Final Fantasy Resonance brings Square Enix’s HD-2D visual style to its flagship role-playing series for the first time. Early reviews suggest a polished and attractive RPG that does not always match its presentation with an equally memorable story.
The game draws inspiration from Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, the free-to-play mobile title that ran from 2015 to 2025, but removes its gacha mechanics and microtransactions. In their place are a 16-bit-inspired overworld, turn-based battles and a structure that recalls the series’ earliest console adventures.
For players who enjoy classic role-playing design, Resonance sits comfortably alongside the retro-inspired games covered on the RETROCADE Arcade Blog. It also follows June’s The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, which combined hack-and-slash combat with Zelda-style exploration and holds a 78 on Metacritic.
At the time of writing, the PlayStation 5 release of Final Fantasy Resonance has an 85 average from 30 reviews. The Nintendo Switch 2 version has an 82 average from 24 reviews, making both versions stronger critical performers than Square Enix’s previous HD-2D adventure.
A confident evolution of HD-2D
The visual direction is the game’s most consistently praised feature. Its detailed character sprites, dimensional environments and pixel-based effects give the familiar HD-2D formula a more cinematic quality than earlier releases.
Reviewers have highlighted the way two-dimensional characters and effects move through three-dimensional scenes. Camera motion, expressive animation and carefully staged cutscenes combine to give important moments more emotional weight than dialogue alone could provide.
That approach helps Resonance move beyond simple retro revivalism. The style still draws on 16-bit role-playing traditions, but it is being used to build a more modern world with richer staging and a stronger sense of spectacle.
There is one notable presentation drawback. Towns use a fixed camera, and the restricted viewpoint can make exploration confusing. Environmental set pieces may obscure paths or hidden treasure chests, making navigation feel less intuitive than it should.
A familiar story with uneven character work
Critical reaction becomes more divided when the discussion turns to the narrative. While some scenes deliver genuine emotional release, several reviews describe the plot as a collection of recognisable Final Fantasy ideas rather than a fully distinctive story.
The game’s own characters can also struggle to hold the spotlight. Aside from one major exception, many party members receive their main story focus when introduced and then become primarily functional additions to the battle system.
That reliance on series traditions is not always a problem. Resonance can deliver affecting moments, including a storyline about a priestess balancing responsibility against her desire to live on her own terms. However, its frequent reminders of earlier Final Fantasy games can invite comparisons that work against it.
For a broader view of the critical response, the PlayStation 5 edition currently sits at 85 on Metacritic, while the Nintendo Switch 2 edition is listed at 82. Those figures point to a well-received release, even if they also reflect the gap between its visual achievements and its less assured storytelling.
What the reviews add up to
Final Fantasy Resonance appears to be a strong choice for players who value turn-based combat, classic overworld design and an elaborate pixel-art presentation. Its HD-2D production is more expressive than a simple exercise in nostalgia, and the removal of mobile-style monetisation gives the adventure a more traditional role-playing structure.
The fixed camera and lightweight narrative keep it from being an unqualified triumph. Even so, the review averages indicate that Square Enix has produced a more successful HD-2D RPG than its previous release in this style. Australian players considering a dedicated setup for classic role-playing sessions can also browse RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide or explore arcade machines for a suitable home gaming space.
With its striking visual identity and traditional battle system, Resonance gives the long-running series a convincing new pixel-art direction. Its story may not leave the same impression, but the overall package has earned a warmer reception than Square Enix’s immediately preceding HD-2D RPG.
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