Final Fantasy Resonance and Dragon Quest Monsters Impressions
Final Fantasy Resonance
Final Fantasy Resonance is a turn-based role playing game developed by Square Enix. The plot is about three protagonists, Rain, Lasswell and Fina on a quest to protect the crystal from armored man. In the beginning of the demo, there was a witch who summons Espers in a war between the crystal. Man in armor fight against the Witch and loss the battle. Man in armor felt betrayed and fast forward to present. Rain, who is the commander of Grandshelt squadron along with his childhood friend Lasswell investigate Earth Shrine. Man in armor awaits them and destroys the Earth Crystal in the process.
Later on Lasswell and Rain go back to Mitra (their hometown) and find visions of past heroes from other games. While reporting back to Kingdom of Grandshelt, it was under attack by group in armor but Fina saves them. From there, Fina, Lasswell and Rain set out on a journey to find reminding visions and stop Veritas of the Dark. In Final Fantasy Resonance, gameplay is just like old school but modern twisted. Three protagonists can use visions based on their classes. In combat, you can stagger enemies to get a extra turn as well.
Each enemies has stagger meter below their health bar. Resonance combat is more smoother and allows players to chose their playstyle. You can find their weaknesses and equipment to boost your party stats. You can ride Cocobos, airships and go on side missions. Final Fantasy Resonance is set to release in October 22, 2026 for Xbox, PlayStaton, Nintendo Switch and PC.
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World is a jrpg developed by Square Enix. The plot is about two sisters Bianca and Nera who travel in The Way of Light. Both female protagonists meet Fluffy who is fairy companion throughout the game. Both Bianca and Nera has special ability to tame monster, which are called “Wranglers”. Two girls set out to find the Leaves O’ Life and restore Kingdom of Witherwood. Throughout there journey, they meet the King of Witherwood and tells them to go to Spelunk to find Leaves O’ Life. Later on, they meet up with Thesipdor who destroys the Leaves O’ Life.
After returning to the Kingdom of Witherwood, the King tasked to go to Shrine of Serenity and compete in G Category Tournament as trials. Both Bianca and Nera completed the trials and next up is Pays de L’Oseille. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World is very different from mainline games. Players can tame monster by showing force in combat. Also, you tame points to upgrade them after gaining exp after battle. There is monster synthesis, two combine to creatures into one (level 10 has requirement to do this).
Nera and Bianca can use Water Wings to get rid of rotted plants for resting, deposit monster and more. Each protagonists has perks and abilities like Bianca can buffs monsters and Nera can revived fallen characters. In combat, both main characters can use tactics along with ordering monster to attack or defend. There is items and treasure chests scatter throughout the land. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World will be available on December 3, 2026 for PlayStation, PC, Nintendo Switch and Xbox.
Review
Final Fantasy Resonance has mindblowing visual and remake of mobile game Brave Exvius’s first story arc Lapis. Now, this is the first jrpg with HD-2D graphics like Octopath Travel and many other using this art style. I really like the visions with past protagonists like Warrior of Light and Cloud Strife. Gameplay is very smooth and flashy, in-depth animation using 3D models. Soundtrack is very mellow dramatic and valiant as protagonists goes in a journey. Visions and Espers is a nice touch and change the tides of battle. Well, I am a veteran of Final Fantasy games and voice acting gives the game life.
While Dragon Quest Monsters: Withered World is a step down from VII but I had fun with the game. Joint Battle is a cool addition with Bianca and Nera fight together against a huge boss. I have played many Monster taming games like Digimon, TemTem, and Pokmen throughout my life. I was thinking, this game was intended for younger audience. Recently, I have played Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, if you wanto hear my thoughts about that game. Note: This game is a spinoff and the first release was September 25, 1998. Also Dragon Quest I-II has HD-2D artstyle as well.
Closing
Withered Worlds also has a upbeat soundtrack and not for first time players of the game. Both Final Fantasy Resonance and Dragon Quest Withered World are great contenders of jrpgs releasing this year in 2026. I really enjoyed both games and had minor issues with them. Both demos of Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest Monsters are available now to try out for yourselves. Let me know in the comments below and thank you for reading this blogpost. Tune into the next one from yours truly. Note: The length of the demo is 1-3 hours long.
Anjim Plays is a award-winning streamer from Washington DC, who is a advocate of blerd and gaming culture. I am willing to help others and work with brands.
