And here’s what other critics had to say:
GoNintendo: “If you’re looking for traditional turn-based Final Fantasy combat with a polished retro look, that’s exactly what Resonance is offering. As I said, the wheel here remains firmly un-reinvented, but this is a game designed to service fans, and that it does well.”
Push Square: “In a busy year for games, I don’t know whether I’ll have time to give Resonance the attention it deserves – but I want to. Sometimes all you need is a cosy JRPG with a dash of nostalgia, and I think Square Enix is delivering that in abundance. If you grew up on Final Fantasy, or even just have a passing interest in it, you’ll find plenty to like here. Based on what I played, this is another vibrantly presented, perfectly pitched HD-2D experience. I think it’s just about one of the most dependably good titles on the immediate release calendar.”
Nintendo Everything: “The game, as mentioned, is in Square’s HD-2D pixel art graphical system that was introduced in Octopath Traveler. To reiterate, I’m not an Final Fantasy guy, but you’d be blind as a bat to not appreciate just how gorgeous the pixel art and animations are. They are so full of personality, of life, and they all feel distinct from character to character.”
RPG Site: “I thought I knew what to expect from Final Fantasy Resonance. I reviewed last year’s Octopath Traveler 0, after all – and it’s a very easy comparison to make, contrasting these RPGs. Both are based on a free to play mobile game release, retooled for play on consoles and PC. …All it takes is a single look at the original Brave Exvius right next to Final Fantasy Resonance to make it clear that this is a far more ambitious conversion than Octopath Traveler 0. Part of that is undoubtedly the age of Brave Exvius; but the sheer scope of the project makes itself quite apparent when you sit down to play.”
Eurogamer: “On my last night at Gamescom, someone asked which game I had seen at the show was my favourite. “Final Fantasy Resonance”, I replied, without thinking. Now, a week later – after sitting and writing up lots of my appointments – I still feel the same. FF moved away from pixel graphics and, largely, from turn-based battles in 1997. I think I’ve been craving something like this since. Will the final game make good on a promise three decades in the making? I really, really hope it will.”