Final Fantasy Resonance Hands-On: A Love Letter To Classic 2D Turn-Based RPGs

As somebody who grew up enjoying turn-based RPGs full of attractive sprites, typically it feels just like the Remaining Fantasy franchise left me behind. That is to not say newer releases like FF XVI aren’t nice titles in their very own proper, however for me, it felt like every thing modified after FF X because the collection moved to faster-paced motion and MMOs. With the upcoming arrival of Final Fantasy Resonance, although, it looks like Sq. Enix has created a love letter to its basic RPGs that goes past a easy play for nostalgia.

First off, Resonance is attractive. It is the primary Remaining Fantasy recreation to characteristic Sq. Enix’s HD-2D artstyle and it is by no means seemed higher. Characters are brightly coloured and scenes are plagued by tons of element, whereas the engine helps extra trendy results like crisp shadows and dazzling particle results that make even fundamental assaults come to life. You additionally get basic hand-drawn portraits for all the most important characters. On a purely visible foundation, Resonance nails every thing I really like about sprite-based RPGs from the ’90s and early 2000s whereas including considerate enhancements that make the sport look contemporary even in 2026.

Then there’s the story, which relies on the Courageous Exvius cellular recreation from greater than a decade in the past (although that description does not actually do Resonance justice). That is as a result of whereas it options plenty of the identical main story beats, the sport’s plot, cutscenes and different parts have been reworked and expanded upon, giving it the added depth befitting a standard standalone launch. Not solely is there an all-new turn-based battle system, the sport additionally contains a full overworld full with cities, varied facet quests and the requisite transportation choices like Chocobo and airships. It is the basic Remaining Fantasy setup, however improved with touches from newer FF-adjacent video games like Octopath Traveler.

Talking of the battle system, delivering on the enjoyment of the franchise’s turn-based battle system was all the time going to be the factor that will make or break Resonance. And from what I performed throughout my one-hour demo, the sport passes with flying colours. I immediately felt proper at house utilizing elemental assaults to use foes’ weaknesses or buffing celebration members with issues like haste. As all the time, some characters lean extra in the direction of bodily assaults whereas others specialise in magic. That stated, by using the sport’s Imaginative and prescient system, you may successfully junction basic characters like Cloud, Tidus or Zidane to the title’s newcomers, which provides them entry to signature strikes and skills like Steal and Mug. You possibly can even unleash large assaults known as Restrict Bursts (as a substitute of restrict breaks) that after once more draw inspiration from trademark expertise like Omnislash.

The one twist to the collection’ basic turn-based format is that Resonance has introduced again the stagger system from earlier Remaining Fantasy video games, including an additional layer to your tactical choice making. As all the time, you may merely choose to defeat enemies by draining their HP. Nonetheless for more durable opponents like bosses, you are extremely incentivized to assault them in ways in which additionally depletes their stagger bar. And in the event you can stagger each enemy on the sphere, you may carry out particular Ascension assaults, that are principally super-powered Restrict Bursts that include lovely bespoke animations. Nonetheless, in the event you want to let summons do your work, it’s also possible to name upon acquainted entities like Siren and others to help your celebration in varied methods.

Although I solely had a short while with Resonance, I favored practically every thing about it. It appears to be like unbelievable, it is supported by a stunning orchestral soundtrack and all of the little Remaining Fantasy touches like hand-drawn portraits, basic gadgets and weapons and conventional turn-based fight are again and higher than ever.

That stated, I do have two small gripes. The sport nonetheless options random battles within the overworld, which I admit is a basic Remaining Fantasy factor. I simply want Resonance gave enemies their very own sprites that confirmed up on the primary map or in dungeons. Not having the ability to see your foes till you really enter a battle makes the world really feel a bit empty.

My different small criticism is that despite the fact that I admire how Resonance has built-in characters from earlier Remaining Fantasy titles into its mechanics and woven them into the very fiber of the sport, I feel I’d have most popular to get a very authentic story as a substitute. I perceive that is likely to be a bit tough because it may throw off the throughline of the most important numbered Remaining Fantasy releases, however I really feel like there’s loads of room within the franchise for 2D offshoots to inform their very own distinctive tales.

Within the grand scheme of issues, although, these are two comparatively minor nitpicks, as a result of Resonance has rapidly grow to be one among my most anticipated video games for the remainder of 2026. I am unsure if it should seize the eye of youthful players that will have solely skilled faster-paced 3D Remaining Fantasy titles, however for anybody who’s keen on the golden age of turn-based RPGs, Remaining Fantasy Resonance is a loving tribute to a bygone period with loads of welcome trendy touches.

Remaining Fantasy Resonance ($50) is out there for pre-order now on Change, Change 2, PS5, PC (Steam) and Xbox Collection S and X forward of its official launch on October 22.