User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8567 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Jun 23, 2023
    0
    Basically Final Fantasy 16 is the worst Final Fantasy game, made in the worst possible way
    And I say this as a longtime fan of the franchise
    Who blindly yell the praise for this isn't able to get what the Final Fantasy franchise is
  2. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Hands down it's the best Final Fantasy game ever made, everything is top notch, the gameplay, the sound, the story, the boss fights, the graphics, the sheer scale of the world. Well done Square Enix team and especially Yoshi P ..
  3. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    I'm just doing my part this is my first final fantasy game and this game is simply legendary.
  4. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    An amazing story and graphics that drive the series forward in a amazing way. The Side Quests are a step forward for RPG games by immersing you into the lore of the world.
  5. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    This game is incredible! One the best final fantasy yet in my opinion. I highly recommend everyone play this game. Ignore all that negative reviews all false this is game of the year for sure best game I ever played best looking title of all time period.
  6. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Clearly worth the wait and the Full game is nothing short of amazing along with the demo, Amazing Combat especially if you prefer to fight in Action mode you'll likely want more bosses to fight considering in my PT where I have fighting enemies like a lot and im like 50% completing the game. No matter how you like to get into combat the Story is so great that sometimes you just want to seeClearly worth the wait and the Full game is nothing short of amazing along with the demo, Amazing Combat especially if you prefer to fight in Action mode you'll likely want more bosses to fight considering in my PT where I have fighting enemies like a lot and im like 50% completing the game. No matter how you like to get into combat the Story is so great that sometimes you just want to see the next scene and felt like ok ill invest the story instead of me wanting more combat in short the Combat is great and as well as the story a good balance, memorable characters might I add.

    Side quests are a hit and miss but some great ones really tied up to others charactersa backstory which is good.

    The only downside of the game is it's too easy even if im playing in action mode but that will soon to change once i unlocked the hardest mode in NG+ called FF Mode.

    A solid 10/10, I'm just enjoying this game, and certainly, this game has brought back my love to the main FF series, a truly remarkable job from the Devs.
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  7. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    What a great vide game, the best FINAL FANTASY ever, the franchise goes for a good way now
  8. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Just doing my part.
    Good graphics, gameplay, story, music, this is FINAL FANTASY title for real gamers.
  9. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game is masterpiece. Expand
  10. Jun 23, 2023
    0
    I came into this game surprised because of reviews. Played almost all FF games before, skeptical of this weird new concept of "action RPG" but due to reviews I thought maybe I should give it a try. I expected an OK game, nothing fancy but...Holy hell this is bad.

    The only salvageable things is the art and OST. Everything else is either mediocre or terribly implemented to be a game with
    I came into this game surprised because of reviews. Played almost all FF games before, skeptical of this weird new concept of "action RPG" but due to reviews I thought maybe I should give it a try. I expected an OK game, nothing fancy but...Holy hell this is bad.

    The only salvageable things is the art and OST. Everything else is either mediocre or terribly implemented to be a game with such a budget. YoshiP should stick to FF14. I'm very disappointed even though I expected nothing, and I rate it 0 because I feel like I completely got scammed by unfair and subjective reviews which are probably purchased, so I'll just balance it out.
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  11. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    best final fantasyбE specially music, goose bumpб thanjs square enix for this great game
  12. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    It is the game which is made for gamer.

    The story made me to rethink about what is justice.

