Hironobu Sakaguchi, renowned as the creator of the Final Fantasy series, is making a comeback with the upcoming release of FANTASIAN Neo Dimension. His collaboration with Square Enix for this project has brought him back to his former stomping grounds, which he describes as a homecoming of sorts. In a recent interview with Famitsu, Sakaguchi reflected on his time at Square and developing games for Nintendo consoles, expressing his excitement for the expanded rerelease of the Apple Arcade title that is now set to launch on various platforms, including the Nintendo Switch.
Sakaguchi’s affiliation with both Square Enix and Nintendo runs deep, with him affectionately referring to both as his “hometown.” This sentiment stems from his early days in the gaming industry when he released the first six Final Fantasy games on Nintendo consoles and developed the scrolling shooter King’s Knight in 1986. Despite Square’s eventual transition to the PlayStation, Nintendo holds a special place in Sakaguchi’s heart as the platform that catapulted him and Square to fame. The legacy he built during the NES and SNES era remains unmatched, and his fondness for Nintendo shines through in his current project.
Following his departure from Square in 2004, Sakaguchi founded Mistwalker, a studio known for creating titles like Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey exclusively for the Xbox 360. However, the studio has a history of developing games for Nintendo consoles as well, such as ASH: Archaic Sealed Heat and The Last Story. With the upcoming release of FANTASIAN Neo Dimension marking Mistwalker’s first multiplatform venture since its inception, Sakaguchi is thrilled to bring his creation to a broader audience, including those on Nintendo hardware. This move signifies a significant milestone for Mistwalker, especially considering its focus on mobile titles in recent years.
As FANTASIAN Neo Dimension prepares for its Winter 2024 debut, Sakaguchi’s enthusiasm for the project is palpable. His joy at seeing his creation reach a wider audience eclipses any desire for commercial success, reflecting his genuine passion for game development. The inclusion of iconic Final Fantasy music in the game serves as a nod to Sakaguchi’s illustrious career and further cements his legacy in the gaming industry. With the game’s impending release on multiple platforms, including Nintendo consoles, Sakaguchi’s journey comes full circle as he prepares to share his latest creation with the world.
Hironobu Sakaguchi’s return to his gaming roots with FANTASIAN Neo Dimension is not just a homecoming but a testament to his enduring love for game development and the platforms that have shaped his career. As he embarks on this new chapter with Mistwalker, the future looks bright for Sakaguchi and his loyal fans eagerly awaiting the release of his latest masterpiece.
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