Overview
FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE is a turn-based RPG from Square Enix and LANCARSE set in the world of Lapis. Players follow Rain and Lasswell, two knights from the Kingdom of Grandshelt, as they investigate attacks on the world's Crystals and become involved in a larger conflict surrounding the mysterious Veritas of the Dark.
The game uses an HD-2D presentation that combines pixel-art characters with 3D environments, lighting, and camera effects. Its gameplay follows the structure of classic Final Fantasy games, with a world map, towns, dungeons, Chocobos, airships, Espers, and turn-based battles.
RESONANCE is based on the first story arc of FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS, but has been rebuilt as a standalone premium RPG. The original mobile game's free-to-play and gacha systems are not part of the experience.
Story and Characters
The story takes place in Lapis, a world powered by several Crystals. Rain and Lasswell are sent to investigate a threat to the Crystals, but their mission takes a different direction when Veritas of the Dark destroys the Earth Crystal.
The two knights encounter Fina, a mysterious girl who has lost her memories and appears to have a connection to the Crystals and Espers. As the group travels across Lapis, more allies join the party, including the engineer Lid, strategist Nichol, rebel leader Jake, and sage Sakura.
The conflict eventually expands beyond the destruction of a single Crystal, bringing the party into a confrontation with the Sworn Six of Paladia and the forces behind the attacks on Lapis.
Turn-Based Combat and Visions
FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE uses turn-based combat built around enemy weaknesses and the Stagger system. Attacking an enemy's weaknesses reduces its Stagger gauge, creating openings for the party to deal more damage once the enemy is staggered.
Characters can use weapons, magic, abilities, and powerful attacks while taking advantage of different roles within the party. Espers can also be summoned during battles to assist the group and unleash powerful attacks.
The Vision system adds another layer to character customization. Visions allow party members to use abilities associated with characters from across the Final Fantasy series, including Cloud, Terra, Squall, Zidane, Tidus, Lightning, Noctis, Clive, and others.
Visions can be developed through use, allowing characters to unlock additional abilities and incorporate them into their builds. Players can therefore adjust their party's skills based on the enemies and situations they encounter.
World and Exploration
Lapis uses a traditional Final Fantasy-style world map, with players traveling between towns, dungeons, caves, and other locations. The world includes optional areas, treasure, side quests, and encounters that can be discovered away from the main story.
Chocobos provide an additional way to travel across the world, while the airship becomes available later and expands access to different parts of the map.
Towns provide places to purchase equipment and items, recover between adventures, interact with NPCs, and take on side quests. Dungeons combine exploration with battles, treasure, and environmental challenges before leading players toward stronger enemies and bosses.
Fast travel is also available after discovering locations, making it easier to return to earlier areas for unfinished quests or additional exploration.
HD-2D Presentation and Classic Final Fantasy Features
RESONANCE uses an HD-2D visual style that places pixel-art characters in 3D environments. Modern lighting, depth effects, and camera movement are used to give the world and battles more visual depth while keeping the characters in a traditional pixel-art style.
The game also brings together several familiar Final Fantasy elements, including Crystals, Chocobos, airships, Espers, elemental magic, Limit Break-style attacks, and party customization.
Alongside these classic systems are modern quality-of-life features such as fast travel, adjustable battle speed, and options that reduce the amount of time spent on repeated combat animations.
Release and Playtime
FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC through Steam. The game also supports Steam Deck.
The main story takes around 40 to 50 hours to complete, depending on how much optional content players take on. Side quests, optional areas, additional encounters, and character customization can extend the experience for players who want to explore more of Lapis.
The standard edition is priced at $49.99, while the Digital Deluxe Edition is priced at $59.99. A free demo is also available on supported platforms.
