Square Enix's latest entry, Final Fantasy Resonance, has received its first major review coverage from Famitsu ahead of release.
The title is notable as the first mainline Final Fantasy to adopt the HD-2D visual style — a pixel-art-meets-3D aesthetic first popularized by Square Enix's Octopath Traveler.
Final Fantasy Resonance launches on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on October 22, 2026, and a playable demo is currently available via the Nintendo eShop.
In Famitsu's review roundup, four critics each awarded a 9 out of 10, giving the game a combined score of 36 out of 40.
The magazine also lists estimated completion times: roughly 20–30 hours for the main campaign, extending to as much as 70 hours when players pursue additional content and side activities.
Famitsu's writing, as reported, highlights how Resonance blends classic Final Fantasy trademarks — crystals, jobs, summons, airships and visible field spheres — with modern HD-2D presentation and an updated battle system.
One reviewer noted that while they had not played the mobile title Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, Resonance immediately evoked the same sense of immersion they remember from older 2D Final Fantasy entries.
The review describes the opening of the adventure as focused on two central protagonists and praises how nostalgic elements are integrated into a contemporary JRPG framework.
On systems and combat, Famitsu praised the Visions equipment system as a meaningful customization layer, especially given that characters from previous Final Fantasy installments appear as Visions.
The review outlines the core combat loop: putting opponents into a "break" state and then executing powerful Vision-specific finishing moves called "Resonance." Reviewers called the battles exhilarating and the break-resonance mechanics satisfying, saying that these mechanics balance the threat of strong enemy attacks.
The coverage also remarks on presentation and pacing.
Famitsu found the HD-2D visuals polished and appealing to long-time series fans, and it commended the game's music, characters and story for embodying the franchise's defining qualities.
Although the review mentions early difficulty spikes that may require Phoenix Tails in the opening stages, it concludes that overall combat balance allows steady progression without undue frustration.
Side quests are described as rewarding and character-driven rather than obstructive to the main narrative.
Final Fantasy Resonance arrives October 22, 2026, on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, with a demo available now on the eShop for players who want to sample the HD-2D experience ahead of launch.
The title is notable as the first mainline Final Fantasy to adopt the HD-2D visual style — a pixel-art-meets-3D aesthetic first popularized by Square Enix's Octopath Traveler.
Final Fantasy Resonance launches on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on October 22, 2026, and a playable demo is currently available via the Nintendo eShop.
In Famitsu's review roundup, four critics each awarded a 9 out of 10, giving the game a combined score of 36 out of 40.
The magazine also lists estimated completion times: roughly 20–30 hours for the main campaign, extending to as much as 70 hours when players pursue additional content and side activities.
Famitsu's writing, as reported, highlights how Resonance blends classic Final Fantasy trademarks — crystals, jobs, summons, airships and visible field spheres — with modern HD-2D presentation and an updated battle system.
One reviewer noted that while they had not played the mobile title Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, Resonance immediately evoked the same sense of immersion they remember from older 2D Final Fantasy entries.
The review describes the opening of the adventure as focused on two central protagonists and praises how nostalgic elements are integrated into a contemporary JRPG framework.
On systems and combat, Famitsu praised the Visions equipment system as a meaningful customization layer, especially given that characters from previous Final Fantasy installments appear as Visions.
The review outlines the core combat loop: putting opponents into a "break" state and then executing powerful Vision-specific finishing moves called "Resonance." Reviewers called the battles exhilarating and the break-resonance mechanics satisfying, saying that these mechanics balance the threat of strong enemy attacks.
The coverage also remarks on presentation and pacing.
Famitsu found the HD-2D visuals polished and appealing to long-time series fans, and it commended the game's music, characters and story for embodying the franchise's defining qualities.
Although the review mentions early difficulty spikes that may require Phoenix Tails in the opening stages, it concludes that overall combat balance allows steady progression without undue frustration.
Side quests are described as rewarding and character-driven rather than obstructive to the main narrative.
Final Fantasy Resonance arrives October 22, 2026, on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, with a demo available now on the eShop for players who want to sample the HD-2D experience ahead of launch.
