Final Fantasy Resonance Launches as a Polarizing HD-2D Revival of Brave Exvius

Key points

• Square Enix released Final Fantasy Resonance on October 22, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, Switch, and PC.
• The game is a full-fledged console reimagining of the discontinued mobile title Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, stripped of gacha mechanics.
• It utilizes an HD-2D visual style, combining detailed pixel art with 3D graphics, which reviewers highlight as a major strength.
• Combat features a turn-based system with 'Visions,' allowing players to equip characters from past Final Fantasy games to gain skills and stats.
• Game Informer awarded the game a 9/10, praising its character customization and visual flair, while Kotaku criticized the story and world design as generic.

Background

Square Enix has previously released HD-2D titles, including remakes of early Dragon Quest games and Octopath Traveler 0. Final Fantasy Resonance is the first mainline Final Fantasy title to adopt this specific visual and mechanical style. The game is based on the first season of the mobile game Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, which ran from 2016 to 2025. Earlier coverage noted that Famitsu awarded the game a 36/40 score, praising its polished combat and nostalgic homage.

How outlets are covering it

Game Informer's Nadia Oxford praised the game's HD-2D aesthetic and the 'Visions' system, comparing it favorably to the job system in Final Fantasy V. She noted that the game builds on Final Fantasy history rather than just pillaging it, awarding it a 9/10. In contrast, Kotaku's Kenneth Shepard described the game as 'comfort food' that lacks depth, criticizing the one-note characters and generic world design. The Verge's Jay Peters noted that while the game looks like a classic Final Fantasy title, it plays with a surprisingly old-school feel, including random battles and traditional turn-based menus. All outlets agree on the visual quality but diverge on the narrative and world-building depth.

Why it matters

Final Fantasy Resonance represents Square Enix's continued effort to revitalize older IP through modern HD-2D adaptations. Its mixed reception highlights the challenge of converting mobile gacha mechanics into a console experience without losing the core appeal. The game's success or failure may influence future decisions on how Square Enix handles its back catalog and mobile-to-console transitions.

What to watch

The game is available now on all listed platforms. Square Enix may consider further HD-2D adaptations of other mobile or classic titles based on the reception of Resonance. The lack of an upgrade path from Switch to Switch 2 may impact sales in that market.