An Expert And A Noob Play 'Final Fantasy Resonance'

Key Points:

• Final Fantasy Resonance marks a return to turn-based combat for the Final Fantasy series, offering a 30-to-40-hour RPG experience that reuses assets from the mobile game Brave Exvius and features HD-2D visuals.
• The game appeals differently to players depending on their familiarity with the series; longtime fans appreciate the inclusion of iconic characters as "visions," while newcomers may find the story confusing and less emotionally impactful.
• Combat in Resonance is generally satisfying, with mechanics like elemental weaknesses and stagger bars engaging players, though some find the game becomes too easy mid-way, leading to difficulty adjustments or exploiting combos for quick victories.
• The narrative received mixed reviews; while characters such as Lid, Fina, and Rain were praised, the overarching story was seen as convoluted and typical of JRPG tropes, which may alienate players unfamiliar with the genre.
• Both reviewers appreciated the polished presentation and gameplay loop, with one noting the game rekindled interest in the franchise, though desires remain for future titles like Octopath Traveler 3 that blend JRPG elements with fresh storytelling and mechanics.