Square Enix continues its trend of breathing new life into retired mobile games, transforming them into substantial RPG experiences. Following the success of Octopath Traveler 0, Final Fantasy Resonance emerges as another triumph, proving that well-loved assets can find new purpose rather than being discarded. The game delivers a robust RPG experience, boasting a charming cast and deep character customization that will particularly excite fans of Final Fantasy V's iconic job system.
Resonance is built upon the foundation of the first season of the now-defunct Final Fantasy Brave Exvius mobile game, which originally spanned four chapters between 2016 and 2025. However, Resonance is far more than a simple port. It receives a significant HD-2D overhaul, enhancing the already impressive sprites of Brave Exvius. Square Enix has clearly taken feedback on its distinctive graphical style to heart, and the result is a visually striking game. While embracing the HD-2D aesthetic, Resonance distinguishes itself from titles like Octopath Traveler and the Dragon Quest HD-2D remakes through its highly detailed character sprites and occasional, breathtaking pixel-art cinematic sequences.
These visual and mechanical distinctions serve as Resonance's greatest strengths. While the narrative centers on a boy and his friend, it masterfully incorporates elements from across the Final Fantasy series. A core gameplay mechanic involves summoning "Visions," which are projections of characters from other Final Fantasy titles. These Visions are not merely cosmetic; they impart transferable skills, reminiscent of Final Fantasy V's job system, and can provide permanent stat boosts as characters level up, akin to Final Fantasy VI's espers. Upon meeting specific conditions, these Visions can unleash powerful super attacks, complete with CGI spectacles that highlight Square Enix's long-standing mastery of game cinematic direction.
Each character in Resonance can equip a Vision, granting them unique powers in combat alongside passive upgrades and skills. For instance, the character Rain, a potent melee combatant with innate fire abilities, can equip Cecil Harvey as a Vision, granting access to light and dark magic. As characters fight together, their associated Visions grow stronger and bestow new skills that can be equipped, offering a deep layer of customization that will delight Final Fantasy V enthusiasts.
Despite its numerous callbacks, Final Fantasy Resonance ultimately tells Rain's story. While Rain himself is an amalgamation of heroic archetypes from past Final Fantasy games, drawing inspiration from Cloud's appearance, Tidus's emotional struggles, and Zidane's dual nature, this fusion makes him a more relatable protagonist. His companion, Lasswell, echoes Kain Highwind from Final Fantasy IV but possesses a unique troubled nobility. The expanding cast of characters interacts with a natural chemistry, enhanced by well-written, comedic side-discussions and quality voice acting. References to previous Final Fantasy titles are woven in with clever subtlety, providing moments of delightful surprise for long-time fans.
The battle system further sets Resonance apart. It employs a classic turn-based approach, clearly indicating the upcoming turn order, much like Final Fantasy X. Each character brings a distinct fighting style and elemental affinity to the party. Lasswell, for example, is a samurai who favors ice attacks, while Jake functions as a gunner attuned to wind, and Lid unleashes earth-based assaults.
Resonance is remarkably streamlined, a trait that greatly enhances its appeal. Fast travel is readily available, and dungeons are designed to be completed efficiently, contributing to an overall playtime of around 40 hours. This digestible length is a welcome change for a modern RPG. However, the game's world, while visually appealing with its beautiful and unique towns populated by engaging characters and quest-givers, lacks a certain depth in its overworld connective tissue and dungeon design. An auto-battle option could alleviate the tedium of random encounters, though they occur less frequently than in earlier Final Fantasy titles and are spaced in a manner that generally makes grinding unnecessary. This pacing is appreciated for progressing through the story, but can sometimes feel slow when simply trying to reach a destination.
Initially approached for its nostalgic nods to the Final Fantasy legacy, Resonance ultimately captivates with its own narrative and world-building. In an era where the mainline Final Fantasy series is still exploring its direction, Final Fantasy Resonance stands out as an easy recommendation. It firmly grounds itself in the rich history of the franchise while using that foundation to build something new, characterized by its engaging graphics and likable cast.