Fantasian is a love letter to the golden era of JRPGs, but it feels entirely modern thanks to its incredible diorama-based visuals. There is a tactile, 'real' quality to the world that you simply don't see in other games. Each area is a physical model that has been photographed and turned into a playable space, and the result is nothing short of magical.
Beyond the visuals, the gameplay innovations are brilliant. The 'Dimengeon' system is a game-changer for the genre, allowing you to skip tedious random battles while exploring and then tackle them all at once in a massive, satisfying brawl later. The story is classic Sakaguchi—melancholy, grand in scope, and deeply personal. With Uematsu’s score providing the emotional backbone, Fantasian isn't just a great mobile game; it's one of the best RPGs of the last decade, period.
Dinsun here. I’ve seen plenty of gimmicks in forty years, and WHAT THE CAR? is essentially 'Gimmick: The Game.' It’s clever, I’ll give it that. The way it subverts what a 'car' should be is genuinely amusing for the first few dozen levels. It’s polished and the physics aren't as broken as they look, which shows some actual craft behind the silliness.
However, as a conservative gamer who values depth and progression, the charm starts to wear thin. It’s a series of punchlines rather than a cohesive racing experience. Once you’ve seen a car flip burgers or walk on stilts, the mechanical simplicity starts to glare. It’s fine for a quick distraction on the train, but don't expect it to hold your attention like a proper simulator or a deep RPG.
Performance: Rock solid 60fps on modern iOS devices; very fast loading.
Buy if: You want a game that doesn't take itself seriously and you enjoy physics-based comedy.
Skip if: You are looking for a traditional racing game with tuning and realistic handling.
Fantasian is a stunning new RPG set against a spectacular backdrop made from over 150 handmade dioramas. The story follows Leo, who awakens from a massive explosion only to find himself lost in a strange land with only one memory left to him. Embark on a journey to reclaim Leo's memories and unravel the mysteries of the mechanical infection slowly engulfing the world. Featuring a soundtrack by Nobuo Uematsu, this is a must-play for RPG fans.
Unique visual style using real-life handmade diorama backgrounds.
Strategic 'Dimengeon' system to manage random encounters.
Epic story spanning across multiple dimensions.
Orchestral soundtrack by legendary composer Nobuo Uematsu.
Information about the game and developers.
Battles are turn-based but feature a 'Curving' mechanic. By curving your skills, you can hit multiple enemies lined up in specific patterns, adding a layer of physics and strategy to every encounter.
Yes, Fantasian fully supports MFi and other compatible game controllers for a console-like experience.