    I love it.
  13. Jun 23, 2023
    4
    The combat system is the worst part of this game. they removed many elements from previous games that made Final Fantasy a good game. After 5 hours of playing I was already bored with this battle system. All you do in this game is attack, dodge and make combos. There is no strategy. An important point for me in any Final Fantasy title is the spell system and here there is no relevanceThe combat system is the worst part of this game. they removed many elements from previous games that made Final Fantasy a good game. After 5 hours of playing I was already bored with this battle system. All you do in this game is attack, dodge and make combos. There is no strategy. An important point for me in any Final Fantasy title is the spell system and here there is no relevance to spells at all, they are just ranged attacks. There is no white magics, no support magics, no controllable party, most items are absent. The combat is boring and tedious.
    The map exploration is limited and the locations are not connected. The sidequests are all boring. I like the story and music.
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  14. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    This is my first time playing ff and I really enjoyed it! Be careful, you won't find a time to stop!
  15. Jun 23, 2023
    6
    Disappointing. The combat system is over-simplified, and lacks of variety. Armors and weapons are just improved versions of the previous ones without specificities, no magic and abilities are reduced because of the combat system. The game is a big corridor, with no exploration. Environments graphics are just mediocre+ for such a high budget game, animations are MEH, and designs aren'tDisappointing. The combat system is over-simplified, and lacks of variety. Armors and weapons are just improved versions of the previous ones without specificities, no magic and abilities are reduced because of the combat system. The game is a big corridor, with no exploration. Environments graphics are just mediocre+ for such a high budget game, animations are MEH, and designs aren't original much. I felt like i wasn't playing a Final Fantasy at all, and my excitment just dropped after 6-7 hours when i understood this would be all of it. At least actors are very good and dialogues are decently written. Facial expressions are somehow good, and narration is nice. The scenario is OK, but where is the FANTASY ? Staging and dramatization lack of strength. There was once a time when Square Enix wanted to make a masterpiece when they made a Final Fantasy game : this time is gone. Now, they want to make anything to sell more copies, whatever it is, and during the game you can feel and see the specifications book being checked. What a shame for such an excellent franchise. So sad that this company has lost its pride Expand
  16. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Final Fantasy's triumphant return.
    Everything a Final Fantasy fan could want.
  17. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    I'm only halfway through but it's already in my top 5 Final fantasy games.
    It helps to go in with an open mind, don't expect the FF of old, it hasn't been turn based in over two decades.
  18. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Fantastic game, fantastic story. Love everything about it. Don't let the low rating trolls ruin your enjoyment of a fantastic game
  19. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    This game is a masterpiece! Doesn't matter how many review bombs it gets, it's worth your time. The story, characters, visuals, action, and the music! People will find reasons to pick at it, but those who have actually played it will continue to enjoy it regardless.
  20. Jun 23, 2023
    9
    Excellent game!!!!! Graphics, gameplay, and story are top notch!!! #JESUSMATTERS!!!!!
  21. Jun 23, 2023
    9
    Brought to you by Creative Business Unit III, the latest in Square Enix's flagship series, Final Fantasy XVI, does not disappoint. It may be different from previous entries, but what's new with that in a franchise that has evolved with every new game?

    The story is a tragic drama, filled with friendship, honour, love, and betrayal. It is a fantastical return to Final Fantasy's strongest
    Brought to you by Creative Business Unit III, the latest in Square Enix's flagship series, Final Fantasy XVI, does not disappoint. It may be different from previous entries, but what's new with that in a franchise that has evolved with every new game?

    The story is a tragic drama, filled with friendship, honour, love, and betrayal. It is a fantastical return to Final Fantasy's strongest days with its writing, with moments that will make you cry and fill you with despair, and yet, it still has that Final Fantasy sense of humour at times, and times its brief moments of hope well.

    The world is absolute gorgeous. Whilst the game is fairly linear, most areas are also large, with plenty to explore for fights and hidden items whilst going from point a to point b. Whilst open worlds are nice, an open world never feels needed whilst trekking across the lands of Valisthea, and each area feels like part of the same world, instead of feeling disjointed and separate as seen in other games before.

    The combat is pretty fun. newcomers to character action games need not feel intimidated as it is fairly beginner friendly, especially with optional accessories that give accessibility options to ease the combat. Hardcore fans of character action games such as Devil May Cry 5 may find the combat a little basic, but it is fluid, and opens up with every new ability you unlock. Both ground combos and aerial combos are available to players, with plenty of ways to mix things up a bit.

    Should the combat prove too easy for the hardcore character action fans, they may find some solace in New Game Plus. New Game Plus will allow players to replay the game, carrying everything over, including the likes of gear, abilities and items, and will let players take on the Final Fantasy difficulty level, a setting that unlocks for New Game Plus with much more challenging enemies, changes some enemy placements, and replaces some of the more formidable enemies with even nastier ones.

