Final Fantasy Resonance Review

Final Fantasy Resonance is a modern interpretation of the classic RPG genre, paying homage to its origins while modernizing nostalgic pixel art for fans of the SNES generation. With turn-based combat, HD-2D graphics, and Square Enix's distinctive style, Resonance aims to evoke the feeling of classic RPGs while offering a fresh and engaging experience.

Resonance adapts the story and characters from the now-defunct mobile game Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius and presents them in a traditional RPG format without gacha mechanics or microtransactions. This approach is reminiscent of Square Enix's Octopath Traveler 0, allowing players to enjoy existing stories in a format they prefer. The game follows the knights from the Kingdom of Grandshelt, Rain and Laswell, as well as Fina, a mysterious magical girl born from a crystal, and their friends on a quest to stop the Sworn Six from destroying the world's crystals and plunging the land into calamity.

While some dialogue and interstitial events have been added to expand the story, players can expect a journey that took around 45 hours to complete, including all side quests. The combat system, although straightforward, is engaging and retains mechanics that work exceptionally well in an RPG. Party members have specific elemental affinities through magic spells or element-imbued physical attacks, and their Visions provide flexibility in party composition.

The combat system relies on elemental affinities and enemy staggering, with each attack chipping away at an enemy's stagger meter. Players can strategically manipulate the turn order to their advantage, employing various elements to overcome challenges.