Today, as part of the June 2026 Nintendo Direct, Square Enix revealed that we’ll be getting our first HD-2D Final Fantasy game later this year. Named Final Fantasy Resonance, the title arrives 22nd October on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Swtich 1/2.
Now here’s the interesting bit: the game isn’t a wholly new title, technically. It is an adaptation of the story from the first season of Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius (now closed down), that also adds elements from the rest of the game and introduces new story elements in its own right. Square Enix makes clear in press materials for the title it is not simply a port or remake; the game is its own beast. It simply uses the Brave Exvius story as a foundation, as Resonance “extensively rebuilds and reimagines” what came before.
To that end, Resonance has a new turn-based combat system (please note the turn order display in the trailer, the RPG sicko in me certainly did) and is packed full of stuff that never appeared in Brave Exvius such as a new overworld, chocobos, airships, and more besides. There are 33 new music tracks that have been made specially for the game.
“The opening movie and other cinematics feature a cutting-edge pixel-based style using a production method that renders 3DCG in pixel form to achieve dynamic, realistic visuals while retaining the timeless charm of pixel art,” explains a press release.
“Meanwhile, the special abilities of legacy FINAL FANTASY heroes, along with select summon sequences, are presented in striking 3D graphics. While this game is rooted in the HD-2D visual style, it offers a distinctive experience that seamlessly integrates multiple visual approaches.”
The trailer certainly impresses. If you’re only here for the nods and references to past FF games, don’t worry: Square Enix knows how powerful nostalgia can be. The comabt system revolves around equipping ‘Visions’ in order to unlock new jobs, effectively, and though there are some unique Resonance Visions, there are plenty of FF tie-ins, too:
- The Warrior of Light, Final Fantasy I
- Terra, Final Fantasy VI
- Cloud, Final Fantasy VII
- Zidane, Final Fantasy IX
- Shantotto, Final Fantasy XI
- Y’shtola, Final Fantasy XIV
