Exploring the Rich World of Fantasian: Neo Dimension
I initially subscribed to Apple Arcade in 2021 with the hope of diving into a particular title: Fantasian. Unfortunately, my engagement with this JRPG from Mistwalker and Hironobu Sakaguchi was limited to just about eight hours. However, the arrival of Fantasian Neo Dimension has finally allowed me to immerse myself fully, establishing it as a must-play for fans of the genre.
Classic JRPG Vibes
Upon encountering Fantasian, one could easily mistake it for a remastered classic from the PS1 or PS2 era, drawing immediate comparisons to iconic titles such as Final Fantasy X, Chrono Trigger, and Final Fantasy VII. The game starts off with an amnesiac hero, Leo, battling through a sleek, futuristic robotic factory, pulling players right into the action.
A Blend of Experiences
This initial dungeon is reminiscent of the opening in Final Fantasy VII, speeding players into thrilling battles. Fantasian Neo Dimension beautifully amalgamates elements from Sakaguchi’s previous titles like Lost Odyssey along with influences from his tenure at Square Enix with the Final Fantasy franchise. This combination results in a rich gaming experience filled with nostalgia and innovative gameplay.
Rich Lore and Engaging Storytelling
One striking feature is the presence of amnesia-themed narrative, including visually captivating memories that echo Lost Odyssey. The lore involves the ominous Mechteria threat, a menace wreaking havoc across the world, presented through stunning visual novel-like vignettes that deepen player engagement.
Dynamic Combat Mechanics
The combat system blends traditional turn-based mechanics with a modern twist, providing a fresh experience that will feel familiar to long-time JRPG enthusiasts. Players have the freedom to choose from a variety of skills, attacks, and items for each turn. The real innovation lies in the ability to manipulate attack lines using the controller’s thumbstick—allowing creative strategies to hit multiple enemies in one move.
Challenging Gameplay
Prepare for a challenge, as Fantasian Neo Dimension offers two difficulty settings: Normal and Hard, with the latter being the original level from Apple Arcade. I opted for Normal, which delivers a balanced yet engaging experience, featuring some of the most intricate boss strategies encountered in the modern JRPG landscape.
Even with leveled-up characters, players will face tough encounters with cleverly designed bosses. Each boss introduces unique mechanics, requiring strategic adaptations. Some bosses may require players to dismantle their abilities before the real fight can begin, while others might summon minions for devastating attacks if not prevented quickly.
Visual Awe and Exploration
One of the game’s standout features is its exquisite world design, crafted from tangible dioramas that enhance the visual experience like no other JRPG. Each area is meticulously detailed, inviting exploration without overwhelming players with excessive scale. Diverse branching paths and hidden treasures abound, providing a satisfying exploratory aspect.
Engaging Character Dynamics
While the narrative may not surpass that of Lost Odyssey, it remains compelling, primarily due to the character interactions. The chemistry between the main trio—Leo, Cheryl, and Kina—evokes nostalgic feelings similar to those stirred by Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith, yet boasts its originality.
The dialogue flowing among party members consistently entertains, with each character contributing unique gameplay mechanics. Kina assumes the role of the classic White Mage, while Cheryl wields her power as a Summoner, each distinct yet complementary.
Enhanced Features and Music
Voice acting is another notable addition to Fantasian Neo Dimension, enriching character portrayals in either Japanese or English. Furthermore, a selection of Final Fantasy tracks enhances the gaming atmosphere, albeit with some limitations on song selection based on the scenario.
Revolutionizing Grinding
Unique mechanics like the Dimengeon feature streamline the grinding process, allowing players to store random encounters for later, reshaping the typical experience into something more engaging. Such innovative aspects have catapulted Fantasian into the ranks of my favorite recent JRPGs, even surpassing the latest mainline Final Fantasy installment.
A Standout Release in 2024
Overall, Fantasian Neo Dimension represents the ultimate way to experience this JRPG from Mistwalker. With stunning visuals and a captivating story, complemented by fluid turn-based gameplay, it encapsulates the essence of classic Final Fantasy spin-offs. For JRPG enthusiasts, missing out on this release during such an exciting gaming year would be a disservice.
Fantasian Neo Dimension launches on December 5, 2024, for Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Leave a Reply