Time Flies Review: A Creative and Unconventional Adventure on Nintendo Switch

Time Flies Review: A Creative and Unconventional Adventure on Nintendo Switch Time Flies, developed by indie studio Sideshow, is an innovative addition to the Nintendo Switch library that is both simple in execution and remarkably creative in design.

Released on the Nintendo eShop for $14.99, Time Flies has quickly captured the attention of fans of unique and offbeat indie games.

The title’s core experience centers around the short but eventful life of a common housefly, compelling players to make every second count. Gameplay in Time Flies focuses on guiding a single fly through various domestic and artistic spaces, each filled with interactive objects and environmental puzzles.

Players start their journey by controlling Fly #1, given approximately 80 seconds to live—a timer, visible on the screen, relentlessly counts down until the inevitable end.

Upon death, either from the passage of time or environmental hazards, players continue their adventure as the next fly, with the previous fly’s body persisting in the environment as a reminder—an elegant detail that underscores the game’s realism and attention to detail. While basic movement is intuitive, each room provides simple yet inventive puzzles that pause the lifespan timer when engaged.

This design creates a surprisingly relaxing atmosphere despite the fleeting life of each fly.

Time Flies also features an intriguing country selector at the game’s outset: it lists every country in the world along with the average fly lifespan for that region.

By default, it chooses the country linked to your Nintendo profile, but players can opt for others—Japan, for example, offers one of the longer lifespans.

This clever touch adds replay value and a global flavor to the experience. A standout feature is the inclusion of a fly’s literal bucket list.

Players are tasked with checking off puzzle achievements such as activating a record player and riding its spinning disc, cleverly labeled as “Go on tour.” There are ten distinct bucket-list items, and the challenge lies in completing them all within a single fly’s lifespan.

Most players will work through several flies before learning each puzzle’s solution, ultimately sprinting through to complete the list in one seamless run. Across its four main environments, Time Flies offers a couple of hours of engaging exploration complemented by the search for 12 hidden puzzle pieces.

While some might debate whether the $14.99 price tag matches the game’s length, its charm, creativity, and thoughtful design elements provide a strong counterbalance.

Visually, the game employs a minimalist black-and-white line art style that lends a unique perspective—mimicking the supposed worldview of a fly—setting it apart from other Nintendo Switch titles. It is important to note that Time Flies carries a mature rating.

The game includes scenes depicting drug and alcohol use, and, in some rooms such as a digital art gallery, features nudity in the form of statues and artwork.

While these elements are presented in a stylized, non-explicit way, players sensitive to such imagery should be aware. In summary, Time Flies is a refreshingly inventive exploration game for the Nintendo Switch, fusing minimalist art with meaningful gameplay and clever mechanics.

Its brief play sessions, replayability, and distinctive theme make it a noteworthy entry in the eShop’s indie catalog.

Despite its limitations in length, Time Flies delivers an experience brimming with charm, originality, and contemplative design—a standout choice for Switch gamers in search of something different.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Adventure Time Flies Sideshow