by We've got a new Final Fantasy heading our way this Thursday in the form of Final Fantasy Resonance, which returns the series to the HD‑2D pixel-art world, and the critics are already heaping a whole ton of praise on it.
Most of the reviews so far have been for the PS5 and Switch 2 versions, but there are a few Xbox ones as well (9.5/10, 9/10 and 8/10 respectively), while there's also a free Xbox demo of FF Resonance if you want to try it for yourself.
Here's a look at what the reviews are saying:
COGconnected (9.5/10)
"The game is a much-needed and much-desired back-to-basics, made by the giant company that created the genre. Final Fantasy: Resonance is my game of the year right now and is a must-play for all JRPG and Final Fantasy fans."
Game Informer (9/10)
"I went into Resonance expecting to like it for its salute to Final Fantasy characters across the decades, but I wound up loving the game for showing me a whole new canon. In a time when mainline Final Fantasy is still figuring itself out, Final Fantasy Resonance is easy to recommend. It has one foot planted on the solid foundation of Final Fantasy's history, but with its rich graphics and likeable cast of characters it builds up from that history instead of merely pillaging it."
Windows Central (4.5/5)
"Final Fantasy Resonance left me genuinely surprised by how good it was for a mobile game adaptation. It has amazing HD-2D graphics along with an entertaining story and likeable characters despite some pacing issues. The gameplay also kept me hooked throughout with its deep Vision system and engaging turn-based combat. If you're a stalwart Final Fantasy fan who's been yearning for a new turn-based entry, then Final Fantasy Resonance will satisfy your decades-long wish, as it did for me."
Nintendo Life (8/10)
"Final Fantasy Resonance is a strong return to an older style of Final Fantasy, building a thrilling adventure around a classic JRPG design structure that's bolstered by decades of modern game design lessons. A flexible job system, thrilling overworld exploration, and gorgeous implementation of HD-2D all come together to make this one an easy recommendation to any fans of JRPG, new or old."
Push Square (8/10)
"Square Enix has hit on something surprisingly special with Final Fantasy Resonance. While its story and characters struggle to break away from being all too predictable at times, its old-school, turn-based gameplay is fantastic."
IGN (8/10)
"In retooling Brave Exvius for the classic RPG format, Final Fantasy Resonance sets a new benchmark for HD-2D visuals alongside solid turn-based combat and incredible music, which carry an underwhelming story."
VGC (3/5)
"Final Fantasy Resonance is a fun JRPG releasing just when I personally needed a classic turn-based experience, but in a world with HD-2D releases of classic Square Enix games and Pixel Remasters of the first six Final Fantasy games, Resonance just isn’t an essential experience. Final Fantasy Resonance doesn’t have to do anything new to be a good game, but something fresh could’ve made it a great one."
As things stand, Final Fantasy Resonance is sitting on a Metacritic rating of 85 for PS5, which is the platform it has the most reviews for. The PC rating is a little higher at 88, while the Switch 2 rating is lower at 82.
If you're interested in picking it up, FF Resonance is available to pre-order from £49.99 / $49.99 on the Xbox Store (with Xbox Play Anywhere support), and don't forget about that aforementioned free demo as well!