# Final Fantasy Resonance revives classic turn-based RPG exploration and combat

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/final-fantasy-resonance-hands-on-a-love-letter-to-classic-2d-turn-based-rpgs/
- Published: 2026-09-03T16:23:26+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-03T22:30:41+00:00
- Original publisher: Engadget
- Original article: https://www.engadget.com/2249943/final-fantasy-resonance-hands-on-a-love-letter-to-classic-2d-turn-based-rpgs/
- Topics: Entertainment, Gaming

## Key points

- Final Fantasy Resonance previewed as a classic turn-based RPG revival
- Features HD-2D visuals, stagger mechanic and Vision character-junction system
- Reviewer praised it overall, bar old-style random battles

## Summary

Engadget has published a hands-on preview of Final Fantasy Resonance, Square Enix's forthcoming RPG, praising it as a genuine return to classic sprite-based, turn-based Final Fantasy design rather than a mere nostalgia exercise. Loosely based on the mobile game Brave Exvius but substantially reworked, the title is the first Final Fantasy entry to use Square Enix's HD-2D art style, featuring hand-drawn character portraits, a full overworld with towns and side quests, and traditional transport such as Chocobos and airships.

Combat impressions from the hour-long demo highlight an elemental attack and buff system, distinct physical and magic specialists, and Limit Bursts inspired by moves like Omnislash, with the Vision system letting players junction classic characters such as Cloud, Tidus and Zidane onto new party members. A returning stagger mechanic lets players build towards powerful "Ascension" attacks by staggering all enemies simultaneously, while summons like Siren can also be called into battle. The writer said they liked almost everything shown, singling out the visuals and orchestral soundtrack for praise, though noted the game still includes old-fashioned random overworld battles as a minor gripe.

## Coverage

- [Engadget: Final Fantasy Resonance revives classic turn-based RPG exploration and combat](https://www.engadget.com/2249943/final-fantasy-resonance-hands-on-a-love-letter-to-classic-2d-turn-based-rpgs/)
- [Eurogamer: Final Fantasy Resonance is somehow even better than all those beautiful trailers make it look](https://www.eurogamer.net/final-fantasy-resonance-hands-on-preview-even-better-than-it-looks)
- [Polygon: Final Fantasy Resonance Has Killer Combat But Goes Overboard on the Fan Service | Preview](https://www.polygon.com/final-fantasy-resonance-preview/)
- [GamesRadar+: Final Fantasy Resonance appeals to my inner child like no RPG since Chrono Trigger](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/final-fantasy/final-fantasy-resonance-appeals-to-my-inner-child-like-no-rpg-since-chrono-trigger/)
- [GameSpot: Final Fantasy Resonance Hands-On Preview](https://www.gamespot.com/videos/final-fantasy-resonance-hands-on-preview/)
- [GameSpot: Final Fantasy Resonance Is A Return To Classic Series Conventions While Also Evolving Square Enix’s HD-2D Style](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/final-fantasy-resonance-is-a-return-to-classic-series-conventions-while-also-evolving-square-enixs-hd-2d-style/)
- [Nintendo Life: Preview: Final Fantasy Resonance's Biggest Challenge Is Balancing The New With The Nostalgic](https://www.nintendolife.com/previews/final-fantasy-resonances-biggest-challenge-is-balancing-the-new-with-the-nostalgic)
- [Push Square: You Can Now Try Final Fantasy Resonance for Yourself with Free Playable Demo on PS5](https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2026/09/you-can-now-try-final-fantasy-resonance-for-yourself-with-free-playable-demo-on-ps5)
- [Push Square: Preview: 5 Reasons Why PS5 JRPG Final Fantasy Resonance Will Really Resonate with Fans](https://www.pushsquare.com/previews/5-reasons-why-ps5-jrpg-final-fantasy-resonance-will-really-resonate-with-fans)
- [IGN: Final Fantasy Resonance: The Final Preview](https://www.ign.com/articles/final-fantasy-resonance-the-final-preview)
- [Nintendo Life: Final Fantasy Resonance Demo Arrives On Switch 1 & 2 Today](https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/09/final-fantasy-resonance-demo-arrives-on-switch-1-and-2-today)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.