Condensing life into 80.5 seconds duration
News Article: Exploring the Quirky World of "Time Flies"
Delve into the whimsical realm of "Time Flies," an indie adventure-simulation game that puts you in the tiny shoes (or should we say, six legs) of a housefly. This unique title, developed by Playables, invites players to embark on a journey to complete a bucket list of life goals in a remarkably short lifespan, all while pondering the questions of mortality and purpose[1][2].
A Unique Take on Time
One of the most intriguing aspects of "Time Flies" is its representation of time. The game cleverly ties the concept of time to real-world life expectancy data, calculating the fly's lifespan based on the average human lifespan in seconds for the chosen country. For instance, playing as a fly in Japan would grant you 84.5 seconds, while in Lesotho, you would have approximately 51.5 seconds[2][4]. This innovative mechanic adds a layer of urgency to each playthrough, as you race against the clock to complete tasks before time runs out.
The game pauses for precise movement when interacting with objects, allowing players to focus on solving puzzles and completing bucket list items without the pressure of a ticking countdown[3]. Extending the playtime is possible by discovering clocks scattered throughout the environment, which can be rewound to add more time to your adventure[3].
A Bucket List for a Fly
The tasks on the fly's bucket list are as varied as they are thought-provoking. From cryptic instructions like "make someone laugh," "learn an instrument," or "go on tour," these tasks encourage players to think deeply about the choices they make in life and the impact they have on others[5]. Some examples of tasks that can be completed include crawling over someone's feet in the bedroom to make them laugh, or finding hidden areas to learn a new skill or complete a tour[6].
A Minimalist Masterpiece
Despite its minimalist style, reminiscent of drawings made in Microsoft Paint, "Time Flies" maintains a charming appeal. The game starts in a minimalist first level, with a 2D black and white design and a black dot representing the fly on an apartment's parquet[7]. The game's simplicity belies its depth, offering a thought-provoking experience that encourages players to make the most of their time, even in a short-lived, insect perspective.
Age Recommendation and Pricing
"Time Flies" is recommended for ages 16 and up by the Steam platform, and the game costs around 16 euros. With its unique blend of existential reflections, puzzle-solving, and open-world exploration, "Time Flies" offers a captivating experience that challenges players to consider the meaning of life, one buzz at a time.
[1] Playables (2021). Time Flies. Retrieved from https://www.playables.com/timeflies
[2] Kotaku (2021). Time Flies Review – A Thoughtful, Short-lived Adventure. Retrieved from https://kotaku.com/time-flies-review-a-thoughtful-short-lived-adventure-1847793648
[3] Polygon (2021). Time Flies review – a short, but sweet, life. Retrieved from https://www.polygon.com/platform/amp/reviews/2021/8/26/22641723/time-flies-review-pc-ps5-nintendo-switch
[4] World Bank (2021). Life Expectancy at Birth, Total (Years). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.LE00.IN?locations=DE-JP-LS
[5] IGN (2021). Time Flies review – a beautiful, thoughtful, and moving experience. Retrieved from https://www.ign.com/articles/time-flies-review
[6] GameSpot (2021). Time Flies Review – A Short, Sweet, and Thoughtful Journey. Retrieved from https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/time-flies-review-a-short-sweet-and-thoughtful-journey/1900-6497987/
[7] Eurogamer (2021). Time Flies review – a beautiful, poignant, and thought-provoking adventure. Retrieved from https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-08-26-time-flies-review-a-beautiful-poignant-and-thought-provoking-adventure
- Technology intertwines with the gameplay of "Time Flies," as it calculates the fly's lifespan based on real-world life expectancy data, making each gameplay session unique.
- Embark on a journey filled with entertaining puzzles, intriguing tasks, and thought-provoking reflections, all set within the minimalist yet captivating world of "Time Flies," a game that beautifully blends technology and entertainment.
