7 awesome things about FANTASIAN Neo Dimension

This new RPG from the creator of FINAL FANTASY offers a fresh take on the classic RPG. Here’s why it’s such an awesome time.

By Duncan Heaney

Tags: FANTASIAN Neo Dimension

FANTASIAN Neo Dimension does something remarkable.

It conjures up the feelings of the classic FINAL FANTASY series, while also being utterly fresh and modern in its own right. It’s quite an achievement, although perhaps not surprising when you consider it comes from Hironobu Sakaguchi - the creator of the FINAL FANTASY series.

It’s a generous game full of big ideas, but what exactly makes it such a joy to play? You can find out yourself on Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam:

Or, read on and I’ll share some of the reasons I’ve fallen head over heels for this adventure:

The combat system sets trajectory for fun

FANTASIAN Neo Dimension has a very unique combat system where aiming your attacks is as important as the abilities themselves.

At its core it calls back to classic turn-based RPG combat systems like those in the FINAL FANTASY and DRAGON QUEST series. For example, you’ll use elemental attacks to take advantage of enemy weaknesses, and deal (or deal with) status effects like poison.

However, it also includes another element: trajectories. Different skills have different trajectories and by aiming them well, you can take out whole swathes of foes at once. For example, Leo’s Slash move sends a powerful wave in a straight line - any foe caught in that line takes damage. On the other hand, Kina can curve her abilities, allowing you to catch multiple foes together in an arc.

It adds another layer of strategy to the combat - when you line everything up just right, it feels incredibly good. Combine with intuitive controls, snappy animations and a real sense of impact to attacks, and you have a battle system that never gets old.

The Dimengeon Machine is a gamechanger

The Dimengeon Machine is introduced early in the adventure, and it’s a simply wonderful addition to the game. When turned on, it pulls previously encountered enemies into the machine, rather than making you face them there and then. Then, rather than taking on foes one fight at a time, you can battle all your stored foes together in an epic scrap.

It’s an idea that’s implemented superbly. It allows for uninterrupted exploration of the game’s many beautiful locales, but it maintains the sense of threat and danger. After all, the more foes that get pulled into the Dimengeon, the more difficult the fight when you take them on - you could be faced with 30 monsters all in one encounter!

Of course, a large-scale battle like that comes with its own advantages. Yes, you get a healthy dollop of experience and gold, but more than that, it feels incredibly, overwhelmingly rewarding.

Felling hordes of monsters together with a well-aimed attack is a wonderful feeling, especially if you take advantage of Dimengeon Gimmicks, or battle bonuses, to deal extra damage or steal a turn. Don’t be surprised if you feel the urge to let the Dimengeon fill up just to get another hit of that oh-so-sweet multi-hit satisfaction.

The environments are hand-crafted

Over the course of the adventure, you’ll explore all kinds of environments, from dense woodlands to stark deserts, as well as towns, cities and some other, weirder locations we don’t want to spoil here.

But while every area is different, they all have two things in common: they’re attractive and they feel like hand-crafted, physical objects. That’s because they are.

The world of FANTASIAN Neo Dimension is made up from more than 150 real-life dioramas, constructed with real care by some extremely talented craftspeople. This gives them a real sense of physicality - they don’t feel like CGI backgrounds, they feel like actual places that you get to run around in.

It’s another example of how FANTASIAN Neo Dimension finds new ways to present the classic-style RPG, and it’s extremely effective.

The music is wonderful

Nobuo Uematsu is one of the most famous composers in the videogame industry. Best known as the original composer of the FINAL FANTASY series, including the iconic FINAL FANTASY VII, his work inspires fans, creators and concertgoers even today.

He’s also the composer for FANTASIAN, so you would expect the game to have some incredible music. Consider those expectations fulfilled - and then some!

Uematsu-san has created an unforgettable score for the game, which ranges from upbeat battle themes that get the blood pumping, to discordant mood pieces that emphasise the threat of the mechanical menace our heroes are facing. It’s a masterclass of music from a master of composition.

There’s not just new music, however. FANTASIAN Neo Dimension also includes the option to switch out battle music with some of the greatest themes from across the FINAL FANTASY series, including FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE and REBIRTH, FINAL FANTASY XIV: Endwalker, FINAL FANTASY XVI, FINAL FANTASY Pixel Remaster series and more.

Want to fight a tree to the choral chants of One Winged Angel? Here’s your chance.

Memories that stick in the mind

Throughout FANTASIAN Neo Dimension, you’ll encounter moments where you can experience one of the character’s Memories.

These short vignettes take you back to a moment in the character’s past, in short written scenes that are accompanied by striking art and beautiful music. Whether it’s Leo scrabbling around the remains of his memories, or Kina exploring her isolated childhood, these Memories are beautifully written and often quite moving.

That feeling is only enhanced by the game’s voice acting - new to the Neo Dimension version of the game - which brings these wonderful scenes to life like never before.

It’s a classic RPG for a modern age

We’ve touched on this on other points, but one of the best things about FANTASIAN Neo Dimension is how it complements its classic RPG feel with modern conveniences.

For example, skills or items that were used in the last turn can be used again quickly with the press of a single button. Or you can select a point on the map using the Move feature to have Leo automatically walk to that destination.

It manifests in other ways too. The story will often send you where you need to go after completing an area without the need to trudge back, menus are intuitively laid out and easy to navigate and it’s always easy to know where you need to go to complete Quests. The game is extremely player-friendly and never wastes your time.

You can also get some impressive character customization options later in the game. Eventually, you’ll be able to build out your characters’ stats in impressively flexible Growth Maps, allowing you to spec them to fit your preferred playstyle.

The Cindrella Tri-stars are… well, you’ll see

Finally, a personal one, but I LOVE the Cindrella Tri-stars.

This group of three… let’s call them ‘aggressively extrovert’ individuals, may show up for a scrap wherever you identify their telltale graffiti. They’re brash, they’re loud, they’re delightfully camp and always raise a smile when they appear.

Their battles are also great tests of your abilities. The first sets the tone by acting as a tutorial, showing you how to aim your trajectory and prioritize targets, and they only increase in challenge from there.

They’re a real highlight of the game - so keep your eyes open for that telltale mark when you play it.

As you can see, there’s a lot to love about FANTASIAN Neo Dimension - but even all the above just barely scratches the surface of what it has to offer. The game’s a love letter to classic RPGs, capturing everything that’s great about the genre, while adding fresh ideas of its own.

If you’re a fan of RPGs, you should go check it out. It’s available now for Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam.

We hope you’re excited to start playing. Remember, to stay up to date with news and information about the game, follow us on social media:

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