Fantasian gets bigger and better in upcoming major update

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Sakaguchi’s ‘Fantasian’ gets bigger and better in upcoming major update
Fantasian is a really gorgeous game. Enormous effort went into the look.
Photo: Mistwalker/Apple Arcade

Fantasian, which mixes handmade sets with computer-generated characters, will soon be updated with new content that’ll double the amount of gametime available.

Fantasian is the creation of Hironobu Sakaguchi, who also made the classic Final Fantasy series. It debuted on the Apple Arcade gaming service in April and Part 2 is scheduled for release August 13.

“The release of Part 2 of Fantasian marks the completion of the saga,” Sakaguchi said in a statement, “It ended up being, rather unexpectedly, about twice the volume of Part 1 and is more quest-driven, giving players the ability to progress through the world at their own pace. Boss encounters are even more unique than before.”

The upcoming addition will add 50 new handmade sets, bringing the total to 200.

Fantasian takes place in a handcrafted world

Sakaguchi wrote the story for the game. It starts with Leo, who find himself lost in a strange land with only one memory left him. He must recover his memories to unravel the mysteries of a bizarre mechanical infection slowly engulfing the world.

It uses turn-based combat with an emphasis on the look of the game. All the action takes place against a backdrop of handmade dioramas created by masters of Tokusatsu — Japan’s special-effects industry. Plus, part of the experience is music by Nobuo Uematsu.

I played the initial release and I’ve never seen a more beautiful game. That includes on PC or console. Playing 3D digital characters in the dioramas made by Mistwalker is a truly unique experience.

Try it for yourself. Fantasian Part 1 is ready to play now from the Apple Arcade section of the App Store. There are versions for Mac, iPad, iPhone and Apple TV, and game controllers are supported. All that’s required is a $4.99-per-month subscription fee, which also brings access to 200 other games.

Sakaguchi is clearly proud. “I think we can safely say that we left nothing on the table. We have carefully sculpted the experience preserving the ‘warmth’ of the dioramas with every attention to detail,” said the legendary game creator. “I encourage everyone to experience this mysterious ‘emotional’ energy, which is at the very heart of Fantasian.”

Via: The Verge

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