Final Fantasy Resonance Demo Impressions
A bombastic and brilliant beginning!
Final Fantasy Resonance is amazing! Yes, I’m basing this off of a demo. Before the demo, I was surprised and super excited for Resonance. Resonance is the first Final Fantasy game to receive the HD-2D style. The game also marks Final Fantasy's return to turn-based combat.
I was impressed with everything this demo had to offer. I’ll be talking about my experience with this exceptional demo. Not only did the demo solidify Resonance as a Day 1 pickup, but this game may also be on its way to being my GOTY for 2026.
Presentation
Resonance is a beautiful game. As I mentioned earlier, this game has an HD-2D style. This Team Asano's beautiful and refined artstyle. They are the developers of Resonance. The visuals are similar to Star Ocean: The Second Story Evolution R, the most recent remake of that beloved game.
Pixel Cinematics
The one visual element that excites me about Resonance is Pixel Cinematics. Square and Team Asano have done it! Thanks to Pixel Cinematics, they've taken pixel presentation to the next level.
These pixel cinematics are amazing! Seeing fantastic pixel models in cinematic action is extraordinary. The animation is smooth and clean with seamless transitions. The pixel cutscenes make Resonance’s opening incredible, aside from the writing.
FMVs
The game also uses FMVs. They are mostly for resonances from the Visions. But transitions between the FMVs and pixel graphics are seamless. They flow well with the pixel overworld and combat.
Combat
Resonance is Final Fantasy’s first turn-based game in a long time. Recent Final Fantasy games have been using action or hybrid combat systems. Going back to turn-based does not make Resonance any less engaging or thrilling.
There is no ATB in Resonance. The combat is traditional turn-based. So, you can take your time planning your strategies. Once you’re ready, you select your commands and implement those strategies.
There are systems that make Resonance’s combat engaging. One of these systems is the Stagger system. Similar FF13 and recent FFs, Stagger is an essential tactic in defeating enemies.
A normal battle with the Archwitch is engaging the enemy. Rain and Lasswell fighting Vertias in a scipted battle. The party staggering their enemies.
You can stagger enemies with magic and skills. Each command has a certain amount of stagger you inflict on enemies. Exploiting an enemy’s weakness will increase stagger even more.
Resonance elevates stagger by debuting Sweeping Staggers. Staggering all enemies will trigger a Sweeping Stagger. When this occurs, your party members get extra turns.
Furthermore, your party gets access to powerful attacks such as resonances from your Visions.
Visions
As Rain and the party journey the globe, they will come across Visions. Visions are the essence of FF heroes from other worlds. That’s right! Visions are the manifestation of FF protagonists from past titles.
The demo gives you three Visions. The first is the Warrior of Light. This one was very cool and fitting given Resonance’s art style and setting.
The second was Terra Branford, which had me pretty excited and happy. I love Terra! She’s one of my favorite heroines of Final Fantasy. She may be the most Vision with a broken yet powerful skill set.
The demo’s final vision, is Cloud Strife. Some of you may already know that Cloud is my favorite Final Fantasy protagonist. This one has me jumping out of my seat in excitement. Cloud is a powerful vision and can cut your foes asunder.
Limit Bursts
Limit Bursts are your classic Final Fantasy Limits. Each party member has a limit gauge. The gauge is filled with characters being damaged or staggering enemies. When the limit gauge is filled, your characters can unleash a powerful, cinematic limit burst.
Story
Prologue
Resonance's opening is one of the best in Final Fantasy. I’m not just talking about the pixel cinematics either. They helped hook me into the story of Resonance. It was the war between Arch Witch and Veritas that engrossed me into the story.
The Arch Witch is a cool character. I was drawn to her instantly thanks to her appearance, power and personality. Despite her appearance, she seems to be fighting for the good guys. She decimates the enemy forces. The Arch Witch is not so lucky with Veritas.
Veritas may appear to be your typical antagonistic dark knight. But there’s more to him than meets the eye. At least that what I think. He spares the Arch Witch and imprisons her. He easily could have killed her.
Chapter 1
The story shifts to Rain and Lasswell. They are charged with investigating the Earth Crystal. They reach the crystal, and they discover Veritas trying to destroy it. Rain and Lasswell fight to stop him, but Veritas easily beats them.
Veritas and his group, the Sworn Six of Paladia, are trying to destroy the crystals. Rain and Lasswell embark on a journey to stop Veritas and the Sworn Six. And protect the remaining crystals. Along the way, they are saved and joined by the mysterious girl, Fina.
Main Cast
I like the main cast so far. Rain is a cool main hero with a reckless streak and a pure heart. Lasswell is Rain’s adoptive brother and second-in-command, who acts as Rain’s best friend and confidant. Fina brings some much-needed light and innocence to the party.
Rain and Lasswell trying to stop Vertias from destroying the Earth Crystal. Vertias retreating after fulfilling his objective. Fina, The Mysterious Girl, defends Rain from the Sworn Six.
Side Quests
I’m happy to report that side quests are good. They are engaging, insightful, and rewarding. These quests are everything you want in a side quest. Resonance’s side quests build up the game’s world and its lore. They also provide more depth for our heroes and side characters.
The Journey Has Just Begun
Final Fantasy Resonance is off to a strong start. The prologue and Chapter 1 left me with a strong impression of the game. It was so strong that I can't wait to continue the game.
My only wish is that the Visions had English voice acting. I say that because it would be awesome; I could hear Cloud’s battle lines through Cody Christian. I'm also advocating for my boy Clive with Ben Starr.
But the Japanese voices are good. If the Visions just have their Japanese VAs. Then I'm good with that. Besides, it's cool to hear some parts of the game in Japanese.
I look forward to playing more of Final Fantasy Resonance. It's my most anticipated game this year. This game is on its way to being my game of the year.
Comments