Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy, is back in the game development arena, despite previous retirement plans. His latest endeavor aims to create a spiritual successor to Final Fantasy VI.
A New Chapter After Fantasian
Initially intending Fantasian to be his final project, Sakaguchi's positive experience collaborating with his team on Fantasian Neo Dimension inspired him to pursue another game. This new project, described as "part two of my farewell note," will draw inspiration from Final Fantasy VI, aiming for a blend of classic and innovative elements.
Development Update and Speculation
In a 2024 interview with Famitsu, Sakaguchi revealed he's been working on the script for approximately a year, anticipating completion within two years. A Mistwalker trademark filing for "FANTASIAN DARK AGE" fueled speculation of a Fantasian sequel, though this remains unconfirmed. The new game will likely be a fantasy RPG, consistent with Sakaguchi's previous works.
Reunion with Square Enix
The recent collaboration with Square Enix to port FANTASIAN Neo Dimension to multiple platforms (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch) in December 2024 marked a full-circle moment for Sakaguchi, returning to his roots after founding Mistwalker in 2003. Despite this partnership, he remains focused on his new project and shows no interest in revisiting the Final Fantasy franchise or his past works.
While details remain scarce, the anticipation surrounding Sakaguchi's new game is high, promising a fresh yet familiar experience for RPG enthusiasts. His statement that he has "switched to a consumer rather than a creator" suggests a focus on delivering a satisfying game for his fans, rather than solely pursuing creative ambitions.
