Combining HD-2D graphics and character sprites, Final Fantasy Resonance promises a grand celebration of the franchise’s history.
Recently, I was invited to Square Enix HQ to try out Final Fantasy Resonance. Because I live under a rock, I had zero expectations and didn’t know what I was getting into. Imagine my surprise when I found out the game was turn-based.
My introduction to Final Fantasy was the Nintendo DS port of Final Fantasy III, so Resonance already earned my favor with its art style and gameplay. But, if the draw of the mainline Final Fantasy games is real-time combat and stylized 3D graphics, is there a place for Resonance?
Resonance has two things going for it. First, the gacha system has been transformed into exploration objectives. Second, Final Fantasy doesn’t have a contemporary turn-based entry…except for Brave Exvius. Which isn’t available anymore.
The History
For those who missed the mobile gacha game craze of the late 2010s, Final Fantasy Resonance is an expanded port of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. Specifically, Resonance adapts the first story arc of Brave Exvius into a traditional console experience.
But when a shuttered live service game makes the transition to single-purchase, how do you take the gacha out of the game?
The Gameplay System
There is A LOT going on in this game. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend Resonance an introduction to Final Fantasy as a series. But this is solely because I believe that you will get more enjoyment out of this game if you are familiar with the series.
Visions
Arguably, Visions are the biggest draw for this game. Within the story canon, Visions are the crystallized essences of legendary heroes. To obtain new Visions, you need to explore the world and find the Sanctums of Light.
Visions are characters from past Final Fantasy titles. Everything is on the table. Some of the most notable Visions include Cloud, Onion Knight, Tidus, and Clive. However, Square Enix indicated that there are many more that have not, and may not be, announced.
In addition to expanding your roster of buddies, Visions can be active combat participants. Essentially, Visions can be partnered up with a character in your four-person party. Instead of using a character’s Skills, you have the option of using a Vision’s Skills. This flexibility is incredibly useful when trying to Stagger your enemies – more on that later.
Combat
Resonance functions on a tradition turn-based system. The higher the speed stat, the higher someone is in the turn order. The three classic Final Fantasy meters are back: HP, MP, and Limit Burst.
Enemies also have two meters: HP and Stagger. Stagger functions as the weakness/defense break. Using a Skill that an enemy is weak to will more effectively fill the Stagger gauge. Upon completion, the enemy gains the Staggered effect.
The goal is to all enemies Staggered simultaneously. If you accomplish that feat, you’ll trigger the game title: Resonance.
Resonance
Get ready to willingly sit through fancy battle animations.
When all enemies become Staggered, the four character in your party get an extra move each and trigger Resonance. Each Vision has a special Resonance animation that leads up to a devastating attack.
Since Resonance has a specific battle trigger, the game encourages you to use it even if your enemies are almost 99% dead. You will get an overkill bonus. I love that this is a feature.
Exploration
Just like in real life, I constantly get lost in games. When I was told to fight the boss, I was heading in the opposite direction of the objective and probably almost made it to the next continent.
While not open-world, Resonance lives in a big world. There are side quests galore. There’s a friendship system that improves your characters’ and Visions’ combat abilities. There are Espers and Chocobos and Airships, and having all of these Final Fantasy elements works because of how big the world is.
Overall, I enjoyed myself. I thought the difficulty was appropriate – in fact, I cheered when I realized that light grinding would be a thing. The boss fight was challenging, but it was never frustrating. I had to think strategically about how I used my resources, I had to take my time. And doing that paid off, I beat the boss on the first try.
If anything, Resonance will be a solid turn-based RPG. Whether it pleases as a Final Fantasy title? That’s up in the airship. Hopefully, Square Enix will release a demo later this month.
Final Fantasy Resonance is available for preorder in Standard, Digital Deluxe, and Collector’s Editions. It’s anticipated to launch on October 22, 2026, on PC, PlayStation 5, Switch, Switch 2, and XBox Series X|S.
