Final Fantasy Resonance: Developers Discuss Random Battles, Challenge, and More

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Final Fantasy Resonance Aims for Classic Experience with HD2D Presentation The development team behind Final Fantasy Resonance recently spoke with Automaton to discuss the game’s battle system, narrative, and the rationale behind creating the first 2D Final Fantasy console title in many years. Resonance is built upon the foundation of the popular mobile game Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, which concluded its service in 2025. This new console iteration will feature modern HD2D graphics, similar to those seen in Octopath Traveler and the Dragon Quest remakes. While the story has been entirely rewritten, the combat remains turn-based. Producer Keisuke Nakashima, Director Hiroto Furuya, Fight Director Takashi Shiraga, and Art Director Masahiro Saito provided insights into the game’s development. Nakashima, who previously served as an assistant producer on Brave Exvius, noted that many fans requested a console version of the game. He expressed concern that Brave Exvius’s mobile-only status might lead to its legacy being overlooked, stating, “It would be a real shame if such a great game got lost just because it started out on mobile.” Final Fantasy Resonance aims to prevent this by bringing the experience to consoles.

First revealed in late 2020, Final Fantasy Resonance is expected to launch in six years. Although the core development period was shorter, the project was significant. As the first game in the series to adopt the HD2D style, the team felt a strong imperative to deliver a unique presentation. Art Director Masahiro Saito emphasized the commitment to making “every single frame look like a standalone illustration,” a hallmark of the HD2D aesthetic. The art team includes veterans who contributed to Octopath Traveler and the HD2D Dragon Quest remakes. A notable enhancement in Resonance is the dynamic use of camera angles in cutscenes, moving beyond static shots to showcase grand elements like summoned monsters and airships, which are considered integral to the Final Fantasy identity.

The overarching narrative of Final Fantasy Resonance draws inspiration from the first season of Brave Exvius, with protagonists retaining their original backstories. However, all dialogue has been revised, and the sequence of some events has been altered. New scenarios have been created for side quests and additional content. Yukinori Kitajima, the original writer for FFBE, has revamped the script for Resonance, preserving the core story while delving deeper into character motivations and refining the progression. A significant return is the world map, which Director Furuya believes is crucial for players to grasp the game’s scale and immerse themselves in an epic, planet-saving adventure, a feature he feels has been diminished in recent titles. “Recent Final Fantasies have focused on 3D graphics and fast-paced combat,” explained Furuya. “We recognized that many players still desire a classic Final Fantasy experience. Therefore, we decided to create Final Fantasy Resonance.”

Combat preparation is central to Resonance’s gameplay. Each of the 26 characters possesses a unique Vision, functioning akin to a class system. For instance, equipping Cloud’s Vision grants access to his signature Cross Slash ability. The developers have strived to ensure all characters are viable and enjoyable to play, with each having distinct roles. While random encounters are present, enemies now appear on the field, allowing players to choose when to engage. Nakashima believes these encounters, while potentially occasional hindrances, contribute to memorable gameplay experiences, fostering recollections of challenging battles and satisfying victories. To enhance the gameplay experience, several adjustments have been implemented. Dungeons featuring numerous puzzles will have fewer combat encounters. Additionally, the minimap will visually indicate enemy proximity: yellow signifies nearby enemies, while red indicates an imminent threat.

Strategy and Challenging Rewards in Final Fantasy Resonance’s Normal Difficulty Mode

Fight Director Takashi Shiraga stated that the Normal difficulty setting is designed to offer a challenging yet rewarding experience. He argued that easily overcoming all enemies would diminish the sense of accomplishment, hence the bosses are intended to push players to strategize even after defeats. A Casual mode is available for players new to RPGs or those seeking a less demanding challenge. Shiraga emphasized that effective team composition and a thorough understanding of character abilities are paramount for success. Nakashima compared the Normal difficulty in Final Fantasy Resonance to that of Octopath Traveler, noting its comparable challenge level and the extensive testing conducted by the HD2D team. Regarding the perceived difficulty of demo sessions, Shiraga clarified that a shortcut was implemented in the demo’s dungeon, which contributed to its challenging feel. In the full game, players will have opportunities for more exploration and natural leveling. The team anticipates that most players will find the Normal difficulty to be fair, with Nakashima assuring that the game is “not extremely hard.” Final Fantasy Resonance is scheduled for release on October 22, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC. The Steam version will follow one day later.