Final Fantasy Resonance Hands-On Impresses at Gamescom
A hands-on preview of Final Fantasy Resonance at Gamescom 2026 reveals a deep, challenging turn-based RPG that successfully reworks a mobile game into a
Final Fantasy Resonance is a spectacular game, according to a hands-on preview by Eurogamer. The experience was so engrossing it stood out even in the hot, crowded, and chaotic conditions of the Gamescom 2026 show floor.
Based on a preview session, the game is a single-player, traditional RPG recompilation of the now-defunct mobile game Final Fantasy Brave Exvius's first 'Lapis' story arc. The story follows protagonist Rain and his companions Lasswell and Fina as they protect the world's crystals. While the core narrative and the concept of summoning 'Visions'-ghosts of iconic series characters-are carried over, the graphics, battle system, and much of the music are brand new, making it the first proper HD-2D Final Fantasy game.
A Deep and Challenging Battle System
The battle system is described as deep, rewarding, and hard. It is a proper turn-based system without the Active Time Battle (ATB) mechanic, featuring a UI that clearly shows turn order. A key mechanic is a 'stagger' bar; all moves inflict both damage and stagger, and depleting an enemy's stagger bar stuns them, disrupting dangerous attacks and opening their defenses. Understanding elements, buffs, and debuffs is essential for victory.
Eurogamer's writer noted, "Understanding elements, buffs and debuffs is essential to victory, it seems - you can't just use brute strength to force your way." The demo's challenging boss fight required exploiting elemental weaknesses, such as using ice moves against a Wind dragoon, before unleashing powerful 'Resonance' ultimate moves.
The Power of Visions
Visions grant supplementary abilities to your party. The demo came equipped with the Warrior of Light from Final Fantasy I, Cloud from Final Fantasy VII, and two original Visions. An explorable secret, Noctis from Final Fantasy XV, proved invaluable in the boss fight. These Visions provide a wide array of ultimate moves that deal heavy damage while applying buffs or healing, requiring players to experiment with different party setups.
Successfully managing damage and stagger can earn bonus turns for characters, creating a satisfying flow state during combat. The writer could see themselves deeply engaging with the system's intricacies, particularly with effectively eight movesets across a party of four characters.
Comparisons and Final Verdict
The game reminded the previewer more of Octopath Traveler than other Final Fantasy titles, with some echoes of the 'Press Turn' system from Shin Megami Tensei. Initially seeming like a cynical fan-service cash-in, the hands-on revealed an interesting and novel conceit beneath the beautiful callbacks to the series' past.
When asked for their favorite game of Gamescom 2026, the writer's immediate answer was Final Fantasy Resonance. Reflecting a week later, they held the same view, expressing a long-held craving for a turn-based, pixel-style Final Fantasy since the series largely moved away from those elements in 1997. The preview ends on a hopeful note for the final game's promise.
