Final Fantasy Resonance is somehow even better than all those beautiful trailers make it look

Square Enix is bringing Final Fantasy into the HD-2D space with Final Fantasy Resonance, a reimagining of the defunct mobile game Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. Set to release in October 2026 on PS5 and Switch 2, this 30-40 hour RPG marks the franchise’s first major outing in the retro-modern visual style that has become synonymous with Square Enix’s modern retro approach—similar to Octopath Traveler and Dragon Quest remakes.

The game adopts the HD-2D aesthetic that evokes 16-bit era pixel art classics like Final Fantasy VI, giving classic FF conventions a fresh visual treatment while also evolving the style itself. Rather than positioning itself as a newcomer-friendly entry point, Resonance leans heavily into series nostalgia: it features past playable characters like Cloud and Zidane as integral parts of its combat system, and directly references FF history through location names, enemy designs, and plot beats throughout its narrative.

Preview coverage from Gamescom 2026 and subsequent hands-on events has been consistently positive. Critics praised the visual presentation, describing the pairing of Final Fantasy with HD-2D as “a wonderful pairing” and noting the game appears to exceed expectations set by its trailers. The combat system drew particular praise for its design, though some critics noted the game’s heavy reliance on fan service borders on excessive for those unfamiliar with the broader franchise.

The game’s laser focus on existing fans represents both its greatest strength and primary limitation. Your enjoyment will depend significantly on familiarity with Final Fantasy’s four-decade legacy. This design philosophy presents Resonance’s biggest challenge: balancing nostalgic appeal for longtime players while successfully evolving the franchise itself.

Final Fantasy Resonance is somehow even better than all those beautiful trailers make it look

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