Square Enix has shown 17 minutes of gameplay of Final Fantasy Resonance, its new RPG that bets on the HD-2D style. This technique combines retro sprites with three-dimensional environments, offering a visual experience reminiscent of classics but with modern lighting and effects. The title will arrive on October 22 on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series. The footage includes turn-based battles against bosses, such as the imposing summon Ramuh, confirming that the classic formula is still alive.
The HD-2D engine and its balance between retro and technical 🎮
The graphical aspect of Resonance uses the HD-2D engine, already seen in titles like Octopath Traveler. This system overlays 2D sprites on 3D-modeled environments, with a vibrant color palette and particle effects. Turn-based battles maintain the essence of classic Final Fantasy games, with a dynamic camera that zooms in during special attacks. The summon Ramuh, for example, unleashes lightning that illuminates the entire scene. Technically, the game runs at 60 fps on next-generation consoles and PC, although on Switch a dynamic resolution is expected to maintain smoothness.
Ramuh: the retiree who returns to give you a lesson in electricity ⚡
Seeing Ramuh appear in the gameplay is like running into that uncle who always carries batteries in his pocket. The bearded old man of lightning returns to remind you that, even if you've spent a thousand hours in other RPGs, here you're still a novice. The best part is that, while you cast spells, enemies stay as still as your patience when the game takes a while to load. Sure, at least he doesn't ask you to buy a subscription to summon him. Pure nostalgia, but with less bureaucracy than a bank.