PAX West 2024 Spotlight: Fantasian Neo Dimension
Fantasian Neo Dimension will bring Mistwalker’s turn-based RPG to more platforms.
Fantasian Neo Dimension. Credit: Mistwalker / Square Enix
I don’t play games on mobile platforms often, so I missed out on Fantasian when it launched on iOS in 2021. I was excited to try out the game when Square Enix showed a demo of the upcoming console and PC version at PAX West called Fantasian Neo Dimension.
Fantasian was developed by Mistwalker, produced and written by the father of Final Fantasy, Hironobu Sakaguchi, and featured music by legendary Square Enix composer Nobuo Uematsu. Neo Dimension is an enhanced version that Square Enix will release on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. The original version of Fantasian was reportedly very difficult, and the new release will offer a more accessible difficulty mode. Fantasian Neo Dimension includes new English and Japanese voiceovers and 4K support.
Fantasian Neo Dimension. Credit: Mistwalker / Square Enix
Fantasian features over 150 hand-crafted diorama environments. As you explore the world, the camera angle shifts as you move between screens, creating an impressive effect. However, I was disappointed that the backgrounds didn’t appear very sharp on a 4K TV screen; they looked as if they had been upscaled. Additionally, there were times when 3D collision geometry that should have been invisible was visible on walkable areas like bridges. Nonetheless, the real-time 3D models on the diorama backgrounds were very cool, although they could have been improved with more convincing shadows.
The battle system includes an intriguing Skill Trajectories mechanic. Some attacks hit enemies in a straight line, while others strike along a curved path, both of which you can adjust. You need to choose the right attacks or skills based on the positions of enemies on the battlefield to hit as many as possible and fight efficiently. From my short time with the game, I noticed a lot of potential for diverse combat scenarios using this system.
Fantasian Neo Dimension. Credit: Mistwalker / Square Enix
Fantasian Neo Dimension also features the Dimengeon System, a means to handle the game’s random battle encounters. If you have the Dimengeon turned on, any random enemies you encounter that you’ve previously fought at least once will get sent to a dimensional dungeon instead of forcing you into a fight. You can jump in and fight them at any time, but if you ignore it for too long and the Dimengeon fills up, the game will force you to fight all of them immediately.
Dimengeon battles differ from normal combat in that Dimengeon Gimmicks can appear—special targets you can hit during combat for effects such as power boosts or extra turns. Frankly, I found the system slightly irritating because of how long Dimengeon battles can be, but I can’t decide whether I like it more or less than random combat encounters. The difference lies in whether you prefer to be constantly interrupted by small battles or be subjected to a single extended, marathon battle against 30+ enemies. I’ll withhold my final judgment until I can play more of the game after release.
Fantasian Neo Dimension. Credit: Mistwalker / Square Enix
I’m glad that Fantasian Neo Dimension is coming to multiple platforms; it was a pity that a game by luminaries such as Sakaguchi and Uematsu was relegated to iOS exclusivity. It deserves to be played by a larger audience on the platform of their choice. I’m looking forward to spending more time with it!
Fantasian Neo Dimension will be available on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Steam in Winter 2024.
