Final Fantasy Resonance, the first HD-2D game in the franchise, is due for release on October 22 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. A preview at Gamescom, played on Switch 2 for nearly an hour, revealed a polished and distinctive entry that blends retro visuals with modern gameplay depth.
The game is loosely based on the 2015 free-to-play mobile title Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, an obscure connection that players don't need to know to enjoy Resonance. It features two main playable characters, Rain and Lasswell, plus a "Visions" system that lets players add other franchise characters to their battle party.
Classic battles with modern options
The turn-based battle system is strictly old school, with no Active Time Battle (ATB) mechanic, so players always know when team members can act. Despite this retro foundation, the game offers the full range of options expected from mainline Final Fantasy titles: abilities, items, spells, summons, and unique character attacks called Resonances. These are triggered later in longer battles, similar to limit breaks, which also appear and proved decisive in tougher fights.
In the preview, the party included Cloud Strife, who automatically senses enemies' elemental weaknesses, supplementing the traditional Assess ability. The overworld exploration showcased the vibrant HD-2D style, with a brief potter around the map highlighting the game's visual appeal.
Dungeon design and boss battle
The dungeon, named the Wind Shrine, offered classic Final Fantasy environmental puzzling with lifts and horizontally-moving blocks across multiple levels. It was dotted with random enemies and hidden chests yielding crystals and weapons. The full dungeon run took about 35 minutes, including exploratory detours.
The final boss, a Wind Demon, required the use of phoenix downs, curative spells, and group-curing mist potions. After roughly 10 minutes of battle, using limit breaks, resonance attacks, and exploiting staggers, the party prevailed, triggering a lavish cut scene.
Modern feel, retro soul
Square Enix notes the storyline includes franchise staples like crystals, airships, espers, and moogles. The preview left questions about world size and story depth, but the gameplay felt more sophisticated than other HD-2D titles like Octopath Traveler and Dragon Quest remakes. The demo left a confident impression that Resonance will be a worthy addition to the Final Fantasy catalogue, especially suited for portable play on Switch or Switch 2. A definitive verdict will follow upon release in October.
