Final Fantasy Resonance: the first HD-2D FF wins over critics
Released on October 22 on five platforms, Final Fantasy Resonance, the series' first HD-2D entry, is earning scores around 85 on Metacritic.
It was one of the most anticipated releases of October: Final Fantasy Resonance has been available since October 22, 2026. The first entry in the series to adopt the HD-2D style, it is receiving a broadly very positive reception from the press.
A Final Fantasy apart
Resonance takes up the story of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, a mobile game that has since shut down, and turns it into a full turn-based RPG. The HD-2D style blends pixel art characters with three-dimensional environments, in the vein of Octopath Traveler. According to early feedback, the mobile game's business model (paid character pulls) is gone from this version, although some online stores still list in-app purchases: it's best to check the game's store page before buying.
Platforms and price
The game came out on the same day on:
- PlayStation 5;
- Xbox Series X|S;
- PC (Steam and Microsoft Store);
- Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
The announced price is $49.99 in the United States, with a Digital Deluxe edition at $59.99 and a collector's edition at $209.99 according to Insider Gaming. Euro prices may vary from store to store.
What the press says
Early tallies put the average at around 85 on Metacritic, across several dozen reviews. Sources don't fully agree: we've seen 88 for the PC version, 85 for PS5 and 82 for Switch 2. These figures change as more reviews come in.
The most praised aspects are the combat system, the soundtrack and the art direction. Japanese magazine Famitsu reportedly gave it a 36 out of 40. On the critical side, some reviewers regret a game that leans heavily on genre conventions without taking enough risks.
What to know before diving in
- No need to have played Brave Exvius: the game presents itself as an accessible entry point.
- Fans of classic RPGs will find a measured pace, with turn-based combat.
- October is still busy: see our October release calendar so you don't miss anything before GTA VI arrives.
Frequently asked questions
When does Final Fantasy Resonance come out?
October 22, 2026, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam and Microsoft Store), Switch and Switch 2.
Is Final Fantasy Resonance a mobile game?
No. It takes up the story of the mobile game Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, but it's a full RPG on console and PC.
What score does Final Fantasy Resonance have?
Early tallies give around 85 on Metacritic, with variations depending on the platform and the number of reviews counted.
Sources
- The first review for Final Fantasy Resonance is in — Nintendo Life
- Final Fantasy Resonance is launching on Xbox to extremely impressive reviews — Pure Xbox
- Final Fantasy Resonance, the first HD-2D Final Fantasy title, launches October 22nd — Nintendo Wire
- Final Fantasy Resonance FAQ and release details — Insider Gaming
- Final Fantasy Resonance review score — Tech Insider
Information checked as of the publication date; release dates and figures may change. Our method and corrections.
