All you need to know about Hironobu Sakaguchi: The brains behind Final Fantasy and Fantasian Neo Dimension
As the release date of Fantasian Neo Dimension comes closer, the gaming world is about to witness the brilliant mind of Hironobu Sakaguchi, the man behind Final Fantasy, in 4k. Neo Dimension is the revamped version of the original Fantasian, which was released in 2001 for Apple Arcade.
This new version will not only bring the game to a new audience, but this project is also in collaboration with Sakaguchi’s original company, Square Enix. This partnership can open new possibilities for the Final Fantasy franchise and more.
Note: Aspects of this article are subjecive and reflect the writer's opinion.
Who is Hironobu Sakaguchi and what games did he create?
Hironobu Sakaguchi is a Japanese game designer, director, and producer. He was born on November 25, 1962, in Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture. He is known as the “Father of Final Fantasy,” thanks to his works at Square Enix (Square back then) that not only helped create the legendary JRPG franchise, but also shaped modern RPGs. After leaving Square, he founded Mistwalker in 2004, a studio known for titles such as Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey and Terra Battle.
Read more: FANTASIAN Neo Dimension pre-order guide
Sakaguchi wanted to be a musician while growing up, which is why I think music plays such an important role in his games. While creating it, Sakaguchi had made up his mind that if Final Fantasy failed commercially, he would leave Square and complete his education. However, his plans were cut short as Final Fantasy ended up selling 400,000 copies in Japan and establishing one of the most successful franchises in gaming history.
Sakaguchi left Square in 2003 and then created his studio named Mistwalker in 2004. Over the years, Mistwalker has worked on a variety of projects and games, the most recent being a PC and Console port for one of their JRPGs named Fantasian Neo Dimension.
Hironobu Sakaguchi and his journey behind Fantasian Neo Dimension
Sakaguchi’s latest project, Fantasian Neo Dimension, is a revamped version of Fantasian (2021), originally released for Apple Arcade. The game launches on December 5, 2024, for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Neo Dimension includes new features like
- 4K resolution on PS5
- English and Japanese voice acting
- New difficulty options
The game also signals Sakaguchi’s return to collaboration with Square Enix, a partnership not seen since his departure from the company in 2003.
Also read: Is FANTASIAN Neo Dimension coming to Nintendo Switch?
What is unique about Fantasian Neo Dimension by Hironobu Sakaguchi?
The game’s main attraction is its handcrafted aesthetic, featuring over 150 dioramas created by professional artists. Inspired by Sakaguchi’s fascination with physical models, these dioramas were photographed in high resolution and integrated into the game using a custom pipeline. Sakaguchi’s aim was to capture the warmth and charm of handmade artistry, which he thinks is incredibly rare in modern Graphics JRPGs.
What is the story of Fantasian Neo Dimension?
The story follows Leo, a young man who embarks on a multidimensional adventure to recover his lost memories and uncover the truth behind a mysterious mechanical infection that threatens his world. The narrative is complemented by Nobuo Uematsu’s iconic musical score, which is incredibly warm at times and equally melancholic when the story shifts into a dramatic scene.
How did Square Enix partnered with Hironobu Sakaguchi again?
The partnership with Square Enix and producer Naoki Yoshida (Final Fantasy XIV) emerged from an unexpected friendship. Sakaguchi initially hesitated to play Final Fantasy XIV due to his fear of MMO addiction, but in the end turned into a regular player and frequently discussed the game with Naoki Yoshida. Their collaboration began when Sakaguchi expressed a desire to bring Fantasian to consoles. Yoshida agreed, paving the way for the game’s PlayStation debut.
Why is the PlayStation 5 Version so important for Fantasian Neo Dimension?
Sakaguchi has emphasized that the PS5 version of Fantasian Neo Dimension is the definitive way to experience the game. For the first time, players can enjoy the diorama environments in full 4K resolution, bringing out intricate details that were previously scaled down. Sakaguchi encourages fans to play on a large screen to fully appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry.