Modders Restore Ariana Grande to Final Fantasy Resonance Demo

Key points

• The 'FFR Vision Studio' mod adds approximately 1,300 units from the original mobile title to the Final Fantasy Resonance demo, including Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, Sora, and 2B.
• Square Enix producer Keisuke Nakashima stated that Ariana Grande's character did not fit the vibe of the new console game, leading to her exclusion from the official 26-character Vision roster.
• Final Fantasy Resonance launches on October 22, 2026, across PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch platforms, featuring a tactical turn-based combat system.
• The mod is currently in development, with the creator working on improved animations, a skill dictionary for Brave Exvius abilities, and potential side quests to unlock these Visions.

Background

Final Fantasy Resonance is a console adaptation of the mobile game Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, which ran for over nine years before shutting down. The new game condenses the original's massive roster into 26 'Visions' that function as a job system, removing gacha mechanics in favor of exploration and battle rewards. A free demo featuring the first chapter was released in September 2026, allowing players to carry save data to the full release.

How outlets are covering it

Eurogamer highlights the modding community's success in reinstating controversial and iconic characters, noting that while some fans previously criticized the mobile game's crossovers, others have warmed to their campy nature. PCMag emphasizes the official game's strategic depth and balanced design, contrasting the mod's chaotic inclusion of hundreds of units with the official 26-character roster. PlayStation.Blog focuses on the official demo's mechanics, such as the timeline-based combat and Sephiroth's appearance, without mentioning the mod. GamesRadar+ frames the game as part of a broader resurgence in turn-based RPGs, focusing on the appeal of classic Final Fantasy elements rather than the specific controversy of excluded characters.

Why it matters

The mod demonstrates the community's desire to preserve the full legacy of the mobile game, including its most polarizing elements, despite the developer's efforts to create a more cohesive console experience. It highlights the tension between official curation and fan nostalgia, as well as the technical capability of modders to integrate complex assets into new releases.

What to watch

The mod creator plans to refine animations and add a skill dictionary for the included Brave Exvius abilities. Final Fantasy Resonance is scheduled to launch on October 22, 2026, with no official plans announced for additional Visions beyond the initial 26.