Final Fantasy Resonance, the latest installment to utilize Square Enix's "2D-HD" graphical style, aims to blend an original narrative with homages to the entire Final Fantasy series. While the game showcases familiar elements like "Visions"—characters from past Final Fantasy games who can be equipped and leveled up similarly to Final Fantasy VI's Espers—it's the title's sense of humor that has particularly stood out.
The game's visual presentation frequently evokes the 16-bit era, especially recalling Final Fantasy VI with a modern artistic interpretation. This nostalgic aesthetic is complemented by gameplay mechanics that draw heavily from the series' history. To obtain a Vision, players often need to answer trivia questions about the character's story, presented alongside montages of their original game appearances.
A memorable moment from the demo occurs during an encounter with the mad scientist Dr. Lazarov. After Rain and Lasswell defeat one of his monstrous creations, Lazarov revives it using a "reviving potion," alongside two undead guards. When Lasswell accuses him of using dirty tricks, Lazarov retorts that the heroes themselves frequently use items like potions and Phoenix Downs to bring fallen comrades back to life, a valid point given the series' established lore where such resurrection items are readily available.
This meta-commentary, delivered with the villain exclaiming "Ploink!" as he uses the item, struck a chord for its unexpected humor. The exchange effectively highlights Final Fantasy Resonance's willingness to playfully acknowledge and engage with the series' own established mechanics and narrative conventions. This self-aware approach, rather than a purely straightforward nostalgic throwback, has made the game a more intriguing prospect for players familiar with the franchise's long history.