Square Enix has released the latest information on *Final Fantasy Resonance*, the first HD-2D title in the *Final Fantasy* (hereinafter “FF”) series.
What if *FF* had continued to evolve while retaining its pixel art style…
This RPG is the series’ first HD-2D title, built around the concept: “What if ‘FF’ had evolved while retaining its pixel art style…?”
While based on the first season of the social game *Final Fantasy Brave Exvius*, all elements—including the scenario and systems—have been reworked for consoles, allowing players to enjoy the turn-based battle system that can be considered the origin of *FF*. Another highlight is the appearance of iconic *FF* characters through the “Vision” system, which features character development and special moves.
Since its announcement during the June Nintendo Direct, information about this title has been revealed in stages. This time, details have been unveiled regarding the game’s setting, characters, battle systems such as Limit Burst, and in-depth gameplay elements.
Key Features of This Title
Next-Generation Pixel Art
Blending “HD-2D” and “Cinematic Pixel” Pixel characters come to life as they dash through a beautiful world rendered in “HD-2D,” a blend of pixel art and 3D.For the opening movie and dramatic event scenes, the game employs “Cinematic Pixel,” a cutting-edge pixel art technique that pixelates 3DCG. This successfully combines the warmth of pixel art with dynamic camera work.
Furthermore, the special moves of protagonists from past *Final Fantasy* titles and the animations for certain summons are rendered in stunning 3D graphics, creating a visual masterpiece that blends a diverse range of artistic expressions.A game system
that elevates “the origins of FF” to a modern gameplay experience. We’ve pursued the core appeal of the original *Final Fantasy*. The turn-based command battle system and “Job System” have evolved to be
more strategic and exhilarating.Furthermore, you can enjoy the charms of *Final Fantasy*—such as the presence of “Chocobos” and “Mythical Beasts,” as well as the “thrill of exploring the world aboard an airship”—that once captivated so many players, now presented in a fresh, modern form.Completely rebuilt from the smartphone version. A “completely different” experience
that transcends the boundaries of a simple port or remake. While the game’s scenario is based on Season 1 of the smartphone app *Final Fantasy Brave Exvius*, every element has been fundamentally reexamined for home consoles.
From dialogue and plot to visuals and systems, much has been reworked and rebuilt, delivering a level of quality and scope that goes far beyond that of a “simple port or remake.”
Game*Spark has published a play report and interview article on this title, so please check them out to learn more about the game’s appeal.
Jake, leader of the rebel army, and Sakura, the sage of Misdia
The newly revealed settings are the “Zoldard Empire,” a military state that possesses the Crystal of Fire, and “Mishidia, the City of Magic,” a metropolis of mages passed down through fairy tales.
While rumors suggest that the Zoldard Empire is mass-producing military airships and magical weapons to plot wars of aggression against other nations, the situation within the empire is unstable, with a rebel army having formed in response to its oppressive rule.Although it is said that the Ice Crystal exists in Mishidia, some claim it perished long ago, while others say it is hidden somewhere in the world.
The two newly revealed main characters are “Jake” (Voiced by Yoshimasa Hosoya), the leader of the rebel forces against the Zoldard Empire, and “Sakura” (Voiced by Aoi Yuki), a sage from Mishidia.
Jake comes across as carefree and a womanizer, but deep down, he harbors a passionate determination to help the people suffering under exploitation. In battle, he excels at tricky tactics that rely on luck, such as coin tosses and “gambling shots.”
Sakura, on the other hand, is an enigmatic figure who, despite her youthful appearance, speaks with an old-fashioned tone. She possesses immense magical power and is highly respected even among other mages.
Furthermore, details on three members of the enemy faction, the “Six Alliance Masters,” have been revealed.
Three Members of the Six Great Alliances
“Verias of the Cataclysmic Fire” (Voiced by Kenta Miyake), who seeks to destroy the Crystal
Verias of the Cataclysmic Fire. He has a bold personality and doesn’t sweat the small stuff. “Verias of the Royal Lands” (Voiced by Yuichi Nakamura), whose philosophy is “to fight those stronger than oneself”
Verias of the Royal Lands. He prioritizes upholding his own code of honor over achieving his goals “Verias of Radiance” (Voiced by Aino Nanjo), who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals
Verias of Radiance. He has intense emotional swings and excels at using the dual pistols integrated into his armor, as well as light-attribute attacks
When the gauge fills up, you can activate their unique special move, “Limit Burst”!
On the battle front, details regarding the character-specific special move “Limit Burst” have been revealed. When the Limit Gauge fills during battle, you can activate a Limit Burst; the gauge accumulates by breaking enemies or taking damage from them.
It’s reported that there are not only high-damage attack moves but also support-oriented moves designed to give you an advantage in subsequent combat. “Hellmeteor,” which can be learned using the Digital Deluxe Edition bonus item “Demon’s Secret Scroll,” is also a Limit Burst.
