The RPG world is currently flooded with various experiments. Square Enix has noticed that their retro pixel games bring exceptional profits compared to newer modern titles that haven't reasonably met expectations. After firing off a ton of ideas, starting with Octopath Traveler and beyond, Square has pulled another ace from their sleeve and polished a gem created for them by Mistwalker Studio – FANTASIAN Neo Dimension, which beautifully represents the golden era of PS1/PS2 turn-based RPGs.
Check out our Two Point Museum review if you want to play something completely different!
Is FANTASIAN Neo Dimension a Port?
Since Square is in a phase of remakes and remasters, FANTASIAN is a port of a mobile game with the same name (which explains the PS2-level graphics) that was an Apple Arcade exclusive in 2021. This also explains some of the big names from the JRPG world involved in the project, including the legendary Nobuo Uematsu, who composed the music – often a seal of quality.
References between the Final Fantasy series and FANTASIAN are constantly woven throughout the game, evident from the title screen, where you're greeted with a handful of Final Fantasy themes. It's also significant that the game features Nobuo Uematsu, known to true Final Fantasy fans for his magical musical melodies, which alone tells you you're in for an exceptional treat. Given that this game was initially made for iOS, there was a question of whether it would be rushed out for the holiday season or if it would be something substantial.
The Story
Fortunately, Square and Mistwalker recognized this game's value and made a serious effort to make it shine on nearly all platforms. You'll find a somewhat specific and slightly familiar story alongside the graphics, which have their unique charm. Admittedly, despite all the classic clichés tied to these kinds of games – "dead parents," mystical princesses, and of course, crystals and similar treasures with magical powers – after enduring so many of them, it's rare to see something that stands out.
However, this game is so deeply rooted in the Final Fantasy universe that it feels fresh. The beginning of the game throws you straight into the action, which is typical of Horonobu Sakaguchi, the mind behind great titles like Lost Odyssey and the Final Fantasy series, where he played a key role in many of the older, high-quality entries, with Final Fantasy VI being his most notable work.
Now, as far as the story's clichés go, our protagonist Leo wakes up with amnesia in the middle of the city of Mechteria and has no idea who he is. At the same time, two cute little robots persistently try to help him remember. You're in for a real treat if you can get past the somewhat unoriginal beginning. The first battles immediately explain how this game was ported from mobile to consoles, as it introduces "attack lines," meaning you'll have multiple rows of enemies that you can eliminate with special attacks. Additionally, if you master this mechanic well, you can adapt your attacks to hit far more enemies than you initially thought possible.
FANTASIAN Neo Dimension Has Some Old School Difficulty
Unlike many games today, the difficulty of certain bosses will give you a severe headache. Almost every boss has a specific mechanic, and it won't be easy to defeat them on the first try, so there will undoubtedly be reloaded moments to avoid the game over screen. Beyond that, exploration in this game is taken to a new level, with exceptionally detailed environments that will make you feel like a child joyfully running through all possible landscapes so that you won't have any complaints visually.
As for the characters themselves, they are all charismatic enough and won't overwhelm you with unnecessary backstories that take hours to reveal that the character is yet another orphan with superpowers originating from a god of another universe or a king who was exiled. In this aspect, it's a good thing that the game was initially designed for mobile phones, as they also considered battery life, so you get a sweet spot of story and action.
A new mechanic in JRPGs, where random encounters are the norm, is a device called the Dimension, which you can customize. This machine will collect all random encounters in the game, allowing you to fight them all at once at a later point, except when the Dimengeon is full, forcing you into accumulated battles.
In Conclusion
Despite leaning on some well-worn tropes, FANTASIAN Neo Dimension's ability to strike a perfect balance between accessibility and strategic depth ensures it caters to both newcomers and seasoned RPG veterans. Its challenging boss battles and meticulously crafted worlds demand attention and reward exploration, making every moment meaningful and engaging.
While it could have further pushed the boundaries of difficulty or introduced more diverse narrative elements, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar experience.
FANTASIAN Neo Dimension is more than just a port; it's a celebration of what makes JRPGs timeless. It's a game that not only respects its roots but also dares to innovate, proving that there's always room for something special, even in a crowded genre. Whether you're a lifelong fan of Final Fantasy or a newcomer to turn-based RPGs, this journey is worth taking. Square Enix and Mistwalker have crafted a gem that shines brightly, reminding us why we fell in love with RPGs in the first place.
Rating: 9/10
The game is a nostalgic yet fresh take on classic JRPGs, with stunning visuals, engaging mechanics, and a charming story, though it leans on some familiar tropes and could have pushed the difficulty curve further.
Recommended Age: 12+
The game's strategic combat and rich storytelling make it ideal for teens and older players who enjoy deep RPGs. At the same time, its charming visuals and accessible mechanics ensure it's not overly complex for younger audiences.