Mistwalker have released music for Fantasian, along with an interview with composer Nobuo Uematsu, and more information about the story.
As previously reported, the game takes place across multiple pocket dimensions; represented by over 150 real life dioramas as locations, created by Japanese Tokusatsu special effects artists. After Leo is left with almost no memory from an explosion at a magic-tech factory, he only remembers a young woman.
Soon Leo finds this very woman in a stange land, and is caught up in humanity being overrun by machines. As players encounter foes, they can send them into another dimension to fight later; challenging multiple at once so AOE attacks strike multiple foes. While this presents a greater challenge later, it also streamlines combat and allows players to keep exploring.
The game’s soundtrack will be composed by Nobuo Uematsu, best known for his music across the Final Fantasy series. Fantasian may also be his last soundtrack.
Now, Mistwalker have released a short interview with Uematsu, along with previewing some of the soundtrack. You can find those videos below.
In addition, Famitsu has reported on new information on the game (translation: DeepL). Firstly the game will be divided into two parts, with the second half being released in the second half of 2021. However, the first part will have 20 to 30 hours of content.
A new story trailer will also be released soon, but a little more information was revealed by Famitsu. Leo is also looking for his missing father, Banard, and travels between dimensions by using objects he finds scattered across each world. The explosion at the magic-tech factory happened in a dimension ruled by the aforementioned machines.
Leo and Kina (the young woman) will encounter the Death Sphere on their adventure. This ball produces machines, and the white spheres that grow and infect the world. Not only do they threaten to cover it, but those who get near them have their emotions, mind, and eventually life sucked out.
The pair will also meet Vam, an evil god focused on “concentrated emotion” and the “divine machine.” Vam also seems to be under some kind of mutation, which affects the balance of order and chaos shifting across the world.
Leo will need to enter the Death Machine Erosion Zone (which is in a state of flux) again and again, hoping to find information about his father. Each of the dioramas also features a mini-map, allowing it to be observed from above. Players can also select a location from this minimap (such as a store or save point) to have the party move towards it.
You can find the full rundown (via the App Store) below.
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 over 150 handmade dioramas that blends physical environments and 3D characters.
STORY
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. The captivating story is written by Sakaguchi and is complimented by a sweeping soundtrack by celebrated Final Fantasy composer, Nobuo Uematsu.● 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.
● Hand-Crafted Environments
Each of the 150+ dioramas has been crafted by the masters of the Japanese “Tokusatsu” or special effects industry. Creating Fantasian’s real-life miniature sets are veterans who have worked on projects like the Godzilla films, Attack on Titan, and Ultraman. Fantasian serves as a vehicle to bring these amazing works of art into the digital space via Apple Arcade.
● Legendary Soundtrack
Celebrated composer Nobuo Uematsu, known for his work on the Final Fantasy series and games such as Lost Odyssey and Blue Dragon, created a soundtrack to compliment the memorable and magical world of Fantasian from catchy battle tunes to heart-pumping dungeon pieces, and moving character themes.
● Novel Storytelling
To tell an epic story, a ‘novel’ approach was used in the form of a “Memory” system where players encounter and collect various memories, journal entries, and notes presented as miniature in-game novels to flesh out the story, realms, and characters of Fantasian. These bite-sized novels have unique artwork, music, and sound effects to offer players a truly immersive experience.
Fantasian launches 2021 for Mac, iOS (via Apple Arcade), and Apple TV.
