Fantasy Life

 3DS
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 277 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 219 out of 277
  2. Mixed: 39 out of 277
  3. Negative: 19 out of 277
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Dirid
    Sep 11, 2023
    10
    One of the best 3ds games and best RPGs I've ever played. It is grindy at times, and it is quite linear, but this game is so much more then sum of it parts.
  2. Roscar
    Jul 11, 2022
    10
    This is by far one of the best 3ds games and it can't be discussed, it has everything, I even consider this game haves the best DLC of all time in price/quality terms.
    Just every single thing in this game is awesome except some minor details, from the Ost to the humor it should be a crime not playing this game and I recommend it to everyone every single time I can.
  3. CrimsonFdUrMOm
    May 1, 2022
    2
    Pick your class to cleave, shoot, cook, and brew your way to the end of the story.

    An otherwise decent game marred by poor dialogue. This game has an okay start that immediately dips in to bad, as someone tries to cover up they're poor writing skills by adding more words. With dialogue that reads like some socially awkward middle schooler imagining what it would be like to actually talk    Pick your class to cleave, shoot, cook, and brew your way to the end of the story.

    An otherwise decent game marred by poor dialogue. This game has an okay start that immediately dips in to bad, as someone tries to cover up they're poor writing skills by adding more words.

    With dialogue that reads like some socially awkward middle schooler imagining what it would be like to actually talk to someone who's not they're mom, it's no wonder my thumb is sore from all this mashing.

    You'll be mashing on more endless dialogue boxes, with side characters that shouldn't have more than just a few words but won't SHUT UP, than actually mashing monsters.

    Enjoy up to one single mini game across more than half the classes, weather it's cooking, brewing, or smithing, every last crafting class consists of the same bland mini game with the prompts for the buttons switched around.

    At least the combat classes have some variety, swing your sword > step out of the way of attacks > repeat, or swing your sword > block > repeat, or even shoot > repeat.

    Lucky enough the controls are passable, not too many cheap shots from enemies, no dropped inputs on the mini games, and the difficulty is on a good curve all the way through.

    The visuals, music, and sound effects are cute and fun. But that's about all this over sized progression loop has to offer. It's an okay game to play if you only have a 3ds and want an open world game to play, this is it. Otherwise pick a different game.    … Expand
  4. sware86
    Feb 26, 2022
    6
    Very easy game, don´t need to do a job, the history is only go to a town and speak with NPC.
  5. cyruszuo
    Dec 20, 2021
    10
    Fantasy Life was under-appreciated, particularly by reviewers, the user score is more accurate to how people felt about it. Though it starts a bit slow, it provides a ton of variety, solid combat, and is just incredibly well put together as a game (typical of Level-5 games). I've put dozens of hours into single player and enjoyed multiplayer as well. This is a strong buy if you have a 3DSFantasy Life was under-appreciated, particularly by reviewers, the user score is more accurate to how people felt about it. Though it starts a bit slow, it provides a ton of variety, solid combat, and is just incredibly well put together as a game (typical of Level-5 games). I've put dozens of hours into single player and enjoyed multiplayer as well. This is a strong buy if you have a 3DS and it looks even remotely appealing to you.… Expand
  6. grimreapersims
    Oct 27, 2021
    7
    ....................................................................................................................................................................................................blank
  7. aleqhz
    Apr 4, 2021
    10
    This game is a huge time sink because of how fun and addictive it is. I wish there would be a sequel!
  8. Silverassassin
    Sep 29, 2020
    10
    I played this game when I was 10 and played threw the entire game and even played it with a friend sometimes and loved it. But Resently I came back to the game and it's still super fun and intuitive in my eyes. Not only is it my favourite rpg on the 3ds but it's also my favourite rpg that I have ever played and I have played the Witcher 3 and all dark souls games to completion.

