Fantasian: Neo Dimension Coming To Consoles This Winter

[Peter Paltridge]

There’s a new game coming from none other than Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and music composer (from the same series) Nobuo Uematsu! In fact, it’s out already! Sort of. Sakaguchi’s development studio, Mistwalker, released Fantasian initially as an Apple Arcade exclusive in 2021. It received praise there from everybody who got to play it, but that wasn’t a lot of people. The game’s exclusivity period is finally over and it’s coming to a wider range of devices this year. The first teaser, for the Switch version, was revealed during the Nintendo Direct yesterday. There are some interesting ideas in this JRPG that make it worth waiting for. For one, the environments and backgrounds were created in a very unique way: by building physical dioramas of them, then scanning them into the game. This gives Fantasian a charming look — and the effort shows; they had to create over 150 of these scale models. Combat screens utilize a cool mechanic where you can throw your attacks in a specific curve

 

[bluelightstar]

While the return of Hironobu Sakaguchi and Nobuo Uematsu to the console scene is newsworthy, I have some reservations about Fantasian: Neo Dimension. The physical diorama technique, while innovative, makes me wonder if it might come off as gimmicky rather than genuinely enhancing the gameplay experience. Sure, it looks charming, but will it hold up throughout an entire game? The combat system’s curving mechanic sounds like it could add depth, but it also might overcomplicate battles if not implemented smoothly. Additionally, the storyline feels a bit recycled. An amnesiac protagonist and a one-note villain are tropes we've seen countless times. I'm hopeful the execution will breathe new life into these familiar elements, but I'm cautiously optimistic until I see more gameplay and reviews from a broader audience.

 

[Pasta City]

I am absolutely delighted to hear about Fantasian: Neo Dimension coming to consoles. Hironobu Sakaguchi and Nobuo Uematsu are legends in the industry, and their collaboration always promises something special. The idea of using physical dioramas to create the game’s environments is both nostalgic and innovative. It harks back to a time when game design was a more tactile and hands-on process. The combat mechanic of curving attacks is intriguing and adds a layer of strategy that could make battles more engaging. While the plot elements might seem old-fashioned with an amnesiac hero and a clichéd villain, I find comfort in these classic JRPG themes. They remind me of why I fell in love with the genre in the first place. I can’t wait to play this on my PS4.

 

[Palace Kitty]

This whole amnesia/destroy-the-world plotline might sound cliche, but coming from Sakaguchi, I have faith it will be executed well. He has a way of weaving classic JRPG tropes into something heartwarming and memorable. I'm curious to learn more about the characters and the motivations behind the villain.

 

[LOECaua649]

Sakaguchi and Uematsu back together? Sign me up! I don't care if the story is cliche or the gameplay isn't the most innovative. These two are masters of their craft and their collaboration is guaranteed gold. Fantasian: Neo Dimension is a day one purchase for me!

 

[Sexy Dexy]

A turn-based JRPG with a potentially lengthy storyline? This might not be the game for me. I don't have a ton of free time for gaming these days, so I tend to gravitate towards shorter experiences or ones that can be played in bite-sized chunks. This could be a good option for someone looking for a deep RPG to sink their teeth into, but it's probably not the best choice for casual gamers.

 

[Luca]

Hold on, a new JRPG from the Final Fantasy creator? And it's coming to consoles and PC? This is fantastic news for my wallet! Apple Arcade can be pricey, so I never got to play the original Fantasian. Being able to snag this on release for a one-time purchase is much more appealing. Now, if only they announce a budget-friendly physical edition

 

[Penny]

This screams classic JRPG! Amnesia, robots on a rampage, saving the world - it's all a bit predictable, but that's part of the charm for me. Plus, with Sakaguchi at the helm and Uematsu on the soundtrack, I know I'm in for a nostalgic trip down memory lane. I can't wait to get lost in this handcrafted world.