FF Creator Vows to Forge Spiritual Successor to FF6

Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy, is defying retirement plans to develop a new game, aiming to create a spiritual successor to Final Fantasy VI. This follows the successful release of Fantasian Neo Dimension, initially envisioned as his final project.

A New Chapter Inspired by FFVI

Sakaguchi's decision to embark on this new venture stems from the positive experience of collaborating with the Fantasian team. He describes the upcoming game as "part two of my farewell note," suggesting a deliberate conclusion to his career. The game's design will blend familiar elements with innovative approaches, aiming for a balance of nostalgia and novelty.

Development Update and Speculation

In a 2024 Famitsu interview, Sakaguchi indicated the project is approximately a year into development, with an estimated two-year completion timeline. The trademark filing for "FANTASIAN DARK AGE" by Mistwalker has fueled speculation about a potential Fantasian sequel, though this remains unconfirmed. The new project will reportedly maintain the fantasy RPG style of his previous works.

Reunion with Square Enix

The recent collaboration with Square Enix for the multi-platform release of FANTASIAN Neo Dimension (December 2024) marked a significant return for Sakaguchi to his roots. He expressed the fulfilling nature of this collaboration, considering it a "fascinating experience" to complete his initially intended final work with his former employer.

Despite this successful partnership, Sakaguchi remains focused on his new project, emphasizing his shift from creator to consumer regarding his past Final Fantasy contributions. The title and further details of his upcoming game remain undisclosed.