Final Fantasy Creator Can't Stop, Won't Stop; Hopes to Create FF6's Spiritual Successor

Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy, initially planned to retire after Fantasian. However, the overwhelmingly positive experience of developing Fantasian Neo Dimension has inspired him to create another game, aiming to craft a spiritual successor to the beloved Final Fantasy VI. This article explores his new project and its development.

Final Fantasy Creator to Develop His Final Game (Again!)

A Spiritual Successor to Final Fantasy VI

Following the success of Fantasian Neo Dimension, released in 2021, Hironobu Sakaguchi has announced his intention to create a new game inspired by Final Fantasy VI. In an interview with The Verge, he revealed that Fantasian was meant to be his retirement project. However, the collaborative spirit and enjoyment of working with his team led him to change his mind. He intends to work with the same team again, aiming to create "something old but new." This new game, he says, will be "part two of my farewell note."

Development of Sakaguchi's Latest Project

During a 2024 interview with Famitsu, Sakaguchi confirmed the project's existence, stating that scripting began approximately a year prior and that he anticipates reaching a significant milestone within two years. In June 2024, Mistwalker filed a trademark for "FANTASIAN DARK AGE," fueling speculation of a Fantasian sequel. While details remain scarce, Sakaguchi confirmed the game will maintain a similar style to his previous fantasy RPGs.

Reuniting with Square Enix for FANTASIAN Neo Dimension

Mistwalker partnered with Square Enix to bring FANTASIAN Neo Dimension to PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch in December 2024. Initially released exclusively for Apple Arcade in 2021, Fantasian garnered critical acclaim. Reflecting on the collaboration with Square Enix, Sakaguchi described it as a "fascinating experience," completing a circle from his career origins at the company.

Sakaguchi joined Square (now Square Enix) in 1983, directing the first Final Fantasy and its four subsequent mainline entries, before serving as producer for Final Fantasy VI through Final Fantasy XI. He left in 2003, founding Mistwalker and creating titles such as Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey, and The Last Story. Despite the renewed partnership, Sakaguchi maintains his disinterest in revisiting previous works, stating he has transitioned from creator to consumer.