It seems that Square Enix has finally decided to stop taking sides and simply provide what fans of the series have been longing for years – a completely new Final Fantasy adventure that proudly carries its legacy. After numerous experiments and more modern interpretations of the series, Final Fantasy Resonance feels like a heartfelt love letter to the classic era of the franchise.
With the Final Fantasy series, nostalgia is always a double-edged sword. The older the series gets, the higher the expectations of the players. Some call for a return to turn-based battles, others want modern action RPG mechanics, and some just want to feel that magic they once experienced with Final Fantasy VII, VIII, IX, or X.
The latest nearly three-minute trailer once again showcased why the HD-2D visual style is the perfect choice for such a project. The combination of beautiful pixel art graphics, modern lighting, and impressive effects creates the impression that we are watching Final Fantasy as we imagined it nearly thirty years ago – just without the technical limitations of that time. And although Square Enix has already successfully utilized HD-2D technology in titles like Octopath Traveler and Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, it’s hard to shake the feeling that Final Fantasy looks like it was always meant to be created in this artistic expression.
The trailer gives us a glimpse into exploring the vast world of the game, traveling on legendary airships, riding Chocobos, and classic turn-based battles that will surely bring a smile to the faces of series veterans. Everything exudes an atmosphere reminiscent of the golden age of Japanese RPGs, when adventures were less burdened by spectacle and more focused on unforgettable characters, beautiful worlds, and the feeling of discovering something magical behind every new screen.
Particularly interesting is the Vision system that will allow the protagonist Rain to summon legendary characters from the rich history of the Final Fantasy franchise during the adventure. Their abilities will be customizable to one’s own playstyle, which should further deepen the strategic component of battles. Although the details of the story remain shrouded in mystery, Square Enix is clearly very carefully doling out information before the game’s release. What we can conclude so far is that Resonance does not attempt to be the new best Final Fantasy. Instead, it feels like a title that is unafraid to be what it is – a traditional RPG inspired by the best years of the series. Perhaps that’s why it feels so refreshing.
As someone who grew up with Final Fantasy titles, there is something special about the view of the airship slowly disappearing behind the clouds while orchestral music plays in the background. Something that is hard to explain to those who have never spent dozens of hours exploring their fantastic worlds. Final Fantasy has never just been a story about saving the world. It has been a story about friendships, losses, growing up, and unforgettable journeys that only ended when we turned off the console. Final Fantasy Resonance so far leaves the impression of just such an adventure.
Of course, it’s too early to say whether it will stand alongside the greatest classics of the franchise, but the new trailer shows that Square Enix certainly understands what fans love about this series. If it manages to combine a quality story, an interesting battle system, and recognizable Final Fantasy magic, we could be looking at one of the most pleasant RPG comebacks in recent years.
Final Fantasy Resonance is coming out on October 22 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam. After the latest trailer, the wait for the release has become just a little harder.
If anything, Final Fantasy Resonance reminds us that sometimes it's not necessary to invent something completely new. It's enough to remember why we fell in love with this series so many years ago.
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