One of the biggest surprises for me during the June 2026 Nintendo Direct was the reveal of a new Final Fantasy called Final Fantasy Resonance.

This is the first game in the series to adopt an HD-2D pixel art style seen in other modern Square Enix titles like Octopath Traveller, Live a Live, and Dragon Quest's HD-2D Remakes, and it plans to bring back an important feature Final Fantasy has been lacking for decades – turn-based combat.

When I first heard that this game was bringing back turn-based in a modern Final Fantasy (something that hasn't been seen in most major titles since 2001's Final Fantasy X), I couldn't believe it.

There had to be some kind of catch, but my doubts were laid to rest as IGN released exclusive, edited gameplay footage of Final Fantasy Resonance's combat system, and it made my heart leap with joy upon seeing it.

Final Fantasy Resonance's combat is a traditional turn-based system where you take turns pelting enemies with magic spells, summoning monsters, buffing allies with support magic, and delivering devastating melee attacks.

It also incorporates elements from more recent titles like Final Fantasy VII Remake's stagger meter that lets you stun enemies upon depleting it.

Final Fantasy Resonance isn't without its own unique gameplay mechanics, though. During battle, your characters will be able to summon spiritual Visions of iconic Final Fantasy characters like Cloud Strife, Zidane Tribal, and Terra and use their powers to aid you in battle.

Additionally, when you deplete an enemy's stagger gauge, you don't just get free hits on an enemy. You can activate a Vision's ultimate ability at the end of a Bonus Stage combo to unleash a world of pain upon your foes or activate your own character's ultimate abilities to end foes with gorgeously animated, HD-2D pixelated cinematic finishers.

Windows Central's take

Speaking as a PlayStation One-era Final Fantasy fan who's missed having turn-based combat in a Final Fantasy game for decades, this was a dream come true.

Granted, it's not quite how I'd imagine it, as Final Fantasy Resonance is based on an old 2015 mobile game called Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, but I'll take what I can get.

I have nothing against Final Fantasy 16 or Final Fantasy VII Remake's hack-and-slash combat systems, but I personally prefer turn-based combat as it's more relaxing, fulfils my need for tactical gameplay, and is more immersive as I get to enjoy the character's cinematic special moves play out without being interrupted by enemies.

Not to mention, turn-based combat is what made Final Fantasy the legendary franchise it is today, and games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 prove that you can make a big-budget RPG with turn-based combat and be successful in this day and age.

Hopefully Final Fantasy Resonance will be just as successful and convince Square Enix to continue making turn-based Final Fantasy games in the future. Perhaps even for a new mainline title?

Either way, I can't wait to try out Final Fantasy Resonance and indulge in its turn-based combat system when it launches on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 1 & 2, PC via Steam on October 22, 2026.

🗨️ Over to you

What do you think of Final Fantasy Resonance? Do you think its turn-based combat looks cool, or do you prefer Final Fantasy games with real-time combat, like the Final Fantasy VII Remake series?

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Alexander Cope is a gaming veteran with over 35 years of experience who primarily covers Xbox and PC gaming news and spotlights discounts on the best laptops, peripherals, and other electronics. He's also a diehard fan of JRPGs, action games, beat em’ ups, and Capcom’s Monster Hunter series