Final Fantasy Resonance Reviews
Once you've gotten through the first few hours and the game finally unfolds its full potential, most of these criticisms turn out to be nitpicking. Nevertheless, there was certainly more potential here, and one shouldn't expect the innovative spirit of an "Adventures of Elliot".
Review in German | Read full review
Final Fantasy Resonance is a triumph in recreating and repurposing an almost decade-old mobile game. While it can stumble a little in the process, such as dungeons often being too small, or optional encounters being too repetitive, my issues with the game seem to revolve around simply wanting more. Resonance is a celebration of the traditional Final Fantasy formula and a reminder of just how damn well that formula still works. With a surprisingly deep cast of characters, a combat system full of variety and choice, fantastic visuals and a grand soundtrack to bring it all together, Final Fantasy Resonance isn’t just a worthy game in the series; it’s one of the best in the franchise.
Final Fantasy Resonance is a true “celebratory title” that not only honors and pays tribute to the classic era of Final Fantasy, but also brings the beloved story of Brave Exvius to life in a format that everyone can enjoy.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
'Final Fantasy Resonance' is a gift to fans who have been looking forward to a new Final Fantasy title crafted in HD-2D. From its visuals to its systems, the game is filled with elements that evoke nostalgia for the series' past. It also delivers an almost flawless remake experience. However, those hoping for something truly different may find themselves a little disappointed.
Review in Korean | Read full review
Final Fantasy Resonance may not be absolutely perfect, but this release is certainly a promising sign. Promising because it proves that Square Enix is indeed still capable of—and willing to—create good, classic turn-based Final Fantasy games.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Final Fantasy Resonance might not push the series forward in any radical way, but it is true to its name, highlighting the elements of Final Fantasy that have echoed throughout the series and resonated with fans over the decades. The Visions system sits at the core of the game, giving the series’ history a tangible place in both combat and character progression, and exemplifying Square Enix’s masterful reworking of familiar themes and mechanics. Despite some unfortunate spoilers and safe narrative design, Resonance’s stunning blend of 2D and 3D visuals, majestic soundtrack, engaging combat, and hours of rewarding content helps bring these elements together in an adventure that feels quintessentially Final Fantasy.
In a time where video games are so often divisive and trying to please everyone seems impossible, Final Fantasy Resonance might just be the closest game in a long time we’ve gotten to pulling that off.
Final Fantasy Resonance captures the appeal of classic Final Fantasy with strong writing, beautiful presentation, flexible Visions, engaging summons, and rewarding nostalgic connections. Limited maps, repetitive dungeons, delayed encounter controls, unclear dialogue choices, and overly forgiving early combat hold it back, but never overshadow its strengths. For me, it feels like the team’s best work—an adventure absolutely worth your time, with the potential to become a cult classic and one of its biggest successes outside Octopath.
While avoiding being outright bad in any regard, Final Fantasy Resonance does little to captivate the player. The combat system is by far the best element, but largely seems like a reworking of an idea more successfully executed in the Octopath franchise. And while moments of characterization are charming and well written, the actual narrative only pinballs between tropes until it winds up at a rote climax. Despite being positioned as a celebration of the series, it does little but half-heartedly play a couple of the hits and ask you if you remember the good old days.
Final Fantasy Resonance builds on the foundation of Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius, transforming its source material into a fully realized console RPG while adding enough new ideas to stand on its own. The Vision system and Stagger Battle System add meaningful depth to both combat and progression, strengthening the connection between the game's narrative themes and its gameplay mechanics. Ultimately, Final Fantasy Resonance is both a celebration of Final Fantasy's storied legacy and a compelling RPG in its own right. With its engaging combat, expansive world, memorable cast, and stunning presentation, it delivers an adventure that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
Final Fantasy Resonance does an outstanding job of recreating what made the classic Final Fantasy games so beloved. Square Enix has been refining HD-2D for years, and Resonance is its strongest showcase yet.
Final Fantasy Resonance masterfully delivers on its promise to bring the Final Fantasy franchise back to its roots, offering an emotional story filled with memorable characters alongside a fun and rewarding combat system. It lays an excellent foundation for the franchise's future, both for the HD-2D formula and for potential mainline entries that may embrace turn-based combat.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Final Fantasy Resonance celebrates the series while reinventing the mobile game it's based on. The writing is great, with deep characters and story moments that stayed with me after the credits rolled. Rain and company are great leads, with the villains being just as strong. Combat is a blast, inviting plenty of experimentation with the Visions, even if the final hours drag with similarly lacklustre dungeons. There may be issues, but they get lost in the bombast, gorgeous cutscenes and environments that make full use of the HD-2D art style. Final Fantasy Resonance is fantastic, and I hope we return to this world for the rest of the mobile game's story arcs. It's one I'd be happy to return to.
If you miss the FINAL FANTASY RPGs built around crystals, magic, abilities, and turn-based battles, RESONANCE deserves your attention. And even if your preference lies with the modern chapters of the series, there's a great adventure waiting for those who decide to get to know Rain, Lasswell, and Fina.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Final Fantasy Resonance turns the foundations of Brave Exvius into a richer, more ambitious traditional JRPG. Solid combat, the freedom offered by the Visions, gorgeous HD-2D visuals, excellent sound, and respectful fan service sustain an adventure of over sixty hours. The story is slow and uneven, and the lack of Italian localization weighs more than expected, but it remains a fun, rich celebration of the saga.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Final Fantasy Resonance is an unforgettable return to the golden age of turn-based RPGs and HD-2D at its absolute finest.
Final Fantasy Resonance is a glorious celebration of Final Fantasy's illustrious history, with fanfare in abundance, and a blend of modern and retro ideals. Boasting pristine pixel-art, a typically superb score, and nostalgia-fueled battle systems, Resonance is a game for Final Fantasy purists that want to revel in all the franchise has offered us down the years.
You can't ignore the fact that this new Final Fantasy game is cleary showing its "resurrected gacha game" aesthetics even with the new HD-2D touch-up. Its story is also pretty standard and hits all the familiar notes despite its charming heroes and side characters. Nonetheless, Final Fantasy Resonance scratches that turn-based JRPG itch you need, albeit in a familiar package.
Final Fantasy Resonance is a purrtastic love letter to classic Final Fantasy, delivering an entertaining journey with gorgeous pixel art, a fantastic soundtrack, and strategic turn-based combat. It’s a must-play RPG for longtime fans and newcomers are welcome to ride this chocobo.
Final Fantasy Resonance proves that looking to the past can be the best way to rediscover a franchise's identity. Square Enix delivers a rewarding JRPG packed with nostalgia, deep combat, and vast exploration. Despite minor narrative flaws and localization limits, it's a triumphant return to classic airships, crystals, and turn-based battles. Sometimes, to move forward, you must remember where you started.
Review in Italian | Read full review