    The main part of the combat that returning Final Fantasy fans will likely feel a little let down by is the distinct lack of elemental damage. Elemental weaknesses and resistances have been a staple of the series since its inception, so it is weird that a game centred around its iconic, elemental summons would take this out entirely.

    The other gripe some fans may have is the lack of interesting gear. Previous entries, such as Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy VII Remake, have weapons and the such with special abilities, so no weapon is truly the best; rather, they are situational and build specific. Weapons and armour in Final Fantasy XVI are straight upgrades, and even plot given equipment is likely to be outclassed not long after obtaining it. Accessories do at least offer some interesting buffs and boosts, so not all is lost on that front.

    The side quests, and some story quests, do make the game feel a bit like Creative Business Unit III's other massive Final Fantasy title, Final Fantasy XIV, in that the nature of some quests is very similar to many quests from the popular MMO. Your objectives get listed to the side on screen, so you don't need to fear forgetting them.

    Whilst one of the most polished games of the year, there are a few things that will hopefully be patched. On the performance side of things, performance mode does have some fps dips. It is, however, silky smooth during combat, so if smooth combat is a priority, you should still go with performance mode. If you prioritise consistency in your fps, graphics mode may suit you better before this is patched. The other thing that some fans may want updated is its photo mode. Whilst a small thing in the grand scheme of a game like this, the photo mode is distinctly lacking in options. Some enthusiasts may feel there is no excuse for this, when photo modes such as the ones Insomniac have utilised in Spider-Man and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart exist.

    Overall, this is a phenomenal entry to Square Enix's best known series, despite its few flaws. Square Enix described its predecessor, Final Fantasy XV, as, "A Final Fantasy for fans and first-timers," and Final Fantasy XVI carries on that torch amazingly. Whether you are a veteran fan of the Final Fantasy series or a newcomer, if you are able to play it, you should.
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  22. Jun 23, 2023
    1
    I became suspicious that this is ff16
    The game has no identity a lot of cinematic scenes with boring ease in facing bosses The studio must download an update that fixes this problem of course without mentioning the disastrous performance on PS5
  23. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Final Fantasy XVI es una obra maestra, la historia, el diseño de personajes son increíbles. El sistema de combate creado por Ryota Suzuki es muy inmersivo y gratificante, El apartado gráfico y el diseño de escenarios es impresionante. La banda sonora compuesta por Masayoshi Soken es fantástica. Logran llevar a Final Fantasy XVI a otro nivel de calidad!
  24. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Increíble, awesome, beyond the espectacion, game of the Year, and top 3 of the decade, the only one contender to Zelda TOTK
  25. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    kann die unnötigen review bomben nicht verstehen. bis auf das wirklich das game mehr ein devil may cry game ist als das ganz alte final fantasy. ist die story überwältigend gut und ist für mich definitiv game of the year.
  26. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    It's different from old school FF, but Im having lots of fun with it! (30+ hours in)
  27. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    - One of the best story ever made in gaming history
    - Great combat with a lot of possibilities and playstyle
    - God tier music
    - Eikon combat are chiefkiss while being fairly easy
    - Almost no loading
    - Insane voice acting

    Probably on my top 3 game ever and it's not 3rd
  28. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    As a casual player who adore this series so much, I can really appreciate the changes Square Enix has been experimenting with each entries, not every single one clicks with me, but Final Fantasy 16 I feel like the spectacle and the new trajectory the game is heading to is what I have been searching for in a Final Fantasy game, playing it feels like watching a grand finale of the franchiseAs a casual player who adore this series so much, I can really appreciate the changes Square Enix has been experimenting with each entries, not every single one clicks with me, but Final Fantasy 16 I feel like the spectacle and the new trajectory the game is heading to is what I have been searching for in a Final Fantasy game, playing it feels like watching a grand finale of the franchise and reading a heartfelt letter from the developers to us fan. Thank you Square Enix for creating such an experience that I could never forget. Expand
  29. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Master piece... I would like to vote 11 as note!!! Perfect game and one of the best games that I played ever...
  30. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    "FINAL FANTASY XVI" captivated me with its incredible storytelling, immersive action, and stunning visuals. The graphics are outstanding, making you feel like you're playing a movie. It offers a wealth of engaging elements that kept me entertained for hours on end without getting bored. It's a must-play masterpiece!

