Yes, the assets for
Fantasian, the JRPG developed by Mistwalker (helmed by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy), were indeed made in real life. The game features a unique aesthetic where the majority of its environments are
handcrafted dioramas that were meticulously photographed and integrated into the game's 3D engine.
Key Details about Fantasian's Real-Life Assets:
- Handmade Dioramas:
- Over 150 real-world dioramas were created by artists, including veterans from the Japanese film and model-making industries.
- These dioramas are the game's primary environments, ranging from towns and dungeons to forests and mechanical interiors.
- Craftsmanship:
- Each diorama is a work of art, with incredible attention to detail, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern game design.
- The textures, lighting, and materials used in the dioramas bring a tactile and nostalgic feel to the game.
- Integration into the Game:
- The handcrafted models were photographed, and characters were digitally composited into the scenes.
- Advanced camera techniques were used to blend the real-world dioramas with 3D character models, creating a seamless and immersive experience.
- Inspiration and Style:
- The aesthetic evokes a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of classic JRPGs, combined with the charm of stop-motion animation.
- Each diorama was designed to align with the game’s narrative and fantasy setting.
- Production Team:
- The team included notable Japanese artisans, including those who worked on iconic projects like Godzilla films.
- Their expertise ensured the miniatures captured a cinematic, storybook-like quality.
Reception:
The use of real-life dioramas as assets in Fantasian was widely praised for its originality, beauty, and the way it harkens back to classic JRPGs while pushing the boundaries of game design.
I actually think this is pretty cool. I dont know if it get to day one but it definitely has effort put into it.