Mistwalker have released new trailers and gameplay for Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi’s RPG Fantasian.
The Verge reports additional details on the game’s story and mechanics. Taking place in a world with multiple pocket dimensions, players command Leo, awakening after he causes an explosion at a magic-tech factory.
Having only a memory of a young woman left, Leo awakens in a strange land and finds this very woman. As Leo seeks out his memory, he is caught up in humanity being slowly overrun by machines that infect and corrupt all they touch.
Players can send encountered foes into another dimension for Dimengeon Battles if they wish; fighting multiple foes at once when the player wishes to. This allows attacks with wide areas of effect to hit more foes, while streamlining combat and continuing to explore. However, building up a large number of foes means a greater challenge.
The game features over 150 real life dioramas as locations, created by Japanese Tokusatsu special effects artists. Their previous works include Godzilla films, Attack on Titan, Ultraman, and more. Each diorama was scanned into a 3D model, with additional effects added on top such as weather.
The story is also told through the Memory system. By finding memories, journals, and more; players can find short novels to read. These flesh out the world, and feature art, music, and sound effects. The game’s soundtrack will be composed by Nobuo Uematsu, another key member of the Final Fantasy franchise.
You can find the story and features trailer below.
Fantasian launches 2021 for Mac, iOS (via Apple Arcade), and Apple TV.
You can find the full rundown (via the App Store) below.
Fantasian by Mistwalker Corp. — From the creator of Final Fantasy, comes the next breathtaking adventure from industry legend Hironobu Sakaguchi. Fantasian is an exciting, new RPG set against a spectacular backdrop made from over 150 handmade dioramas that blends physical environments and 3D characters.
STORY
The tale begins in a realm governed by machines. Within this multi-dimensional universe, the balance of “Chaos and Order” becomes a key factor in the struggle for these realms and the machinations of the gods who wish to control them. Players will assume the role of protagonist, Leo, who awakens from a massive explosion only to find himself lost in a strange land with only one memory left to him. As players set out on a journey to reclaim Leo’s memories, they will unravel the mysteries of the bizarre mechanical infection slowly engulfing all that is known to mankind. The captivating story is written by Sakaguchi and is complimented by a sweeping soundtrack by celebrated Final Fantasy composer, Nobuo Uematsu.● New Battle Mechanics
Tapping into his experience from the Final Fantasy franchise, Sakaguchi brings to Fantasian several quality of life improvements to the classic JRPG genre, such as the “Dimengeon Battle” mechanic, which allows players to send previously encountered enemies into a separate dimensional dungeon to streamline combat and maximize uninterrupted exploration of the beautiful locations.
● Hand-Crafted Environments
Each of the 150+ dioramas has been crafted by the masters of the Japanese “Tokusatsu” or special effects industry. Creating Fantasian’s real-life miniature sets are veterans who have worked on projects like the Godzilla films, Attack on Titan, and Ultraman. Fantasian serves as a vehicle to bring these amazing works of art into the digital space via Apple Arcade.
● Legendary Soundtrack
Celebrated composer Nobuo Uematsu, known for his work on the Final Fantasy series and games such as Lost Odyssey and Blue Dragon, created a soundtrack to compliment the memorable and magical world of Fantasian from catchy battle tunes to heart-pumping dungeon pieces, and moving character themes.
● Novel Storytelling
To tell an epic story, a ‘novel’ approach was used in the form of a “Memory” system where players encounter and collect various memories, journal entries, and notes presented as miniature in-game novels to flesh out the story, realms, and characters of Fantasian. These bite-sized novels have unique artwork, music, and sound effects to offer players a truly immersive experience.
