[-] Ashtear@lemm.ee 1 points 20 hours ago* (last edited 20 hours ago)

Been considering jumping back into this one. I absolutely hate it when loot-oriented RPGs make it easy to find gear with level requirements, and boy did Everspace 2 ever do that. I was finding stuff level +5 or higher. The inventory system made it even worse.

I don't know if there's a mod now or a change that eased up on this, but it was enough to push me out of the game when I tried it earlier in the year.

13
submitted 1 day ago by Ashtear@lemm.ee to c/jrpg@lemmy.zip
[-] Ashtear@lemm.ee 6 points 2 days ago* (last edited 21 hours ago)

I played the demo a couple months ago and have only played a few hours since release (the save carried over), but so far this is in the running to be my personal game of the year. I've discovered a love for these repetitive problem-solvers like Papers Please and Hardspace: Shipbreaker, and this has been absolutely brilliant so far, with a very solid plot hook and a mature, wacky, occasionally gross vibe that totally fits the setting.

It's quite difficult, and the gameplay loop is clearly intended to be meta-progression driven, with player knowledge of how to repair the ships being the major factor. Hopefully it doesn't fall apart once I've "solved" it, and also would be nice if the story holds up. It's damn interesting. It'd be great too if this turned out to be as replayable as something like Papers Please, where a year from now I drop into the game from time to time to do some repairs.

Edit: Now that I'm in the late game, I've unfortunately discovered a couple of bugs that make things more difficult than they should be (or even impossible in one particular case). I'd say wait for a patch for this one at this point.

20
submitted 2 days ago by Ashtear@lemm.ee to c/games@lemmy.world
[-] Ashtear@lemm.ee 3 points 3 days ago

I'm thinking the online component isn't going to going to be full-blown MMO, would be ambitious for this developer.

I like the concepts here, but it always comes down to execution and scope for space-based games.

29
submitted 3 days ago by Ashtear@lemm.ee to c/games@lemmy.world
6
submitted 3 days ago by Ashtear@lemm.ee to c/jrpg@lemmy.zip

Game Information

Game Title: FANTASIAN Neo Dimension

Platforms:

  • PlayStation 5 (Dec 5, 2024)
  • PlayStation 4 (Dec 5, 2024)
  • Xbox Series X/S (Dec 5, 2024)
  • Nintendo Switch (Dec 5, 2024)
  • PC (Dec 5, 2024)

Trailer:

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 82 average - 88% recommended - 33 reviews

Critic Reviews

Atomix - Sebastian Quiroz - Spanish - 80 / 100

In an age where every JRPG offers us complex experiences, with hundreds of hours of content and multiple systems at our disposal, Fantasian Neo Dimension is a little baileys chocolate. The first bite is something everyone can appreciate, the sweetness immediately grabs the player, but once you get to the end of the bite, you're likely to feel something too strong for you, but at the same time it's addictive, and it's hard not to eat another one.


CGMagazine - Chris De Hoog - 8 / 10

Available for the first time on consoles, Fantasian Neo Dimension is a lovingly-crafted tribute to the RPG genre from some of its biggest pioneers.


Checkpoint Gaming - Charlie Kelly - 8 / 10

FANTASIAN Neo Dimension is a vibrant and whimsical RPG from some of the best that have ever done it. The incredibly rich storytelling and setting are bolstered by a quaint and gorgeous world to explore thanks to the striking diorama sets, charming characters and another stellar Nobuo Uematsu soundtrack. Though the game isn't without its frustrating grinds, it's more than the sum of its parts. This is a step forward for the turn-based genre thanks to meaningful and much-needed quality-of-life improvements in its tactical nature and pace-controlling Dimengion system. FANTASIAN Neo Dimension proves there is still so much excellence and magnificence to come from RPGs.


Destructoid - Steven Mills - 8.5 / 10

There's something special about Fantasian Neo Dimension that melds the old with the new to create an enthralling and nostalgic journey in a unique high-fantasy world that's simply a ton of fun to play.


Digitally Downloaded - Matt Sainsbury - 5 / 5

It’s hard to shake the feeling that Fantasian was a project designed to give several legends of the JRPG genre closure. By revising their great classic and both modernising and paying homage to it in equal measures, they can look back at their careers with the satisfaction of having completed a full journey of their own. For people that clearly love storytelling so much it’s hard to imagine a better way to finish up.


