Square Enix Transforms Mobile Gacha Game into Full HD-2D Console RPG Experience

Final Fantasy Resonance is turning heads as a fresh entry in the franchise. Touted as the first HD-2D title, it captures that retro charm while delivering stunning visuals. However, it’s important to note that it’s essentially a reimagining of the mobile gacha game, Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. So, will it live up to expectations? According to the developers, absolutely. They’re promoting it as a “console-quality” RPG akin to last year’s acclaimed Octopath Traveler 0 remake.

In their announcement, the developers stated, “Final Fantasy Resonance is based on the first story arc of the mobile game Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. Far from just a direct port, it has been refined and extensively rebuilt as a full-fledged console-quality RPG experience.” The game is set to launch on October 22 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Switch, and Switch 2 for $50. Unlike its free-to-play predecessor, this new version will not include gacha mechanics.

Details on how Resonance will differ from its original form remain somewhat vague. The developers describe it as a “celebration of classic and modern Final Fantasy that evokes the beloved titles of yesteryear.” One exciting feature is the ability to summon iconic characters from the franchise, including Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII and Terra Branford from Final Fantasy VI. Tidus from Final Fantasy X will also make an appearance, along with chocobos, airships, and espers, all rendered in charming pixel art reminiscent of the SNES era.

The visuals are impressive, and with its turn-based combat, the question remains: can the developers deliver the new experience teased in the trailer?

The original game, Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, launched in Japan in 2015 and allowed players to pay for random character summons of varying rarity and power. It follows a knight named Rain on a quest to rescue a woman trapped in a crystal. While some aspects like the art and music were well-received, the gameplay was criticized for being padded and grindy. Final Fantasy Resonance has the potential to rectify these issues by preserving the nostalgic 16-bit charm while eliminating the less enjoyable elements.

This approach mirrors what was done with Octopath Traveler 0, which transformed another mobile title into a robust RPG experience, surprising many with its depth. Here’s hoping that Final Fantasy Resonance follows a similar path and delivers an engaging adventure.