Final Fantasy Resonance Revealed, A New HD-2D Turn-Based RPG Coming This Year
Square Enix made a major announcement during the June 2026 Nintendo Direct, revealing Final Fantasy Resonance, an HD-2D turn-based RPG set to release on October 22 this year for PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch 1 and 2. This new entry in the iconic series is an adaptation of the story from the first season of the now-defunct mobile game Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius, but also includes elements from other updates and unique story content. It’s not a port or a remake, but rather a reimagining of the original story with new features and gameplay mechanics.
A New Combat System and Classic Elements
One of the most notable features of Final Fantasy Resonance is its new turn-based combat system, which uses a traditional turn order rather than the ATB (Active Time Battle) system seen in older Final Fantasy titles. This approach brings a fresh yet familiar feel to the gameplay, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers. The game also introduces a brand-new overworld, complete with chocobos, airships, and other iconic elements that have become synonymous with the Final Fantasy series. Additionally, the soundtrack features tracks from Brave Exvius alongside 33 new songs composed specifically for this game.
The Vision System and Guest Characters
A major part of the gameplay revolves around the equippable Visions, which function similarly to a Job system. These Visions are characters you collect and attach to your party members, granting them extra abilities and allowing them to level up independently. While there are Visions unique to Resonance, the main draw is the inclusion of guest Visions from other Final Fantasy games. Some of the confirmed guest Visions include:
- The Warrior of Light from Final Fantasy I
- Terra from Final Fantasy VI
- Cloud from Final Fantasy VII
- Zidane from Final Fantasy IX
- Shantotto from Final Fantasy IX
- Y'shtola from Final Fantasy XI
- Y’shtola from Final Fantasy XIV
These guest Visions add a layer of nostalgia and variety, allowing players to experience beloved characters in a new context.
The Story and World of Resonance
Like Brave Exvius, Resonance follows the story of Rain, a highly regarded knight in the kingdom of Grandshelt, where his father is the king. The game features an old-school-style adventure in which Rain and his companions — including Lasswell, Rain’s right-hand-man; Lid, a talented engineer following in Cid’s footsteps; and Fina, a summoner who has lost her memory — work to protect the magic crystals and save the world.
The game’s overworld spans multiple continents, and players can explore optional dungeons to unlock Espers for Fina to summon in battle. Additionally, there are shrines where players can find more Visions, accompanied by cutscenes that take them on a trip down memory lane. This blend of classic Final Fantasy elements with new mechanics and guest characters promises an exciting experience for fans of the series.
I have an exclusive hands-on preview of Final Fantasy Resonance, where I go into greater depth about my full thoughts after playing for three hours. We will also have an interview with producer Keisuke Nakashima and director Hiroto Furuya, where they discuss the development process in detail.
