Final Fantasy XVI

 PlayStation 5
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8567 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6,528 out of 8567
  2. Mixed: 693 out of 8567
  3. Negative: 1,346 out of 8567
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  1. danar
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Outstanding story, characters, and worldbuilding earn the right to depart from what fans expect from Final Fantasy.
  2. Fusion1
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    an amazing story that keeps you engaged
    addicting, fun combat that keeps you interested as new abilities unlock
    well-voiced characters, well-built as well
    some of the best boss fights and cinematic of gaming history
    This is not a game its an experience
    Definite Must Play
  3. PixelPals
    Jun 24, 2023
    8
    I wanted a JRPG, but it was an action game with cinematic cutscenes. Still, it's not bad.
  4. FTC
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Another FF game means it's time for another round of review bombing!

    Seriously, just ignore all of the negative reviews. Utterly none of them were written by intelligent lifeforms.
  5. BloodAndWine
    Jun 24, 2023
    4
    For being such a story heavy game (half the playtime is cutscenes) it has severe pacing issues. For every hour of interesting story, there is another hour of padding of what feels like bad fetch quests that were rolled into the main quest.

    The combat can be fun at first, but by the end I was ready for the game to end as it became stale and repetitive. Diesn't help that the game is very    For being such a story heavy game (half the playtime is cutscenes) it has severe pacing issues. For every hour of interesting story, there is another hour of padding of what feels like bad fetch quests that were rolled into the main quest.

    The combat can be fun at first, but by the end I was ready for the game to end as it became stale and repetitive. Diesn't help that the game is very easy. Since you only play as one character, there is no real variety. RPG mechanics feel entirely tacked on. Gear is boring. Loot dropped by fights is mostly irrelevant and exists solely to fill up your inventory.

    The game is very linear. It's level design goes from hallways to "open" fields, but the open areas have nothing in them. There is nothing interesting to find via exploration. Areas exist merely to be scenic. Too much time is spent going from one bland, muddy town to another.

    Most of the cast is quite bland and uniteresting with the exception of Cid. Overall character designs are lacking and visually boring. Interaction between the cast feels thin. The game seems heavily inspired by Game of Thrones except only superficially so. In trying to present itself as "mature" it ends up coming across incredibly forced and contrived (often corny but not in a fun way), and the attempt at being grounded plays against the strengths of the series.

    The music is very good.

    Overall, i didn't like it. Really disappointed. Game doesn't have much to it. It has some cool fantasy scenes, but it's bogged down by fetch quests, paint-by-numbers political intrigue and bigotry plotlines, too many mundane settings, repetitive combat, filler cutscenes, an empty world devoid of exploration and cool gear, a gloomy cast of characters with generic designs and dull personalities, and no real parties end up making the game a lonely and derivative experience.

    Also, the way sprinting works is dumb, motion blur is excessive, and the inability to turn off the auto-follow camera is annoying. Luckily the later two will be patched. And people giving the game a bad score doesn't mean you can write off their criticism as "review bombing". Sometimes people don't like things. No one ever fusses about the hordes of mindless 10/10 reviews.    … Expand
  6. doctorbudz420
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Amazing game! Amazing visuals! And amazing combat.
  7. greg435
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    From the moment I started playing, the game's immersive world and intricate storytelling drew me in. The depth of character development and the vast array of quests and missions kept me engaged for hours on end. The gameplay mechanics were seamless, offering a perfect balance between strategic combat and exploration. The visuals were stunning, with breathtaking landscapes and meticulouslyFrom the moment I started playing, the game's immersive world and intricate storytelling drew me in. The depth of character development and the vast array of quests and missions kept me engaged for hours on end. The gameplay mechanics were seamless, offering a perfect balance between strategic combat and exploration. The visuals were stunning, with breathtaking landscapes and meticulously designed environments. With its gripping narrative, rich gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals, this RPG game has undoubtedly become a favorite in my collection.… Expand
  8. bonggvi
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    amazing game. completed the whole game and this is truly one of the best games of the year
  9. Jovi_seph
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    About 10+ hours in and loving everything about the game. A 9 due to the frame rate not being locked at 60 for performance mode, but other than that a phenomenal game worthy of playing. Story reels you in and wanting more and and the combat feels very fluid and natural. The characters are phenomenal, the boss fights are epic, and the voice acting and OST is amazing..

    To those giving the    About 10+ hours in and loving everything about the game. A 9 due to the frame rate not being locked at 60 for performance mode, but other than that a phenomenal game worthy of playing. Story reels you in and wanting more and and the combat feels very fluid and natural. The characters are phenomenal, the boss fights are epic, and the voice acting and OST is amazing..

    To those giving the game a 0 are just a bunch of losers that want to see the game/franchise fail due to it not being what they want (turn based) or it being exclusive to PlayStation. Get a life and stop trying to bring down all the hard working people that have put in everything to give us this game. How miserable of a person must you be to come and give a 0 just to review bomb the game? Get the game and experience it for yourself rather than listening to a bunch of no-lifers. The game has been out less than 2 full days so it’s clear they haven’t even completed all the content… most probably haven’t even played it.    … Expand
  10. Swampwiise
    Jun 24, 2023
    1
    Unfortunately this isn’t a JRPG or even a Final Fantasy it’s an experiment in an attempt of merging an action game with a beloved franchise. I find myself pushing to finish just to move on. The cutscenes are fun. I would recommend watching streams and not wasting time with this borefest.
  11. Lloyce
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    Gameplay, story, graphics, soundtrack, all are 11/10.

    -1 for the timed exclusivity (2024 release on PC, will never be on xbox), everyone should be able to play this masterpiece, 9/10.
  12. fait23
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    As a Final Fantasy player since the Playstation 1. This game is amazing. Each Final Fantasy tells a unique story and characters. This Final Fantasy brought back the classic, but with modern gameplay mechanics. Thank you SqureEnix for another great Final Fantasy game.
  13. Autumnsoldier
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Outstanding reboot of the Final Fantasy Formula. Strong story and flashy gameplay make for an amazing experience!
  14. Gemesi92
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    best FF ever made, who gave bad votes probably it's better go back to play fifa. It's since FF9 we don't have a game like this.
  15. Gonzalodmv
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Uno de los mejores juegos de la saga sin duda, entra en el top 3 mejores bandas sonoras de la historia de Final Fantasy, el combate es un sueño, sin caídas de FPS por muchos enemigos que haya. La música dinámica está súper bien implementada y la historia está a otro nivel los giros que van haciendo. Lo único malo es el no dejar lugar a la exploración haciendo de esto una aventura menosUno de los mejores juegos de la saga sin duda, entra en el top 3 mejores bandas sonoras de la historia de Final Fantasy, el combate es un sueño, sin caídas de FPS por muchos enemigos que haya. La música dinámica está súper bien implementada y la historia está a otro nivel los giros que van haciendo. Lo único malo es el no dejar lugar a la exploración haciendo de esto una aventura menos aventura.… Expand
  16. krutoj
    Jun 24, 2023
    0
    Just another Final Fantasy game, that fails to deliver. The world looks great, but it's just a lifeless scenery. There are barely people you can actually talk to and if there are, they don't have anything interesting to say. The characters also look too clean for a medival fantasy game.
    The battle system is again very chaotic. Once you gain more abilities there are light shows all over    Just another Final Fantasy game, that fails to deliver. The world looks great, but it's just a lifeless scenery. There are barely people you can actually talk to and if there are, they don't have anything interesting to say. The characters also look too clean for a medival fantasy game.
    The battle system is again very chaotic. Once you gain more abilities there are light shows all over the screen and you barely know what's going on. It just isn't a problem, because most enemies don't even pose a threat. Except for their large health pools they don't have anything going for them. So even with blind button mashing you'll be fine. The battles just drag on for way too long.
    Also it's very annoying, that you often get animation locked by your abilities. This is so counterintuitive for an ARPG. If you want to make action combat, design your skills for action combat, so that my character responds to my input and isn't locked for 3 seconds, because he has to go through a lengthy animation.
    If you want to make lengthy and flashy animtions, go back to making turn based games. At least there players can enjoy those animations. In an ARPG they are just an hindrance.
    The side quests are the worst type of fetch quests you'll ever see in a video game. It's unbelievable how a series known for their great side quests could turn into this.
    There is barely no RPG and almost no J left in this JRPG. It's more like a character action game than anything else. The skill progression system is so shallow, they could just have removed it all together and turned the whole game into an Action game instead of an JRPG.