    Easy 10 out of 10
  9. Ziromatt
    Sep 27, 2020
    8
    Un juego muy infravalorado de la 3ds, tiene un excelente mundo y el contenido se siente muy bien en general, a mi me dio más de 100h de diversión y le podría aber sacado muchas más
  10. SapphireSuicune
    Sep 18, 2020
    10
    I think it is fair to say this is my favorite game ever. I have had this game since like 2016, and there was one point where it was all I played, but now, I just go back every so often. But when you already have 150 hours and you're only a Creator in 2 Lifes, (don't judge me for being a fledgling wizard) and there's still hours upon hours of exploration and enjoyment, you know the game isI think it is fair to say this is my favorite game ever. I have had this game since like 2016, and there was one point where it was all I played, but now, I just go back every so often. But when you already have 150 hours and you're only a Creator in 2 Lifes, (don't judge me for being a fledgling wizard) and there's still hours upon hours of exploration and enjoyment, you know the game is doing something right. Although the story wasn't great (other than the origin island), the gameplay is just so good! And there's something about the goals that make you just want to keep playing. Get. This. Game.… Expand
  11. Draco901
    Nov 15, 2019
    9
    Near perfection. The only issues the game really has is that combat can feel a bit repetitive at times. The class and skill system is worked out beautifully to get players invested into the game's world, encouraging them to go out in the game and really take in the beauty behind it all. To top it all off, the story is deeply heartwarming and even humorous at times. Easily one of myNear perfection. The only issues the game really has is that combat can feel a bit repetitive at times. The class and skill system is worked out beautifully to get players invested into the game's world, encouraging them to go out in the game and really take in the beauty behind it all. To top it all off, the story is deeply heartwarming and even humorous at times. Easily one of my favorite games of all time and that probably won't change for an entire decade.… Expand
  12. XV_
    May 19, 2019
    8
    It took me around 30 hours to get the credits in Fantasy Life but I roughly felt them, there are certain things that are stellar in this game, like the character design or environmental design, but for me the one that stood up the most was the writing, it has this comedic and beautiful tone that is not so common in a game aimed for "kids" but is brilliant, the gameplay is good but it feltIt took me around 30 hours to get the credits in Fantasy Life but I roughly felt them, there are certain things that are stellar in this game, like the character design or environmental design, but for me the one that stood up the most was the writing, it has this comedic and beautiful tone that is not so common in a game aimed for "kids" but is brilliant, the gameplay is good but it felt kind of repetitive towards the end, maybe if I spiced things a little more with its job system which here is called "Life" maybe it could felt a little different.

    My biggest complaint is mostly in its quest system, mainly in its main quests, which felt too systematic and stiff, if you want to advance on the story you cannot bring your party (you have 2 slots for different party members), instead there is a scripted party that sometimes is only 1 partner, the problem is that if you accepted the main quest, you can't add or change the party set up till you finish that chapter, it may seem like a nitpick but it grew by the middle of the story, and it also doesn't help that every chapter is structured in a very similar way, so it feels kinda repetitive. Another minor issue is the music, it's composed by Final Fantasy's original composer Nobuo Uematsu, and it has a certain charm but it sounds a little bit generic or simplistic at times, which maybe is kind of the point because this game is so simple and user friendly, it simplifies a lot of the quirks and complex mechanics of a "grow up" RPG and puts them in a game aimed for little kids, that is quite the feature I think.

    Fantasy Life didn't change my life but I had a very pleasant time on it, its world is colorful and charming like a grandma tale, and it offers a simple but rewarding job system that even gives you a musical number when you master it. I think that FL is a nice entry to the RPG genre for little kids (I'm genuinely considering giving this game to my kids in the future) but it also has a nice challenge if you're up to the grinding.    … Expand
  13. valsaven
    May 17, 2019
    8
    Funny easy game. I like Butterfly companion.
    It's a good choice to play every evening.
  14. FMagnolfi
    May 12, 2019
    9
    Fantasy Life brings a lot of fun with every little detail.
    The main story can be made short but that contrasts with the depth delivered by the mechanics of professions
  15. SuperMaarten64
    Aug 23, 2018
    10
    this game is easily my favorite game on the Nintendo 3DS. to me it's like a pocket Skyrim!
  16. BASHparallel
    Feb 13, 2018
    10
    This is awesome! No, it's not supposed to be a hardcore or revolutionary game, but I still love it. The world is huge and feels so immersive and I've sunk upwards of 80 hours into it so far and haven't even STARTED with the endgame stuff. I bought the DLC after I finished it and I'm not sure the DLC was worth the price, but the combined price of the DLC and the base game is worth it. TheThis is awesome! No, it's not supposed to be a hardcore or revolutionary game, but I still love it. The world is huge and feels so immersive and I've sunk upwards of 80 hours into it so far and haven't even STARTED with the endgame stuff. I bought the DLC after I finished it and I'm not sure the DLC was worth the price, but the combined price of the DLC and the base game is worth it. The underpricing (IMO... £35 for so much content? hells yes!) of the base game probably makes up for the pricing of the DLC. It's immersive and it really does feel like a little world, and **** all the edgy elitists who didn't like it just because it was whimsical and cute.

