Turn-based Combat
Ongoing coverage on Turn-based Combat.
Latest coverage
Final Fantasy Resonance and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 success means "all signals" point to Square Enix making a mainline turn-based JRPG, analyst says: "Just a matter of time"
Following the strong performance of Final Fantasy Resonance and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, an analyst suggests Square Enix should return to mainline turn-based JRPGs. Resonance has sold 400,000 copies, generating $20 million, indicating a significant market appetite that the company may have overlooked in its shift towards action-oriented titles.
Flygande start för Final Fantasy Resonance på Steam
Final Fantasy Resonance has achieved a highly successful launch on Steam, garnering an "overwhelmingly positive" user rating with 96% of players giving it a thumbs up. The game has set a new record for concurrent players among single-player Final Fantasy titles, reaching a peak of 42,885 players, surpassing Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
Acclaimed 2025 RPG Finally Gets PS5 Release Date, Out Soon
The acclaimed 2025 survival horror RPG, Look Outside, developed by Francis Coulombe and published by Devolver Digital, is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 on October 30, 2026. The game, known for its "Overwhelmingly Positive" Steam rating and unique pixel art aesthetic, will also be available on Nintendo Switch. Look Outside features survival horror elements, resource management, turn-based combat against over 150 creatures, and a playtime of 10-12 hours.
PAX Aus 2026 wrap-up: The New Zealand indie devs to watch
PAX Aus 2026 featured several promising New Zealand indie games. The Order of the Damned is an action-RPG with a dark, post-apocalyptic setting, while Bashful Adoration is a romantic comedy 3D platformer. Dungeon Baller blends roguelite and pinball mechanics, and Shape Sender Deluxe offers a creative puzzle experience. Killing Things With Your Friends is a gory co-op FPS, Burger Bois is a food-truck simulator, and Canvas City is a turn-based game inspired by '90s aesthetics.
Pick Your Clan And Sharpen Your Claws In Warrior Cats: Clans Of The Forest
Warrior Cats: Clans of the Forest, an action-adventure game based on the popular book series, is now available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. Developed by Bamtang Games and published by Trailmark Games, the title features turn-based combat, exploration of the Lake Territories, and multiple game modes including Prophecy, Defender, and Skirmish.
Final Fantasy Resonance Lets You Take A Five-Minute Single Turn, And It’s Glorious
Final Fantasy Resonance offers a unique take on the JRPG genre with its HD-2D visuals and an innovative turn-based combat system that allows for extended, multi-action turns. The game features a cast of classic Final Fantasy characters and allows players to chain abilities for significant damage output. The review praises the game as a standalone experience and a potential revival for Square Enix's mobile titles.
FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE is a Delightful Return to the Series’ Classic Roots
Final Fantasy Resonance reimagines the mobile title Final Fantasy Brave Exvius as a console RPG, utilizing Square Enix's HD-2D visual style for a nostalgic yet modern experience. The game features classic turn-based combat with a new stagger mechanic, deep party customization through 'Visions' of past Final Fantasy characters, and numerous modern conveniences.
Final Fantasy Resonance review - HD-2D graphics at their best
Final Fantasy Resonance is a traditional Japanese role-playing game that successfully blends turn-based combat with impressive HD-2D graphics, offering a nostalgic experience for existing fans. While it doesn't innovate on gameplay, its earnest storytelling, high-quality presentation, and extensive callbacks to the series' history make it a polished and enjoyable entry.
Snabbkollen: Turordning eller realtid i rollspel?
This article discusses the ongoing debate in role-playing games between turn-based and real-time combat systems. It presents poll results showing a slight preference for real-time combat, citing examples like The Witcher 3 and Elden Ring, over turn-based systems found in Baldur's Gate 3 and classic Final Fantasy titles.
Final Fantasy Resonance Review – A Link to the Past
Final Fantasy Resonance is a nostalgic return to the series' retro roots, featuring gorgeous pixel art, a captivating turn-based combat system, and a globe-trotting adventure. The game successfully blends old-school RPG elements with modern polish, offering deep progression mechanics and a satisfying combat experience. While not groundbreaking, it serves as a wonderful celebration of the Final Fantasy franchise's history.
