Yoshi-P plays the coordinators
Journalist Jason Schreier was able to speak with Sakaguchi to learn more about how the idea of Fantasian Neo Dimension. This is actually thanks to Naoki Yoshida, who became close to this Japanese video game legend thanks to Sakaguchi's love for Final Fantasy XIVwhich he plays very regularly. He had even participated in some panels very recently around the game as well as discussions on Final Fantasy XVIwhich helped bring him closer to Square Enix again.
It was during a dinner between the two friends that Yoshi-P (Yoshida's nickname) proposed to Sakaguchi that Square Enix become the publisher of Fantasian Neo Dimensionsince Mistwalker wanted to port the game to other platforms:
Advertisement
” It's a guy [Naoki Yoshida] very honest, very serious, who has a lot of respect for the Final Fantasy franchise. Knowing his character, this then put my conscience at ease, and I thought I could entrust him with this project. »
Sakaguchi said he was surprised by the warm welcome Square Enix gave him:
” I was a little worried about how people would feel about working with me—maybe they would have mixed feelings. In fact, the reception was quite warm. After the news broke, I received tweets from many current Square employees saying, “Welcome, Sakaguchi-san.” Some people I know, some I don’t. Everyone is working hard towards a common goal.. »
Towards a new project
This does not mean that he wants to get involved in the saga again. Final Fantasypreferring to be a spectator to be better amazed as a player, especially on the MMO. He also says that he has not no desire to delve into the development of remasters of Lost Odyssey (damage) or Blue Dragonalthough he would like to find a way to revive Terra Battle.
None of this is planned for the moment since Sakaguchi is currently finalizing the script for his next project with Mistwalker.. Bloomberg recalls that a certain ” Fantasian Dark Edge » recently appeared in the form of a trademark application, which could mean that a series of Fantasian is under development. Its creator does not want to confirm anything and will simply state:
” We'll say it's something new, for now. »
He also specifies that his work is not finished given the upheavals in his personal life (he is going to become a grandfather), which could lead him to reconsider what he is writing:
Advertisement
” Maybe, half-jokingly, but maybe not, there is a great fear that this new grandchild will affect the script that we have worked so hard to create. Everyone says, “Oh, no, please don't change it.” »
Fantasian was supposed to be his last game, but Sakaguchi still has things to tell us, and no one will complain about it.