Square Enix's recent premium game, Final Fantasy Resonance, based on the mobile gacha title Brave Exvius, has surprised critics with its confident and innovative approach, offering a blueprint for the future of the storied RPG series. Despite initial reservations about its writing, the game's strong thematic identity and engaging gameplay mechanics have led to a reassessment of its place within the Final Fantasy canon.
A Departure from Self-Doubt
Unlike many recent mainline Final Fantasy titles, Resonance navigates its narrative and gameplay with a self-assuredness that has been notably absent. The game largely eschews the perceived need to conform to modern trends or pander to past legacies, instead focusing on its unique internal logic. This confidence allows Resonance to embrace its myriad elements, from multiple planets and fantastical transformations to the coexistence of magic and science, weaving them into a cohesive whole.
This stands in contrast to the series' recent trajectory. Titles like Final Fantasy 13 were criticized for prioritizing prestige over narrative coherence, while Final Fantasy 15 suffered from a fractured transmedia approach and an open world that often felt empty. Even Final Fantasy 16, despite its action-oriented combat, was seen by some as adhering too closely to contemporary gaming trends, such as mandated lengths and dark fantasy elements, rather than embodying a distinct Final Fantasy spirit. Resonance, by contrast, demonstrates that relevance does not necessitate abandoning core series tenets or chasing external fads.
Reinventing Classic Mechanics
Resonance achieves its fresh feel through thoughtful adjustments to established Final Fantasy systems. Its revised job system introduces new combat roles and spells, shifting focus towards team synergy rather than individual character builds. The world map offers a degree of non-linearity without overwhelming the player, and side quests effectively flesh out characters and subplots without demanding excessive resources or time, a stark improvement over the often-bloated content of previous entries. This approach makes Resonance feel remarkably modern, harkening back to the design philosophy of titles like Final Fantasy 12.
The Rise of HD-2D
The game's visual style also contributes significantly to its success. As one of the leading exponents of the HD-2D aesthetic, Resonance pushes the boundaries of the format. While other HD-2D titles often serve to update classic pixel art for modern audiences, Resonance employs a more cinematic approach, incorporating stylized pixel art and even FMV-style cutscenes reminiscent of the PlayStation era. This artistic direction proves that groundbreaking visuals do not require strict adherence to photorealism, but rather demand strong style and art direction.
A Glimmer of Hope for the Future
The success of Resonance arrives at a time when the industry's focus on hyper-realism and massive scale has shown diminishing returns. Publishers have learned that immense development costs do not guarantee proportional revenue, and consumers have rediscovered the value of artful, character-driven experiences. The resurgence of turn-based RPGs, partly fueled by nostalgia and exemplified by titles like Octopath Traveler, has paved the way for games like Resonance to be both critically and commercially viable.
While the path forward for the mainline Final Fantasy series remains uncertain, with expectations that Final Fantasy 17 may continue to chase prestige, Resonance offers a compelling alternative. Its blend of classic turn-based combat, innovative mechanics, and confident artistic vision suggests that Square Enix need not abandon its roots to forge a compelling future for its flagship franchise.