Digitec Magazine - Kevin Hofer - German - 5 / 5

With “Fantasian Neo Dimension”, “Final Fantasy” creator Hironobu Sakaguchi brings the feeling of the old PS1 JRPGs into the present day. Despite the obvious inspiration, the game doesn't feel outdated thanks to more modern gameplay elements, but on the contrary modern and challenging.


DualShockers - Christian Bognar - 9 / 10

Fantasian Neo Dimension is one of the best JRPGs I have played in a very long time, and that is saying a lot, considering we've had some great releases recently. It has a nostalgic feel to it that is reminiscent of the older Final Fantasy games, almost like stepping into a time machine. The trajectory system in combat is brilliant, it has an interesting story, and the difficulty is just right where it demands strategy while remaining fair throughout. The beautiful world made strictly from handmade dioramas is nothing short of extraordinary and is one of the most creative initiatives I've seen in gaming. Fantasian Neo Dimension does everything right for a turn-based JRPG, and anyone seeking their next great experience in the genre should look no further than this remarkable creation.


Eurogamer - Ed Nightingale - 4 / 5

The cult classic mobile RPG finally gets its due, for lovers of mechanics over story who can rise to the demands of its extreme challenge.


Evilgamerz - Christiaan Ribbens - Dutch - 8 / 10

Fantasian: Neo Dimension isn’t for everyone. The game is dated in style and structure, and the visual presentation may turn some off. But for fans of classic JRPGs, this is an absolute must-have. With a strong story and solid gameplay loop, Sakaguchi’s team has once again delivered a game that will stand the test of time. It may not be groundbreaking, but it does remind us of what made the genre so great back in the day.


GAMES.CH - Sven Raabe - German - 82%

Fantasian Neo Dimension succeeds wonderfully in making familiar turn-based battles appear fresh with an exciting twist. But the (somewhat predictable) mystery story and likeable main characters are also convincing. Although a few weaknesses prevent the game from reaching its full potential, this RPG adventure is not just for genre fans.


Hardcore Gamer - Chris Shive - 4 / 5

Fantasian: Neo Dimension is a modern take on the RPG formula. In many ways, it's similar to classic Final Fantasy games, but elements such as the trajectory aspect of battles and the Dimengeon help distinguish it from other titles the developers have previously worked on. The Dimengeon is an especially welcome addition to slow down the interruption that random encounters provide. The battles are enjoyable as they do require strategic planning, though playing on Hard difficulty can result in especially rough difficulty spikes later on. The rewarding battle system is complemented by the fantastic soundtrack and engaging story, reminiscent of some of the best classic RPGs. A couple characters can be grating and sometimes the controls feel like they could use some refinement, but Fantasian: Neo Dimension is a welcome challenge for anyone who is a fan of classic JRPGs.


Hobby Consolas - Álvaro Alonso - Spanish - 75 / 100

With Fantasian: Neo Dimension, the father and composer of Final Fantasy bring us a game that is a return to the origins of the JRPG, but that fails to live up to its own legend. It's a decent and entertaining adventure, with some interesting ideas, but it falls far short of the titans of the genre.


Infinite Start - Mark Fajardo - 9 / 10

Fantasian Neo Dimension is a masterfully crafted JRPG that successfully bridges classic turn-based mechanics with modern conveniences and a visually stunning diorama-style world. From its deeply engaging narrative and rich character development to its innovative Dimengeon system and captivating soundtrack by Nobuo Uematsu, the game is a love letter to JRPG fans. While its origins as a mobile game might raise eyebrows, Fantasian proves to be a fully fleshed-out experience, offering hours of compelling gameplay with a perfect blend of exploration, strategy, and storytelling. The added polish in this console and PC release, including enhanced voice acting and improved accessibility, makes it an even more enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Mistwalker or new to their work, Fantasian is a must-play that stands tall among its genre.


Manual dos Games - Luiz Henrique Silva - Portuguese - 9 / 10

FANTASIAN Neo Dimension is the ultimate RPG by Hironobu Sakaguchi, thanks to its emotionally compelling and well-told story, captivating characters, creative and unique combat mechanics, and, of course, a wonderful soundtrack composed by Nobuo Uematsu. It is impossible not to recommend FANTASIAN Neo Dimension to any fan of the genre, as it is a must-play title for those who long for more classic JRPGs.


MonsterVine - Nick Mangiaracina - 4 / 5

I think the audience for Fantasian knows what they’re looking for and they’re going to find it in Fantasian Neo Dimension. I sure did.


Nintendo Blast - Ivanir Ignacchitti - Portuguese - 8.5 / 10

Fantasian Neo Dimension is an excellent example of RPG that manages to combine elegant simplicity with robust systems for combat and enemy [battle] design, especially when it comes to bosses. The version outside Apple Arcade could have used more polish in some areas, but, even so, it's an easy recommendation for fans of the genre.


Nintendo Life - Alana Hagues - 7 / 10

Fantasian Neo Dimension is Hironobu Sakaguchi and Mistwalker at their boldest and bravest, culminating in a JRPG love letter that both delights and frustrates. The stunning world and exploration are a true highlight, and the challenging and rewarding combat will enchant some, but it lacks some of the magic that the game is aiming for and the pacing is uneven. Normal difficulty makes things more accessible for the curious, but make no mistake, this is an RPG for those who want to lose themselves in the mechanics.


NintendoBoy - Angelus Victor - Portuguese - 7 / 10

Having the perfect team doesn't necessarily mean they can put out a perfect game. Now free from its Apple Arcade mobile jail, Fantasian Neo Dimension is now out there for everyone to play with its pros and cons for everyone to see.


Noisy Pixel - Bailey Seemangal - 9 / 10

Fantasian Neo Dimension breathes new life into the original Apple Arcade release with an engrossing narrative, intuitive turn-based combat, and a stellar English dub. While its innovative Dimengion mechanic and character-driven storytelling shine, minor performance hiccups on the Switch and lackluster sidequests hold it back. This is a must-play for RPG fans seeking a modern classic.


PC Gamer - Kerry Brunskill - 84 / 100

Fantasian will make you work hard for every win, but the reward's always worth the effort


PSX Brasil - Thiago de Alencar Moura - Portuguese - 85 / 100

Fantasian Neo Dimension is an excellent re-release of Hironobu Sakaguchi's great work, one that gets all its elements right. From the story to the gameplay, through the soundtrack and visuals, everything fits into a high-quality package that will please JRPG fans.


Pizza Fria - Matheus Jenevain - Portuguese - 8.8 / 10

The game really exceeded my expectations, delivering an engaging and fun adventure that I didn't even know, until then, that I would like and wanted to play so much. The combat has good ideas, most of the game is beautiful to look at and the soundtrack rocks.


ProjectN - Dudu Cavagnari - Portuguese - 76%

Although generic, FANTASIAN Neo Dimension features fluid and dynamic gameplay, paired with an interesting and well-told narrative. All of this makes the game surprisingly captivating, holding the player's attention despite being relatively simple. Recommended for those looking for a traditional JRPG with a good story, although it might be best to wait for a sale.


Push Square - John Cal McCormick - 7 / 10

Fantasian Neo Dimension evokes memories of classic Final Fantasy. It's got an impeccable soundtrack, beautiful locales, and a world that inspires wonder. But it's let down a little by likeable but fiercely archetypal characters and a by-the-numbers story, and it's let down a lot by wild and uneven difficulty spikes that make combat a source of constant frustration in the second half of the adventure.


RPG Site - James Galizio - 10 / 10

Fantasian is a wonderful JRPG, and now it's even better and accessible to all platforms.


Shacknews - Lucas White - 6 / 10

Taking the time to farm elemental resistant accessories, equipment upgrades, and stronger skills, setting up your party loadout just so at a save point, then watching your team get ragdolled anyway all while you’re several levels above what the game says you need completely overshadows the effort put into the careful, puzzle-like design of each boss. Which is a shame, because if those fights weren’t so egregiously overtuned in such an unproductive way, the stuff actually holding up Fantasian’s systems would’ve really shined. The criticism from before clearly had an impact, but even with the adjustments there’s still moments where this game isn’t fun at all to engage with on its given terms. Even everything else, from Uematsu’s thematically apt soundtrack to the super neat diorama visuals, is hard to enjoy when your brain is bogged down by constant dread. Fantasian Neo Dimension has a distinct vibe and a lot of cool ideas, but over-commits to its idea of challenge such that it buries its own nuances under a pile of big numbers.


Siliconera - Cody Perez - 9 / 10

Fantasian: Neo Dimension finally does this Mistwalker JRPG justice with its arrival on modern console and PC platforms without a subscription. The hand-created visuals and environments look stunning, the memorable story is helped along with a great cast of characters, and the new additions like voice acting and Final Fantasy music make this better than some Final Fantasy games in recent memory.


Spaziogames - Gianluca Arena - Italian - 7.4 / 10

Fantasian Neo Dimension is a perfectly fine old-school JRPG, fit for both veterans and newcomers of the genre. It's just that we expected a little more from Sakaguchi-san, whose masterpieces we grew up with on both Nintendo and Sony machines.


SteamDeckHQ - Noah Kupetsky - 4 / 5

FANTASIAN Neo Dimension has a lot of pros and cons to it, and while it isn't perfect, I highly recommend picking it up if you are a JRPG fan. I really enjoy the combat mechanics and dimension battles, and the world is just downright gorgeous with a great mixture of real-life dioramas and digital 3D models. It made me think of the older Final Fantasy titles often as I traveled throughout the world. I do wish the progression systems came into play earlier, and the story was a bit tighter, but it does the job and still felt satisfying as I played through the 40 - 60 hour experience.

Playing on the Steam Deck is a joy, and I have no complaints with the performance. Outside of controlling your character as you run through different camera angles, which would be an issue playing with any controller or gamepad, it's a perfect experience on Deck. Even with its issues, this was a wonderful experience, and I think anyone who enjoys RPGs or JRPGs should pick it up.


The Games Machine - Gabriele Barducci - Italian - 8.8 / 10

Fantasian Neo Dimension is a precious JRPG, which finally ends the exclusivity period to be within everyone's reach. Nothing new, but a beautiful work made with a very small budget.


The Nerd Stash - Julio La Pine - 9 / 10

FANTASIAN Neo Dimension takes the classic RPG formula and instead of modernizing it so much that it loses its roots, it embraces what made the genre so good and elevates it with QoL features. Add to that an unforgettable cast, a terrific story, and a fantastic soundtrack, and you have a recipe for success from start to finish.


Video Chums - A.J. Maciejewski - 8.3 / 10

FANTASIAN Neo Dimension is a jam-packed RPG that blends retro and modern elements wonderfully in both its presentation and gameplay. So, if you have fond memories of games like The Legend of Dragoon then you need to play this. ⚔️


WellPlayed - Kieron Verbrugge - 8 / 10

This definitive version of a charming, inventive throwback to peak Sakaguchi might still feel like a game best suited to an iPad, but it works well enough that it's absolutely worth a look-in for PS1-era Final Fantasy fans who've been unable to play it thus far.


[-] Ashtear@lemm.ee 5 points 4 days ago

I still distinctly remember the first time I used a bedroll in Divinity: Original Sin 2 and knew immediately it'd be impossible for me to ever go back to the first one.

I enjoyed the original D:OS a lot more later once I had more chances for XP. Both D:OS games are brutal about punishing you for trying encounters while underleveled, to the point where I didn't feel like I had much flexibility. That's tough when freedom to roam and not worry about skipping things--or saving them for replays--is one of the things I most like about Western RPGs. I wasn't a fan of spending a ton of time in town early on, too, for that reason. Was itching to get to the combat again and I just kept getting stomped. So yeah, okay, I'll go chat everyone up for every last bit of experience.

[-] Ashtear@lemm.ee 1 points 4 days ago

For historical perspective developed in parallel with Half-Life 2, Medal of Honor: Allied Assault is worth a look. With Call of Duty being the revenue juggernaut it is now, I think we sometimes forget how it started. Allied Assault is a landmark game that's an ancestor in CoD's lineage.

On the other end of the timeline, the founders of the studio that developed the original Call of Duty went on to make Titanfall. Titanfall 2 has an excellent single-player campaign that holds up very well.

[-] Ashtear@lemm.ee 1 points 4 days ago

It wasn't for me, but I've heard that some people like Noita, which is built around granular physics interactions.

Oxygen Not Included was more my speed, but that's more about complex, larger systems (like fluid dynamics and heat) than collision.

[-] Ashtear@lemm.ee 4 points 4 days ago

This is me with current books and music. For books, common styles of prose or an abundance of certain tropes used now simply don't hit with me, and I've even gone back to mid-to-late 20th century books recently to try to avoid all that.

I'd say the best way to try to broaden your taste is to make sure you're touching on the hits in different genres, and--if you can handle dated gameplay and visuals--to go back and try games from previous generations as well.

[-] Ashtear@lemm.ee 2 points 4 days ago

Zero DRM isn't the only reason games aren't published on GOG right away, and that may not even be the main reason for the countless games that release day one without Denuvo.

GOG also doesn't have the best infrastructure for pushing updates. Stories abound of it being a slow process, whether physically uploading the files or authentication taking a while. Invariably, game updates will show up later on GOG than they will on Steam. GOG also has a very consumer-friendly return policy. All that, combined with it being simply a smaller marketplace, doesn't place it well in cost-benefit analysis.

[-] Ashtear@lemm.ee 3 points 5 days ago

The first Suikoden is on the shorter side, at least. Should be able to get through it in 25 hours or less.

[-] Ashtear@lemm.ee 1 points 5 days ago

Lot of not-JRPG time again for me last month. However, I did start playing Ys IX: Monstrum Nox again, and I think I'm finally at a point where I'm into it. Really struggled with this one, which is super unusual for me. I'm a fan of the series, and I usually tear right through these games even when I'm not liking them super much.

Only other plan for December is more Atelier Escha & Logy. Now that is definitely a series where I usually have to dip in a few times before I get rolling.

3
submitted 6 days ago by Ashtear@lemm.ee to c/vgmusic@lemmy.world
[-] Ashtear@lemm.ee 7 points 6 days ago

Darkest Dungeon, Jedi Fallen Order, and Titanfall 2 are all super cheap. Darkest Dungeon pissed me off 15 hours in or so, enough to ragequit the game, and I'd still consider it well worth the current price.

Disco Elysium and the original Hades are also great buys at 10€.

[-] Ashtear@lemm.ee 6 points 6 days ago

Did you ever play Divinity: Original Sin 2? Since you mentioned Baldur's Gate 3, it plays a lot like that, just minus the license and a much greater emphasis on environmental effects. It was super well-received at the time.

42
submitted 2 weeks ago by Ashtear@lemm.ee to c/fediverse@lemmy.world

Hopefully not too niche being a Japanese service, but has anyone been able to register for Misskey? They aren't allowing registration from outside Japan (the VPN I tried didn't work). From what I can tell, they started restricting registration a year ago, has it been closed the whole time?

20
submitted 2 weeks ago by Ashtear@lemm.ee to c/vgmusic@lemmy.world
61

Citizen Sleeper, a light RPG with dice-based gameplay, feels like a classic sci-fi story with contemporary ideas and worries. It's tight gameplay; I felt on edge most of my time in this decaying space station, always a sense of urgency maintaining my body and getting enough scrip for my greater goals.

All this is underpinned by some great prose. It's not quite on the level of Disco Elysium or Planescape: Torment, but even after taking in positive initial impressions, Citizen Sleeper has a surprising amount to say. The developer said they wanted to tell a story about those on the fringes of capitalism, where many of us have had to learn to survive. I think they nailed it.

The player is a sleeper, a human-machine hybrid detached from the corporate network, having to start from zero. An interesting concept itself, the story is that sleepers came about as a loophole in AI prohibition: put a human to sleep and copy them into an artificial body for indentured servitude. The means of corporate control is a built-in body deficiency. You'll degrade without a very specific chemical. The sociological concerns presented by these concepts and putting these kinds of escapees in a "normal" society are also interesting. I never know who to trust as I try to survive, knowing that merely being off the corporate leash puts me at the mercy of someone looking for a cut of the bounty. Or, I might be taken advantage of by someone that knows I can't survive without stabilizer. That's just the start of it.

Very cool experience, and refreshingly compact (I was through the main story in under 10 hours). There's a sequel coming, and I'm eager to get more of a taste of the game world.

8
submitted 3 weeks ago by Ashtear@lemm.ee to c/vgmusic@lemmy.world

Vocals by Noriko Mitose.

10
submitted 1 month ago by Ashtear@lemm.ee to c/jrpg@lemmy.zip

Durante strikes again.

7
submitted 1 month ago by Ashtear@lemm.ee to c/vgmusic@lemmy.world
16
submitted 1 month ago by Ashtear@lemm.ee to c/jrpg@lemmy.zip

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/21621969

Naoki Yoshida, also known as Yoshi-P, the director and producer of Final Fantasy XIV and Final Fantasy XVI, has expressed his desire for Square Enix to re-release two classic PlayStation 1 RPGs: Vagrant Story and Final Fantasy Tactics.

view more: next ›

Ashtear

joined 1 year ago