Fantasian Neo Dimension Review – A Timeless JRPG Journey Reimagined

Since Hironobu Sakaguchi, the father of Final Fantasy, formed his own studio, Mistwalker, many JRPG fans have eagerly anticipated each release. With Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey being the last proper JRPGs Mistwalker developed for consoles, fans have longed for more.

Mistwalker’s most recent project, Fantasian, initially launched as a mobile-exclusive title on Apple Arcade. However, its platform choice left many fans skeptical about its accessibility and appeal. Over a year since its debut, Fantasian is finally making its way to consoles, PC, and Nintendo Switch, courtesy of Mistwalker and Square Enix. This long-awaited release gives dedicated JRPG fans a chance to experience this masterpiece from Sakaguchi.

As Mistwalker’s latest game, and one for which Nobuo Uematsu composed the entire soundtrack, the question remains: how does Fantasian Neo Dimension measure up as a console title?

Fantasian unfolds in a stunning world where reality and fantasy seamlessly blend. Players follow Leo, a young man who awakens in a strange, mechanical realm with no memory of how he got there. As he searches for answers, Leo discovers a mysterious phenomenon known as “Mechteria,” an infection spreading across the land, turning living beings into lifeless machines. Along his journey, he meets a diverse cast of companions, each with their own struggles and motivations, who join him in uncovering the truth behind the Mechteria and its ties to an impending cosmic threat. At its heart, Fantasian tells a poignant tale of loss, hope, and resilience, set against the backdrop of a breathtaking diorama-style world that fuses handcrafted artistry with classic JRPG storytelling.

Players familiar with Lost Odyssey will notice a familiar touch in Fantasian: a novel-style narrative that delves deeply into the characters’ backstories. This storytelling method, reminiscent of the poignant “A Thousand Years of Dreams” segments in Lost Odyssey, allows for a richer exploration of the characters’ histories. Leo, the protagonist of Fantasian, bears some resemblance to Kaim from Lost Odyssey, as both characters struggle with amnesia and the mystery of their pasts. In Fantasian, the novel-like storytelling is complemented by full voice acting in all cutscenes, adding emotional depth and making the narrative even more immersive compared to its original mobile release.

The battle system in Fantasian revitalizes the traditional turn-based mechanics cherished by veteran JRPG fans. While the combat may feel straightforward initially, it evolves into a more strategic experience as the game progresses. Players must adapt to the unique mechanics, such as the directional range of each character’s attacks. Depending on the attack’s range, characters can target multiple enemies simultaneously or focus on single targets, encouraging players to devise simple yet effective strategies for each encounter. This system adds depth and a fresh twist to the familiar turn-based formula, keeping battles engaging and rewarding.

Originally designed as a mobile game with convenience in mind, Fantasian incorporates several features to streamline gameplay. For instance, during battles, players can quickly execute actions without navigating extensive menus. The left trigger is assigned to basic attacks, while the right trigger repeats the last skill used, allowing for rapid and intuitive decision-making. Additionally, players can simply tap to perform actions for those playing on devices with touchscreen support, such as handheld PCs or the Nintendo Switch, further enhancing accessibility and ease of play. These thoughtful design choices ensure the game remains user-friendly across all platforms.

One of the standout features in Fantasian that enhances its combat system is the Dimengeon system, a mechanic that also elevates exploration. This system allows players to manage random encounters in a way that suits their playstyle. Instead of immediately battling every enemy they encounter, players can choose to send foes to an alternate dimension where they are stored. Once the Dimengeon reaches its capacity, players must face all the stored enemies in a single, large-scale battle. This mechanic grants players the freedom to explore the breathtaking world of Fantasian uninterrupted, while still maintaining the challenge of combat. However, it comes with a trade-off: players must decide whether to manage smaller battles consistently or take on the risk—and potential reward—of fighting up to 30 enemies at once.

When I first played Fantasian on my iPad over a year ago, I found the game challenging for the most part, which I appreciated. With Fantasian Neo Dimension, the game now offers a toned-down difficulty option for players who prefer to focus on the story without the intense challenge. In the original mobile version, the game was divided into two parts: the first being relatively easier and the second significantly more difficult. The introduction of a more accessible difficulty setting is a welcome addition for those seeking a smoother experience. Despite its challenges, the thrill of battling bosses remains one of the game’s highlights, offering an engaging and rewarding experience.

Given its origins as a mobile game, many might assume Fantasian is a simplified version of a JRPG—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Fantasian is a fully realized JRPG experience, offering over 40 hours of gameplay, with even more for completionists. Beyond the main story, players can dive into a wealth of side activities, including numerous quests and treasure hunting. Scattered throughout the world are locked treasure chests that require special keys dropped by rare monsters, adding an extra layer of exploration and challenge. For those looking to go beyond the main narrative, these side activities provide plenty of additional content, easily doubling the potential playtime.

In terms of performance, I tested Fantasian on the Steam Deck, ROG Ally X, Legion Go, Aya Neo 2, and a standard PC. Across all devices, the game runs flawlessly, with a low power draw averaging just 8–10 watts. For Steam Deck users, this translates to around 4 hours of gameplay on a single charge. Given its origins as a mobile game, Fantasian isn’t demanding, which ensures smooth performance even on lower-powered hardware. Additionally, the game’s touchscreen support, originally designed for mobile platforms, remains intact. This feature enhances the experience on handheld PCs and the Nintendo Switch, offering a more intuitive and accessible way to play.