Fantasian[a] is a 2021 role-playing video game developed and published by Mistwalker for Apple devices via the Apple Arcade platform. The game was released in two parts on April 2 and August 13, 2021. The story follows Leo, an amnesiac who ends up drawn into the conflict between the human world of Vibra and the parallel invading Machine Realm. Gameplay has Leo and his party exploring different environments from an overhead perspective, engaging in turn-based combat. A unique mechanic is the "Dimengeon" system, which allows players to temporarily skip fights with some enemies.
Fantasian began development in 2018 after its producer and writer Hironobu Sakaguchi replayed Final Fantasy VI and was reinvigorated to create an emotional role-playing narrative. The staff included recurring collaborators including artist Manabu Kusunoki, and composer Nobuo Uematsu. Both Sakacughi and Uematsu approached the game thinking it might be their last large-scale project due to age and health concerns. The environments were created using real-world dioramas, including designs by veterans of the tokusatsu industry. Upon release the game was praised by critics for its combat and environmental design, though several faulted the second part's difficulty.
A version for home consoles and Windows, Fantasian: Neo Dimension, is set for release on December 5, 2024 by Square Enix. This version comes with high-definition graphics, gameplay adjustments, and voice acting in English and Japanese. Sakaguchi agreed to work with Square Enix on Neo Dimension at the invitation of producer Naoki Yoshida, whose Creative Studio 3 co-developed the port with Mistwalker.
Gameplay
editFantasian is a role-playing video game in which players take on the role of protagonist Leo and a growing party as they explore the worlds of Vibra and the Machine Realm.[1][2]
The original version supported both touchscreen-based controls, and controller peripherals.[7] An update in 2021 to the original release added a post-game superboss, and a New Game Plus option unlocked at a certain point late game, carrying over levels, unlocked skills and equipment into a new playthrough.[8]
Synopsis
editSetting and characters
editThe main antagonist is Val, a man controlling the Machine Realm known as the God of Chaos.[4]
Reception
edit| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| Metacritic | 80/100[10] |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Destructoid | 8/10[2][11] |
| Jeuxvideo.com | 17/20[12][13] |
| Pocket Gamer | 5/5 (Part 1)[14] |
| RPGFan | 92% (Part 1)[15] 82% (Part 2)[16] |
| TouchArcade | 4/5[3] |
| RPG Site | 9/10[1] |
Fantasian received "generally favorable reviews" according to review aggregate website Metacritic, earning a score of 80 out of 100 based on 20 journalist reviews.[10] During the 25th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated Fantasian for Mobile Game of the Year.[17] At The Game Awards 2021, Fantasian was nominated in the Best Mobile Game category.[18]
Notes
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d Galizio, James (2021-08-21). "Fantasian Review". RPG Site. Archived from the original on 2024-09-11.
- ^ a b c Andriessen, CJ. "Review: Fantasian (Part 1)". Destructoid. Archived from the original on 2021-04-08. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
- ^ a b c Musgrave, Shaun (2021-08-30). "'Fantasian' Apple Arcade Review – The Father of 'Final Fantasy' Isn't Fooling Around". Touch Arcade. Archived from the original on 2024-09-10. Retrieved 2021-08-31.
- ^ a b c 『FANTASIAN』間もなく配信！ 死械球、邪神……冒険を彩る新たなストーリーの情報を公開!!. Famitsu (in Japanese). 2021-03-24. Archived from the original on 2021-03-23.
- ^ a b McFadden, Jason (April 7, 2021). "Fantasian Impression". RPGamer. Archived from the original on 2024-06-18.
- ^ a b McFadden, Jason (August 27, 2021). "Fantasian Part Two Impression". RPGamer. Archived from the original on 2024-06-18.
- ^ "Fantasian - FAQ". Mistwalker. Archived from the original on 2024-04-20.
- ^ Tjan, Emony (2021-09-22). "Fantasian 2.5.0 Update Brings New Game+ And Void Realm". RPGFan. Archived from the original on 2021-10-20.
- ^ Romano, Sal (2021-03-02). "Fantasian first details, trailers, and screenshots". Gematsu. Archived from the original on 2021-03-17.
- ^ a b "Fantasian for iPhone/iPad Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 2023-11-11. Retrieved 2021-08-31.
- ^ a b Andriessen, CJ (2021-08-27). "Review: Fantasian (Part 2)". Destructoid. Archived from the original on 2021-08-27.
- ^ a b "Fantasian sur Apple Arcade: le papa de Final Fantasy revient avec une perle du J-RPG à l'ancienne". Jeuxvideo.com (in French). 2021-04-09. Archived from the original on 2022-10-06. Retrieved 2021-05-30.
- ^ a b "Fantasian : Le J-RPG du créateur de FF est un incontournable sur Apple Arcade". Jeuxvideo.com (in French). 2021-08-18. Archived from the original on 2022-10-03.
- ^ a b Taylor, Bryan (April 7, 2021). "Fantasian review - "An innovative and jaw-droppingly gorgeous RPG"". Pocket Gamer. Archived from the original on 2022-10-04. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
- ^ a b Argyros, Caitlin (May 1, 2021). "Review: Fantasian (Part One)". RPGFan. Archived from the original on 2024-05-18.
- ^ a b Argyros, Caitlin (October 24, 2021). "Review: Fantasian (Part Two)". RPGFan. Archived from the original on 2024-06-01.
- ^ "D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Fantasian". Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Archived from the original on 2024-04-23. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
- ^ Bankhurst, Adam (2021-12-10). "The Game Awards 2021 Winners: The Full List". IGN. Archived from the original on 2024-05-30.