Summary
- Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time early access is now available on all platforms after a delay for Xbox users.
- Level-5 apologized for the Xbox delay and confirmed plans to compensate affected players.
- The game is already climbing Steam’s Global Top Sellers list and earning strong early reviews.
Xbox Delay Resolved for Fantasy Life i Early Access
After a last-minute technical hiccup, early access for Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is officially live on all platforms including Xbox Series X|S. Developer Level-5 had initially announced a delay for the Xbox version on May 18 due to issues on Microsoft’s end, while PlayStation and PC versions launched on time.
Several hours later, Level-5 confirmed that the problem was fixed and Xbox users could finally jump into the game. The team also acknowledged the inconvenience and stated, “We are currently discussing possible compensation for the delay and will share further details once they are finalized.”
A Cult Hit’s Comeback
First released on the Nintendo 3DS over a decade ago, the original Fantasy Life charmed fans with its blend of RPG adventure and life sim elements. Now, its spiritual successor is bringing that same energy to modern platforms.
As of this writing, Fantasy Life i is sitting high on Steam’s Global Top Sellers list and drawing over 26,000 viewers on Twitch. While some early reviews flag limitations in co-op multiplayer, the consensus is that this is a highly polished and nostalgic return to form. It earned a solid 36/40 score from Famitsu, and fans are praising the updated visuals, familiar soundtrack, and expanded job system.
What Makes Fantasy Life i Special?
The game mixes traditional RPG combat with laid-back professions like Cooking, Tailoring, or Mining. Players can switch “Lives” (jobs) freely, combining abilities to complete tasks like gathering ingredients and crafting meals. Early Steam reviews highlight features like save-anywhere functionality, non-breakable tools, NPC party members, and smooth Steam Deck performance.
Although multiplayer has some limitations—particularly in how story and challenge quests are handled—it hasn’t stopped fans from diving in. For newcomers and returning players alike, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time offers a fresh yet familiar world to get lost in.
Launch Details and What’s Next
The full version of the game launches on May 21 for PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, with a Switch 2 version also in development. For those who opted for the premium Digital Deluxe Edition, early access has already begun.
With momentum growing and Level-5 promising post-launch support, this may be the revival the Fantasy Life series needed to thrive in a post-Stardew world.
