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Acclaimed RPG Fantasian, previously an Apple Arcade exclusive, arrives on multiple platforms
The game *Fantasian* launched in 2021 and received numerous positive recommendations from players and critics alike. Developed by Hironobu Sakaguchi's studio Mistwalker, creator of the legendary *Final Fantasy* series, *Fantasian* won over fans with its accessible take on old-school RPGs and its charming design, featuring a world built from handcrafted dioramas. However, there was one significant catch: the game was exclusive to Apple Arcade subscribers, effectively shutting out many players. That exclusivity has finally been broken, with the release this week of *Fantasian Neo Dimension* on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch. While the new version is largely identical to the original Apple Arcade release, one very welcome addition is the inclusion of voice acting. Published by Square Enix, the same company behind the *Final Fantasy* franchise, the game offers a classic storyline with elements that will feel familiar to series fans. Fantasian follows the journey of hero Leo, who, aided by a determined princess, a mysterious mage and a hardened captain, sets out on a quest across multiple realms to defeat a mechanical infestation led by a tall, dark and dangerous villain.A Nostalgic Journey with Modern Touches
For *Final Fantasy* fans, *Fantasian* offers familiar elements: an amnesiac protagonist, love triangles, a world blending fantasy and science fiction, similar spells and items, and a beautiful soundtrack from renowned composer Nobuo Uematsu. With a character called Sid, the game retains the essence of the classic titles while also introducing some interesting new ideas. The biggest visual difference in *Fantasian* is its distinctive art style, reminiscent of the pre-rendered environments from the PlayStation-era *Final Fantasy* titles. This gives the game a unique, tactile aesthetic, with settings ranging from welcoming forests to cold mechanical areas made of metal and circuit boards. Despite its mobile origins, the game maintains its visual quality when adapted for consoles, with the Switch version showing only a few loading hiccups before battles.Innovations in Gameplay
*Fantasian* introduces tweaks to the turn-based RPG formula that make it more accessible and engaging. One new feature is the ability to aim many of your attacks, which can be extremely satisfying when done with precision to hit multiple enemies at once. Another useful feature is the Dimengeon system, a combination of dungeon and dimension, which smooths out the occurrence of random encounters. When activated, monsters are transported to another dimension, where you can face them later, stacking up enemies for more challenging battles. These fights take on a strategic, almost puzzle-like approach.A Comforting Return to Classic RPG Territory
With subtle gameplay tweaks and a nostalgic design, *Fantasian* stands out as an easy recommendation for fans of classic RPGs. Much like the recent remake of *Dragon Quest III*, *Fantasian* retains the traditional elements of the genre while improving aspects that can sometimes make the experience feel tedious. As the *Final Fantasy* franchise continues to expand in various directions, *Fantasian* offers a comforting vision of Made with AI. Source:Andrew WebsterRead also
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