As a long-time fan of Hironobu Sakaguchi—the legendary creator of Final Fantasy—and Mistwalker Studios, I already had a deep respect for what Fantasian represented. Originally released in two parts on Apple Arcade, Fantasian was heralded as a spiritual successor to Final Fantasy. Now, with this console release, the game has been enhanced, refined, and reimagined for a broader audience. After spending considerable time with it, I can confidently say that Fantasian Neo Dimension is a gorgeous, ambitious JRPG that serves as a culmination of Sakaguchi’s legacy. However, it’s not without its flaws.
To appreciate Fantasian Neo Dimension, you need to understand its pedigree. Mistwalker Studios, founded by Hironobu Sakaguchi in 2004, has always been about crafting heartfelt and innovative RPGs. With classics like Lost Odyssey and a personal favourite of mine, Blue Dragon, Mistwalker has carved out a niche for itself as a haven for fans of traditional JRPGs. Sakaguchi, often called the father of Final Fantasy, brings decades of experience to the table, and Fantasian feels like it was designed to be his magnum opus.
This is a game brimming with nostalgia and reverence for the golden age of JRPGs. It’s clear that Sakaguchi poured his heart into it, creating something that feels both familiar and fresh. From its turn-based combat system to its sweeping narrative, Fantasian is a love letter to fans of the genre, even if it doesn’t quite reach the same emotional heights as the Final Fantasy series.
The narrative of Fantasian begins with Leo, a young man who awakens in a mechanical realm with no memory of how he got there. As he pieces together his past, he discovers a mysterious infection known as the “Mechteria,” which is corrupting the world and turning organic life into machinery. What follows is a sprawling tale of discovery, redemption, and the classic trope of the battle between good and evil.
The first half of the game is tightly paced and brimming with intrigue. The world is beautifully fleshed out, with richly detailed environments and a colorful cast of characters. However, the second half falters. Pacing issues become apparent, and the narrative loses some of its momentum. This uneven structure reflects its origins as a two-part mobile release, and while it doesn’t ruin the experience, it does detract from the sense of immersion.
What truly sets Fantasian Neo Dimension apart is its visual design. Mistwalker used real-world dioramas to create the game’s environments, a technique I’ve never seen executed on this scale. These handcrafted miniatures were scanned and integrated into the game, resulting in a world that feels tangible and lived-in.
As someone who dabbles in tabletop gaming and diorama crafting, I was blown away by the artistry on display. The textures, lighting, and intricate details give every location a unique personality. Whether you’re exploring bustling towns or desolate wastelands, there’s a sense of craftsmanship that’s impossible to ignore. On the PS5, these visuals are even sharper, with enhanced textures and smoother performance, making this the definitive way to experience Fantasian over its mobile counterpart.
At its core, Fantasian is a traditional turn-based RPG, but it introduces enough twists to keep things interesting. Combat revolves around exploiting enemy weaknesses, chaining abilities, and carefully managing your resources. The Dimengeon system is a standout feature, allowing you to store random encounters in a separate dimension and tackle them all at once later. This system not only streamlines exploration but also adds an extra layer of strategy, as you can prepare for large-scale battles.
Boss fights are another highlight, requiring careful planning and adaptability. Each encounter feels distinct, with unique mechanics and challenges that push you to experiment with your party composition and tactics. While some fights can be punishing, the addition of difficulty options in this version makes the game far more accessible, allowing players to tailor the experience to their skill level.
No Sakaguchi project would be complete without Nobuo Uematsu’s music, and Fantasian is no exception. Uematsu, the legendary composer behind many Final Fantasy soundtracks, delivers a score that is both sweeping and intimate. From soaring orchestral themes to beautiful melodies, the music perfectly complements the game’s tone and setting.
One of the standout additions in Neo Dimension is the addition of new music tracks and also the inclusion of select music from the Final Fantasy series that can be used, offering players more options to enjoy Uematsu’s work. Whether you’re in the heat of battle or exploring a serene village, the music enhances every moment, reminding you why Uematsu is one of the best in the business.
On the PS5, Fantasian Neo Dimension shines. Load times are virtually nonexistent, and the game runs at a silky-smooth frame rate. The addition of voice acting is another welcome change, bringing more depth and personality to the characters. While the performances aren’t groundbreaking, they add an extra layer of immersion that was missing in the original mobile release and are available in both English and Japanese.
The enhanced visuals and new difficulty options make this version the most accessible and polished iteration of Fantasian. Whether you’re a newcomer or returning fan, the improvements are substantial enough to warrant a playthrough.
Despite its many strengths, Fantasian Neo Dimension isn’t without its shortcomings. As mentioned earlier, the pacing in the second half is uneven. The story loses some of its focus, and the repetition of enemies becomes more noticeable. While the Dimengeon system helps mitigate this issue to some extent, it doesn’t completely eliminate the tedium.
Another area where the game falls short is its narrative impact. While the story is engaging, it lacks the emotional resonance and “wow” moments that define the best Final Fantasygames. There’s a sense that the game is reaching for greatness but doesn’t quite get there.
Finally, the lack of substantial new content beyond the enhancements might disappoint players who have already experienced the original Apple Arcade release. While the improvements are appreciated, they don’t fundamentally change the game.
Final Thoughts
Fantasian Neo Dimension is a beautiful, ambitious JRPG that serves as a fitting tribute to Hironobu Sakaguchi’s legacy. Its handcrafted diorama environments, strategic combat, and sweeping soundtrack make it a standout title, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the classics it draws inspiration from.
For newcomers, this PS5 version is the best way to experience the game on console, offering enhanced visuals, voice acting, and difficulty options that make it more accessible than ever. However, returning players should temper their expectations, as the core experience remains largely unchanged.
While it’s not perfect, Fantasian Neo Dimension is a must-play for fans of traditional JRPGs and a testament to the enduring talent of Mistwalker Studios. It may not be the next Final Fantasy, but it’s a heartfelt and memorable adventure in its own right.
A PS5 review code was provided by the publisher for the purpose of this review
If you want to see more content like this and never miss one of our frequent gaming and anime giveaways come and Follow Ani-Game on Twitter.
8
- + Visually distinct with it’s use of physical dioramas
- + Fun combat system that comes with a challenge
- + A diverse and interesting soundtrack
- + The definitive way to experience Fantasian
- - Pacing issues in the second half and noticeable repetition
- - Doesn’t quite capture the ‘wow’ of it’s inspirations
