Life simulation games have always captured the hearts of players who love diving into rich, customisable worlds. The upcoming indie title Paralives, developed by Alex Massé and his team, is stirring up excitement among gamers as a potential game-changer in the genre. Offering unparalleled customisation, open-world freedom, and a vibrant community-driven development model, Paralives could redefine what it means to play a life simulation game.
At its core, Paralives invites players to explore "parallel lives" in an open-world neighbourhood teeming with possibilities. Unlike its counterparts, Paralives breaks free from traditional grid-based building and restricted character creation tools. Here’s a sneak peek into what makes this game a standout contender:
Paralives’ build mode is a playground for creativity. Players are no longer shackled by grids—walls can be curved, objects resized, and textures or colours customised to the smallest detail. Want to recreate your real-life house with pinpoint accuracy? Use the built-in measuring tape to achieve perfection. Stairs, basements, split levels, and roof designs are all accessible via intuitive tools.
The attention to detail extends to furniture customisation. From colour wheels to texture adjustments, you’ll feel like an interior designer crafting a Pinterest-worthy home. Whether you're building a modern loft or a cosy cabin, Paralives ensures your vision can become a reality.
The game’s advanced character creation tool, Paramaker, allows players to design "Parafolks" with unprecedented depth. Think height sliders, resizable body features, and fully customisable hair colours or styles. Characters are further enriched with complex personalities—traits like sleeping habits, cleaning preferences, and even emotional vibes (e.g., grumpy or peaceful).
With personality traits affecting gameplay interactions, Parafolks feel alive. This layered system encourages unique storytelling and adds a refreshing dynamic to character development.
Once your Parafolks are ready, it's time to dive into their daily lives. Paralives offers an open-world environment where players can explore neighbourhoods filled with shops, parks, and social venues. Want to build relationships, climb the career ladder, or simply enjoy a lazy day at the beach? The choice is yours.
Jobs in Paralives take a novel approach. You can visit local venues to apply for work, with each job requiring specific skills. Promotions are tied to in-game upgrade points, allowing you to tailor your career progression. The live mode's autonomy system ensures Parafolks act naturally, handling tasks and pursuing their goals while you decide their bigger life choices.
The indie gaming scene often serves as a breeding ground for innovation, and Paralives is no exception. Here are three reasons it’s capturing the attention of gamers worldwide:
Paralives takes pride in its distinct art style and mechanics. While buildings and objects are semi-realistic, the Parafolks sport a stylised design to stand out against their environment. This balance strikes a harmonious blend of realism and creativity.
The game also excels at blending life simulation with deeper relationship mechanics. The introduction of "Together Cards" fosters nuanced interactions. Fill the "Together Bar" during conversations to unlock new relationship statuses like "friend" or "romantic interest." These innovations keep gameplay fresh and engaging, whether you’re building bonds or breaking them.
Paralives has been in development since 2019, and its trajectory is nothing short of inspiring. Starting as a solo project, the team now boasts over 12 members, thanks to overwhelming community support. Here’s a glimpse of their current progress:
The game is slated for Early Access in 2025, with the developers promising frequent updates based on player feedback.
Paralives isn’t just another life simulation game—it’s a love letter to fans of the genre. By offering tools that spark creativity, mechanics that deepen immersion, and an unwavering commitment to its community, Paralives is poised to become a standout title in gaming.
As we inch closer to the 2025 Early Access release, one thing is clear: Paralives is more than a game; it’s a revolution in life simulation. Get ready to build, create, and live your ultimate parallel life. With the support of Patreon, and driven by everyone’s contributions, the Paralives team continues to innovate.
