From the creators of KIDS and Plug & Play, Time Flies takes a simple premise – living the brief life of a housefly – and turns it into a poignant, often darkly funny meditation on mortality. Developed by Playables and published by Panic, this minimalist game is both charmingly playful and surprisingly contemplative. Its message might be heavy, but its delivery is so light and inventive that it makes for an experience that lingers long after your short-lived fly meets its inevitable end.
At the heart of Time Flies is a ticking clock. Your lifespan, measured in seconds and tied to the average life expectancy of your country, creates a constant sense of urgency. This timer isn’t displayed as a traditional UI element, but as part of the fly’s visual design – a clever integration that keeps the pressure on without breaking immersion. The goal is to tick off as many items from your in-game bucket list as possible: play music, see the world, fall in love, die a noble death. These objectives range from heartfelt to almost absurd, often requiring players to experiment with the game’s environment and physics to uncover what’s possible.
The hand-drawn black-and-white visuals evoke a scrapbook-like intimacy. Rooms and objects are densely packed with detail, inviting exploration while maintaining a lo-fi aesthetic that feels personal rather than sparse. Despite the minimalism, the world is full of surprises – from electrical hazards to ceiling fans, cats, and even musical instruments. Every object has potential, and learning how to interact with them becomes part of the fun. The game’s humor shines through in moments of slapstick or unexpected outcomes, but it’s always underscored by the fragility of your existence.
Mechanically, the game is extremely simple: players move in two dimensions, flapping and gliding with just a few button inputs. The controls are deliberately floaty, capturing the erratic movement of a fly with surprising precision. While this is part of the game’s charm, it can also be a point of frustration – navigating tight spaces or completing certain objectives can feel fiddly, especially with the ticking clock breathing down your neck. It’s an intentional design choice, but one that might not sit well with everyone, particularly those who prefer tight and responsive platforming.
The game’s soundtrack and sound design also deserve special mention. Subtle ambient noises blend with piano riffs and environmental cues to create an atmosphere that feels reflective without becoming melancholic. Music becomes part of the game world – you don’t just hear it, you interact with it. One of the standout moments is figuring out how to play an instrument as a fly, turning what might be a gag in another game into a small moment of wonder.
If there’s a catch, it’s the game’s short runtime. A single playthrough can be over in minutes, and while replaying to uncover new bucket list entries or explore alternate paths is encouraged, not all players will find enough incentive to keep going. The open-ended nature of progression – and lack of explicit structure – might feel aimless to some. But for others, that’s the point. Life is short, and Time Flies uses that brevity to deliver something quietly profound, without ever overstating its message.
Ultimately, Time Flies is a curious mix of artful restraint and joyful experimentation. Its minimalist aesthetic, unique structure, and reflective tone won’t appeal to everyone, but for those open to its quiet message and offbeat humor, it offers a surprisingly rich experience. It’s not just a clever metaphor – it’s a reminder to make the most of the time you have, even if you’re only a fly on the wall.
Score: 7.9/10
Press Play Media 