    If you like Dark Souls-esque stuff, then maybe this isn't for you. But if you'd like a blend of a traditional RPG with Animal Crossing, go buy this and don't look back.    … Expand
  17. tsdenizen
    Oct 31, 2017
    7
    Fantasy Life is adorable and packed with things to do, but taken individually, each "thing to do" is ultimately quite shallow. All crafting classes boil down to the same dull mini-game, mining and woodcutting are also the same, and the 4 combat classes managed to be both shallow and unbalanced in their usability. Still, despite all the issues with with depth it faces, Fantasy Life managesFantasy Life is adorable and packed with things to do, but taken individually, each "thing to do" is ultimately quite shallow. All crafting classes boil down to the same dull mini-game, mining and woodcutting are also the same, and the 4 combat classes managed to be both shallow and unbalanced in their usability. Still, despite all the issues with with depth it faces, Fantasy Life manages to be an overall pleasant experience due to its charm and polish, if an unessential one.… Expand
  18. Ranger_Soup
    Jun 21, 2017
    8
    After playing this game for nearly 30 hours without the DLC, (including both restarting the game after losing my save data and my previous hours), I can safely say it has sated my appetite for the usual grinding and basic open world RPG elements that I actually like in a game. If you're expecting a huge experience that you can sink your teeth in and play for hours, then this game is notAfter playing this game for nearly 30 hours without the DLC, (including both restarting the game after losing my save data and my previous hours), I can safely say it has sated my appetite for the usual grinding and basic open world RPG elements that I actually like in a game. If you're expecting a huge experience that you can sink your teeth in and play for hours, then this game is not for you. The cute art style and wonderful visuals mesh well together, and the combat with allies against tough enemies is effective and easily understandable. The only problem that anyone would have with this game is the story. The dialogue is very tongue in cheek and can drag on for hours, feeling so slow, but you can easily skip it. Crafting feels very repetitive as well, as every artisan life such as the Tailor, Blacksmith, and the Carpenter have the same mechanics but only in slightly different variations of each other. Overall I like the game because of the grind, because of the feeling of improvement and advancement, but binging it can leave someone burned out or disappointed because they did not reach the goal they intended to pursue. Sure it can get boring now and then, and I play a different game afterwards. This game is better in small bursts, not long hours as it gets tiresome after a while.… Expand
  19. MidnaMoon
    May 26, 2017
    5
    The Cons
    90% of this game is cheesy and boring dialogue that isn't even a good story. For example there's nothing deep about it. All the characters are childish and nonsensical and just plain annoying. You can have a rated E game that isn't all butterflies and rainbows. Look at Paper Mario 2 for example, a very dark plot and some sass, but it still doesn't take away from the fun of the    The Cons
    90% of this game is cheesy and boring dialogue that isn't even a good story. For example there's nothing deep about it. All the characters are childish and nonsensical and just plain annoying. You can have a rated E game that isn't all butterflies and rainbows. Look at Paper Mario 2 for example, a very dark plot and some sass, but it still doesn't take away from the fun of the game. If your game is going to be so heavily reliant on the story at least make the story good or it seriously reduces replay value. Every chapter for example is just forced dialogue. You have to trigger the next scene by pressing A where the exclamation point is sure, but that's not really 'gameplay'.

    The Pros
    When you actually DO get time away from the constant monologue, the combat, crafting and exploring mechanics are enjoyable. I find many of the crafting things and things like fishing to be relaxing. You can master a generous amount of jobs. Creating your character is one of my favorite parts of the game however you sadly only get to create one character per file.

    All in All
    If you don't mind repeatedly smashing the B or A button thru countless walls of boring dialogue, and I mean there's a lot of it, Fantasy Life might just be for you. If you're impatient and hate when story writers sugar coat the darkness in the world you're less likely to enjoy it.
    5/10    … Expand
  20. td05
    Mar 27, 2017
    9
    This is, by far, one of my favorite games on the 3DS. The story is unique, with a different story for every life path. The music is one of the most amazing soundtracks on the 3DS besides Shovel Knight. The possibilities for this game are endless. And the art style is incredible. I chose the hunter path, and the monsters and beasts had so much detail to them. The butterfly is animated soThis is, by far, one of my favorite games on the 3DS. The story is unique, with a different story for every life path. The music is one of the most amazing soundtracks on the 3DS besides Shovel Knight. The possibilities for this game are endless. And the art style is incredible. I chose the hunter path, and the monsters and beasts had so much detail to them. The butterfly is animated so well, I thought it looked better than the real thing. Pick this game up now!… Expand
  21. Zucchini127
    Oct 18, 2016
    10
    This game gives me life. How anyone manages not to even own this game is a mystery to me considering how it is the greatest RPG I've ever had the honer of playing, not only is the story fun and interesting but the amount of content this game provides leaves me impressed so much. With so many classes to choose from (and the ability to do them all in one run) is great. the post game isThis game gives me life. How anyone manages not to even own this game is a mystery to me considering how it is the greatest RPG I've ever had the honer of playing, not only is the story fun and interesting but the amount of content this game provides leaves me impressed so much. With so many classes to choose from (and the ability to do them all in one run) is great. the post game is especially worth checking out as well, with the Origin Island DLC the game receives such a massive boost in content. And I haven't even started talking about the multiplayer, in the multiplayer you can share items, take on bosses (which this game has tons of them) and just explore if you really want to. The game's over world is huge and is ultimately interesting and colorful. The games characters are very well made and speak to me on a spiritual level. Fantasy life is my all time favorite 3DS game.… Expand
  22. TemplarGR
    Sep 9, 2016
    10
    One of the best games on the 3DS, and my personal favourite. Severely underrated by people who should never get paid to write "professional" reviews again, ever.

