Final Fantasy creator handcrafts epic Fantasian for Apple Arcade

By

‘Fantasian’ is coming soon to Apple Arcade
Fantasian for Apple Arcade
Screencap: Mistwalker/Apple

Fantasian is the next creation by Hironobu Sakaguchi, who also made the classic Final Fantasy series. His latest mixes computer-generated characters with handmade sets for a truly unique look.

The role playing game by Mistwalker is set to debut on Apple Arcade for a variety of platforms.

Fantasian takes place in a handcrafted world

Sakaguchi wrote the story for Fantasian. “Players will assume the role of protagonist, Leo, who awakens from a massive explosion only to find himself lost in a strange land with only one memory left him,“ says Mistwalker about the JRPG. “As players set out on a journey to reclaim Leo’s memories, they will unravel the mysteries of the bizarre mechanical infection slowly engulfing all that is known to mankind.“

But the real draw is the look. All the action takes place against a backdrop of 150 handmade dioramas created by masters of Tokusatsu — Japan’s special-effects industry. The game combines these miniature sets with 3D characters.

Mistwalker is so proud of the appearance of Fantasian that it created a special game mode for it. A Dimengeon Battle allows players to send previously encountered enemies into a dungeon to fight later so they can maximize uninterrupted exploration.

Watch the story trailer to get a sense of the action:

Apple Arcade subscribers have to wait

Fantasian is listed as “coming soon” on Apple’s subscription gaming service. When released, it’ll be available for iPad games, Mac, iPhone and Apple TV.

Apple’s subscription gaming service costs $4.99 a month, but it comes with over 100 games. And there are no other costs because Apple bans ads, in-app purchases and loot boxes. While waiting for Sakaguchi‘s latest, consider other RPGs like Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost RealmTowers of Everland, or the recently released Oceanhorn: Chronos Dungeon.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.