Today’s annual Level-5 Vision event is subtitled “To the World’s Children.” The idea is that games aren’t just for children, they’re also for adults who never lost their inner child. Recently, the publisher has been delaying many of its games, some repeatedly. I normally understand delays but with this many, I’m getting both frustrated and concerned. Unfortunately, this event does not lessen any of my fears. It does, however, provide information on a handful of previously-announced titles and two new game announcements; there are new trailers for each game.
(Note: There is one game I didn’t include because it’s a game update and not an upcoming title, but if you’re interested — Megaton Muashi W: Wired will receive a major update in November.)
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
About a month ago, Level-5 announced that it was delaying Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time (again) from an October date to an unannounced date. The delay is to “make the game more fun and to give it a major content upgrade.” The new trailer shows off the game’s vast, open world waiting to be explored. New movement options let you traverse various terrains — for example, you can swim! You can also ride different mounts to get across the world. A new Quick Life Change feature makes gameplay smoother and more accessible.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is now expected to launch for Nintendo Switch in April 2025. (Other platforms are undecided.)
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
Another extremely anticipated game, today is the first time a target release window (a large one) has been announced for Professor Layton and the New World of Steam. I’ve played all of its predecessors, and the upcoming game does appear to be the next generation of the series. Luke and Layton are now in 3D, allowing for more expressive characters and a more captivating world.
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam is expected to launch for Nintendo Switch in 2025.
Decapolice
In today’s least surprising news, Decapolice is delayed from a 2024 launch to a new target window of 2026. A game and an anime are planned, and Level-5 wants to release both simultaneously. The game needs improvements to visuals and content, evolving it into a more engaging experience. The company is developing systems for a large open world. In better news, a PC version of Decapolice will now launch alongside its console versions. The trailer shows off the opening theme song, sung by MARiA; Level-5 explains that she is “a true diva whose power matches that of the protagonist Harvard,” adding drama to the performance.
Decapolice will be released for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch in 2026.
Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road
In another expected announcement, Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road is being delayed from 2024 to mid-2025. More information about the game was revealed. Commander Mode is for players who don’t like action games, instead allowing for general strategic commands and a focus on character training. You can switch between Manual and Commander Mode anytime during matches. The Abilearn Board lets you change a character’s traits and abilities, while Bond Link allows you to set up their relationships. In Bond Town, you can create an avatar to live in the game’s world. Any decorations and characters collected over various modes can be placed here to customize your little world. You can play football matches and mini-games with other players.
Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road is now expected to be released for iOS/Android, PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch in June 2025.
Inazuma Eleven RE
The first of two new game announcements, Inazuma Eleven RE is a remake of the first game in the series. It again tells Mamoru Endo’s first story but with various new features. Level-5 says it is “greatly improving accessibility.”
Inazuma Eleven RE is expected to launch for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch in 2026.
Holy Horror Mansion
Holy Horror Mansion is Level-5’s biggest cross-media project, though no partnering companies were announced (just described as “top entertainment companies).” The ghost craft RPG is built around family and the idea of everyone enjoying it together. A cross-media showcase is set for (Northern) spring 2025, where merchandise and media plans will be revealed. Holy Horror Mansion follows a young boy who lives in a mansion on top of the apartment building his grandmother owns. He finds a camera in a locked room and encounters a ghost, getting him caught up in all sorts of turmoil.
No information regarding Holy Horror Mansion’s platforms or release window is provided.
Buy the hottest games with Amazon.
By purchasing from this link, you support DDNet.
Each sale earns us a small commission.
