Tomodachi Life: Level 5

Chapter 1: Loading Level, We're not in Brooklyn Anymore

"The time you want to go back to has no one waiting for you"

There is a terrible comfort that comes from grabbing an old device. Something that should bring back bitter sweet memories of simple times. And can you believe it? The 3DS is now considered a "retro" system. They aren't even manufacturing official models anymore. Bootlegs ones with the promise of every game in the system are coming out like mosquitos the moment spring starts to get a bit warm.

Now having a working 3DS feels like a time capsule. Not just for games. Seeing old pictures of videos of when you were younger, happier. Not a care in the world other than trying to figure out the difference between an HM and TM. And why you can get past those stupid trees in Soulsilver.

That's the reason why so many of us cling to the past. The world is a terrifying place nowadays. It makes a grown man want to curl up in a ball just to remember how huge the world felt when they were small. And how mother felt like the shield that kept you from that nasty void.

Those roles are in reverse when it comes to playing Tomodachi Life in 2026. You take on the goal as the larger than life guardian that protects the MIIs in your island from not just the world around them but themselves too. They don't know any better. They just appeared one day in a strange world with nothing but the clothes on their back and the feint idea of who they are...

Now imagine you seeing this world from that perspective.

As the island experienced its first sunrise, the sands began to rumble. A large pipe made of flawless glass emerged from the sands, the sun's light creating a rainbow of colors as it hit the mysterious new object. Sounds of squeaking and air echoed through the massive pipe and became progressively louder till a man shot out of the tube into the air. The short, stubby man braced for impact and landed hard on the sands. The red capped man was none other than Super Mario who once got his footing on the shores, exclaiming "Mamma mia!"

Now, what is this place? Where is this place? These are questions that Mario undoubtedly asked. He gazed upon the endless sea of blue. Not seeing any ships. Any birds. Nothing. He wasn't even sure if the clouds really were moving or if he had seen the same few cloud formations a few time already.

Our plumber wouldn't get anything if he didn't look around. He turned away from the sandy beach and looked behind him. Seeing a forest nearby that didn't seem hostile. For as fearless as Mario was, he felt somewhat uneasy.

The lush landscape unfolded before him, offering a vibrant canvas for potential adventures. He walked through the thick green of the island's jungle. Something was off however. Mario inspected some odd holes in the terrain. They were... perfect squares? The edges were uncannily sharp like they were perfectly cut out by a very sharp knife like a seasoned butcher cutting up meat.

Suddenly, a soft whirr passed the plumber's head. Just narrowly dodging with his quickly reflexes. The arrow punctured one of the trees nearby. The arrow looked nothing like Mario's seen before, though it felt to him like something retro. He quickly turned his head into the direction of the shot However, he was only met with a dozen more arrows. Mario jumped to avoid one of the arrows. He then side stepped to avoid another and then jump-kicked against a tree to avoid two more. Mario ducked under another arrow, making his hat comically remain airborne as the projectile grazed Mario's hair.

Mario had enough as he grabbed his airborne hat and grabbed an arrow mid air. With an angered pout, he snapped the shaft of the arrow. He then saw an odd, perfectly square bush looking like it was housing something. Luigi would've liked it.

Mario, with a powerful push off from.the grass below, went airborne with a mighty jump. He readied a meteor punch. Ready to smash whatever was attacking him. He punched through the bush. His hand hitting nothing but air as he saw his arm was in another cube hole.