    But the worst thing are those Eikon battles the game advertises with. They just aren't fun and fell so out of place. You see like 20-30 seconds of interesting animations and actions, but the battles drag on for 5 minutes or more. You just keep repeating the same mind numbing stuff over and over and over again, barely doing any damage to your enemy and having to rewatch the same animations over and over and over again. So after a while you get really annoyed by those animations, that were supposed to be cool and awesome. You just wish to finally get over with this fight and move on with the story. It would have been much much better if SE made the Eikon battles just 20-30 seconds long cutscenes.

    The story and characters are the only good aspects of this game, but they can't save this trainwreck. Before you buy this game check out the demo.    … Expand
  17. RaptorNemesis
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Super bon jeu, du Got, de l'action, une mise en scene incroyable!! Quand je vois des mecs cracher sur le jeu car exclue sony
  18. klkevinkl
    Jun 24, 2023
    2
    This is an action RPG that feels like it's afraid to commit to the action or the RPG. Weapons are just there for stats, not for variety. Combos are encouraged, but damage multipliers for doing so barely go up, so it's better to just button mash short combos. Many side quests feel repetitive and might offer something lore rewarding, but usually not. Many of those "come walk with me andThis is an action RPG that feels like it's afraid to commit to the action or the RPG. Weapons are just there for stats, not for variety. Combos are encouraged, but damage multipliers for doing so barely go up, so it's better to just button mash short combos. Many side quests feel repetitive and might offer something lore rewarding, but usually not. Many of those "come walk with me and talk" style cutscenes. Yet, no party members. The world might not be as empty as FF15, but still feels quite empty and doesn't help distract from the sense of linearity. Cutscenes are excessive and are definitely huge problems in the Eikon transitions. It's made worse by the QTEs in said fights. It looks amazing, but the style over substance makes for poor gameplay.

    There's also A LOT of parallels to .hack//G.U that I cannot unsee.    … Expand
  19. assassingajeel
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    10/10 best final fantasy I have ever played since 7 and 10. Does stuff better than ffxv and ff7 remake. Combat 10/10 story 10/10 sidequest 10/10. Everything you love from ff is here. The evolution of the franchise is now in ff16. The rpg elements are present and useful. The skill tree is massive with new abilities and moves. Also the eikon battles are sick and the QTE don’t get in the way10/10 best final fantasy I have ever played since 7 and 10. Does stuff better than ffxv and ff7 remake. Combat 10/10 story 10/10 sidequest 10/10. Everything you love from ff is here. The evolution of the franchise is now in ff16. The rpg elements are present and useful. The skill tree is massive with new abilities and moves. Also the eikon battles are sick and the QTE don’t get in the way of combat. If you are still on the fence about ff16 then I suggest you play the demo and see you will like. All in all I think this game did a excellent job… Expand
  20. ChichoJL82
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    El juego es una pasada! Lo he jugado durante una hora y me parece una maravilla! No hagan caso de la comunidad de los de siempre, porque os estáis perdiendo el GOTY de éste año!!
  21. SammiKid
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    FF is back and at the top of its game! I haven't been invested this much in FF for a long time.
  22. N1er
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Gameplay : adjustable to your play style or ability. Clive feels smooth to handle in and out of combat along with a training room much a like to a training mode seen in most modern fighting games this game is a joy to play no matter your skill level. Story: I'm hooked. The game plunges you into this medieval fantasy realm and gives you the choice of learning the lore through theGameplay : adjustable to your play style or ability. Clive feels smooth to handle in and out of combat along with a training room much a like to a training mode seen in most modern fighting games this game is a joy to play no matter your skill level. Story: I'm hooked. The game plunges you into this medieval fantasy realm and gives you the choice of learning the lore through the perspective of Clive or you can access active lore with the press of a button. Along with NPCs that unlock along the way with the sole purpose of collecting and explaining lore about the world and it's characters. As a fan of darker stories such as Nier: replicant, drakengard and berserk. I find the story here has some comparisons to them without being too dark and heavy. The game knows when to break up these dark and depressing moments without making light of the situation and keeping the gravity of each situation intact. The characters are memorable and well written and certainly have a little sprinkle of past Final Fantasy titles in them, it feels like a natural progression of final fantasy. Graphics: The PS5 works well for this title. Square-Enix have been known to push boundaries of a consoles capabilities in the past, while many game companies now can make beautiful games I wouldn't say this one is lacking either. The magic effects and background scenery are truly breathtaking at times while the backdrop of villages and towns feel somewhat familiar to some I've walked through in real life. Music: Soken has done it again. Incredible sounds of choirs for massive moments, single guitars for quiet moments and even more electronic sounds for SPOILER. Final fantasy xiv fans will be pleased to hear one or two little moments that sound familiar to them but don't get me wrong this isn't just FFXIV with a bit extra. There's an entire new feel for this title and the battle themes will stay stuck in your head. Honestly cannot wait for the soundtrack to be released. Overall: everyone has their right to a personal opinion but it's just that. Personal. My favourite final fantasy games are: FFVI,FF:TACTICS, FF:CRYSTAL CHRONICLES, FFIX, FFXIV and now this is on that list FFXVI. Everything works wonderfully to draw you into this realm, not all of us old players of Final Fantasy are sour and wishing for the old days. I embrace all the new final fantasy fans this title will bring and I'm thankful to the team who brought this to us. If you want to play an older final fantasy they all still exist and you are free to play them at any point but I feel if you are expecting the exact same as 10,20,30 years ago then you might just benefit from embracing something new for a change. Otherwise you are denying yourself this wonderful experience for the sake of your perception of 'tradition'.… Expand
  23. Mclovins6xnine
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Story is so engaging and the intro/demo is one of the best, while the boss fights just keep on getting better so far
  24. JosephKry
    Jun 24, 2023
    2
    FF4, FF6, FF7, FF8, FF9, FF10 where art thou?
    How I miss those days of greatness, where those games where deep with story, mechanics, magic, items and lore. Opening every treasure box was exciting. Will I get a new armor, weapon, maybe a new magic?
    And this, what is this? FF16 has nothing of the above. I agree, the graphics are good and some of the battle music is excellent, but where    FF4, FF6, FF7, FF8, FF9, FF10 where art thou?
    How I miss those days of greatness, where those games where deep with story, mechanics, magic, items and lore. Opening every treasure box was exciting. Will I get a new armor, weapon, maybe a new magic?
    And this, what is this? FF16 has nothing of the above.

    I agree, the graphics are good and some of the battle music is excellent, but where is the game?
    No party, no weapon selection, no armor, no magic, no strategy, juts walk around, see cutscenes, find useless loot, evade and kill.
    Yes, the boss fights look epic, but deep beneath, I can kill any HP bloated boss by just clicking the attack and evade buttons.
    Square Enix said that with FF16 they are returning to the roots and getting all veteran fans excited. I prefer playing FF6 for the 10th time and not this.
    In my country I paid $90 for the base game.
    I will finish the game because I paid so much, and the story is interesting enough, but the game, where is the game?
    I created a Metacritic account just to show how disappointed I am and warn other FF veterans to stay away from this game.    … Expand
  25. bonnieloup
    Jun 24, 2023
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Fantastic combat and even more fantastic storyline. A total new vision for Final Fantasy which is worth trying and embrace.… Expand
  26. Urodith
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Un juego espectacular, un gran final fantasy que vuelve a sus orígenes. Combate de 10 y la ost una maravilla de soken. Recomendado para usuarios de Xbox incluso
  27. Malignant
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Outstanding game. GOTY status. Not sure why the review bombers are here but I expect that to happen on any game nowadays.… Expand
  28. Deseila
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Amazing game. I would recommend it for anyone to try. Also please ignore the baboons that are review bombing. They have nothing better to do than be morons. They can't handle that this game is doing amazing.
  29. Tjf0057
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Such a great game.
  30. rledan09
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Title: Final Fantasy XVI: The Perfect Game Redefining Perfection

    Final Fantasy XVI, the latest entry in the iconic Final Fantasy series, stands as an exemplar of gaming perfection. Developed by Square Enix, this magnum opus of the role-playing genre has shattered expectations, delivering an unparalleled experience that redefines what it means to be a perfect game. With its awe-inspiring    Title: Final Fantasy XVI: The Perfect Game Redefining Perfection

    Final Fantasy XVI, the latest entry in the iconic Final Fantasy series, stands as an exemplar of gaming perfection. Developed by Square Enix, this magnum opus of the role-playing genre has shattered expectations, delivering an unparalleled experience that redefines what it means to be a perfect game. With its awe-inspiring visuals, masterful storytelling, complex characters, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a sublime musical score, Final Fantasy XVI sets the gold standard for gaming excellence. In this review, we will delve into the various aspects of this remarkable title and explore why it truly embodies perfection within the gaming world.

