Various Daylife, while its name is a little weird, is a pretty charming game. The main character arrives on an island, as part of the 7th-year expedition team, to a town that has grown large enough that it has become prudent to explore the land and see what else is out there. But while it might be simple in some ways it’s deeper than it looks.
Various Daylife is a game that is all about getting better each and every day. There are three faces to choose for the main character and they each have a different voice. There is an opening getting to know the character quiz that gives increases to stats based on the answers. I appreciate these kinds of games because they offer multiple playthroughs where the little choices matter and it feels worth playing through again because of that.
Various Daylife starts with the protagonist moving to the island, meeting some new allies and working. The jobs aren’t mini-games, but rather they simply push the day ahead and offer up stat boosts, stat decreases, and money for their completion. Again, this game is simple in some ways but it doesn’t detract from its charm.
The protagonist came to the Island to make a new life for themselves and will do whatever they can to make it worth living for everyone. It’s a lovely tale that will send the player through a multitude of lives as they work to become the best they can be. Players soon meet a number of characters, including a kind scribe named Gilda, a warrior named Bruno, a knight named Adelaide, and a waitress named Efil, while more characters like a chef, a lutist, a commander, and a variety of other characters will fill out the town and make themselves known to the player.
As the game progresses the group will grow closer. It’s important to interact with the other members in your party. Grow close to them to increase the chance to deal more damage in battle and unless special attacks. The game really is about living a life and it is important to establish connections just like in real life
The town takes place on a straight line, with different spots taking the player to different parts of town. This may be a very simple concept but it works for the game. Not every game has to be so complex and for some reason, I find it all the more charming.
Much of the game takes place in the home of the main character, and there are many jobs to unlock as the player moves through the game too. It really becomes fun when you want to take on all these jobs and maintain good stats. Sometimes it is just nice to help out the main character’s friends and to see what happens by doing so.
Players can choose to take a job where there is a chance of both suffering an accident and/or failing it. They can also rest or level up the different characters that the player works with, and again simplicity is key and I find it all works in hand.
The jobs once again simply help to raise the player’s stats. Different jobs affect different stats and it’s up to the player to choose the right job, to continue to grow. It’s more advantageous to balance the stats but it also depends on what kind of life the player wants their character to have.
Some jobs are only available at certain parts of the day and sometimes it is more advantageous to sleep during the day and take the night jobs. It is all about what the player wants their character to do or be good at. Every player’s journey is different and the game offers up a pretty easy replayability once the player understands how things operate. As the player works their stamina and mood will decrease, and a sad depleted worker will definitely suffer at any job. Just like in life, it’s important to take breaks and rest to restore stamina and mood.
As players progress through the story they will take on quests. These quests can be failed, so it’s always a good idea to save before undertaking any quest and these are definitely a part of the game that can take longer than most. Players need to be ready for whatever may come, and players never know when their party may be wiped out.
This game might be simple but it’s deceptive too, and preparation is certainly key because while the party walks automatically on the quest, there are turn-based battles as they travel. The enemies in these turn-based battles look incredible and almost like they were drawn in a book and at each turn players choose an attack depending on what job they have selected. This is where the stats and jobs really come into play and balancing the party is crucial as the battles do become more difficult.
Players must also be aware of Change, Chain, and Chance. It’s important to change the status of the enemy to start a chain. Doing so increases the overall damage done to the foe. Once the player is ready they can deliver the final blow with a deadly chance attack. Change, Chain, Chance is another brilliant way the game shines and Square Enix has found a way to again change up turn-based battles and keep them relevant
It’s also important to know that this system can and will bite the player in the butt. The player must maximize their party and do their best to give themselves as many opportunities as possible. If an enemy for instance is on fire attacking it will light the player on fire too. It keeps things fair for both friend and foe, and that proves this game won’t completely hold your hand.
The art style is where the game shines though, as the characters look like dolls but they shine. Square Enix once again knocks it out of the park with the work put into their characters, and the game is a beautiful one. There are even some scenes that look hand-painted. and it’s just a sight to behold.
Various Daylife is a fantastic game, and one that it is easy to lose yourself in. It’s charming and sweet, but also has fun battles, great characters, and a story that proves life is what you make of it. It’s a game that anyone can immerse themselves in and proves time and again that it’s worth the effort. Will the player explore Erebia, and find a life worth living?
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
