The battle system of “Final Fantasy Resonance” is based on a hybrid structure that combines the gameplay freedom of “Final Fantasy V” with the fixed character identities of “Final Fantasy VI”.
As from a recent interview with IGN As can be seen, the classic turn-based system with visible turn order will be replaced by the traditional Active Time Battle (ATB) principle in order to increase the tactical challenge.
The solution to a historical design dilemma
The developers deliberately avoid pure nostalgia. Producer Keisuke Nakashima aims to ensure that every character in the roster remains relevant to gameplay, rather than falling into the usual hierarchy of core characters and filler. The system employs an anti-meta structure.
Hierarchies are dying out. Over 20 so-called "Visions" serve as modular build components that function like a job system. Characters are therefore not completely interchangeable like in "Final Fantasy V," but retain their identity from "Final Fantasy VI" through fixed base traits. Director Hiroto Furuya calls this the biggest design challenge: "Too much freedom makes characters meaningless, too much identity restricts the build process." The solution lies in a fixed baseline for each character, which is expanded modularly through the Visions.
Tactics through stagger mechanics and tiered complexity
The combat dynamics are created through a break and stagger system, clearly inspired by "Final Fantasy XIII" and "Final Fantasy VII Remake". Enemies are deliberately weakened to create damage windows. This requires precise timing rather than a mindless damage rotation.
The system is not overwhelming. The developers use a progressive approach. The complexity remains low at the beginning; only later in the game and in the endgame do the synergies open up for in-depth experimentation.
Hot, not a simple back-to-the-roots approach, but a mechanically sophisticated hybrid. "Final Fantasy Resonance" eliminates the problem of useless party members through its modular Visions system, without sacrificing character personality. Those seeking purely reaction-based action gameplay will be disappointed. Tacticians who appreciate mathematical synergies and predictable turn-based combat will find exactly what they're looking for.
