First test of Final Fantasy Resonance

The first test of Final Fantasy Resonance, the return of the turn-based saga, has been released ahead of its launch on October 22 on consoles and PC. The game aims to bring back the traditional turn-based combat that many fans consider central to the Final Fantasy identity.

Evolution of the series

For two generations, Final Fantasy has been moving away from turn-based combat, an element inseparable from its identity. Although Final Fantasy XV had already begun this shift toward action-RPG, Final Fantasy XVI has definitively taken the step, even leaning toward beat'em up styles similar to Devil May Cry.

Fan reaction to the return

This evolution has obviously not failed to divide long-time fans, for whom turn-based combat remains the essence of the series. Then Final Fantasy Resonance was announced as a particularly welcome alternative. With its artistic direction oscillating between retro and modern, its more traditional structure, and its combat system based precisely on turn-based mechanics, on paper, it checks all the boxes for the long-awaited return to roots desired by part of the community.

Positive reception of the demo

Players have not failed to share their enthusiasm after the release of the free demo, available on all platforms, but it remained to see if it would hold beyond nostalgia. Justly, the first test of Final Fantasy Resonance has just been released and the game already receives an excellent score.

First test by Famitsu

It is once again Famitsu that gets the first look. The Japanese magazine has thus released the first test of Final Fantasy Resonance and awards it a nice score of 36/40, each of the four testers giving the game a 9/10. A particularly flattering score that should reassure fans of old-school RPGs, who feared being disappointed once the nostalgia effect faded.

Gameplay and features highlighted

And beyond its undeniable nostalgic scent and the atmosphere the game exudes, Famitsu highlights that Final Fantasy Resonance goes further than a simple homage with "a combat system, HD-2D graphics, and a modern story." The battles would indeed be one of the strong points of the adventure, Famitsu calling them "excellent."

Gameplay mechanics and design

For reference, the game will allow players to call upon old heroes from the saga who will intervene as support, with an ultimate ability staged in the form of a CGI cinematic, and around which an entire system of builds will revolve, with skills and passives to equip. What is the lifespan of Final Fantasy Resonance?

Gameplay and story depth

"The gameplay, story, characters, and music all embody the very essence of Final Fantasy," summarizes this first test of Final Fantasy Resonance. Enough to put stars in the eyes of more than one fan, but of course, it will be necessary to wait until we can judge it ourselves before declaring victory.

Time investment and side content

Also, in the tradition of old-school RPGs, it will take 20 to 30 hours to complete the story in a straight line, and up to 70 hours to explore every corner, including additional content. Justly, the side quests described as "fun" seem to have been particularly well crafted, Famitsu estimating that they allow the characters' personalities to truly shine.

Narrative development

Keisuke Nakashima, the game's producer, explained in an interview that one of the narrative challenges was precisely to add more depth to the protagonists, borrowed from the mobile game Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. According to this first test of Final Fantasy Resonance, the challenge seems to have been successfully achieved.

Release date and player anticipation

So, on October 22 on PS5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC, we will be able to form our own opinion.