‘Time Flies’ Review: A Bittersweet Game About Life’s Fleeting Moments
📷 Image source: platform.theverge.com
A Fly’s Life
Panic Playables’ latest is short, strange, and surprisingly profound
You’re a fly. You have 90 seconds to live. That’s the entire premise of ‘Time Flies,’ the new game from Panic Playables, and yet somehow, it’s one of the most poignant experiences you’ll have this year.
It’s a game that doesn’t waste a second—literally. From the moment you buzz into existence, a timer starts ticking down. You can flit around a tiny, diorama-like world, landing on objects, interacting with them, and even discovering hidden secrets. But no matter what you do, those 90 seconds are all you get.
The genius of ‘Time Flies’ isn’t just in its simplicity. It’s in how it makes you feel the weight of every passing moment. You’ll find yourself rushing, hesitating, even panicking as the clock winds down. And when it’s over, you’ll probably sit there for a minute, staring at the screen, wondering what you just experienced.
More Than a Gimmick
Why a game about a dying fly hits so hard
On paper, ‘Time Flies’ sounds like a joke—a one-note gag about mortality. But it’s anything but. The game’s designer, Jörg Tittel (known for ‘The Last Worker’), has crafted something that lingers long after the credits roll.
Part of it’s the presentation. The art style is charmingly lo-fi, with a muted color palette that feels nostalgic and melancholic. The sound design is minimal but effective—the buzz of your wings, the ticking of the clock, the occasional musical sting when you discover something new. It all adds up to a mood that’s oddly reflective.
Then there’s the writing. Scattered throughout the world are little notes, jokes, and existential musings. One might read, ‘You were born to do great things.’ Another says, ‘Nobody will remember you.’ It’s funny, sure, but it also cuts deep. This isn’t just a game about a fly. It’s a game about you.
The Clock Is Ticking
How ‘Time Flies’ turns play into philosophy
What makes ‘Time Flies’ special is how it turns its central mechanic—the relentless countdown—into a metaphor for life itself. You can’t pause, you can’t rewind, and you can’t start over. Once your time’s up, it’s up.
This isn’t a new idea, of course. Games like ‘Passage’ and ‘Before Your Eyes’ have explored similar themes. But ‘Time Flies’ distills it down to its purest form. There’s no grand narrative, no complex systems—just you, a fly, and the inevitability of death.
And yet, it’s not depressing. There’s a weird joy in those 90 seconds, a sense of discovery and playfulness that makes the ending feel bittersweet rather than bleak. You’ll want to replay it immediately, not to ‘win,’ but to savor the little moments you missed the first time.
Who Is This For?
A game that won’t appeal to everyone—and that’s okay
Let’s be real: ‘Time Flies’ isn’t for the Fortnite crowd. It’s short (you can ‘finish’ it in under two minutes), it’s abstract, and it doesn’t offer much in the way of traditional gameplay. If you’re looking for action, challenge, or even a clear objective, you’ll be disappointed.
But if you’re willing to meet it on its own terms, it’s unforgettable. This is a game for people who love weird, experimental titles—the kind of thing you’d find at a indie game festival or tucked away in a corner of Steam. It’s also a game for anyone who’s ever stared at the ceiling at 3 AM, wondering what the hell they’re doing with their life.
At $7.99, it’s a tough sell for some. But for others, it’ll be the most meaningful eight bucks they spend all year.
The Verdict
A tiny masterpiece about life, death, and everything in between
‘Time Flies’ won’t be the biggest game of 2024. It probably won’t win any awards. But it’s the kind of experience that sticks with you—a quiet, thoughtful reminder of how precious time really is.
It’s also a testament to what games can be. You don’t need a 100-hour open world or photorealistic graphics to tell a powerful story. Sometimes, all you need is a fly, a timer, and a whole lot of heart.
So go ahead. Take 90 seconds out of your day. You won’t regret it.
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