Final Fantasy Resonance Gets High Praise Despite Controversy

Not every game needs bold innovations to win over players. Sometimes, bringing familiar elements back at the right moment is enough to create something special. That seems to be exactly what Square Enix is proving with Final Fantasy Resonance, a JRPG that launched on October 22, 2026, for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2. Early reviews from international critics have been largely positive, particularly when it comes to the game's HD-2D visuals and combat system. However, beneath all that praise, there are still some mixed opinions about the depth of the overall experience.

What Makes Final Fantasy Resonance a Hit With Critics, and Why Is Its Story Still Divisive?

Based on the first story arc of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, Final Fantasy Resonance is far more than a simple adaptation of a mobile game. Square Enix has removed the gacha mechanics, reworked character progression, and transformed the experience into the first Final Fantasy title to embrace the HD-2D visual style. These changes were previously highlighted in our article exploring the game's visual style.

The game's appeal goes beyond simply bringing turn-based combat back into the spotlight. Players must exploit enemy weaknesses to deplete their stagger gauges, break through their defenses, and create opportunities to unleash devastating attacks. Combined with the Visions system, which allows characters to use skills and abilities drawn from familiar heroes throughout Final Fantasy history, the game offers plenty of flexibility when building parties and developing strategies. It's this added depth that helps familiar combat mechanics remain engaging in a modern RPG.

The visuals are another undeniable highlight. Detailed pixel-art characters, three-dimensional environments, and modern lighting effects come together to create a world that feels both nostalgic and fresh. If anything, Final Fantasy Resonance is a reminder that a classic visual style doesn't have to feel outdated.

These strengths are also reflected in reviews from major gaming publications. Based on Metacritic data recorded around the time of writing and reviews already published, Final Fantasy Resonance has received several encouraging scores:

• Metacritic (PS5) – 86/100: An aggregate score based on 51 critic reviews.
• Metacritic (Nintendo Switch 2) – 82/100: An aggregate score based on 35 critic reviews.
• Game Informer – 9/10: Praises the character customization system, the cast, and the game's ability to build on traditional Final Fantasy elements without relying solely on nostalgia.
• Nintendo Life – 8/10: Highlights the HD-2D presentation, world exploration, and Visions system, describing the game as a convincing return to traditional JRPG design.
• IGN – 8/10 and GamesRadar+ – 4/5: Both recognize the successful combination of classic JRPG elements and modern design, particularly the combat system and visual presentation.
• Shacknews – 8/10: Commends the depth of the combat system, the customization opportunities provided by Visions, and the impressive HD-2D graphics.

These are encouraging results at the time of writing, although the scores may change as more reviews are published.

However, positive scores don't necessarily mean that every aspect of Final Fantasy Resonance has been equally well received. Storytelling and character development have always been important parts of the Final Fantasy identity, yet these are precisely the areas where critics seem to disagree. Some notable criticisms include:

• Eurogamer – 3/5: Argues that the world-building lacks depth, the story struggles to maintain interest, and pacing issues undermine the appeal of the adventure.
• VGC – 3/5: Suggests that familiar character tropes and the game's mobile origins make the narrative somewhat predictable, preventing it from reaching its full potential.
• Nintendo Life and IGN: Despite their positive overall reviews, both express reservations about certain aspects of the storytelling.
• GamesRadar+ and Shacknews: GamesRadar+ considers the adventure's structure rather safe, while Shacknews is disappointed by how the story concludes. Shacknews also points out that the fixed camera angles can make exploring towns unnecessarily frustrating.

Even so, it would be unfair to dismiss the story as a complete failure. Game Informer has plenty of praise for the characters and their relationships, while Shacknews appreciates the themes of brotherhood and honor despite its reservations about how the narrative unfolds. These contrasting opinions lead me to believe that Final Fantasy Resonance isn't necessarily held back by its reliance on an established formula. Rather, the game doesn't manage to make every aspect of that formula equally compelling. Its gameplay is polished enough to make familiar mechanics feel exciting, while the story hasn't achieved the same level of success with every critic.

Looking at the bigger picture, Final Fantasy Resonance still represents a worthwhile achievement for Square Enix. It reminds us that turn-based combat, world exploration, and pixel art haven't lost their appeal. This may not be a revolution for Final Fantasy, but a game doesn't necessarily need to reinvent the series to be worth playing.

If you're a fan of classic JRPG adventures, are the game's strengths in combat and visuals enough to outweigh its more divisive storytelling? You can discover the answer for yourself or explore more reviews from professional critics on Metacritic for a broader perspective. And don't forget to visit our price comparison platform to find the best offers for Final Fantasy Resonance and take advantage of the best deals available!