Time Flies Game Review: Buzzing Through Life in 60 Seconds Flat

The clock starts ticking the moment you hatch. You’re a common housefly with grand ambitions and just 60 seconds to live. This is the heart-pounding premise of “Time Flies,” the innovative indie game launching July 31 on PS5, Switch, and PC. Developed by Playables and published by Panic, this existential adventure transforms insect mortality into darkly comedic gameplay. As your wings buzz against a pixel-art world, you’ll race to complete absurd bucket lists before time evaporates—a poignant metaphor for life’s fleeting nature that resonates long after your first digital demise.

What Makes Time Flies Stand Out in the Indie Game Scene?

“Time Flies” turns a fly’s brief lifespan into exhilarating gameplay. Players explore interactive dioramas—from art galleries to sewers—completing tasks like playing piano, firing arrows, or “finding God” before their inevitable expiration. Each of the 20+ levels features unique objectives that must be accomplished in a single life cycle, creating tense, hilarious sequences. As creative director Michael Frei told Dexerto in July 2025: “We tried to keep it simple. You control a fly. You have limited time. What you do is up to you.”

The genius lies in its emergent storytelling. When your fly drowns in a teardrop or gets zapped by a lamp, failure feels like slapstick poetry. Technical director Mario Muñoz revealed during development: “Every interaction had edge cases. What if the fly tries to play guitar mid-air? We spent months perfecting these micro-moments.”

The Pandemic Inspiration Behind the Buzz

The concept emerged during COVID-19 lockdowns. Frei recounted his “dead pixel” epiphany to Dexerto: “I bought a 4K TV with one faulty pixel among 8 million. That same day, 40 people died of COVID in Switzerland. I was furious about a pixel but numb to human loss. That dissonance birthed Time Flies.”

Why a fly? Frei admits: “It’s nobody’s favorite animal.” Yet the creature became the perfect vessel. Their global ubiquity let developers craft diverse environments, while their 60-second lifespan created organic tension. Muñoz noted: “Flies exist everywhere humans do. They’re the ideal observers of our absurdities.”

Designing Life in Miniature

Level design followed a meticulous process:

1. Animation-first approach: Frei created mockups of interactions before coding
2. Player intuition testing: 200+ playtests ensured controls felt instinctive
3. Escalating absurdity: Early levels feature typical fly activities (avoiding swatters), later ones include surreal quests like vinyl record-spinning

The team prioritized emotional resonance over difficulty. As Frei emphasized: “Our target audience was ourselves first. We wanted moments that made us laugh or gasp.” This philosophy birthed unforgettable scenarios—like a fly solemnly conducting a frog choir—that balance whimsy with existential weight.

Time Flies releases July 31 on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. This 2-3 hour experience masterfully transforms mortality into dark comedy, proving even insignificant lives can hold profound meaning. Don’t just watch time fly—seize it.

Must Know

Q: How long does it take to complete Time Flies?
A: Most players finish the main objectives in 2-3 hours. Completionists may spend 5+ hours unlocking every secret ending and achievement.

Q: Is Time Flies appropriate for children?
A: Yes. Despite dark themes, its cartoonish violence (e.g., flies getting swatted) is presented humorously. ESRB rates it E10+ for comic mischief.

Q: What platforms support Time Flies?
A: The game launches July 31 on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. No Xbox or mobile versions are planned currently.

Q: Will there be post-launch content?
A: Developers haven’t announced DLC but told Dexerto they’re “exploring ideas” if the game resonates. Community challenges may be added.

Q: How does the time mechanic work?
A: Each life lasts exactly 60 seconds. Players restart upon death but retain knowledge to sequence tasks more efficiently. Speedrunning is encouraged.

Q: Who developed Time Flies?
A: Swiss studio Playables (Michael Frei and Mario Muñoz), known for experimental animation games like “Plug & Play.” Panic (Untitled Goose Game) is publishing.