    1. A Visual Marvel: Pushing the Boundaries of Graphics and Artistry

    From the very moment players enter the world of Final Fantasy XVI, they are spellbound by its visual splendor. The game's graphics are a tour de force, seamlessly blending photorealistic environments with fantastical elements. The meticulous attention to detail is breathtaking, whether it's the intricate cityscapes, sprawling landscapes, or the exquisitely designed characters. The lighting effects, particle systems, and fluid animations work in perfect harmony to create an immersive and visually stunning experience that captivates players from start to finish.

    2. Epic Storytelling: A Gripping Narrative that Transcends Boundaries

    Final Fantasy XVI weaves a tapestry of storytelling brilliance, taking players on a journey that transcends the boundaries of the medium. The narrative unfolds with a masterful blend of intrigue, emotion, and epic proportions. It delves into profound themes of love, sacrifice, power, and redemption, presenting players with morally ambiguous choices and exploring the depths of human emotions. The characters are exceptionally well-written, each possessing their own unique motivations, flaws, and growth arcs. The dialogue is crafted with finesse, eliciting a wide range of emotions and fostering a deep connection between the players and the game world.

    3. Revolutionary Gameplay: Blending Tradition and Innovation

    Final Fantasy XVI revolutionizes gameplay by seamlessly blending traditional elements of the series with innovative mechanics. The combat system is a symphony of strategic depth and real-time action, offering a perfect balance between accessibility and complexity. Players can seamlessly switch between party members, employing unique abilities and executing devastating combos. The skill progression system is robust, allowing players to tailor their characters' abilities to suit their playstyle. Furthermore, the open-world environment is replete with engrossing side quests, hidden treasures, and engaging activities, offering players a sense of exploration and adventure.

    4. Musical Brilliance: A Melodic Masterpiece

    The musical score of Final Fantasy XVI stands as a testament to the remarkable talent of its composers. From the triumphant orchestral pieces to the hauntingly beautiful melodies, the soundtrack elevates every moment of the game. It expertly enhances the emotional impact of the narrative, capturing the essence of each scene and character. The sound design, including the environmental audio effects, brings the game world to life, further immersing players in the rich tapestry of Final Fantasy XVI.

    5. Worldbuilding: A Vast and Immersive Realm

    The world of Final Fantasy XVI is an expansive and intricately crafted realm, brimming with wonder, history, and lore. The attention to detail in its creation is extraordinary, with each location boasting its distinct culture, geography, and architectural design. The world feels alive, populated by diverse and vibrant communities, each with its own stories to tell. Exploration is rewarded with hidden secrets, engaging encounters, and a profound sense of discovery. The worldbuilding in Final Fantasy XVI is a testament to the developers' dedication to creating a rich and immersive experience for players.

    6. Emotional Resonance: A Profound Connection with Characters and Themes

    I’d keep going but there’s a character limit.    … Expand
  31. check2wice
    Jun 24, 2023
    4
    I hate that holding hand tutorials and way too much cutscenes. This doesn't feel like a final Fantasy
  32. foxmulder34
    Jun 24, 2023
    2
    Combat is not great also performance mode is so bad i didnt pay $500 for 720p
  33. itbingu
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    People need to understand FF has always been about reinvention, there's enough characteristics that make this an FF game, no one's keeping you from replaying the older games. Let people enjoy things.
  34. Zelt
    Jun 24, 2023
    0
    La exploración es pobre, por no decir inexistente.
    Apenas hay elementos rpg(apenas hay equipo donde elegir, vulnerabilidades inexistentes, subir de nivel apenas es necesario).
    El juego consiste en ver cinemáticas y avanzar en línea recta pulsando un par de botones. Eso si, con muchas lucecitas para que parezca menos malo de lo que es, digno de un juego de móvil.
    No tires tu dinero.
  35. Luke_shogun
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Meu jogo favorito lançado em 2023, história magnífica, gráficos lindos, personagens carismáticos e gameplay imersiva
  36. Rezatiktak
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Story is great Cid, Jill, Clive are awesome characters Gameplay/Combat is great Soundtrack is great Graphic is very good.
  37. Agitamaster
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    The moust beautiful game in The word. Gente não tem como não gostar desse jogo, o jogo está lindo, leve e tem loadings instantâneos, quem comprar vai gostar, jogo muito divertido.
  38. Steddag1
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    The 16th mainline Final Fantasy which you turn into gigantic monster called Eikons and fight other Eikons for control of others large territories. You can even take the abilities of Eikons as the main character, Clive. Even in your human form, you can use your Eikons and other Eikons abilities for crazy combos added on your combos. It's a Mature Rated Final Fantasy where you will nudity,The 16th mainline Final Fantasy which you turn into gigantic monster called Eikons and fight other Eikons for control of others large territories. You can even take the abilities of Eikons as the main character, Clive. Even in your human form, you can use your Eikons and other Eikons abilities for crazy combos added on your combos. It's a Mature Rated Final Fantasy where you will nudity, gore, blood. It sounds like a great time while leveling up for more health and damage, crafting for stronger armor and weapons. Story is fantastic you won't regret it. Go buy that game!… Expand
  39. neilmagic
    Jun 24, 2023
    0
    Sorry, but you take away the traditional combat, you take away the legacy and you ultimately get a zero rating. Stop butchering legacies such as Final Fantasy by turning them into dumbed down generic hack and slashes, we have enough of that.

    Battle system is critical! You simply don't mess with the core structure of this,it's what made FF stand out as it utilised tradition and made it    Sorry, but you take away the traditional combat, you take away the legacy and you ultimately get a zero rating. Stop butchering legacies such as Final Fantasy by turning them into dumbed down generic hack and slashes, we have enough of that.

    Battle system is critical! You simply don't mess with the core structure of this,it's what made FF stand out as it utilised tradition and made it modern in all other aspects, this is a compliment to the games not a detriment and tearing that out leaves it as a nothing, zero!    … Expand
  40. Noctis89
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Excelente juego, le mecánica me encanta y el sonido es espectacular. Es el final fantasy más cercano a ser un juego perfecto
  41. RyukaX
    Jun 24, 2023
    0
    This is the perfect entry-point for casual gamers who have never played a game in the series it heralds from. It forgoes strategic combat for single button-press play. For that reason accessibility has never been higher, but this is not something you want to play if you want to use your brain.

    As for the plot, it's a typical savior revenge scenario, and while there are companions to aid    This is the perfect entry-point for casual gamers who have never played a game in the series it heralds from. It forgoes strategic combat for single button-press play. For that reason accessibility has never been higher, but this is not something you want to play if you want to use your brain.

    As for the plot, it's a typical savior revenge scenario, and while there are companions to aid you, none of them are directly controllable. The world is drab and every new area is basically on railroad tracks without room to move much to the left or right, so don't expect to be able to explore fleshed out environments and enjoy the surprise of a worthwhile discovery. The music is nice, I'll give it that, but the other stuff bogs it down majorly.

