Fantasy Life
***Special thanks are extended to Phantom for proofing this review. I owe you far more than one.
Initially gimmicked as a kids title with seemingly no content to each specialization other than appearance, Level-5s Fantasy Life (FL) for the Nintendo 3DS boasts a depth unseen by first impressions in its large game world, simple yet intriguing story, uncommon career system, and customization options. Having myself been deterred due to the stigma attached to titles termed Life, I am pleased to say this experience was worth the purchase, though with minor flaws detailed below. Before beginning, I would like to say that I have played both in multiplayer and single player, but cannot attest to the downloadable content since I do not currently own it.
Here are a few reasons to give this title a try:
Story - There is not much to be said against the plots rather short duration, and it does earn its merits. You explore the land of Castele as bizarre occurrences hazard the land. Similar to Bravely Default and the Final Fantasy series, FL employs a simplistic name scheme that cleverly allows the player to more easily identify characters and locales; for example, Woody is one of the guides-known as Life Masters-that assists the player in carpentry. As you progress through the story, more of the world becomes available, revealing new challenges such as dungeons, class trials, and enemies; vendors with unique items; and a cast of colorful personalities. There is a surprisingly rich lore base hidden in the mildly child-like semblance of this title, as well as some fairly comedic moments.
Classes - There are twelve careers-termed Lives-in total that may be chosen or begun at almost any time. Each Life can be classified in one of three ways with combat-centric jobs being the Paladin, Magician, Hunter, and Mercenary; the Angler, Woodcutter, and Miner professions allow for resource gathering practices; and resources are utilized by the Blacksmith, Carpenter, Cook, Tailor, and Alchemist for crafting equipment, furniture, and other items. As you complete certain tasks from each Life Master, you gain Stars which rewards opportunities for more challenges to increase the rank of your selected Life. Increasing in rank affords improved equipment, items, and recognition from non-player and player characters alike. Combat classes primarily engage in quarrels with specified foes, gaining compensation for enduring increasingly grueling encounters as they increase in rank. The crafting and resource-gathering professions synergize with each other as raw materials are altered into useful items of various grades depending on how well the player completes the crafting minigames. My primary gripe about this title is that switching from your current Life to another-and subsequently the challenges-can be quite tedious given you must return to the Bounty Office each time; this is justified by certain equipment being class-restrictive, however, and does slightly aide in the immersion of a single Life. No progress is lost in deselected Lives.
Gameplay - The control scheme for FL is admissibly straightforward and changes slightly depending on your current task. In combat, you are assigned a special maneuver-given a combat-based Life was chosen-that is unique to the given life; this system is also seen in non-combat classes with maneuvers that aide in item creation and enhancements. Utilization of skills such as running, sneaking, and plank refinement increases their individual level as well, allowing for the employment of superior equipment. There is, however, a grinding method to several of this games mechanics which may be a drawback for some. A secondary rewards system-termed Bliss-is also utilized to enhance authorization options such as allowing the player to obtain pets, procure a mount, or unlock additional content from vendors throughout the world. I began playing Fantasy Life as a carpenter-influenced by Bobby Darin’s classic tune-solo with knowledge that my brother and friend already owned the game. When we would occasionally meet online in the three-player cooperative world, I was surprised at just how well our three different classes meshed together as a cohesive unit.
TL:DR Fantasy Life is an enjoyable solo and cooperative experience with a massive variety of customization options. There is so much more to be said about this title such as the option to own and furnish multiple homes that can truly only be justified by playing this for yourself. I recommend FL to those who enjoy roleplaying experiences as well as cooperative adventures to be had with friends. Thanks for reading.
Do you feel this review helped in any way? Feel free to visit my Curator Page at Spearpoint Reviews.
Originally posted on July 31, 2018.
Initially gimmicked as a kids title with seemingly no content to each specialization other than appearance, Level-5s Fantasy Life (FL) for the Nintendo 3DS boasts a depth unseen by first impressions in its large game world, simple yet intriguing story, uncommon career system, and customization options. Having myself been deterred due to the stigma attached to titles termed Life, I am pleased to say this experience was worth the purchase, though with minor flaws detailed below. Before beginning, I would like to say that I have played both in multiplayer and single player, but cannot attest to the downloadable content since I do not currently own it.
Here are a few reasons to give this title a try:
Story - There is not much to be said against the plots rather short duration, and it does earn its merits. You explore the land of Castele as bizarre occurrences hazard the land. Similar to Bravely Default and the Final Fantasy series, FL employs a simplistic name scheme that cleverly allows the player to more easily identify characters and locales; for example, Woody is one of the guides-known as Life Masters-that assists the player in carpentry. As you progress through the story, more of the world becomes available, revealing new challenges such as dungeons, class trials, and enemies; vendors with unique items; and a cast of colorful personalities. There is a surprisingly rich lore base hidden in the mildly child-like semblance of this title, as well as some fairly comedic moments.
Classes - There are twelve careers-termed Lives-in total that may be chosen or begun at almost any time. Each Life can be classified in one of three ways with combat-centric jobs being the Paladin, Magician, Hunter, and Mercenary; the Angler, Woodcutter, and Miner professions allow for resource gathering practices; and resources are utilized by the Blacksmith, Carpenter, Cook, Tailor, and Alchemist for crafting equipment, furniture, and other items. As you complete certain tasks from each Life Master, you gain Stars which rewards opportunities for more challenges to increase the rank of your selected Life. Increasing in rank affords improved equipment, items, and recognition from non-player and player characters alike. Combat classes primarily engage in quarrels with specified foes, gaining compensation for enduring increasingly grueling encounters as they increase in rank. The crafting and resource-gathering professions synergize with each other as raw materials are altered into useful items of various grades depending on how well the player completes the crafting minigames. My primary gripe about this title is that switching from your current Life to another-and subsequently the challenges-can be quite tedious given you must return to the Bounty Office each time; this is justified by certain equipment being class-restrictive, however, and does slightly aide in the immersion of a single Life. No progress is lost in deselected Lives.
Gameplay - The control scheme for FL is admissibly straightforward and changes slightly depending on your current task. In combat, you are assigned a special maneuver-given a combat-based Life was chosen-that is unique to the given life; this system is also seen in non-combat classes with maneuvers that aide in item creation and enhancements. Utilization of skills such as running, sneaking, and plank refinement increases their individual level as well, allowing for the employment of superior equipment. There is, however, a grinding method to several of this games mechanics which may be a drawback for some. A secondary rewards system-termed Bliss-is also utilized to enhance authorization options such as allowing the player to obtain pets, procure a mount, or unlock additional content from vendors throughout the world. I began playing Fantasy Life as a carpenter-influenced by Bobby Darin’s classic tune-solo with knowledge that my brother and friend already owned the game. When we would occasionally meet online in the three-player cooperative world, I was surprised at just how well our three different classes meshed together as a cohesive unit.
TL:DR Fantasy Life is an enjoyable solo and cooperative experience with a massive variety of customization options. There is so much more to be said about this title such as the option to own and furnish multiple homes that can truly only be justified by playing this for yourself. I recommend FL to those who enjoy roleplaying experiences as well as cooperative adventures to be had with friends. Thanks for reading.
Do you feel this review helped in any way? Feel free to visit my Curator Page at Spearpoint Reviews.
Originally posted on July 31, 2018.
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