’s development team managed to construct the expansive open world map in just two months, a feat Hino credited to an internally developed system capable of converting 2D artwork into 3D terrain efficiently.

This rapid transition was instrumental in delivering the polished, immersive environments seen in the final release on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

Hino highlighted that in the final version, simple actions—like chopping trees, climbing, and exploring—are intended to feel natural and comfortable, underscoring the developer’s focus on satisfying core gameplay. Fantasy Life i’s path to release was not without its hurdles.

The project saw a key leadership change with longtime producer Keiji Inafune’s departure in 2024, prompting Hino to step in and guide the team through its critical pivot.

The substantial overhaul relied on cohesive teamwork and innovative thinking, culminating in a launch that reinvigorated the long-running Fantasy Life series for a new generation of Nintendo Switch players. Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is available now on the Nintendo Switch eShop, offering fans an expansive new world to explore.

The game’s transformation from early challenges to a genre standout demonstrates Level-5’s adaptive development approach and ongoing dedication to player experience.

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