    Overall, the game isn't going to do anything new for you that you haven't seen in countless other action games, and since it's not even trying to be an RPG, I would look elsewhere for your fix. If you insist on playing, wait for Black Friday or some other super sale which is no doubt just around the corner. This is not worth your time and money, and Square-Enix should go back to what they do best and stop trying to emulate western style design. No one buys Japanese games to experience a poor attempt at a western game. They should play to their strengths in future titles and aim for more originality, versus trying to expand their market by copying the current popular thing.    … Expand
  42. Eilia
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    ff have always been too western mixed for a jrpg but it's so perfectly done
  43. XVIDreamKiller
    Jun 24, 2023
    4
    Utterly disappointing performance and visual quality. Constant fps drops below 45 fps. And 720p during combat tf? we didn't see 720p until the end of ps4 era with games like Hogwarts legacy, cyberpunk etc. Hard to believe that critics are giving this game a 8 or 9. I don't think it's a hardware issue since this is not even an open world game, other games like HFW have better visual qualityUtterly disappointing performance and visual quality. Constant fps drops below 45 fps. And 720p during combat tf? we didn't see 720p until the end of ps4 era with games like Hogwarts legacy, cyberpunk etc. Hard to believe that critics are giving this game a 8 or 9. I don't think it's a hardware issue since this is not even an open world game, other games like HFW have better visual quality and also run at better fps. This game is just poorly optimised for the playstation 5. The graphics mode is also unplayable due to the terrible motion blur. 4/10 until they improve performance.… Expand
  44. SDHK
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    Big FF fan. Really loving the game. With the FF7 remake and this feel they are slowly coming back.
    Just for context, I am at 26 hours into the game.
    Really don't understand how people can give 0 when there are games like Redfall which is barely playable. Of course, there are some flaws just like any other game but I don't think is a game-breaker. Here are some Pro and Cons Pros -    Big FF fan. Really loving the game. With the FF7 remake and this feel they are slowly coming back.
    Just for context, I am at 26 hours into the game.
    Really don't understand how people can give 0 when there are games like Redfall which is barely playable. Of course, there are some flaws just like any other game but I don't think is a game-breaker.

    Here are some Pro and Cons

    Pros
    - The combat feels great to play. It is simple but can be very complex if you wanted to be (Just like DMC)
    - The world and visual is candy to the eye.
    - Boss battles are epic and feel different each time.
    - Music is emotional and always fun to listen too
    - Story is more subjective, personally, I like it compared to other J-rpg or FF where they just make it weird and complex. Sometimes you have no clue what is going on. There are some points low points however it always ends with an epic boss battle.
    - If you love Lore and world-building. You have a Button during the story to further understand the context and a few NPCs teach you the history and the settings of the story. (Think every game should give one)

    Cons
    - Side Quest is pale compared to the main story quest. There are a few that is good later half of the game but most of them I really didn't care much about. Especially compared to the rewards, although there is a system introduced to the game later to help this.
    - The items in this game are mostly just small stats boosts. I found a few items which are interesting but not as epic compared to previous FF games. Which impacts the fun of exploration (At this point)

    Other a few points other haters' comments I want to address
    - Yes technically you can finish the game with just one or two buttons and overall it's not the most challenging game. But I think is more about pulling off cool combos and moves to make you feel epic. If you are a DMC fan you will understand. As I mentioned above it can be very simple but complex if you wanted to be pulling off the crazy combo.
    - Not having party members. I think this can be hit or miss for some people. I personally feel the reason the combat feels very good is because it focuses on one character. But at the same time, this is a FF game. Having no party member feel less like a FF. But I don't think is a big issue since you get many Eikon abilities along the way to make you feel different.
    - There are some framerates drop here and there but its not a big deal. They say they are going to fix it soon anyway.    … Expand
  45. Haroldkok2023
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    After being afraid of the changes I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. Although I still like a turn based system over the the hack and Slash we have now the story is one of the best in the series after 8 and 10 for me. The music is on a completely different level, it's amazing and get you're blood pumping and hyped. The eikon battles may be a bit simple looking but still epic andAfter being afraid of the changes I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. Although I still like a turn based system over the the hack and Slash we have now the story is one of the best in the series after 8 and 10 for me. The music is on a completely different level, it's amazing and get you're blood pumping and hyped. The eikon battles may be a bit simple looking but still epic and amazing and again the music, chefs kiss. The characters are 95% amazing and Cid and the voice he is given truly amazing. I live this game and it's so much better then 15 and guess what it's complete no chunks being cutt out to sell as dlc.… Expand
  46. Cyshox
    Jun 24, 2023
    3
    Final Fantasy XVI is no RPG but a cinematic action adventure with a weird story in a dull world - and it's performance is very poor.

    The Final Fantasy series has some of the best JRPGs out there but Final Fantasy XVI is not one of them. It has minor RPG elements but in a very simplified way similar to Spider-Man or Far Cry. You wouldn't call them RPGs, would you? Not everything is bad if    Final Fantasy XVI is no RPG but a cinematic action adventure with a weird story in a dull world - and it's performance is very poor.

    The Final Fantasy series has some of the best JRPGs out there but Final Fantasy XVI is not one of them. It has minor RPG elements but in a very simplified way similar to Spider-Man or Far Cry. You wouldn't call them RPGs, would you?

    Not everything is bad if course : Combat is pretty fun and at first glance the visuals are beautiful. I like the art style & the darker tone if this game The cutscenes are of high quality.

    However I can't recommend this game. The world is dull and empty, the story gets weird halfway through, MMO-like side quests aren't fun and the loot system is very questionable. It feels a bit like "Game of Thrones : Devil May Cry Edition" but it's very different from previous Final Fantasy games. This game should have gotten a different title.

    The performance mode of this game is atrocious : The exploration sequences are a stutterfest barely touching 60fps and dropping into the 30s. In combat resolution drops to 720p and the game becomes very blurry - while still not being able to maintain 60fps. The only way to enjoy this game is in 30fps quality mode.

    I should have avoided this release. All those good reviews a few days ago tricked me into giving it a try. I wonder what Square Enix spent to get such misleading scores...    … Expand
  47. C8H18
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    One of the best entries of the series.
    Clearly, risks were taken with the gameplay but it was for the best.
    We don't want turn by turn fights anymore, nor another soulslike combat system. Localization, especially british voices, is the best I've seen so far in a game. I regret that some of the reviewers here decided to bomb the rating, and th'at's why I've noted it 10 on 10. Without    One of the best entries of the series.
    Clearly, risks were taken with the gameplay but it was for the best.
    We don't want turn by turn fights anymore, nor another soulslike combat system.
    Localization, especially british voices, is the best I've seen so far in a game.
    I regret that some of the reviewers here decided to bomb the rating, and th'at's why I've noted it 10 on 10.
    Without that, I would have given an 9 for one reason, there's some frame drops especially on wooden areas.    … Expand
  48. IAMUCITY
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Classic! Best JRPG!

    I think there is no second better game in 2023 except ZELDA and FF16!
  49. Seto_Kaiba
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    I am 20 hours in, but I thought I'd leave a review after seeing this game being review bombed, the fact you can pet the Torgal means it should be a 10. Seriously though, the people saying it's only 2 buttons either don't know what they're talking about or have the accessories on that basically turns the game into easy mode, either way, the combat is as complex as you make it. TheI am 20 hours in, but I thought I'd leave a review after seeing this game being review bombed, the fact you can pet the Torgal means it should be a 10. Seriously though, the people saying it's only 2 buttons either don't know what they're talking about or have the accessories on that basically turns the game into easy mode, either way, the combat is as complex as you make it. The characters are incredible, the standout, besides Clive of course, is Cid, but I have to also mention Jill as she is a great side character as well. The side quests are hit or miss, but they're not shoved in your face, although there are these plus sign quests that unlock things, you don't have to do them, but I suggest you do because the things you unlock are very useful, at least the three I have done so far. The OST is top tier, all the boss battles I've done have had banger music so far. Speaking of boss battles, the eikon battles are epic, I thought they would be extremely gimmicky, and in a way they are, but the way they are handled and used sparsely, I personally don't think it detracts from the fights

    As for cons, the story takes a few hours to build, and with so many cutscenes, it could seem like a chore for some people. The lip syncing in some parts are not great. It takes around 5 or so hours to get to the point where it opens up, and even when it does, there's no real incentive to go exploring. Gear doesn't seem very important, you will be changing your gear a lot.

