PLEASE NOTE: Before I begin this review, I would like to point out that this Game Demo review for Final Fantasy Resonance will be focusing on the Nintendo Switch Edition. The Demo only allows players to play the first chapter and has a level cap of 15.
I finally had a chance to try out the free demo for Square Enix’s Final Fantasy Resonance, and so far it’s living up to the early positive buzz. This is the first Final Fantasy game rendered in the studio’s HD-2D style, following earlier entries in the technique such as the Octopath Traveler series, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, and more recent titles like Octopath Traveler 0 and the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake.
Resonance feels like a return to classic form, delivering one of the richest HD-2D experiences in recent years. It is absolutely gorgeous — the detail and atmosphere are especially striking on the overworld. What hit me hardest, though, was the realization that this is a revival of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, the now-defunct mobile gacha title. The biggest question that immediately comes to mind is: “How does Square Enix take a gacha game and successfully convert it into a premium console RPG without carrying over the predatory microtransactions and bloated design? And can it hold the attention of classic RPG purists in the process?“
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What I learned from the demo (and past press releases) is that Square Enix took a radical downsizing approach, trading the bloated gacha-style roster of the original mobile game for a slim, highly balanced lineup of just 26 hero characters known as Visions. These Visions function like an evolved job system reminiscent of Final Fantasy V, granting abilities that can be deepened over time as your bond with them grows. The combat itself marks a return to classic turn-based battles (no ATB), featuring a stagger system that builds into powerful Resonance attacks when you break enemies. The demo does support a four-member party, but in my playthrough it focused on the core trio (Rain, Lasswell, and Fina) because they are the primary story characters in Chapter 1. Also, players will be able to transfer their progress to the full game when it launches on the 22nd.
How does the Nintendo Switch Version of the Resonance Demo Differ from other versions?
On the original Nintendo Switch, Final Fantasy Resonance still delivers on HD-2D compromises. It holds up well for the hardware, but with a lower resolution reduced graphical effects, and a 30 FPS target that can dip in more demanding scenes. Players who have tried the demo on the PlayStation 5 and PC will notice that both versions look sharper with better textures, shadows, and ambient occlusion, while the native Switch 2 version sits much closer to those higher-end versions in both clarity and stability.
Final Fantasy Resonance will be available to buy on October 22nd, 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. Be sure to try the demo now, on your console’s game store and on Steam.
Final Grade:
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