I’ve Been Waiting for This “FF”: Hands-On With “FF Resonance,” the Series’ First “HD-2D” Entry, Captivated Me With “Visual Evolution” and “Ability Synergy” [Play Report]

Launched in October 2015, *Final Fantasy Brave Exvius* (hereinafter referred to as *FFBE*) debuted as a smartphone RPG that centered on an original world and characters while also featuring characters from previous *Final Fantasy* series titles, allowing players to enjoy crossovers that transcended the boundaries of individual titles.

Beloved by many users, *FFBE* will conclude its service in October 2025, much to the regret of its fans, after approximately 10 years of operation. However, its legacy is set to be carried forward into a new title.

Scheduled for release on October 22, 2026, *Final Fantasy Resonance* (hereinafter referred to as *FF Resonance*) is a new RPG created by reimagining many elements based on the story of *FFBE*’s first season.Attention is focused on this reconstruction—which goes beyond a simple port or remake—featuring “HD-2D” graphics that blend pixel art with 3D rendering.

The first *FF* title to feature HD-2D! *Final Fantasy Resonance* releases October 22 [Nintendo Direct June 9, 2026] | Game*Spark - Domestic and International Gaming News Site

The first “FF” RPG in HD-2D is coming.

https://www.gamespark.jp/article/2026/06/09/167770.htmlRead more »

Although it hasn’t been long since the title was announced, I had the opportunity to experience the early stages of the game. How does it carry on the appeal of “FFBE,” and what kind of game will it become? Through my hands-on experience, I’ll share some insights.

*FF Resonance*: An Evolution of Both “Pixel Art” and “HD-2D”

First, to be honest about my initial impression before playing this game, I had some concerns: while “HD-2D” is an appealing style, I wasn’t sure if it would feel all that fresh this time around. Since *FFBE* also used pixel art for battles and other elements, I wondered if there really would be that much of a change…

However, once I actually played it, that preconception was completely overturned. Although it was still being released as recently as last year, *FFBE* first launched in 2015. The graphics are rendered more clearly and in higher detail, and even just looking at the pixel-art characters, they’re truly vivid.

I’ve played numerous “HD-2D” titles over the years, but unlike previous ones, the characters’ proportions are slightly taller, which makes their movements appear more dynamic and visually striking.

Moreover, the game doesn’t just have characters standing around and exchanging dialogue; during battle scenes that advance the story, it makes use of “close-up camera work”—something not seen in previous titles—to depict pixel-art character action in cinematic sequences. The camera moves like crazy…!

Since it’s “HD-2D,” 3D is also used for visual effects, but the combination of flashy effects and pixel-art character animations makes you strongly realize that this is a “Reiwa-era pixel-art expression” that wasn’t possible during the golden age of pixel art.

You can enjoy the pixel-art characters’ action not only in these cutscenes but throughout the entire game—from small exchanges during dialogue to their movements during battles.

While one of the game’s core concepts is “What if the ‘FF’ series had continued to evolve while staying true to pixel art?”, I personally felt that this is also an expression of “HD-2D evolved in a way that’s truly ‘FF’-like.”

The *FF* series has consistently aimed for “the pinnacle of graphical expression” since its very first installment. *FF Resonance* can be seen not only as a pixel-art *FF* title but also as a work that pursues an HD-2D style true to the *FF* legacy.

The Break System: Enhancing the Strategic Depth of Command Battles

*FF Resonance* centers on “Rain,” the captain of an airship squadron belonging to the Kingdom of Granshelt, and depicts her battles against hostile forces.

As mentioned earlier, while the game is based on the story of *FFBE* Season 1, it has been meticulously fine-tuned as a console-style, one-time-purchase RPG—including the addition of original new scenes right from the start of the game.

I’ll avoid mentioning the story here to prevent spoilers, but the battle system is just as important. As befits a console RPG, it offers a deeply engaging experience.

It employs the series’ familiar turn-based command battle system, and the order of actions can be confirmed via the “Timeline” at the top of the screen. Since the order of actions is visualized, this enables strategic gameplay.

Key elements in battle are the “Break Gauge” and “Weakness Attributes.” Landing an attack reduces the “Break Gauge,” and enemies whose gauge reaches zero enter a “Break” state. In this state, they cannot act for the remainder of the turn, and their defense drops significantly.

If you can Break an enemy before it acts, you’ll avoid taking damage and significantly increase the damage you deal—it’s a win-win situation. The “Timeline” is also useful for aiming for this outcome.

ファイナルファンタジー レゾナンス 【Amazon.co.jp限定】オリジナルステッカー付 -PS5
￥7,678
(価格・在庫状況は記事公開時点のものです)

Amazon

楽天市場

ファイナルファンタジー レゾナンス 【Amazon.co.jp限定】オリジナルステッカー付 -Switch2
￥7,678
(価格・在庫状況は記事公開時点のものです)

Amazon

楽天市場