Hironobu Sakaguchi Interview: Fantasian Neo Dimension, Final Fantasy, and 20 Years of Mistwalker
An exclusive conversation with the legendary creator to mark the release of Fantasian Neo Dimension on PS5 and PS4.
Crafting the Perfect RPG Party
RPGs thrive on compelling characters, and Sakaguchi shared his thoughts on what makes a great party dynamic.
“You want your cast of characters to have a wide range of both personality and diverse backgrounds,” he explained. “Seeing the shift and change in characters is one of the most attractive things you can experience as a player of an RPG.”
In Fantasian Neo Dimension, this philosophy shines through. Each character boasts unique attributes, from defensive prowess to magical abilities. “You can swap out your party members without consuming a turn, which makes your team composition and combat quite dynamic,” he added. This design encourages players to experiment with strategies, making every battle engaging.
The Artistry of Dioramas: A Poetic Fleeting Beauty
One of Fantasian’s standout features is its hand-crafted dioramas, which create a tactile, immersive world. However, these intricate pieces are not built to last.
“Over time, the paint will chip, and the clay will melt,” Sakaguchi revealed. While some elements were preserved and gifted to team members or fans, many dioramas had to be discarded.
Despite this, Sakaguchi sees beauty in their ephemeral nature. “It’s almost fleeting in a way, but there is some kind of poetic beauty in that as well,” he mused.
Paying Homage to Final Fantasy Through Music
The inclusion of select Final Fantasy tracks in Fantasian Neo Dimension underscores Sakaguchi’s deep connection to the franchise.
“Hearing this music in my own environment prompted me to think, ‘Wow, this is really cool,’” he said.
The result is a blend of old and new, showcasing Nobuo Uematsu’s timeless compositions alongside contemporary arrangements. “It’s not often you get to hear a chronology of Uematsu-san’s work in one game,” Sakaguchi noted.
20 Years of Mistwalker: A Creative Haven
Mistwalker’s 20th anniversary is a testament to Sakaguchi’s passion for game development. Reflecting on the studio’s founding, he shared:
“When I left Square Enix, I realized I wanted to live to create. Mistwalker was intended to be a home for that creative energy.”
Over the years, Mistwalker has produced critically acclaimed titles like Lost Odyssey and Blue Dragon. According to Sakaguchi, the studio’s success lies in its commitment to creativity. “The fact that Mistwalker has allowed me and our teams to create for 20 years shows it’s done its job,” he said.
The Future of RPGs: Technology Meets Emotion
As the RPG genre evolves, Sakaguchi envisions a future that balances technological innovation with emotional storytelling.
“Using cutting-edge technology to deliver a next-level experience is important,” he explained. However, he emphasized that technology alone isn’t enough. “It’s about how you can deliver these stories and evoke emotion in players.”
He cited Fantasian’s use of dioramas as an example of blending artistic expression with gameplay. “Instead of exclusively relying on technology, we wanted to depict the story in a way that would allow players to feel warmth,” he said.
Cherished Keepsakes: A Nod to the Past
When asked about his most treasured keepsakes, Sakaguchi pointed to the physical version of the original Final Fantasy.
“If I had not created that, I don’t think my creative career would have come nearly as far,” he admitted.
The game’s success marked a pivotal moment in his life and laid the foundation for the beloved franchise.
PlayStation’s 30th Anniversary: A Shared Legacy
As PlayStation celebrates 30 years, Sakaguchi reflected on its impact on the gaming industry. For him, Final Fantasy VII epitomizes the synergy between hardware and software innovation.
“Without the PlayStation, there would be no Final Fantasy VII. It was a massive leap forward for the industry.”
The collaboration between PlayStation and Final Fantasy opened new doors for storytelling, setting a standard for RPGs that continues to inspire developers today.