Fantasian

Fantasian is a role-playing video game developed by Mistwalker and released on Apple Arcade in 2021. Created by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the game blends traditional turn-based RPG mechanics with an unconventional diorama-based art direction. The title combines the words fantasy and diorama, reflecting its handcrafted miniature environments.

Gameplay centers on exploration across discrete chapters, with a party-based turn-based combat system that emphasizes strategy and timing. Players manage equipment, collect items, and advance the story through dialogue and cutscenes. The game supports exploration-driven puzzles and world-building elements that encourage careful planning and sequencing.

Art and presentation are the defining features of Fantasian. The game uses real-world diorama scenes built from miniature models, which were photographed, scanned, and integrated into the engine to create richly detailed environments. These dioramas are combined with traditional 2D character sprites, producing a hybrid aesthetic that stands out among mobile-focused RPGs and modern JRPGs.

Development and release: Mistwalker developed Fantasian with a focus on tactile, model-based environments and cinematic storytelling. It debuted on Apple Arcade and was later expanded to other platforms through additional ports, making the game accessible to a broader audience beyond iOS.

Reception and impact: Critics and players widely praised the game for its ambitious visual style and production values. The diorama-based presentation received particular acclaim, though some reviews noted pacing or depth of gameplay as potential drawbacks. Fantasian is often cited as a notable example of innovative RPG artistry from the early 2020s.