Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time Launches to Positive Reviews on PC and Nintendo Switch

Level-5, the esteemed developer behind beloved franchises like Professor Layton and Ni no Kuni, has released its latest title, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time.

This much-anticipated sequel to the cult favorite Fantasy Life, originally launched on the Nintendo 3DS, arrived this week for Nintendo Switch and Steam, bringing fresh life to the genre of cozy role-playing games with life simulation elements.

After several delays and a period of early access, the game is finally available, and both critical reviewers and early adopters are eagerly weighing in with their impressions. On Steam, Fantasy Life i has already garnered a "Very Positive" rating from over 1,200 user reviews.

Many players praise the game for capturing the charming atmosphere and varied gameplay offered by the original, blending life simulation, role-playing, and a whimsical fantasy setting.

A recurring theme in top user feedback is the game’s ability to evoke joy and relaxation, while providing a diverse range of activities—from fighting monsters and exploring dungeons, to crafting, cooking, tailoring, and fishing. One Steam reviewer noted that after completing a few story chapters and exploring the desert region multiplayer, the experience felt like "unfiltered joy", expressing excitement about unlocking and experimenting with the game's many available jobs or "Lives".

They highlighted the cozy, colorful world and the seamless mix of quest-driven adventure and leisurely downtime that characterizes the Fantasy Life series.

Another player wrote that their long wait for the game was "absolutely worth it", citing Fantasy Life i’s successful blend of cozy RPG mechanics and its expansive, freedom-driven gameplay as major draws.

Fans of life sims like Animal Crossing or the original Fantasy Life on 3DS are especially likely to appreciate this new entry, according to the reviews. However, not every aspect of the game has been met with universal praise.

Some users expressed disappointment with the game's multiplayer and co-op functionalities, suggesting that significant restrictions hamper the experience of playing with friends.

According to Nintendo's official game page, Fantasy Life i allows up to four players to collaborate online, exploring dungeons and enjoying the island life together.

In practice, several reviewers report that multiplayer access is only unlocked after several hours of single-player progression, and that in-game co-op is limited in scope, lacking support for shared quest completion and certain life activities.

This led a number of players to compare the current multiplayer implementation unfavorably to the more robust co-op found in the 3DS original. Despite these criticisms, single-player fans have applauded Level-5 for maintaining the series’ signature charm and gameplay variety.

The Japanese gaming publication Famitsu awarded Fantasy Life i a score of 36 out of 40—an improvement over the original’s 35/40—reflecting the positive reception in Japan. Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is available now on Nintendo Switch through the eShop and on Steam, and is expected to remain a staple for fans of relaxing RPGs and life simulation experiences.

Level-5 has also announced that updates are planned to further enhance the game, particularly in response to early player feedback.

As reviews for the Nintendo Switch version roll in, prospective players can expect a rich, expansive world to explore, whether they prefer adventuring solo or connecting with friends online.

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