Is Fantasian Superior on Console or Apple Arcade?
The 2021 release of Fantasian, a game rooted in the legacy of legendary developer Hironobu Sakaguchi, who is best known for his pivotal role in the Final Fantasy series, initially caused a stir among gamers. Apple Arcade exclusivity meant that those without access to Apple devices were left out in the cold. However, in a significant twist, Square Enix is now bringing Fantasian to consoles, rebranded as Fantasian Neo Dimension, which raises the question: is this transition worthwhile?
Fantasian is a turn-based JRPG that features linear pathways and straightforward combat mechanics. The charm of its gameplay lies in the touch screen mechanics tailored for mobile, enhancing the overall experience. Transitioning to consoles opens up the game to a broader audience, effectively liberating one of the finest mobile titles from its Apple-only shackles. Yet, this leads to a genuine concern: Does the console version lose the essence that made the original enjoyable?
The Mobile Touch: A Diminished Experience on Console
A core distinction between Fantasian and Fantasian Neo Dimension lies in the shift from touch-based controls to conventional gaming interfaces. Instead of maneuvering characters with a finger tap, players are tasked with using joysticks or keyboards for navigation. Casting spells, originally accomplished with a simple swipe, now requires the precision of a joystick or mouse. While these adjustments may seem minor, they fundamentally alter the game’s feel.
Previews suggest that the absence of touch controls transforms Fantasian into a less engaging experience, stripping away the tactile enjoyment that defined its mobile predecessor. Furthermore, reviews highlight that navigating camera transitions in Fantasian Neo Dimension presents more challenges due to the lack of touch input. Notably, the Nintendo Switch version does not support touch controls, meaning players miss out on a more comparable experience, despite the device’s capabilities.
Visuals and Environment: A Double-Edged Sword
One notable enhancement in the console version is the visual clarity, which is markedly improved compared to the mobile iteration. Although Fantasian may not boast the intricate environments of critically praised titles like Octopath Traveler 2, the transition to high-resolution displays necessitates sharper graphics, and Square Enix has successfully executed this remastering. Fans now enjoy a clearer appreciation of the beautifully crafted dioramas that populate the game.
However, this visual improvement comes with its own drawbacks. Critics have noted that, rather than enriching the experience, heightened clarity can make environments appear more barren when viewed on larger screens. The compact screens of mobile devices create an illusion of busy, immersive settings, while the expansive view on consoles can leave players feeling disconnected from the game world.
The Definitive Version: New Features Enhance the Experience
The pivotal factor influencing the decision between Fantasian Neo Dimension on Apple Arcade versus consoles or PC is the wealth of new features introduced in the remastered edition. Aside from enhanced visuals, players can now enjoy both English and Japanese voice acting, new difficulty options, and even a battle music selector. These additions promise to elevate the overall gaming experience, addressing previous critiques such as the lack of voice work.
While it remains uncertain if these improvements will be rolled out to the Apple Arcade version, it is clear that, for now, only the Neo Dimension iteration will house these features. This makes the console release the better option, offering a richer experience despite losing some of the tactile enjoyment present in the mobile version and having a less vibrant world.
In summary, while Fantasian Neo Dimension’s polished visuals and enriched features declare it the definitive edition, the absence of touch controls and the potential emptiness of its environments on larger screens may leave some fans pondering their platform preference.
