Fantasian Neo Dimension
Renowned game developer Hironobu Sakaguchi has reunited with Square Enix after more than two decades, marking a significant return to the company where he co-created some of the most iconic games in history. Following his departure in 2003, Sakaguchi founded Mistwalker and went on to produce hits like Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey, and the exclusive Apple Arcade title, Fantasian.
Now, Fantasian is getting a new lease on life with Square Enix publishing a revamped version called Fantasian Neo Dimension for PC and multiple consoles. This game pays homage to the Final Fantasy legacy, with Sakaguchi’s signature design elements and music by iconic composer Nobuo Uematsu. The updated version features a battle music selector with tracks from various Final Fantasy titles, adding a touch of nostalgia to the gameplay experience.
While the game retains its RPG traditions and callbacks to classics, some players may find that the transition to a console or PC platform affects the overall experience. During a hands-on session at Gamescom, the Switch version felt somewhat disconnected from its original touch screen roots on mobile devices.
For those unfamiliar with Fantasian, it embraces traditional Japanese RPG elements with turn-based combat, random battles, and a captivating storyline exploring the balance between magic and technology. The game introduces innovative features like the Dimengeon system, enabling players to control the frequency and intensity of battles, enhancing gameplay depth and customization.
Visually, Fantasian stands out for its unique diorama style, meticulously crafted to deliver a rich and immersive world. The hand-crafted models scanned into the game create a tabletop-like experience, blending detailed environments with digital character models. This distinctive approach adds a tactile dimension to the gameplay, emphasizing interaction and engagement.
However, the transition to console platforms poses challenges, particularly with the absence of touchscreen controls. While the graphical fidelity benefits from larger screens, the gameplay loses some of its intuitive charm, leading to potential issues with navigation and camera controls.
Despite these challenges, the broader audience reach offered by the new port presents an opportunity for more players to discover and enjoy Fantasian. As a cult classic previously limited to mobile platforms, this game deserves recognition for its innovative gameplay and captivating narrative. For RPG enthusiasts, particularly those seeking a modern take on traditional RPGs, Fantasian delivers a compelling experience crafted by a visionary developer.