During the second day of Gamescom 2026, attendees had the opportunity to delve into Final Fantasy Resonance, a much-anticipated game demonstrated at the Square Enix booth. Despite a mix-up regarding schedules, which almost saw some left without a chance to play, enthusiastic fans were offered a chance to experience the game on the Switch 2 console, albeit in less-than-ideal conditions.
A Nostalgic Journey
Final Fantasy Resonance is a reinterpretation of the first story arc, ‘Lapis’, from the now-defunct mobile game Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. Transformed into a single-player role-playing game, it preserves core elements while offering a fresh experience akin to past Final Fantasy titles. The story follows Rain, along with companions Lasswell and Fina, as they embark on a quest involving the protection of crystals in the aftermath of world-changing events.
New Features and Gameplay
Unlike its predecessor, Resonance boasts modern graphics and an intricate battle system, ushering in its debut as the franchise’s first HD-2D entry. The demo, featuring a traditional turn-based combat without ATB mechanics, required participants to strategically maneuver through a dungeon to defeat a formidable boss. Key to triumph was utilising the ‘stagger’ bar to disable opponents, highlighting the importance of resourceful attacks and timing.
Visions and Strategy
Combat prowess is further enhanced through the use of ‘Visions’—ghostly representations of familiar Final Fantasy characters conferring special abilities. In the demo, players could harness the powers of the Warrior of Light and Cloud, among others, employing the strengths of these Visions to strategise effectively during combat. Uncovering hidden characters like Noctis within the dungeon added depth to the encounters, offering a tactical advantage in challenging boss fights.
The Experience at Gamescom
Despite the physical discomfort of navigating a packed booth, the game left a lasting impression with its innovative combat mechanics and engaging story. The parallels to Octopath Traveler and glimpses of systems reminiscent of Shin Megami Tensei added layers of familiarity for seasoned RPG fans. Initially perceived as catering to nostalgia, Resonance stood out by bringing new ideas to the beloved franchise.
Reflecting on the event, Final Fantasy Resonance emerged as a standout at Gamescom. It offers both a return to roots and an evolution of past successes, promising to captivate long-time fans with its enriched gameplay and narrative. Though doubts remain until its full release, early impressions suggest that it is poised to meet the expectations of its nostalgic audience.
Reporting based on coverage first published by eurogamer.net.