    TLDR

    After 20 hours of playing I'm hooked. I need to force myself to take breaks or I'd be playing all day. Don't let the 0 scores deter you, the story, although it takes a few hours to get going, is great. Music is top tier, combat has a lot of depth and is as difficult as you make it. eikon battles can appear gimmicky on the surface, but the way they are handled makes you not even think about it. Definitely recommend for both Final Fantasy fans and fans of action combat    … Expand
  50. Papagoonie
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    The game is great so far. I’m thoroughly enjoying it right now. The story is quite good in my opinion. Combat is really satisfying and it runs very well on PS5, no frame drop I’ve encountered on performance mode. The 0 reviews I’m seeing are obviously from pansy starfield chodes. It’s impossible that anyone could give this game a 0 when it is a GOTY contender…those things don’t match up.The game is great so far. I’m thoroughly enjoying it right now. The story is quite good in my opinion. Combat is really satisfying and it runs very well on PS5, no frame drop I’ve encountered on performance mode. The 0 reviews I’m seeing are obviously from pansy starfield chodes. It’s impossible that anyone could give this game a 0 when it is a GOTY contender…those things don’t match up. If you have a PS5 and are on the fence I would absolutely recommend playing this title if you’re a real time action fan, which I am. If you’re on Xbox, you’ll have to wait I think. Starfield will be an exhilarating locked 30fps tho, there’s that to wait for. I’ll check that out too but in the meantime I will be thoroughly enjoying FF16.… Expand
  51. TheGamergon
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    This game is seriously in my top 5 Final Fantasy games of all time. It was so worth the wait.
  52. Kasum
    Jun 24, 2023
    0
    This is probably the most easy action game that I've played
    And it's so dull to see the whole game being so painfully empty in every aspect.
    Even in the general generic art design
    It feels so forgettable
  53. maliou
    Jun 24, 2023
    0
    I don’t know what idea SQUARE ENIX has to make this Final Fantasy. This work completely betrays players who like Final Fantasy. It is not an RPG at all, but an ACT work without depth, and it only Learned the fur of DMC5. In terms of plot, the producer strongly denied that he was making a JRPG game, and said that he was making a "dark fantasy RPG". Judging from the results, this isI don’t know what idea SQUARE ENIX has to make this Final Fantasy. This work completely betrays players who like Final Fantasy. It is not an RPG at all, but an ACT work without depth, and it only Learned the fur of DMC5. In terms of plot, the producer strongly denied that he was making a JRPG game, and said that he was making a "dark fantasy RPG". Judging from the results, this is undoubtedly a failure. This Final Fantasy only has "J" and no "" RPG", the work has an extremely simple plot, but they didn't tell the story well at all. The character of the protagonist is full of loopholes at the beginning of the game. The heroine is useless, and she is not even as useful as the dog in the game! There is no map design, no system depth, equipment and level systems are almost useless, side missions are as simple as MMORPG 20 years ago, even the heroine is ugly, the heroine of this work is the ugliest in the Final Fantasy series heroine. This Final Fantasy is undoubtedly a failure, it does not deserve to be called Final Fantasy at all!… Expand
  54. kgauj
    Jun 23, 2023
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 1, Bearer related settings are messy
    As for why bearers are being discriminated against, it's too inappropriate to say that it's just a crude reason that they can use magic without crystals. Stop making a story with just persuasiveness or setting and moving the story

    What's more, the main character himself was treated as a bearer, but it's strange that he doesn't have any knowledge about bearers.
    In particular, it's a complete opportunism that Bearer didn't know that if he used too much magic, he would be petrified after living for 28 years.

    The 13 years and 5 years in the game are so bad that the main characters are asleep.
    In particular, the miserable treatment of the bearers and the sub-quests are appealing, but it's strange that Clive and Jill, who have lived in this world all their lives, would say, "I just found out for the first time! We didn't know anything." didn't you think
    It's not made by the player = hero, and the hero's ignorance of the common sense of the world is a complete flaw

    2. Childish political drama and last
    All the politicians are drawn incompetent and the political side is not drawn well at all
    Conspiracies and tactics swirling If you think they're going to do something politically dramatic, no ruler will think about the future Let's plunder the land, for now we're strong, so let's become rulers Only brain muscles that think about things not present
    They're all idiots who don't have any idea what to do when the crystal goes bad
    Childishness that goes on the ground that "a character who is smarter than a screenwriter will never be born"
    It's really hard not to be able to write a detailed depiction of politics even though you half-heartedly incorporate social ideas into a fantasy world.

    Even if you write about politics and slavery, if you want to blow it away at the end and run away from the epilogue without depicting difficult problems, don't write from the beginning.

    3, padding quest
    Find people, collect things, defeat enemies.
    If you have time to do boring errands, draw properly how the hero's 13 years of slave life was harsh and how his resentment against the Dominant of Fire grew.
    I can't imagine even if you said something like you licked the bitterness with just your mouth
    More to the point, it's questionable that the main character's resentment against the Zambrek Empire, which caused the Phoenix Gate to be attacked and forced him to leave the country, is almost completely absent. I don't understand why it's not suitable for the Zambrek Empire.

    4, the goal of Clive's revenge is a farce
    The mystery punch line of whether it was Clive (Efreet) who killed Joshua drawn in the trial version is also as expected, and there is no twist such as misleading, which is disappointing.
    What's more, in the early stages, most of the mystery is revealed, and the main character immediately recognizes herself and immediately reforms, and the process of her suffering and growth is bland and disappointing.
    A man caught in revenge realizes his mistake and struggles with what to do, but since there is no depiction of the period when he was caught in revenge, from the player's point of view, there is no persuasiveness and it is just a child deception.

    5. Character drawing is symbolic and childish dialogue
    The depictions of the dominants of each country are only symbolic, and they are the same characters as you see them, and there is no duality at all.
    None of the characters have a human smell, and this character is like this! I can't feel the emotion behind the words because I only say the words that are set

    6, the world cannot be saved for the hero's purpose
    The purpose of destroying the main character's mother crystal is not directly connected to the story of people living as humans.
    Rather, it accelerates the conflict between countries and people die, and it turns out that it was as expected by the final boss.
    Even if you defeat the final boss, it won't be convenient for the conflicts between countries to disappear after that.
    If you seriously think that if you break the mother crystal, you can't use magic, and the discrimination between bearers will disappear, it's too corny to be amazed

    It's really childish to unify and simplify the root of all evil, and the main character's actions can only be seen as an escape from real troublesome problems.
    It was necessary to solve both the environmental energy problem and the slavery problem, or at least one of them, in a convincing way, but the worst thing is to somehow solve it by defeating the last boss who is the cause of everything.

