Fantasian (Apple Arcade) - New JRPG from Mistwalker - 2021

[BWYuko]

Developed by Mistwalker
Director / Producer: Hironobu Sakaguchi
Music: Nobuo Uematsu
Release: 2021

This was announced March 2019, but we got some more info this week.
Finally, the first new single-player JRPG from Mistwalker since 2008 is nearing completion!

Fantasian is a game that shouldn’t exist.
Every day is a challenge, creating game worlds by hand.
We are building dioramas, photographing them and adding 3D characters.
I’m a little scared of how many sets we are going to have to build in the end.

Part of a collective of new titles that will release on the Apple Arcade platform, Fantasian will be playable offline on any Apple device the player owns (iPhone, iPad, MacBook, AppleTV, etc), utilizing one save across all devices. Will have touchscreen and controller support.

To reduce production costs and create a unique motif, instead of rendering the game's backgrounds with a 3D graphics engine, Mistwalker has created real life miniature dioramas out of paper, plastic, cardboard, fiberglass, etc for all of the game's backgrounds.

Character models are then superimposed over high res stills of the dioramas, locking the camera, making the experience reminiscent of a PS1 era Final Fantasy title. The entire game has received this treatment.

Tim Apple visits Miswalker Studios.





A perspective piece Apple did on all their new partners for the Apple Arcade platform - Sakaguchi's segment begins at 1:15.

New Year 2021 updates:

Hironobu Sakaguchi, Mistwalker
A happy new year!

FANTASIAN, the game we have been developing over the last three years is almost complete and is scheduled to be released on Apple Arcade this year.

The game is an RPG that takes players through a unique world handcrafted dioramas by professional sculptors featuring: music by Mr. Uematsu, an open-world scenario in the latter half of the game, a user interface designed specifically for touch panels (also compatible with controllers), and a unique set of characters.

Furthermore, a new system called the “Dimengeon” allows players to fight all the enemies at once instead of battling small mobs as they encounter them.

The game can be played on iPhone, iPad, mac, and AppleTV, and save data is shared across all devices. We are confident this will provide an intriguing experience as players can switch between mobile and desktop devices.

I hope you will all enjoy it!

Mr. Nobuo Uematsu, Dog Ear Records
A happy new year!

As I went into the music production of FANTASIAN,

I was ready to spend the most time and effort I had ever spent on a single game. Having that much passion and dedication led to more diverse music, which made me realize, “I never knew I could do something like this.”

Whether it was Mr. Sakaguchi’s passion for the game or it was “fate,” I was able give everything I could to FANTASIAN.

Please look forward to it.

I sure am, Mr. Uematsu. I sure am.

[6souls]

Spoiler: show

[Kaslo]

So... is there a good Apple TV Controller? lol

[Odesseiron]

I really wish MW would get some funding to do big budget titles again. It's a shame Lost Odyssey never really took off. Game was fantastic.

[6souls]

So... is there a good Apple TV Controller? lol

PS4 Dualshock

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210414

[BWYuko]

Features Trailer

Some very interesting interviews Sakaguchi did with Techradar and VGC.

Both are full of new in-game screenshots, so check em out!

He talks at length about influences (CT, FF6), the current JRPG industry, ignoring market trends, what his Square colleagues are doing now (Nier, FF16) his lack of direction or expectations for MistWalker, and moreover how he came to make the game he wanted to make.

He also mentions Fantasian will be released in 2 parts, and that they're putting finishing touches on Part 2 currently.

Both Sakaguchi and Uematsu poke around at the idea this will likely be the last game of this scale they'll try making. Uematsu, in particular, is not in great health these days.

Uematsu Music Stuff

[Kaslo]

Out now

[Prothescar]

Played the first part; this game is giving me major ff7 ff8 ff9 vibes.

[Mayareira]

Looks magical, downloading it now.

[Tyrath]

Is this ever gonna be out on not phones? I don't care for phone gaming.

[Mayareira]

Apple Macintosh and iPad are your non-phone options. Its got full mouse/keyboard support.

[Kaslo]

Apple Macintosh and iPad are your non-phone options. Its got full mouse/keyboard support.

Ummm Apple TV?

[Tyrath]

Oh ya I also don't do apple products so need something besides that lol

[Cantih]

There has been no news on if it will be on anything but Apple.

[Kaslo]

Have they said how many parts its suppose to be? and how long was the part just released?

[BWYuko]

Two parts. Finishing touches on part 2 are happening as we speak.

Apple TV is the only option to play it like it's a console JRPG. New 4K Apple TV boxes go for like $170 sadly, but even older models fully support Sony Dualshock 4 and other 3rd party controllers (they even recommend one).

This may end up being a game Apple wants to keep to themselves. Apple Arcade is a subscription service (you can get a month free right now, but it's $5/mo after). Idk what sort of contract Mistwalker has with them regarding distribution; maybe they'll have the right to release it on other platforms after a certain amount of time has passed.

[Madeline]

it looks so good

but not good enough to quell the deep hatred i have for apple, so here's hoping

[Kaslo]

https://twitter.com/RPGSite/status/1...116129281?s=20

[BWYuko]

Story Trailer - Part 2

Part 2...

• ... is about twice the size of Part 1. Full product becomes a 40-60 hour investment.
• ... has 34 new tracks from Uematsu (including the awesome one in the trailer).
• ... is more quest-driven.
• ... implements a new skill tree system for character growth.
• ... adds the ability to swap any character into battle on the fly a'la FF10.
• ... still only available on Apple products via subscription to Apple Arcade (can still try free for 30 days, $5/mo thereafter).

RPG Site also has 30 high-res screens and diorama stills to check out.

[The Stig]

I recently acquired a 5 month apple arcade trial as part of a promotion. This would be an excellent time to use it to play this! Thankfully it's only 2 parts!