Majora’s Mask Gets a Sci-Fi Twist in This Cozy 2023 RPG
I Was a Teenage Exocolonist from Northway Games is a cozy sci-fi RPG that blends time-loop mechanics with coming-of-age storytelling. The game casts players as Sol, one of the first children born aboard a generation ship bound for the alien planet Vertumna. Over the course of gameplay, Sol ages from 10 to 20 years old, with each full cycle representing a year of life lived and reset.
The game draws heavy inspiration from beloved time-loop titles like The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask and Outer Wilds, but applies the mechanic to intimate, character-focused narrative. Rather than solving environmental puzzles across loops, players navigate formative life events and relationships, building layered story arcs across multiple playthroughs. This approach creates consequence and strategic depth—players can experiment with different choices and paths, knowing they’ll eventually get a clean slate to try again.
A standout feature is the game’s focus on romance and relationships, offering multiple romance options for players to pursue. The cast includes diverse characters, notably including a dog-boy among potential partners, adding whimsical variety to relationship options.
The “cozy” classification reflects the game’s tone and thematic approach. Rather than framing space exploration and colonization as high-stakes drama, the game presents it as an intimate human experience—growing up, forming bonds, and finding love while aboard a ship traveling between worlds. This creates a unique niche in the RPG space, combining the mechanical depth of time-loop games with the emotional warmth of character-driven narratives.