Final Fantasy Resonance (PS5) Review: HD-2D Continues to Shine
Final Fantasy Resonance, an enhanced adaptation of the mobile game Brave Exvius, is a visually stunning HD-2D role-playing game for PlayStation 5. It features a deep turn-based combat system with strategic updates like a battle timeline and stagger system, alongside extensive fan service and a compelling gameplay loop.
Final Fantasy Resonance review: "A breezy nostalgia-laced JRPG that has me falling in love with HD-2D all over again"
Final Fantasy Resonance revitalizes the HD-2D style with an engaging JRPG experience that blends classic and modern Final Fantasy conventions. The game features improved spritework, dynamic camera angles, and a satisfying turn-based combat system with a unique stagger mechanic. While its structure is safe and CG sequences can be jarring, the overall presentation and generous side content make it a compelling retro-modern adventure.
Final Fantasy Resonance review: Vision of greatness
Final Fantasy Resonance is a triumphant RPG that masterfully utilizes the HD-2D art style, offering a compelling narrative centered on the brotherhood between Rain and Lasswell, and Fina's self-discovery. While the story has some narrative stumbles, particularly in its final hours, the engaging turn-based combat enhanced by the Vision system and the expressive character work make it a standout experience. The game is a strong affirmation that the Final Fantasy series still excels in its 2D roots.
This week in PC games: build a better zombie in Stupid Never Dies, glue together houses in Cutout Village, and settle brave new worlds in Star Trek: Outposts Unknown
This week's PC game releases include a variety of genres, from limb-swapping zombie action RPG Stupid Never Dies and city-builder Cutout Village, to Star Trek: Outposts Unknown and the HD-2D Final Fantasy Resonance. Other notable titles include the co-op puzzle game We Were Here Tomorrow and the run-and-gun Metroidvania A Sister's Journey.
Lair of the Leviathan announced for Nintendo Switch
Deck13 Spotlight, Nostalgic Realms, and Whiskeybarrel Studios have announced Lair of the Leviathan, an open-world RPG with pixel art visuals and turn-based combat, for Nintendo Switch in 2027. The game draws inspiration from classic RPGs and offers players freedom to explore the world of Ormande and forge their own adventures.
Metaphor: ReFantazio trailer introduces Strohl
Atlus released a new trailer for Metaphor: ReFantazio, focusing on the character Strohl, a noble from the clemar tribe with a strong sense of justice. The article highlights the game's praised narrative, game design, and combat system, calling it an RPG masterpiece with a Metascore of 94 and over 50 awards. Metaphor: ReFantazio is set to launch on November 12, 2026, for the Nintendo Switch 2, with a demo now available.
MMOs You’ve Never Heard of: Project Sunderfall, Moonbound, and Hana
This article rounds up several lesser-known MMORPGs, including Project Sunderfall, which features stylized fantasy combat and crafting; Moonbound, an isometric MMO inspired by MapleStory with action combat and housing; and Hana, a turn-based MMORPG where players rebuild an elven civilization. Project Sunderfall is described as whimsical, Moonbound allows players to ride pigs and decorate houses, and Hana plans its first alpha in February 2027 with founder's pack purchases.
Shadow of the Road postponed to March 2027 — MP3s & NPCs
Another Angle Games and Owlcat Games have delayed their tactical RPG, Shadow of the Road, to March 10, 2027. The developers stated that additional time is needed to refine the tactical combat, balance encounters, and polish the progression systems. The game is set in 1868 Japan during a civil war and features a blend of tradition and technology.
I got my start writing for a PlayStation 2 magazine: These are my 12 PS2-pilled recommendations from the Steam Autumn…
This article recommends 12 games available on Steam, inspired by or ports from the PlayStation 2 and Dreamcast era. It highlights six modern titles that draw inspiration from the 'sixth generation' of consoles, such as Promise Mascot Agency and Hi-Fi Rush, alongside six classic ports like Metal Gear Solid 3 and Final Fantasy 10.
Final Fantasy Resonance feels so good to play because Square Enix 'experimented' with combining the best bits of FF5 and FF6
Final Fantasy Resonance, a new RPG from Square Enix, successfully blends classic Final Fantasy elements with modern gameplay. Director Hiroto Furuya and producer Keisuke Nakashima explain how the team drew inspiration from Final Fantasy V's job system and Final Fantasy VI's character uniqueness, alongside modern mechanics like the stagger system from Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy XVI. The game features stunning HD-2D graphics and is set to release on October 22nd for PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.