    8, rip off this work steals elements from other works such as GOT Naruto Hagaren, Dragon Ball Witcher, and manga games, and it's amazing that you don't have any pride as a creator.
    Moreover, it's made up of patchwork quotes that remove the points, so it's not respectful, it's out of place
    Both the story and the world view character settings are a collection of déjà vu    … Expand
  55. jujuka
    Jun 24, 2023
    0
    This game is not good and not bad honestly, it is just ok.
    It has its own soul for sure, story is good, some fights are completely epic and make you shiver, but this is it, nothing else outside of this part feels like AAA title.
    - Combat is nice and feels like it has depth in it, but few skills for each "tree" no real combos outside of few that you can unlock at the start of the game in    This game is not good and not bad honestly, it is just ok.
    It has its own soul for sure, story is good, some fights are completely epic and make you shiver, but this is it, nothing else outside of this part feels like AAA title.
    - Combat is nice and feels like it has depth in it, but few skills for each "tree" no real combos outside of few that you can unlock at the start of the game in 10h make you just suffer internally from eachfight, because yes you can do different "small" combos like push enemy jump to him and do some big damage, but this big damage feels like nothing and you will need to repeat such combos on non-boss enemies over and over again till it becomes tedious, I was tired of clicking square button.
    - Locations - bland, yeah some of them look nice but this is just 100x100 square meters polygons with same mobs and same loot (healing potions, common items for crafting)
    - Quests - outside of main story big no from me, some of them are nice but because of gameplay loop there really can't be anything except of go kill, go fetch, go speak. Some of them make you feel and know this world more but still you really never know will it be another fetch mission or there will be some story told... And because this is not open world each location feels like another fragmented world part which you really can't connect together.
    - Characters - Jill is nice, Clive is edgy boy with "revenge" on his mind, there is mostly zero to none interactions between characters outside of main quest which is really really bad for character building
    - Performance - I wish it was better but right now it is horrible, really horrible I think I have never seen worse PS5 exclusive till now. 30fps/1080p or 40-55fps/720p in fights and 30fps/1440p or 35-50fps/1080p world exploring, I was playing with VRR enabled on 1440p screen and this game just felt so choppy and so blurry because of low resolution that I just can't... Wait till they will do something with it.
    - Visuals - it feels like visuals should be insanely good maybe on par with some AAA titles like HFW, but lack of open world and poor performance on par with poor resolution just can't make it click, I was playing in performance mode and everything was so blurry half of the time that I just couldn't enjoyed what I was seeing
    Last thing to say, this game is not action-rpg, it is just pure action, all rpg elements in this game are completely useless and were done just to add it in genres for this game. So if you are looking for different builds, different play styles, maybe different companions setup, you will not find any of this here, all that you have is customizable skill bar that's it.    … Expand
  56. TimmonsXCI
    Jun 24, 2023
    5
    Is it a Final Fantasy game, or is it a hack and slash just branded Final Fantasy? The game seems to walk a fine sketchy line where it can't decide on what kind of game it wants to be.
  57. Cutloso
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    The game is a perfect mix of got, real time rpg mechanics and great visuals. Do not listen to the haters, the game is a soiid 8 , but giving it a 10 to balance the score
  58. Redgman
    Jun 24, 2023
    8
    I absolutely love this game. As a lifelong FF fan I love the route they took with this. It's not perfect but man it's a fresh take at one of the most beloved franchises in history. I really only have 2 issues. 1. All the blood and gore is great BUT no dismemberment? Hate that. It's already mature and the blood is everywhere so go ahead and let me cut ppl and monsters up for real.
    2.    I absolutely love this game. As a lifelong FF fan I love the route they took with this. It's not perfect but man it's a fresh take at one of the most beloved franchises in history. I really only have 2 issues. 1. All the blood and gore is great BUT no dismemberment? Hate that. It's already mature and the blood is everywhere so go ahead and let me cut ppl and monsters up for real.
    2. The sword scabbard design for Clive is so different and such an intentional choice that the fact the sheathing and unsheathing animations clearly have the blade slice thru the side of it is just wrong. Do it right and make it make sense.    … Expand
  59. jepalome
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Great game. Combat system is new. I like the graphics a lot. The story has a lot to discover.
  60. HOHO2244
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    It’s been a long time since a game was so shocking, and it’s also memorable after the end. I hope to launch a DLC.
  61. Kingzeus
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Beautiful visuals, great characters design and persona. Awesome battle system. All seems new and yet familiar like FF we all love and like. This is a new way of playing FF and I really like it so far. It is worth all the money spent to get this amazing game.… Expand
  62. Jennyraide
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    Even with all his numerous issues, this game is an incredibile experience and a rare case in which the AAA quality hits you with all its power. Yes, the RPG elements are superfluous, maybe the standard difficulty Is too easy, but in front of all the things that they did right i just don't understand how you can say this is not a great videogame.
  63. Zeggey
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Final fantasy 16 is almost everything I want in a final fantasy game fun combat good level exploration and a great story
  64. sabin16
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    Honestly I am surprised by the low scores. This game is amazing, indeed is a departure from the traditional FF,but in the right direction. The combat is amazing, if you know how to use it, Eikon battles as well, the story is one of the best FF in years, and the characters well developed and have a interesting evolution. The score is great and as usual the music doesn't disappoint. I didn'tHonestly I am surprised by the low scores. This game is amazing, indeed is a departure from the traditional FF,but in the right direction. The combat is amazing, if you know how to use it, Eikon battles as well, the story is one of the best FF in years, and the characters well developed and have a interesting evolution. The score is great and as usual the music doesn't disappoint. I didn't encounter any bugs so the game is well polished. This might be my game of the year.… Expand
  65. Galbro
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    to be honest, i‘m not the soulslike-gamer, so i am not a big fan of the fighting system. still:

    - i love the story telling, and the zillions of additional background infos.
    - i love running through the game and just look the stunning graphics.
    - i would have eated wirh. 9 but to balance the worthless 0-ratings i‘ll give it a 10

    thanks

    br
  66. xCid
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    10/10 the evolution that Final Fantasy needed. Amazing history and lot of fun fights.
  67. ozymandiasza
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    Excellent game. Reminds me a lot of the Ff7 remake. Would recommend.

    Combat can be a bit much on the button mashing side, but makes up for it with skills.
  68. lailaikingking
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    This is a very good adventure experience, a wonderful story, a refreshing combat system, and it is the top game in the series.
  69. Frenchhouse91
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    The future of action RPG’s. flawless combat, gripping narrative, and quality of life improvements across the board. Also, those who are participating in the diversity boycott based on diversity reasons are misguided. There are lots of different types and colors of people in this game, and the creators had a specific vision for world building. My friend and I are playing the entire game onThe future of action RPG’s. flawless combat, gripping narrative, and quality of life improvements across the board. Also, those who are participating in the diversity boycott based on diversity reasons are misguided. There are lots of different types and colors of people in this game, and the creators had a specific vision for world building. My friend and I are playing the entire game on the couch together, I’m white and he’s black, and sometimes, when a poignant moment about slavery or living together in peace happens, we’ll say “6 out of 10, too many white people”. Might as well laugh about the absurdity. If you’re willing to deal with the dark subject matter, you’ll see a wonderful tale of hope.… Expand
  70. kaikaiHong
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    It is the best RPG in2023, good performance and story, I love this game so that I give it high score
  71. Mandarax
    Jun 24, 2023
    0
    It's the First Time that I have to give a 0 to a videogame. Final Fantasy 16 Is an absolute disaster. I really don't understand how It Is possibile ti create a game like this in 2023. A decent story and main character development are the only positive things of the game. The gameplay Is awful and pointless, you don't need to Dodge, you don't need to level up, you don't need to learn newIt's the First Time that I have to give a 0 to a videogame. Final Fantasy 16 Is an absolute disaster. I really don't understand how It Is possibile ti create a game like this in 2023. A decent story and main character development are the only positive things of the game. The gameplay Is awful and pointless, you don't need to Dodge, you don't need to level up, you don't need to learn new abilities. If you die you will continue exactly at the same point you left with potion refilled (even in boss fights!!) and this mechanic destroys an already way too simple game.
    Secondary quests are 90% fetch, boring, and worthless.
    This Is not an RPG, this Is not an action. This game Is only a disaster and offends a legendary saga like Final fantasy.    … Expand
  72. betacritic1
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    The game is beautiful and amazing soundtrack is amazing gameplay is amazing and it never felt repetitive for me if you loved previous FF you will love this.
  73. qqatjapan
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Or the game has its imperfections, but it's certainly a top-notch game and deserves a high score.
  74. Helix__006
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Notice!

    Microsoft and Nintendo and nvidia shareholders are defaming this game, many of them even haven't played this game. Those who say the game is too easy is because the difficulty they choosed is "story focused", not "action focused". Action system of xenoblade chronicles is rubbish at all, they actually take this to compare? The frame of the summoned beast battle is indeed    Notice!

    Microsoft and Nintendo and nvidia shareholders are defaming this game, many of them even haven't played this game.

    Those who say the game is too easy is because the difficulty they choosed is "story focused", not "action focused".

    Action system of xenoblade chronicles is rubbish at all, they actually take this to compare?

    The frame of the summoned beast battle is indeed dropped, but it will not be the reason for your defaming.

    As we all know, CAPCOM bribes for resident evil 4 remake user score on this site, but Square Enix don't have time to pay attention to these cockroaches.    … Expand
  75. gun661
    Jun 24, 2023
    4
    It's sad to see they actually and purposefully tried to copy Games of Thrones' style. Especially in the case of Final Fantasy... that's even more disheartening than FF16's story itself. So many big games and other works of fiction try to copy that style nowadays. Because of this, it very much isn't a bold shift.

    To me, a "guy from the Europe", Final Fantasy 1-10 were great in offering    It's sad to see they actually and purposefully tried to copy Games of Thrones' style. Especially in the case of Final Fantasy... that's even more disheartening than FF16's story itself. So many big games and other works of fiction try to copy that style nowadays. Because of this, it very much isn't a bold shift.

    To me, a "guy from the Europe", Final Fantasy 1-10 were great in offering another point of view from another culture. Despite coming from the other side of the world, these stories hit close to home and inspired me to trust my friends and believe in kindness. I felt connected despite the cultural differences. "You're not alone", a central message of FF9. Final Fantasy games didn't intrigue me by trying to imitate western narratives about the disconnect and mistrust between people in an attempt to get larger market shares. Final Fantasy games were answers to the question of how to overcome mistrust.

    I don't get why so many think these grimdark stories are "mature" and "based more in reality". It's just as real and mature as pink fluffy unicorns, just the other way round. It's what 12-year boys hitting puberty might think of what "brutal grown-up stuff" is like. "Look at how tough I am, playing such a game." But even grown-up kids seem to buy into these stories full of mistrust, backstabbing, and needless violence. If these stories are deemed mainstream entertainment nowadays and (young) people start to believe that they imply "realism", oh boy, that's the real dark stuff of our societies taking the risk of going completely bonkers.

    I remember playing Doom when I was twelve. Man, I did feel badass. But it wasn't very mature. In contrast, Games of Thrones takes itself way more seriously and is carried by an edgy, cynical, almost neurotic interpretation of human society ruled by sociopaths that never really did grow up. You could argue that yes, that's social criticism, and yes, there are sociopaths running wild in contemporary politics. But that's not really entertaining. Just as the mentality that most other humans are evil, you "have to fight dirty" to "survive" and mistrust every other person, especially your nearest acquaintances, is neither an insightful nor a helpful moral of the story. It just builds upon another rather bleak ideology. Especially in the context of social criticism.

    I had hoped Square Enix would stay true to themselves instead of seeking similarity, reinventing themselves with a fresh and different take and a level of maturity on par with the old Final Fantasies - all way more mature, authentic, and profound than this installment.    … Expand
  76. Valkyreo
    Jun 24, 2023
    0
    Mashy gameplay, horrible fetch quests, zero exploration, no party, no likable characters, no customization, barebones RPG elements, policital boring story, bad soundtrack. What else? Huge dissapointment, was very hyped but in the end it turned out worse then FXV and XIII. Il stick to FF VII Remake and other RPGs. This is clearly not it.
  77. NeverwinterMoon
    Jun 24, 2023
    5
    The story is captivating, but the technical aspect is underwhelming. In quality mode, the game runs at 1080p to 1440p, upscaled in a way that even when standing still, it looks soft on a 4K screen. In performance mode, the game runs in the 720p to 1080p range, upscaled to 1440p, and almost never locks to 60 FPS. Furthermore, it often falls below Sony's VRR window, resulting in noticeableThe story is captivating, but the technical aspect is underwhelming. In quality mode, the game runs at 1080p to 1440p, upscaled in a way that even when standing still, it looks soft on a 4K screen. In performance mode, the game runs in the 720p to 1080p range, upscaled to 1440p, and almost never locks to 60 FPS. Furthermore, it often falls below Sony's VRR window, resulting in noticeable frame rate fluctuations. The level design is corridor-based, so the scale of the world around is hardly visually impressive. Combat is fun but simple. It's essentially a copy-paste of Forspoken combat (which I found enjoyable), but with much less variation and visual splendor. I would have considered giving this a higher score if it weren't for the developers' cocky behavior, boasting about how they would utilize the hardware to the max by making this a PS5 exclusive. Unfortunately, I don't see that level of optimization. Despite having a new game engine and years to optimize for a single hardware platform, I find nothing impressive in the technical implementation, except for the fast loading times (which are largely attributed to Sony's hardware and APIs rather than the game developers themselves). Essentially, the game is technically mediocre, and the gameplay is reminiscent of something I recently played, but with a more lackluster experience.… Expand
  78. Jorjack17
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    The game isn't a traditional final fantasy, that does not mean its bad. 30 hours in. Hooked.
  79. sparkinthedark
    Jun 24, 2023
    8
    Bought ps5 to play this game just as other fav titles likes ff3(ff6) and ff9 in prior console

    Story- I'm realizing that this wasn't quite FF14 level in terms of story. It's good, but it didn't pull the heartstrings and had some missed emotional moments. It's really awkward when the orchestra is going and characters are crying and it doesn't resonate out. It didn't have the feeling of    Bought ps5 to play this game just as other fav titles likes ff3(ff6) and ff9 in prior console

    Story- I'm realizing that this wasn't quite FF14 level in terms of story. It's good, but it didn't pull the heartstrings and had some missed emotional moments. It's really awkward when the orchestra is going and characters are crying and it doesn't resonate out. It didn't have the feeling of intense satisfaction at the end of it all. Voice Actors were mostly good. There were moments I asked in a husky voice, "Clive, can you stop whispering in that hustky voice all the time?" But overall, the storyline was good. 7/10

    Graphics - few moments where frame rates were an issue. Panning camera too much can cause a bit of motion sickness. I understand the limitation of the hardware and can't wait until the PC version comes out. 9/10

    Gameplay - It was nice to try out different skills and carry them into the fight. But I carried a specific set of abilities into each climatic fights. I wished the mounting and dismounting were a bit faster and didn't reset my camera angle, as that would've made ability point farming a bit less clunky. Non boss encounters were short and sweet. Boss encounters were great. Having unknown number of health bar resets kinda made the "health bar" feel pointless. Couple of boss fights didn't build up in intensity with phase changes and missed the mark for me. Overall, it was mixed in with some awesome fights like with titan and let downs and monotone ones. 8/10

    Sounds and Music - Not much to say. Soken is the real God here. 10/10

    Conclusion - After buying the PS5 for this title and having so much anticipation to the point of getting jealous of the people playing early, do I think it was worth $570? Afraid not. Maybe half of that? Maybe I'm spoiled by FF14 moments. But in slightly longer version of both shadowbringer and endwalker, the highs were so much higher as were the lowest of the lows. Setting them as the gold standard for me, I think this game is a good game and entertainment, but a new standard it is not.    … Expand
  80. Marvilion
    Jun 24, 2023
    0
    Poor gameplay and bad optimization, performance mode drop to 30fps and resolution drop to 720p this is 2023 and this is not acceptable, and very disgusting story, this is not final fantasy that I know
  81. WorstLantern
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Each and every second of it is taking my breath away. Not only does FF16 have a fantastic tale, but it also offers a magical fighting system that is both satisfying and fluid. Without a question, any Final Fantasy enthusiast should give this latest installment a shot.
  82. GensuiSakazuki
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    A feast for the eyes, an incredible experience, a dynamic and cohesive universe filled with incredible attention to each and every detail, Final Fantasy XVI succeeds where XV had failed in bringing us a complete and heart wrenching story !
  83. Spekkio
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A bold (and complete) story, a great battle system, fleshed out characters, and the ire of insecure, jealous people. This game has comers from all fronts: Xbots, FF know-it-alls, people who pretend to care about racial injustice and try to find solutions in a make-believe world. You can see the scores. This review is not a way to counteract that. It is simply the truth.… Expand
  84. ktheeskywalker
    Jun 23, 2023
    10
    SPECTACULAR GAME ,been a while since a game had me feeling like this , the story is amazing really grew attached to the characters, combat was a joy , Eikon fights truly a spectacle, graphics and MUSIC chefs kiss
  85. SymGotSkills
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Simply Brilliant! Intuitive Gameplay, Stunning Graphics and breathtaking Story, Totally Recommended 10/10 of Playstation's MasterClass
  86. cybr0n
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    Don't listen to the steaming pile of haters who are hating simply because it's cool to hate on the latest FF. Most of them probably nintendo lackeys who are sad their beloved asset flip new zelda is no longer a contender for GOTY. FF16 oozes quality and amazing sequences that could only be done by the masters of RPG and almost every single moment you spend inside this game is time wellDon't listen to the steaming pile of haters who are hating simply because it's cool to hate on the latest FF. Most of them probably nintendo lackeys who are sad their beloved asset flip new zelda is no longer a contender for GOTY. FF16 oozes quality and amazing sequences that could only be done by the masters of RPG and almost every single moment you spend inside this game is time well spent. If you own a PS5, then this is considered one of the killer apps you've been waiting for ever since you bought one. Enjoy one of the best games of this generation!… Expand
  87. KateJN
    Jun 24, 2023
    0
    Massively disappointing Final Fantasy game.

    - Absolute shallow RPG elements. - Tries too hard to be a Devil May Cry game. - Generic, dull, boring and unrewarding side quests that actually hurt the pacing of the game. - Tries to be so many things but fails to be the one thing it needs to be: a Final Fantasy game - Poor performance and limited graphical settings. - Good characters    Massively disappointing Final Fantasy game.

    - Absolute shallow RPG elements.
    - Tries too hard to be a Devil May Cry game.
    - Generic, dull, boring and unrewarding side quests that actually hurt the pacing of the game.
    - Tries to be so many things but fails to be the one thing it needs to be: a Final Fantasy game
    - Poor performance and limited graphical settings.
    - Good characters and voice acting, held back by a terribly written story that falls apart quickly.
    - Cinematic battles feature Quick Time Events that give you more than 1 minute to react, completely eliminating the intended effect.
    - Semi-open areas that feel genuinely lacking; they either have the same types of monsters and/or bland side quests.

    I don't personally recommend this at full price.    … Expand
  88. FF_Dancing_Mad
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    I have played and completed every Final Fantasy game including spinoffs and sequels, and 16 feels like the most “complete” entry since 12 and the best since 9. It has pain, sorrow, loss, development, tragedy, epic soundtrack, memorable moments and battles, and a complete understanding of what Final Fantasy is all about. Yes, combat is action oriented. That does NOT change the core elementI have played and completed every Final Fantasy game including spinoffs and sequels, and 16 feels like the most “complete” entry since 12 and the best since 9. It has pain, sorrow, loss, development, tragedy, epic soundtrack, memorable moments and battles, and a complete understanding of what Final Fantasy is all about. Yes, combat is action oriented. That does NOT change the core element of the series. Times change and so should we. It is innovative and fun. Favorite entry since 9. Thank you Yoshida and company for a well made and truly special masterpiece of a game. By the way, those upset about it not being turn based, Octopath Traveler exists.… Expand
  89. ayslanjpropst
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    A masterpiece of action RPGs. Final Fantasy XVI delivers a great story and incredible mechanics.
  90. P4E4T4O
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Another masterpiece :)
    10/10 all Final Fantasy series's :) toooooooooooooooop
  91. Ander_
    Jun 24, 2023
    7
    The game is flashy and grand in its cutscene and boss battle, but apart from that, it's very classic in term of game design. Classic in the mean of many boring fetch quests and the format of cutscene-corridor-cutscene-corridor-fight. It's more similar to FF13 in term of design, but with better boss battle and world setting. Ff16 is extremely linear, to the point that they should just makeThe game is flashy and grand in its cutscene and boss battle, but apart from that, it's very classic in term of game design. Classic in the mean of many boring fetch quests and the format of cutscene-corridor-cutscene-corridor-fight. It's more similar to FF13 in term of design, but with better boss battle and world setting. Ff16 is extremely linear, to the point that they should just make it a level base game like dmc or bayonetta instead. Is it final fantasy ? Kind of, it has the world, setting, tone and character, but not the gameplay characteristic. It's ok to move on from turn base, but a JRPG, or RPG in general, have to provide player with ability to make choices, in term of story or gameplay using its mechanic, team, quest, and so on. FF16 lacks that completely. I find FF got stuck in a limbo, half of it want to grow into an action game, half of it still want to keep tie with the FF name, and the result is wierd. Action-wise, it's just ok and not excelent. Rpg wise, it's weak. The only good thing remains after finish is the great cutscene, but if that's all you like, it's better to watch a movie instead.… Expand
  92. Spookybooni
    Jun 24, 2023
    8
    I'm not the biggest final fantasy fan unless it's ff14 but it's pretty good and I have been enjoying its the only reason I even went and bought a PS5 I didn't care for anything else compared to all of the other garbage sony pushes this is great.
  93. solidalon
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    FF 16 is my game of the year because it probably has the best boss fights in gaming history combined with the best soundtrack I have heard in years, the soundtrack will make you feel like the battle is meaningful and not just an ordinary battle and not just in battles but also in the open spaces that you can explore you can feel the passion that went into the soundtrack. Now for the storyFF 16 is my game of the year because it probably has the best boss fights in gaming history combined with the best soundtrack I have heard in years, the soundtrack will make you feel like the battle is meaningful and not just an ordinary battle and not just in battles but also in the open spaces that you can explore you can feel the passion that went into the soundtrack. Now for the story of ff16, I think they were right to make this game rated M because it gave them more opportunities to make the story more engaging and built those critical points in the story that will make you go wow, and for all of that, I think this game is a true 10/10 masterpiece and deserves to be game of the year. And all of those Xbots who give this game a 0 out of 10 are losers.… Expand
  94. saptar
    Jun 24, 2023
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. FFXVI is a bad game and the worst FF ever made.
    -Story has poor pacing, many inconsistencies and dropped plot points
    -Characters are dull and some have incomplete arcs -Performance is terrible -The action combat has no dept and every enemy can be countered in the sale way, no strategy is required -Exploration Is either non-existent or pointless since the rewards are poor -Side quests

    The 16 flaws of Final Fantasy 16:
    1 - the game is an ignorant action that can be completed by holding down the square button all the time
    2 - the framerate dancer slows down the flow of gameplay and cutscenes too often even with the DayOne Patch
    3 - flat and linear level design makes corridor exploration useless
    4 - the gameplay becomes repetitive already after the first three hours, given how the combinations of elements do not lead to different results of the battles, marking its disarming superficiality
    5 - texture pop up is ugly to see in 2023
    6 - the plot starts with rhythm and ends with boredom.
    Bringing ridiculous motivations and turning many situations into meaningless bad moments
    7 - there are no minigames
    8 - once the story is completed there is no secret content or endgame. Only the New Game +
    9 - the "dungeons" are all linear, flat and copy paste
    10 - it's too easy even on hard mode. So much so that I could call it a joke even for a casual gamer
    11 - there is no party, only Torgal the dog who can do 2 commands and that's it
    12 - there is no World Map, but only a map menu where you can select the mission...
    13 - The final Boss is an insult compared to all previous Bosses in the game.
    And it's also one of the worst when compared to the Final Bosses of previous Final Fantasy games
    14 - side quests are awful. Deliver flowers, escort items, collect item, etc...
    15 - the "hunts" are not well built and indeed are tedious and essentially useless since they are nothing but mobs that are easy to exterminate
    16 - the inconsiderate and bad use of the Quick Time Events. Because usually in games like God of War they have a more marked value to affect the game itself. But here in Final Fantasy 16 they're overdone, to the point where 99% of enemies are demolished by these Quick Time Events just to disguise a load-up between the end of a battle and the start of a cutscene    … Expand
  95. Dawnrocks01
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    This is the most incredible game I've played this year ! The game play ,the action , the story and the music ...just omg ! It's an experience I've never felt before. It's a 10 for me
  96. Re2626ff
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    O jogo é muito bom, a história é interessante, as lutas de chefe são épicas e a música é insanamente boa, mas sinto falta de alguns elementos de RPG.
  97. poww
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Excelente producción con la calidad que Sony está acostumbrado a ofrecer, un juego en el que literalmente ves una película.
  98. Red_Finland
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Good Final Fantasy once in a while. Awesome plot, awesome visuals, awesome soundtrack and good fighting mechanics. Masterpiece.
  99. OdragaoVegano
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    A narrativa é instigante, com reviravoltas e arcos e personagens bem construidos.
    A gameplay é divertida, intuitiva e possui recursos de acessibilidade muito interessantes.
    Game irresistível, que preserva a essência da franquia, mas a atualiza e a torna mais acessível para novos jogadores.
  100. KIRITOLVK
    Jun 24, 2023
    0
    NO PUEDO CREER que tanto tiempo de desarrollo y el juego valla a 30 Fps de y en modo rendimiento de tirones de verdad que la experiencia se hace Horrible
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Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2023
1
#1 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2023

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 146 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 134 out of 146
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 146
  3. Negative: 0 out of 146
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy XVI is an excellent game in every way. If you're a fan of the series for the stories and characters, you won't go wrong here, and if you've avoided the series for, say, turn-based combat, the sixteenth installment offers the perfect opportunity to get started with this legend of the gaming industry. [Issue#329]
  2. Riot Pixels
    Oct 30, 2023
    73
    This is a solid RPG/action game. Some elements of the game are unusual and fresh for single-player parts of the Final Fantasy series, but some are too dull and rudimentary.
    Read full review
  3. PLAY
    Sep 17, 2023
    90
    New numbered FFs are good again. Stunning to look at, with new, punchy combat, and a great yarn, it is, if anything, too focussed, lacking a bit of the weird. [Issue#30, p.78]
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