Neverending Story
My first Final Fantasy game was FF7, not the remake but the original that came out in 1997. It’s really funny how I even got it, so my family were HUGE Blockbuster Video patrons back in the day, and I had just returned Metal Gear Solid after finishing it. I remember asking the clerk, what game was like Metal Gear Solid and he handed me Final Fantasy 7. To this day I have not earthly clue what he thought was similar between the two games but I am so glad he suggested it because I was hooked on Final Fantasies ever sense.
The last numbered Final Fantasy is of course 16 and it was a bit divisive among fans. It bucked a lot of the usual trends found not only in JRPG’s but even the franchise as a whole for a more action-oriented approach. Now, I enjoyed 16 for its story and the action but I certainly can see how fans would be disappointed in their FF game playing similarly to Devil May Cry. The latest game Final Fantasy Resonance aims to fix those issues that section of fans had; with a more traditional outing. When I say ‘traditional’ I mean it, we got crystals, airships, Espers and of course chocobos.
MSRP: $49.99
Platforms: XBOX (reviewed), PlayStation, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $49.99
Resonance does a terrific job in welcoming new players into the Final Fantasy universe; you don’t have to have understood a single thing I said above going in but you will be an expert going out. The story begins with the King of the nation of Grandshelt sensing danger at the Earth Shrine. This shrine houses the Earth crystal, one of many elemental crystals around the world that ensures its balance. The King sends out two of his knights, Rain and Lasswell to investigate and the adventure begins. The duo is unable to save the crystal but pick up a mysterious young girl named Fina who thankfully uses white magic and is a healer for the party. It isn’t long before the trio is sent out across the continent of Lapis in order to stop Veritas and his Sworn Six from destroying anymore crystals. For those that are interested the campaign can be finished in roughly 30-40 hours but to do everything its going to be closer to 80 hours.
One of my favorite things about this game has got to be the HD-2D style. I have seen the style used in Dragon Quest and the Octopath games and have always loved the look of it. But man, to see this game in action is something. Elemental magic attacks just pop off the screen. Summoning the powerful espers is a mix of CGI affects and the pixel HD-2D graphics making their entrances grand and epic. The whole time I was playing this game I just kept imagining what Final Fantasy 6 would look like using this style. I just kept imagining suplexing that Phantom train boss, oh man I really hope they remake the older games.
A gorgeous graphical overhaul isn’t the only thing that Resonance brings to the table, the story content is all voiced as well. Each of the characters actors did a tremendous job, much like any good Final Fantasy game worth its salt the story certainly has its highs but there are some lows, and those emotional beats all felt more impactful with the performances by the actors. I would be remiss if I didn’t also talk about the phenomenal musical score that’s throughout Final Fantasy Resonance. From battle music and the win anthem that’s become synonymous with Final Fantasy to sweeping scores during pivotal moments each piece of music perfectly set the mood for each event.
As players explore Lapis they will find vison alters scattered around the map. These alters allow players to commune with a hero from a past Final Fantasy game and then they can be used as a vision. And there are a ton of visions with big names like Cloud, Squall, Zidane but there are also original characters created for the game. Each of these fall into classes like Medic’s who of course heal, Breakers who are good at staggering enemies, Commandos who are damage dealers and more. Each vision can be equipped to a character in the player’s party and it gives them access to magic and abilities like Fire, Bio and Blizzard. Visions also have their own ultimate attacks that can be used when the player staggers an enemy. Most of these are variations on their limit break attacks from their respective games. Visions can be upgraded using magicite shards that can be found around the world.
Combat in Resonance is turn-based just like God intended for Final Fantasy games. Players will use normal weapon attacks, magic and more to take down enemies to level up. As they level, characters will unlock new attacks as well as boost their stats. Enemies have a bar underneath their health bar which is the stagger gauge. When players hit enemies with an element or attack, they are weak to it will greatly damage the stagger gage. When staggered, enemies take more damage and players trigger special attacks if they stagger all the enemies.
After Final Fantasy 16 divided fans I think going back to basics was a smart idea. Final Fantasy Resonance feels like a great jumping on point for players new to the series. With a narrative that hits all the high points from past games with more than just a ‘save the world’ story, simply beautiful graphics with the HD-2D look and a musical score that I can’t wait to add to my playlist, Final Fantasy Resonance feels like a return to form for the long running series, truly the series at its finest. I can’t recommend this game enough for those that are long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.