Final Fantasy Resonance, the first HD-2D game in the iconic franchise, is shaping up to be far more than a nostalgic throwback, according to a hands-on preview at Gamescom. The game, which launches October 22 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, blends retro aesthetics with surprisingly modern gameplay mechanics.
A Modern Take on Classic Turn-Based Combat
In a roughly one-hour demo on the Switch 2, the game’s turn-based battle system stood out immediately. Unlike the Active Time Battle (ATB) system used in many modern Final Fantasy titles, Resonance employs a traditional, purely turn-based approach, giving players complete clarity on when each party member can act. Yet despite this old-school foundation, the combat offers the full range of options expected from a modern mainline entry, including abilities, items, spells, summons, and a new mechanic called Resonances.
Resonances are character-specific attacks tied to a character’s predefined class, and they can only be triggered in longer battles, functioning similarly to Limit Breaks—which are also present and proved decisive in tougher fights. The demo party included Cloud Strife, who joined via the game’s Visions feature, allowing players to recruit other franchise characters. Cloud’s ability to automatically sense enemy elemental weaknesses proved particularly useful.
Classic Dungeon Design with a Visual Upgrade
The preview included a brief overworld exploration followed by a full dungeon, the Wind Shrine. This classic-style dungeon featured environmental puzzles, including lifts and horizontally-moving blocks, spread across multiple levels. It was populated with random encounters and hidden chests containing crystals and the occasional superior weapon. Navigating the labyrinth took about 35 minutes, including detours.
The Wind Shrine also showcased the game’s visual range, with polished cut scenes that cleverly mix 2D and 3D animations. According to Square Enix, the storyline will include franchise staples such as crystals, airships, espers (summonable in battle), and moogles.
Boss Battle and Final Impressions
The demo culminated in a boss fight against a formidable Wind Demon. Even after discovering its weaknesses, the battle required the use of phoenix downs, curative spells, and group-curing mist potions. After roughly ten minutes, victory was achieved through judicious use of Limit Breaks, Resonances, and staggering the boss and its summoned minions, triggering another lavish cut scene.
Despite its retro undercurrent, Final Fantasy Resonance feels surprisingly modern. Its battle system offers more or less the full range of options found in 3D Final Fantasy games, and is considerably more sophisticated than those in other HD-2D titles like Octopath Traveler and the Dragon Quest remakes. The game also looks superb, with a vibrant color palette and lush cut scenes.
The short demo left questions about the overall world size, game length, and story details unanswered. However, the preview left a confident impression that Resonance will be a worthy addition to the Final Fantasy catalogue, especially well-suited for portable play on the Switch or Switch 2. A definitive verdict will follow upon the game’s release in October.
