Fantasian Neo Dimension signals the reunion of Final Fantasy series creator, Hironobu Sakaguchi with Square Enix and legendary composer Nobuo Uematsu. This multi-dimensional RPG arrives for Xbox Series X|S on December 5, 2024.
Fantasian Neo Dimension has players assume the role of Leo as he journeys to recover his lost memories and solve the mystery of a strange mechanical infection destroying his world. Fans of turn-based RPGs and classic Final Fantasy games can look forward to a satisfying battle system with an amazing original story brought to life by Sakaguchi, with beautiful music from renowned composer Uematsu.
It’s a huge moment for the genre, bringing together a team that’s created some of the most enduring RPG classics ever released. Here’s what you need to know:
Who is Hironobu Sakaguchi?
If you’re a fan of JRPGs, you may have heard the name Hironobu Sakaguchi. Fondly called the “father of Final Fantasy” due to his involvement with the first 10 mainline Final Fantasy games, Sakaguchi is known for his expertise in helping create and inspire what RPGs have become today, creating new worlds with compelling stories with engaging turn-based gameplay mechanics.
Sakaguchi got his start at Square Enix (formerly Square) before he founded his company Mistwalker Corporation in 2004, where they have released titles with cult followings such as Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey and Terra Battle. As a developer, Sakaguchi loves creating games that serve as an evolution from past works, always aiming to bring something new to the table with each of his projects. Fantastian Neo Dimension – an extensive upgrade of the original Fantasian, released on iOS in 2021 – is no exception.
Hand-crafted Dioramas
When creating the original Fantasian, Sakaguchi thought it would be interesting to play a game where you could explore a real-life diorama. And hence, he and his team set out to create over 150 charming hand-crafted dioramas, serving as the background environment for 3D animated characters to explore, resulting in a unique visual appearance for the game.
A Modern Turn-based RPG
Sakaguchi’s desire to create a unique gameplay experience also resulted in the original and modern take on turn-based battle systems in Fantasian Neo Dimension. This game features unique systems that shake up the classic RPG formula and create a fun and satisfying combat system.
Skill Trajectories – Allowing you to attack enemies in straight or curved lines. Observing enemies’ turn order and position on the battlefield in combination with choosing the right skills and trajectory can help you take out multiple enemies in one turn.
Dimengeon System – The Dimengeon System is a unique feature that provides a new way to deal with random encounters, streamlining combat while also allowing you to explore environments uninterrupted. Early in the game, Leo discovers a Dimengeon Machine which allows him to trap previously encountered enemies in a dimensional dungeon– aptly called the Dimengeon. With this tool, you’re able to fight all of the enemies that you’ve captured in the Dimengeon at any point. However, once the Dimengeon Machine is full, you’ll need to fight all enemies stored there all at once! Deciding to fight a smaller group of enemies or a full machine’s worth involves a level of strategy and planning to ensure your victory.
Dimengeon Gimmicks – While fighting enemies in the Dimengeon, Dimengeon Gimmicks may appear. You can attack these to receive various effects such as increased attack power or extra turns. Aim for Dimengeon Gimmicks alongside enemies utilizing your Skill Trajectories to make the most of your player turns and gain an upper hand in battle.
Memorable Music
Earlier, I mentioned that Fantasian Neo Dimension features music from Nobuo Uematsu. If you’re not familiar with him, he is also considered an industry legend thanks to his involvement with composing music tracks for multiple Final Fantasy installments as well as other games throughout the years. If you haven’t heard his work yet, you’ll be in for a treat!
What’s New
The original release of Fantasian in 2021 was an Apple Arcade exclusive which received critical acclaim. Following the release, Sakaguchi wanted to make the game available for a broader audience. Thanks to a growing relationship with Naoki Yoshida, Head of Creative Studio 3 at Square Enix, the team behind Final Fantasy XIV Online and Final Fantasy XVI, Fantasian Neo Dimension was born.
This enhanced version of the original release comes with brand-new features including English and Japanese voiceovers, an additional difficulty option, and 4K support for Xbox Series X. These new features, alongside the availability to wider audiences, bring to life Sakaguchi’s true vision for the title.
Pre-order Perk
If you’ve been enticed by all of that, Fantasian Neo Dimension is now available for pre-order! If you do so, you’ll receive a special digital in-game item, the Vibran Secret Stone. This provides an experience boost while equipped – a worthwhile item for leveling up characters for the challenging battles ahead.
FANTASIAN Neo Dimension
SQUARE ENIX
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
The Father of FINAL FANTASY, Hironobu Sakaguchi, and renowned composer Nobuo Uematsu return to deliver an original RPG story.
Mechteria—a deathly mechanical infection that robs humans of their emotions and lives—is slowly engulfing the world.
The protagonist Leo awakens with only one memory left to him in a strange land abundant with machines.
The human world, threatened by mechteria… a machine world, filled with mysteries… and the unseen dimensions that lie beyond both.
Using the Warp Device that was left behind, Leo must now embark on an interdimensional journey to reclaim his lost memories and save the world from the mechteria infection.