With its cinematic HD-2D visuals and flashy combat, Final Fantasy Resonance was already piquing the interest of turn-based RPG fans, but its powerful and fun Visions mechanic has really captured the imagination. I went hands-on with the final game to take a deep dive into what Visions are, how they work, and how they transform main characters Rain and Lasswell’s quest to save their world.
What are Visions?
If you’re familiar with summons in turn-based RPGs, then that’s a good starting point for Visions – but you’ll get a particular kick out of them if you’re a long-time Final Fantasy fan. As I explored Lapis, I encountered crystal shrines that each welcomed me to engage with a short tale of a hero from previous games in the series.
After an introduction with video clips and multiple choice questions relating to the chosen Vision, I was gifted with a combat-ready assist companion that could be equipped to one of Final Fantasy Resonance’s main party members, granting different magic and attacks in combat, but also permanently enhancing baseline stats like health and speed.
All of which I’ll delve into a bit later, because let’s get into the most pertinent question first…
Who exactly are the Visions?
With so many legendary Final Fantasy heroes spanning 16 main numbered titles, series veterans will be pleased to know that a staggering 26 companions are available to find across the entire game.
These range from iconic villain Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII) and amnesiac rebel Terra (FFVI), to the first Warrior of Light (Final Fantasy) and stoic battler Lightning (FFXIII). There’s also a handful of original characters from the game Final Fantasy Resonance has adapted and enhanced here, Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, such as Black Mage Tronn.
While most don’t typically talk outside of combat chatter, each legacy Vision feels and looks exactly how you’d want them to, complete with animations and music appropriate to the titles they’re originally known for. And yes, their attacks are just as faithful as well.
What abilities do the Visions have?
When a Vision is first awakened I immediately gained access to a basic suite of passive perks, as well as magic and physical strikes to unleash in battle. Take Noctis (FFXV), for example. His opening passive benefits are a 20% boost to my character’s attacks, and the ability to cast Thunder or Blizzard in combat.
However, as each equipped Vision earns mastery points from winning battles, more bonuses and Vision specific abilities are unlocked. In Noctis’ case, his early mastery bonuses include a 40% increase of the equipped party member’s limit burst gauge – the special meter that fills over the course of a fight and lets you deliver a powerful single attack – each time you defeat an enemy.
Unlocking further mastery levels for someone like Zidane (FFIX) means gaining access to his Steal skill, which can be boosted further with his Mug ability which adds potential damage to his theft attempt.
But by far the most spectacular use of a Vision’s power is their Resonance capability. By staggering all opponents during combat – finding their weakness and depleting their stagger meter – I was given the choice of using any of my equipped Visions’ dazzling cinematic finishers, such as Cloud’s (Final Fantasy VII) brutal Ascension Resonance.
What Visions mean for your gameplay
Let’s not get it twisted – Visions may initially look like regular summon attacks, but there’s far more to them than just that. In fact, Final Fantasy Resonance has more traditional summons in the shape of Espers who can join your battles for a set number of turns.
No, Visions fundamentally alter and personalize your party’s proficiencies in combat. The more a party member uses a Vision, the greater their level of affinity grows, which in turn means more bonuses for that character. And because each Vision has a specific role/job status where they excel, I quickly learned to mix and match them to my party characters to either create specialists or all-rounders.
For example, Lasswell has the role of a Breaker, a class geared towards staggering enemies in combat. But coupling him with original Vision Medic Leah gave him the ability to use healing magic and an option to pass his combat turn to an ally, which made him my durable back-up support character if my main heavy hitter went down in battle. Allying him with Cloud (also a Breaker) later on gave my version of Lasswell even stronger offensive capabilities to keep him in the fight.
Similarly, when Lid joined my party, I teamed her up with Zidane, knowing his Saboteur skills to disrupt and debuff enemies would make Lid a tricky and versatile opponent when combined with her damage dealing Commando skill set.
In short, my characters adapted over time to suit my playstyle, but the game never locked me into taking one specific route for their growth, meaning I could evolve them to match the challenges of my quest. And by collecting magicite during the adventure and visiting the somewhat eccentric Moogle of Light, I could increase the base rank of each Vision and unlock even more abilities.
A Vision to behold and play
Of course, Final Fantasy Resonance isn’t just about Visions, even if they’re a crucial part of the game. From its sweeping orchestral score which borrows classic cues from previous titles, to its globe-trotting and occasionally dark tale, there are plenty of traditional elements that will keep fans happy. And yes, you can still whistle for a Chocobo ride, complete with everyone’s favourite theme tune.
How will you customize your characters when Final Fantasy Resonance launches on PlayStation 5 on October 22?