Returning to the Roots of RPGs
Looking back to the late ‘90s, the release of Final Fantasy VII marked a significant chapter in my gaming history.
This captivating RPG, which intertwines the stories of unorthodox heroes striving to save their world, swept me away in ways no other title had done before.
The unfolding narrative, presented through text boxes against beautifully pre-rendered backdrops, combined with an unforgettable musical score, set a new standard for storytelling in games.
Eager for more, I welcomed Final Fantasy VIII with open arms.
Yet, as the series progressed into the early 2000s, I began to feel the unique charm of those early titles fading away—until I stumbled upon Fantasian Neo Dimension, which whisked me back to a beloved era.
For those like me who yearn for the classic Final Fantasy feel, Fantasian is a must-try.
You might wonder why Fantasian hasn’t made it to your gaming radar until now.
Originally released on Apple Arcade’s iOS and Mac in April 2021 by Mistwalker, the studio led by Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, the game is a loving homage to the early titles of the series.
By employing a fixed camera style and 3D character models set against intricately designed backgrounds, Fantasian pays tribute to the iconic aesthetics of late ’90s RPGs.
Adding to its allure, composer Nobuo Uematsu, renowned for his work on Final Fantasy, crafted the game’s atmospheric soundtrack.
Now, after three years, Fantasian has transformed into Neo Dimension, bringing enhanced visuals, refined gameplay, adjustments for smoother transition from mobile to console, and a touch of voice acting.
Unique Artistic Approach
While it may be a product of the 21st century aimed at modern gamers, Fantasian captures the essence of the nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of Final Fantasy VII, VIII, and IX.
If players opt to mute the newly integrated voice acting and dive into the classic text box dialogue, they might find a deeper appreciation for the storytelling experience.
While the voice performances are commendable, returning to the roots of text-driven narratives can evoke a comforting sense of nostalgia.
One standout feature of Fantasian is its unique artistic approach.
Unlike the computer-generated backgrounds of yore, this game showcases actual physical dioramas, photographed from multiple angles.
This attention to detail gives the game a stunning visual style that echoes the handcrafted charm of Final Fantasy VII.
The world feels alive and immersive, drawing players into its fantastical realms.
Pairing this with turn-based combat and random encounters, the game presents a familiar narrative for late ’90s fans, complete with an amnesiac hero—an archetype many will recognize.
The melodies within the soundtrack are bound to resonate, offering echoes of classic themes from earlier installments.
Minor Flaws and Final Thoughts
Having thought that the essence of the series lost its magic after the structural changes brought by Final Fantasy X, I find solace in the neo-nostalgia Fantasian provides.
The narrative and presentation evoke a sense of a hidden gem from the PlayStation era.
That said, the game isn’t without its minor flaws; some remnants of its mobile beginnings—like the interface and combat mechanics—feel a bit less intuitive on a standard controller than they would on a touchscreen.
While the storyline is engaging, it may not leave as strong an impression as those iconic arcs in Final Fantasy VII or VIII, largely due to the nostalgia I attach to the journeys of Cloud and Squall.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Fantasian successfully captures the pacing and tone that defined classic late-’90s Final Fantasy narratives.
As I gear up for “Part Two,” often rumored to bring with it a steep difficulty spike, I find myself grinding through leveling my characters, reminiscent of my earlier adventures in Final Fantasy VII.
Fantasian is shaping up to be one of my favorite gaming experiences for 2024, despite being a remastered version of a title originally released in 2021.
It offers the type of gameplay I have longed for over the decades.
For anyone curious about its visuals or wondering if it can recapture the magic of those late-’90s classics, your quest can end here: do yourself a favor and dive into Neo Dimension.
Source: Kotaku