Final Fantasy Resonance Recreates the Series’ Golden Age

Final Fantasy Resonance brings the long-running role-playing series into HD-2D for the first time. The presentation combines pixel-art characters with three-dimensional environments and dynamic lighting, building on the visual approach introduced by Octopath Traveler in 2018. Square Enix’s The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales also pushed the style in new directions earlier this year.

Due for release in October, Resonance expands the story from the first season of the 2016 mobile game Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. Rather than offering a straightforward port or remake, the new version aims to provide a broader adventure with an original world, new characters and familiar heroes lending their strength to the party.

A return to crystals, airships and espers

The setting draws heavily on the series’ Super Nintendo-era traditions. Chocobos, espers and airships all return, while several nations are built around powerful crystals.

The Zoldaad Empire controls the Fire Crystal and has become a major military power. It has mass-produced airships and magitek weapons, and rumours suggest that its leaders plan to invade neighbouring countries. Mysidia, meanwhile, is an advanced magical city associated with the Ice Crystal, a relic said to exist only in legend. The name will be familiar to players of Final Fantasy IV, where Mysidia was also home to powerful mages.

Jake and Sakura lead the new story

Two of the central characters come from these opposing corners of the world. Jake leads the rebel army fighting against Zoldaad. He appears carefree and easily distracted, but his commitment to his countrymen drives him to challenge the Empire. His combat abilities embrace chance, including Coin Toss and Gamble Shot, giving him a gambler’s place in the party.

Sakura is a purple-haired mage whose age and origins remain uncertain. Although she looks young, her speech suggests an ancient spirit, and her magical ability places her well above ordinary spellcasters. Her mysterious past is likely to be one of the story’s major questions.

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Turn-based combat with a historical twist

Resonance uses turn-based battles with several layers of special attacks. Limit Bursts are powerful moves charged when enemies are staggered or when a character takes damage. Espers can also be summoned, with Carbuncle, Odin, Leviathan and Bahamut among the confirmed names.

The game’s distinctive system is called Visions. These crystalised traces of legendary heroes can be equipped so they fight alongside Rain and his companions. Repeated use makes a Vision stronger. If every enemy is staggered during a single turn, the party can trigger a Resonance with a Vision, unleashing a devastating character-specific attack that functions as an enhanced form of a Limit Break.

Vision crystals are obtained at Sanctums of Light scattered throughout the world. Some Visions belong exclusively to Resonance’s original cast, including Jake’s gun-wielding maid Amelia and Sakura’s white mage companion Ayaka. Others connect the new adventure with earlier entries, including the Onion Knight from Final Fantasy III, Vaan from Final Fantasy XII, Lightning from Final Fantasy XIII, Noctis from Final Fantasy XV and Clive from Final Fantasy XVI. There is currently no confirmation that pop stars Ariana Grande or Katy Perry will return as summons.

Optional challenges for veteran players

The main campaign will not be the only test of a well-built party. Square Enix has confirmed optional superbosses and secret dungeons that sit outside the central story. These areas are designed for players who want a more demanding challenge after exploring the main adventure.

Final Fantasy Resonance launches on 22 October for Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC and Xbox Series X.

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