Final Fantasy creator and Mistwalker studio lead Hironobu Sakaguchi confirms that he’s started a new project. Speculation points toward a PC port of turn-based RPG Fantasian, which is currently exclusive to Apple devices.
In February 2023, Hironobu Sakaguchi noted that a Fantasian PC port and sequel were possible with continued support from fans. At the time, Sakaguchi did not confirm any projects were in development at the time. A SteamDB listing for Fantasian appeared just six months later in August, however.
A New Project from Hironobu Sakaguchi
Sakaguchi shared a brief update on his official Twitter account, revealing that he’s started work on a new project. He also prayed at and thanked the Ise Jingu Shrine for the start of his new project and his good health following a recent physical checkup.
“Ise Jingu Shrine,” Sakaguchi wrote on Twitter in English and Japanese. “I thanked the shrine for the start of my new project and for my good health during my physical checkup.”
伊勢参り。
新作制作が開始できたこと、人間ドックが良好だったことにお礼を。Ise Jingu Shrine.
I thanked the shrine for the start of my new project and for my good health during my physical checkup. pic.twitter.com/t4WGqYQ5WN— 坂口博信 (@auuo) November 7, 2023
Here’s an overview of Sakaguchi’s latest game via the App Store:
About Fantasian
Fantasian by Mistwalker Corp. — From the creator of Final Fantasy, comes the next breathtaking adventure from industry legend Hironobu Sakaguchi. Fantasian is an exciting, new RPG set against a spectacular backdrop made from nearly 160 handmade dioramas that blends physical environments and 3D characters.
- Dive into the Dioramas – Explore the nearly 160 different hand-crafted dioramas in Fantasian, with particular attention to detail. The adventure lasts between 60~90 hours with the first part more focused on story and the latter half more quest-driven, giving players the freedom to explore the world.
- New Battle Mechanics – Tapping into his experience from the Final Fantasy franchise, Sakaguchi brings to Fantasian several quality of life improvements to the classic JRPG genre, such as the “Dimengeon Battle” mechanic, which allows players to send previously encountered enemies into a separate dimensional dungeon to streamline combat and maximize uninterrupted exploration of the beautiful locations. “Dimengeon Battles” introduce various “Gimmicks” or power-ups that can turn the tide of battle for a satisfying encounter. Likewise, the Growth Map gives players various customization options and party members can be swapped in and out for even more diverse strategic options.
- Legendary Soundtrack – Celebrated composer Nobuo Uematsu, known for his work on the Final Fantasy series, scored all 60 tracks. The many layers of a full orchestra and diverse synth melodies compliment the memorable and magical world of Fantasian.
