Famitsu Awards Final Fantasy Resonance a 36/40 Score Ahead of October 22 Launch

Key points

• Famitsu awarded Final Fantasy Resonance a total of 36 points out of 40, with four reviewers each giving it a 9/10.
• The game is estimated to take 20-30 hours to complete the main story, or up to 70 hours with all extra content.
• Final Fantasy Resonance launches on October 22, 2026, for Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
• The Switch version is a physical game card, while the Switch 2 version is a Game-Key Card, with no upgrade path between the two.
• The game adapts the first story arc of the 2015 mobile title Final Fantasy Brave Exvius into a console HD-2D RPG.

Background

Final Fantasy Resonance was announced as a console adaptation of the mobile game Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. A demo was released in September 2026, which received positive reception for its performance and asset upgrades. The game features appearances by classic characters like Sephiroth and Cloud, and was praised at PAX West 2026 for dispelling concerns about its mobile origins.

How outlets are covering it

Famitsu, the primary source, emphasizes the game's critical success, highlighting its 36/40 score and praising its 'timeless, classic JRPG adventure' feel, balanced combat, and polished HD-2D presentation. GameGrin, a secondary source, focuses on the player experience, noting the demo's substantial length (around seven hours) and the compelling story, which carries over to the full game. Vooks, another secondary source, shifts the focus to consumer logistics, warning that the Switch version has no upgrade path to Switch 2 and that some editions have already sold out, urging pre-orders. The outlets differ in emphasis: Famitsu and GameGrin highlight the game's quality and design, while Vooks highlights purchasing and platform-specific concerns.

Why it matters

The high Famitsu score and positive demo reception suggest Final Fantasy Resonance is a strong candidate for a successful launch, especially for fans of classic Final Fantasy titles. The lack of an upgrade path between Switch and Switch 2 is a significant consideration for consumers, as it may affect purchasing decisions and platform choice. The game's success could also indicate a broader trend in the industry toward adapting mobile games into console HD-2D RPGs.

What to watch

Final Fantasy Resonance will launch on October 22, 2026. Consumers should decide which platform to purchase, noting the lack of an upgrade path between Switch and Switch 2. Pre-orders are recommended due to potential stock issues. The game's performance on different platforms, particularly the Switch 2's superior polish, may influence post-launch recommendations.