    This game is the complete package: It has incredible graphics with a unique style, charming music, good gameplay with many things to do, cute story. It is kind of an Open World RPG, the closest thing to Skyrim you can get on    One of the best games on the 3DS, and my personal favourite. Severely underrated by people who should never get paid to write "professional" reviews again, ever.

    This game is the complete package: It has incredible graphics with a unique style, charming music, good gameplay with many things to do, cute story.

    It is kind of an Open World RPG, the closest thing to Skyrim you can get on a 3DS. It has great production values, and is very cute and full of joy. It put a smile on my face. I really enjoyed it, and i am a 33 year old man with tons of "gritty" experience, both in my life and in games.

    It is not without faults, it can get very repetitive, the main story is not hard, and there is grinding if you want to 100% it. But as far as 3DS games go, those faults aren't that important.

    Don't let the "kiddie" graphics and story fool you, this game can be enjoyed by the whole family, including adults! Give it a try, you might like it!    … Expand
  23. KielW
    Jul 15, 2016
    10
    It's a little goofy looking, and feels like it's geared to a slightly younger audience when you look at it, it's a fairly strong game behind its cute graphics. Switching careers out could be a little less annoying, but it's very fun regardless.
  24. faloop
    Jul 8, 2016
    10
    Like a chibi Skyrim... Addictive as hell!! It is really a big world with lots lots of hours of fun, even has a dlc! (Yes, the game is complete, the dlc is an extra region :3) It´s beautiful, music is great and mechanics are the best! The story is childish but cute... not the strongest point...
  25. Whiteredx89
    Jul 8, 2016
    8
    This game overall was just a fun experience. There are so many different classes to play, and it always feels like you are getting something done. It is very rewarding. The story is a bit slow, but you can take it in small parts at a time if you aren't a fan of it. The world is very pretty and the characters are unique and funny. This is a 3DS gem that you shouldn't miss out on.
  26. Solari
    Jan 12, 2016
    1
    I bought this game because everyone was telling me that it had one of the most high replay values of the 3ds games, hell, after an hour it felt like an endless grind, 5 hours? more grind, it is just a **** grind with no story, i paid 40 bucks for this?
  27. KillaRiku
    Dec 29, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. At first I thought this game was okay, but then a parrot talked to me in leetspeak. 5/7 I love this game.

    And now for the serious part: This game reminds me a little bit of Dragon Quest and Animal Crossing. The artstyle is great, the cutscenes (even though they have really bad fps) look great. There are 12 "Lives" in total, 4 of them are for fighting, 4 for crafting and 4 for gathering materials. The only thing I have to critisize about that is the fact, that they all kinda feel the same. Especially the crafting, where all you have to do is quick time events (not even different ones). But overall the live-system is pretty fun. There are many well-designed places to explore. And sometimes there's even backtracking involved (not in a bad way), for example: Right in the first level there is a dragon, that you probably can't defeat when you're at level 1-15 (it's not impossible, just very hard). You can come back later and defeat him, though. There's even crafting materials, that you can't gather right away.

    The story is not bad but not especially good either. I think it's an acceptable story for a game like this. The quests can be a little bit boring, though, because they are mostly "kill this" or "get this" quests. But from my point of view: In this games the story isn't the important thing. It's more the exploring and living your everyday life part. You can even play with friends together, but I can't confirm if that's a good part of the game (because I have no friends ;l ).