This game features a system called “Vision,” where you can harness the power of a specific character by equipping a “Vision Crystal”—a crystallization of that character’s aspirations.
By using Magic Stones obtained along the way, you can perform “Vision Awakening,” which allows acquired Visions to learn more powerful abilities or use higher-tier techniques and spells.Awakening can progress up to three stages, and higher-tier Magic Stones are required to advance to the next stage. While Magic Stones can be obtained from treasure chests in dungeons or by defeating special monsters, their quantity is limited, so deciding which Vision to invest in is key.
Additionally, this title is a console remake of the story from *Final Fantasy Brave Exvius*, and the following characters from that game also appear as Visions.
Amelia: A maid who serves the Crown Prince of the Zoldard Empire. She primarily fights using Fire-element gunfire and possesses an ability that allows her to repeat the same attack with a certain probability when using her own skills.
Camil: A seasoned mercenary monster hunter. She wields Water- and Earth-elemental attacks and learns many abilities that excel in both attack power and speed.
Wilhelm: A general of the Zoldard Empire who wears sturdy armor and takes the battlefield himself. He has a trait that causes him to be targeted by all enemies on the first turn of battle, allowing him to act as the party’s shield as a Defender.
Victoria: A Black Mage with deep ties to Sakura. In addition to Dark-element magic, she wields spells that inflict status ailments such as poison and silence
Ayaka: A White Mage from the frontier who has a mentor-student relationship with Sakura. As a healer, she excels at restoring allies’ HP and curing status ailments
Vision Crystals of past protagonists also make an appearance! Including Frio-Nir, Noctis, Clive, and more
Six new characters have been added to the Vision Crystals of past *FF* protagonists, which can be obtained at Shrines of Light around the world.
Frio-Nir (“FF2”): Aims to break enemies with physical attacks of the Wind, Thunder, and Light elements
Onion Knight (FFIII): Possesses a trait where attack power increases as the Limit Gauge fills; uses Fire, Wind, and Earth-elemental magic
Van (FF12): Fights with Fire and Earth-elemental physical attacks; has a chance to pass the turn to another ally when a Break occurs
Lightning (*FF13*): Excels at breaking enemies and learns many abilities that enhance this ability
Noctis (FF15): An attacker who fights using Ice and Thunder-elemental magic and Light-elemental physical attacks
Clive (FF16): A Breaker who uses Fire and Wind-elemental physical attacks
Previously, the official website had revealed characters such as Warrior of Light, Tina, Cloud, Squall, Zidane, and Tidus, and these new additions have now been unveiled.
Eidolons join the battle for 3 turns. The decisive battle against Gilgamesh takes place, of course, on the “Great Bridge.”
Details have also been revealed regarding the “Epic Beasts”—summoned creatures that become available as you progress through the story. Once summoned, these Epic Beasts participate in battle for 3 turns and vanish after unleashing a powerful move on their final turn.
The following four have been revealed this time:
Carbuncle: A phantom beast resembling a small animal with a ruby on its forehead. Its “Ruby’s Light” grants all allies the ability to reflect magic.
Leviathan: A phantom beast that takes the form of a massive sea serpent. Its special move, “Great Tsunami,” deals massive Water-element damage to all enemies.
Odin: A phantom beast resembling a knight riding a horse with multiple legs. Its “Sword of Steel” has a chance to instantly kill an enemy or deal non-elemental damage.
Bahamut: A gigantic mythical beast sometimes referred to as the Dragon King. Its special move, “Mega Flare,” deals massive non-elemental damage to all enemies.
Additionally, details have emerged regarding endgame content, including “Powerful Foes” that make their lairs in caves around the world, high-difficulty “Hidden Dungeons” unrelated to the main story, and “Ultima Weapons”—the strongest enemies you can challenge toward the end of the game.The Ultima Weapon possesses both high attack power and HP, and is said to be so powerful that players with mediocre levels or equipment won’t stand a chance against it; it seems you’ll need to challenge it with a party that’s been maxed out.
The highlight is the battle against the mysterious swordsman “Gilgamesh,” whom you’ll encounter during your adventure.His appearance had already been hinted at by the inclusion of his name in the Collector’s Edition acrylic block lineup, and the stage for the decisive battle is—as one might expect—“The Great Bridge”… yes, the Big Bridge. It’s said he’s a formidable foe who won’t be easily defeated in more ways than one.
*Screenshots are from the development version.
*Final Fantasy Resonance* is scheduled for release on October 22, 2026, for PC (Microsoft Store), Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, PS5, and XBOX Series X|S (the Steam version will be released on October 23).Prices are 7,678 yen for the Standard Edition and Digital Edition, 9,878 yen for the Digital Deluxe Edition, and 25,500 yen for the Collector’s Edition.
