From Polygon · Jen Glennon · · 1m
Final Fantasy Resonance Reviews Beat Square Enix's Previous HD-2D RPG
Final Fantasy Resonance scores higher than Square Enix's last HD-2D RPG.
In brief
Final Fantasy Resonance scores higher than Square Enix's last HD-2D RPG. Final Fantasy Resonance received 85/100 on Metacritic with 30 reviews, beating Square Enix's previous HD-2D RPG. Originally reported by Polygon.
HD-2D Art Style
Square Enix's HD-2D art style captivated RPG fans since 2018's Octopath Traveler.
“Resonance wears the HD-2D aesthetic confidently; Square Enix has obviously listened to past criticisms of its beloved graphical style, and it paid off.”
Metacritic Scores
PlayStation 5 version scores 85 (30 reviews), Nintendo Switch 2 version scores 82 (24 reviews).
“The PlayStation 5 version of Final Fantasy Resonance is currently sitting at a score of 85 (with 30 reviews), while the Nintendo Switch 2 version gets a slightly lower average score of 82 (after 24 reviews).”
Praise for Visuals
Reviewers highlight Resonance's detailed character sprites and pixel-based cinema scenes.
“Resonance is an HD-2D game, but its highly detailed character sprites and occasional jaw-dropping pixel-based "cinema" scene differentiate it from the Octopath Traveler series and the Dragon Quest HD-2D remakes.”
Fixed Camera Critique
Some reviewers note fixed camera makes town navigation difficult and hides hidden treasures.
“wandering through towns will fix the camera at a static angle and it won't always be clear which way you're going.”
Story Critique
Reviewers say Resonance feels like a collage of series highlights without a strong narrative.
“Resonance, puffing up its chest as it stands in line next to its esteemed siblings, tries hard to fit in, but in doing so picks up all these tropes without really understanding why they (kind-of) work in those other games.”
Character Focus
Most party members are downplayed in the plot after introduction, with few emotional moments.
“Aside from one major exception, most of your party members are downplayed by the plot past the chapter in which they’re introduced.”
Emotional Moments
A priestess character balances duty and personal life, offering emotional catharsis.
“When Resonance’s narrative occasionally finds its rhythm, it can offer some wonderful emotional catharsis.”
The short version
Final Fantasy Resonance received 85/100 on Metacritic with 30 reviews, beating Square Enix's previous HD-2D RPG.