    If you are one of those people, who like to customize their everything, then this game is probably for you. I highly recommend it as a game for casuals and hardcores.    … Expand
  28. TheCyborgFalcon
    Dec 7, 2015
    8
    If you are only looking for an RPG with a great story, then this game is not for you. If you are looking for a game with fun gameplay, much like an MMO, but without all of the micromanaging and tedious farming, then this is the perfect game. This game's story is disappointing at best, but the impeccable and fun gameplay makes up for that. There is so much to do, and many quests to obtainIf you are only looking for an RPG with a great story, then this game is not for you. If you are looking for a game with fun gameplay, much like an MMO, but without all of the micromanaging and tedious farming, then this is the perfect game. This game's story is disappointing at best, but the impeccable and fun gameplay makes up for that. There is so much to do, and many quests to obtain and complete, and you really feel as though you are helping people out while having lots of fun. You have many options on combat, although they are based off of the basic classes, but even those have many different choices in combat per class, or "Life". There is so much customization with these, even your weapons. The flaws, and the only real reason why I could not give this game a 9 or a 10, come with the story, as I mentioned. You can tell they made the storyline compatible for any life. This means the only gameplay for the whole story is running around and talking to people, with some OPTIONS to fight (it really asks you if you want to fight or not). It's not good game design, as I highly doubt anyone played the game only doing crafting classes, which brings me to the next flaw. The crafting systems are fun, and I do not have many problems with it at all, but the fact that they made the crafting systems all the same is somewhat lazy. All craftings have you move between 3 stations to craft and item: one where you time hitting a, one where you button mash a, and one where you hold down a (there may be another for some of them I do not remember, but still. If these two portions of the game were fixed (c'mon, did anyone ACTUALLY only play the somewhat boring crafting and not combat?) this game would be near perfect, as every other aspect if performed flawlesly, and is so fun, even if it is simple. This does not mean I do not reccomend this game, as I highly due, but take these aspects in regard to tell if this is the type of game you are looking for.… Expand
  29. Iznax
    Oct 24, 2015
    10
    What can i say about this game it was one of my first 3ds games (my second to be exact) and after a dozen of (great) games is the one that i still play and enjoy, if i have to choose only one game to hold up with my beloved new 3ds this will be it.
    I will not analyze any particular mechanic or feature of the game i will just say this. This is a game that can be almost anything you like it    What can i say about this game it was one of my first 3ds games (my second to be exact) and after a dozen of (great) games is the one that i still play and enjoy, if i have to choose only one game to hold up with my beloved new 3ds this will be it.
    I will not analyze any particular mechanic or feature of the game i will just say this. This is a game that can be almost anything you like it to be, from a very casual and relaxed experience to a very deep, and immersive game. After all the title describes the game perfectly as you explore, fight, gather, craft, buying, selling, building your house and over all living in a beautiful (and lighthearted) fantasy world.    … Expand
  30. kuehnau
    Sep 8, 2015
    8
    A diamond in the rough of crappy Nintendo 3DS games, Fantasy Life takes the concept and game mechanics of "Animal Crossing" and enhances and builds upon the concept. Imagine if Animal Crossing and Final Fantasy had a baby, this would be the result.

    Unfortunately the game still suffers from minor issues, such as the massive amount of filler dialog you are forced to scroll through. I    A diamond in the rough of crappy Nintendo 3DS games, Fantasy Life takes the concept and game mechanics of "Animal Crossing" and enhances and builds upon the concept. Imagine if Animal Crossing and Final Fantasy had a baby, this would be the result.

    Unfortunately the game still suffers from minor issues, such as the massive amount of filler dialog you are forced to scroll through. I often found myself just mashing the 'A' button just so I could get through long winded scenes. The game is also a massive grind fest, so if that isn't your thing, avoid at all costs.

    Still, there are things missing, they have a mostly boring selection of lives for players to choose from. I don't understand why they didn't have lives such as artists, dancers and more. The fact is, they missed out on a lot of topics they could have covered.

    It would have been nice if they would have allowed for farming, owning cattle and more. As it is, you simply wander around the countryside slaying monsters to collect things such as wool, eggs and milk, they could have gotten a little more creative.

    It's a shame they didn't have a marriage mechanic either. Such a small thing that people almost always expect and they failed to make sure it was there.    … Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Best 3DS Game of 2014
6
#6 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2014
1
#1 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 51 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 51
  3. Negative: 1 out of 51
  1. CD-Action
    Jul 27, 2015
    85
    A great, addictive game that should please the fans of Animal Crossing, simple RPGs and Harvest Moon. [08/2015, p.79]
  2. DarkZero
    Apr 9, 2015
    100
    Despite this game more than likely being in a niche category to most people, it ends up being one of the best selections on the 3DS, and with all the great stuff you can do in it, it deserves all its praise.
    Read full review
  3. GameCritics
    Feb 21, 2015
    75
    Ultimately, it may not have delivered as much variety as I was hoping for, but with the right expectations there's still a good amount of job-flavored questing to be had.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »