Is Fantasian Superior on Console or Apple Arcade
Fantasian made its debut in 2021, exclusively on Apple Arcade, leaving many fans of its creator, Hironobu Sakaguchi, known for his work on Final Fantasy, feeling quite let down. If gamers didn’t own an Apple device, they missed out on Fantasian entirely. Fortunately, following a familiar trend, Square Enix is bringing the game to consoles under a new title: Fantasian Neo Dimension.
Despite Fantasian’s appeal as a straightforward turn-based JRPG with linear landscapes and simple combat mechanics, it leverages touch-screen interactions that elevate the gaming experience. Transitioning the game to consoles clearly broadens its reach, ensuring that one of the top mobile titles isn’t confined solely to Apple devices. However, the burning question for many is whether the essence of the game has been compromised in this transition and if Fantasian remains worth playing on non-mobile platforms.
Fantasian Thrives on Mobile Devices
The most significant alteration in transitioning from Fantasian to Fantasian Neo Dimension involves the shift from touch controls to traditional gaming inputs. Instead of maneuvering characters with a fingertip, console players will navigate using a joystick or keyboard. For instance, casting a spell, once done by simply aiming with a finger, is now tasked to a joystick or mouse. While these modifications may not appear substantial, they significantly affect the game’s overall feel. Critics have pointed out that the absence of touch-screen controls diminishes interactivity, transforming the game into a more cumbersome experience. Eurogamer’s review noted that navigating scene transitions proves more challenging without touch input, especially since the Nintendo Switch lacks touch features, rendering it less appealing for fans fond of the original mobile experience.
Fantasian Neo Dimension Offers Superior Visuals but a Less Engaging Environment
When it comes to visuals, the console edition of Fantasian clearly outshines the mobile version with sharper and more polished graphics. While it may not reach the intricate detail seen in titles like Octopath Traveler 2, upgrading a mobile game to high-resolution screens undeniably enhances visual clarity. The remaster allows players to appreciate the beautifully crafted dioramas that populate the game. Yet, this improved clarity comes at a cost; according to Eurogamer, the environments appear more desolate on larger screens. The compact displays of mobile devices maintain a bustling visual atmosphere, whereas the expanded graphics can feel sparse, an aspect that potential players should keep in mind when considering whether to opt for the console or mobile version.
Fantasian Neo Dimension Introduces Essential Features
The key factor to weigh when deciding between Fantasian Neo Dimension on Apple Arcade or console and PC revolves around the new features added in this remaster. The enhancements are considerable, ranging from improved visuals to the introduction of both English and Japanese voice-overs, additional difficulty settings, and the inclusion of a battle music selection. These upgrades address various past criticisms, specifically regarding the initial lack of voice acting.
It remains uncertain whether these new features will be incorporated into the Apple Arcade version, either upon launch or later on. For those eager to experience these improvements, it appears that only the Neo Dimension edition will provide them, and this updated version is not available on Apple Arcade.
These enhancements solidify Fantasian Neo Dimension as the definitive edition, making it a more rewarding experience overall. Although these changes aren’t revolutionary and don’t compare to the significant upgrades seen in the Persona 3 Reload remake, they do enhance the overall experience. This virtually guarantees that players will favor the console and PC version of Fantasian Neo Dimension, despite its diminished tactile feel and a world that may seem less vibrant than its Apple Arcade predecessor.
While each version of Fantasian offers its unique strengths, this transition ultimately raises the question: is it better to play Fantasian on a console, or is the Apple Arcade experience more fulfilling?