Fantasian

 iOS
Fantasian Image
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80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 64 Ratings

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  • Summary: 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 over 150 handmade dioramas that blends physical environments and 3D characters. The tale begins inFrom 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 over 150 handmade dioramas that blends physical environments and 3D characters. The tale begins in a realm governed by machines. Within this multi-dimensional universe, the balance of "Chaos and Order" becomes a key factor in the struggle for these realms and the machinations of the gods who wish to control them. 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 to him. 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.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Pocket Gamer UK
    Apr 7, 2021
    100
    Fantasian is a classic RPG at its core, with plenty of new tricks and a fresh art style to keep it relatable in the age of AAA cinematic experiences. The unique characters are delightful and full of intrigue, the story is engaging, and the visuals speak for themselves. Having multiple options for controls and a unique way of handling random enemy encounters makes this a game suitable for anyone looking to get lost in a fantasy adventure. While it’s not currently complete, if the game’s second half matches even a sliver of its first half in quality, the game will continue to be an absolute must-play title on Apple Arcade.
  2. Digitally Downloaded
    Apr 7, 2021
    90
    The world is beautiful to explore, and apparently, it was created by building actual dioramas of the various environments and then scanning them into digital data. It's the perfect way to capture the isometric perspective of those PlayStation 1-era Final Fantasies, while also ensuring that it looks modern and a deliberate homage to those classic games of yesteryear. On every level, Fantasian is aware of itself, and also confident that there are still people out there that love the classic qualities of older JRPGs in such a way that they can deliver. It's a confidence that I certainly believe that the team behind this game has every right to hold.
  3. RPG Site
    Aug 31, 2021
    90
    Fantasian is a fantastic RPG, and will probably be a strong contender for GOTY deliberations later this year. Though it might not hurt to wait for a few patches for lingering issues to be resolved, and to consider if you’re up for the challenge that the game will provide.
  4. App Trigger
    Apr 9, 2021
    80
    Fantasian was designed by legendary RPG king Hironobu Sakaguchi as a love letter to games like Final Fantasy 6. It doesn’t really reinvent the wheel as it more adheres some pretty stickers to a wheel we’ve already watched spin for years. But for those looking to take that old wheel for a spin, you’re in for a smooth ride.
  5. TouchArcade
    Aug 31, 2021
    80
    Fantasian is a very demanding experience, and you really have to be in love with its mechanics to put up with it all. Heaven knows the narrative isn’t going to keep you motivated. Fantasian is an absolute masterpiece in most regards, and yet I find myself struggling to recommend it.
  6. Twinfinite
    Apr 20, 2021
    80
    This standard plot isn’t enough to take away from everything Fantasian does well, though. In fact, it is because the game follows such a classic JRPG format that you likely won’t even notice you’ve been playing it for 20+ hours when all is said and done, which is quite the accomplishment for a mobile title.
  7. Guardian
    Apr 14, 2021
    60
    Much as our heroes are caught between two worlds, Fantasian has one foot in design dogma while the other paddles around cautiously in new ideas. The result is a lengthy and sumptuous genre piece, the equivalent of a good Netflix movie that you probably wouldn’t watch at the cinema. These days, that’s more of a compliment than it used to be.

See all 20 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 27
  3. Negative: 4 out of 27
  1. dominicstop
    May 15, 2021
    10
    The graphics + music are absolutely gorgeous, it’s the classic turn-based JRPG formula we all know and love, but with a fresh coat of paint.The graphics + music are absolutely gorgeous, it’s the classic turn-based JRPG formula we all know and love, but with a fresh coat of paint. The battle system is so well done and very satisfying. It’s an amazing game that evokes the nostalgia from the PS1 JRPG era. You can definitely feel the love and effort that went into making this game, from the amazing soundtrack to the beautifully crafted diorama’s. Play it, definitely worth it for the aesthetics alone.… Expand
  2. yayarea
    Apr 4, 2021
    10
    A beautiful looking game that plays well both on iOS as well as M1 Macs. Playing it gives me the same great feeling of playing so many greatA beautiful looking game that plays well both on iOS as well as M1 Macs. Playing it gives me the same great feeling of playing so many great JRPG in the past, that sometimes is missing in modern iterations of the genre. The combat system is really fresh and it's really enjoyable to play on your terms, and not being forced into random battles. Highly recommended… Expand
  4. garland_spqr
    Apr 11, 2021
    10
    An incredible masterpiece that came out of nowhere and the best JRPG I have played in decades.
    On par with FFVII.
  5. Akiin
    Apr 5, 2021
    10
    a masterpiece that needs to be released on consoles !
    probably one of the best jrpg's ever created
  6. iamchum
    Apr 13, 2021
    9
    If there was ever a reason to invest in Apple Arcade, this is the game that justifies it. Sure this could be seen as another Final FantasyIf there was ever a reason to invest in Apple Arcade, this is the game that justifies it. Sure this could be seen as another Final Fantasy clone, but in a lot of ways it surpasses Final Fantasy, especially the modern era of FF. The music is phenomenal, the environments oozing with charm and vibrance, the combat, while maybe not the most revolutionary, adds a new spin to a tired formula, while staying true to it's old school roots. While the story does tend to hit a lot of the same notes many JRPGs and animes fall victim to, the cast is still a likable motley crue that you grow to love over the course of the game. There's a couple plot points that, due to the nature of tropes, can be a bit easy to see coming, almost where you could play JRPG Plot Bingo at times...but even with it's predictability in certain areas, you still want to see it through to the end and want to see our heroes win. Tropes aren't always a terrible thing if they're done well, and these characters and plot beats are done reasonably well, much more than a platform like Apple Aracde deserves. If you have an iPhone/iPad/Mac/Apple TV, definitely don't let this game slip you by. If you're a fan of JRPGs, there is a lot to love about this game, and while it's exclusivity to Apple might be a bad taste in your mouth, if you do decide to make the plunge, I'd say it's a plunge worth taking. This game needs all the love it can get because it's clear love and passion were put into this game, and while it's easy to hate on Apple, remember, they directly helped fund this game because they saw potential too...this game might not exist without them, so while I won't always die on the hill of Apple's decisions and the way they treat customers like morons, I will give credit where credit is due, and say they had good intution when backing this game. Simply put, this game is a love letter to Final Fantasy fans everywhere.

    Pros:
    - Excellent music direction
    - Gorgeous art direction and graphics
    - Old school turn based gameplay that will bring about feelings of nostalgia
    - Oozes with charm

    Cons:
    - Exclusive to Apple (for the time being)
    - Hits a few too many tropes
    - Could really use some voice acting here and there    … Expand
  7. fbnaulin
    Apr 16, 2021
    8
    A love letter to PSOne era JRPG. Specially, reminescent to FFVII and FFIX. Music and visual aspects are a truly work of art. I have enjoyedA love letter to PSOne era JRPG. Specially, reminescent to FFVII and FFIX. Music and visual aspects are a truly work of art. I have enjoyed battle system, from the innovative random encounters gauge to the attack aiming. Story and characters are uninteresting.… Expand
  8. Maxximka
    Sep 12, 2021
    0
    No russian language. Please add russian localisation!

    Добавьте русский язык, пожалуйста

See all 27 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best iOS Game of 2021
1
#1 Most Discussed iOS Game of 2021

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