    amazing game!!
  31. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Spoiler free review

    Easily the best game since Elden Ring, the only downside is side quests aren't all that rewarding and seem straight out of an MMO. But when the only flaw of a game is some lackluster side content, that's an excellent game. Combat: The combat in FFXVI is everything Stranger of Paradise tried to be and more. An even better, and more cinematic, take on DMC combat
    Spoiler free review

    Easily the best game since Elden Ring, the only downside is side quests aren't all that rewarding and seem straight out of an MMO. But when the only flaw of a game is some lackluster side content, that's an excellent game.

    Combat:
    The combat in FFXVI is everything Stranger of Paradise tried to be and more. An even better, and more cinematic, take on DMC combat combined with a better equivalent of SoP's on the fly job change system. The timing for optimal combos is tight, but the versatility and options available are incredible when used to their fullest potential. This combined with the best cinematic qte's since Metal Gear Rising makes for fights that will impress the player mechanically and visually.

    Story:
    It's Final Fantasy, and it doesn't disappoint. While some game journalists have accused it of focusing more on the magic than the politics halfway through, this is how FF has always been (hello FF7). Overall, the characters are compelling, the protagonist the best since Cloud, and the party interactions are charming and witty. The world building does not suffer thanks to the Active Time Lore system, and the Tomes system found 3-4 hours in.

    Graphics and performance:
    I was disappointed with the motion blur in the demo, but I'm happy to say it's no longer an issue with the actual release. When playing on Graphics mode, the frame rate is steady and the visuals absolutely pop.

    Overall, I'd rate this game somewhere between 9.5 and 9.9, as it's only dragged down by its side quests. The core game experience is some of the best out there and it goes above and beyond in delivering exactly what it promised.
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  32. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Fantastic game. Cannot recommend more. The combat is complex, fun and always evolving. The story is incredible and the voice acting... *chef's kiss* I hope anyone perusing these reviews seeing these zero ratings know they're coming from trolls who think review-bombing is funny. This is the best Final Fantasy in well over a decade.
  33. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    A new evolution of final fantasy series with better combat better graffics,history,music and a best action rpg to the final fantasy series i recommended full for new peoples and the old peoples fans its a must buy dont miss this must buy final fantasy new gen game truly enjoy it
  34. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Incredible game that hits highs not seen since it's tenth entry. The story is absolutely incredible and the combat is deep yet approachable. Voice acting is second to none.
  35. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    At least compared to FF15, this is a great step in the right direction.

    While there is some pacing issues and boring side quests early on, I still had a blast.
  36. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    They have showcased the very trademark of Final Fantasy which is the Summons/Eikons into a beautifully written Epic and Action packed in history. Each Dominants or Characters personality and story are complex giving you a great satisfaction of a rollercoaster ride. The graphics, music, character and voice acting are clearly on top as of 2023. People who is hating the development andThey have showcased the very trademark of Final Fantasy which is the Summons/Eikons into a beautifully written Epic and Action packed in history. Each Dominants or Characters personality and story are complex giving you a great satisfaction of a rollercoaster ride. The graphics, music, character and voice acting are clearly on top as of 2023. People who is hating the development and decisions for this game is just afraid of change from what they have used to. The very spirit of a Fantasy Fantasy is still there if you really care to dive into it, leaving aside the technicalities or flaws which every game have. And the hate towards the game that falls short on RPG elements. Final Fantasy 16 has provided the overall valid Values and aspects as expected for a Mature-oriented side of some people's real life situations. This game is just perfect as I have readied to put my heart and soul into the story, better yet such term "Fantasy". This game is a 100% must recommended experience to play. Expand
  37. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    I like this game, story is good.

    I enjoy the game play.

    Ps5 player must buy.
  38. Jun 23, 2023
    0
    Game lacks the feel of FF , slow movement, easy and unrewarding combat system, bland and non looking FF characters , poor optimization, this isnt FF this is bloodborne LITE meets Oblivion with slightly upgraded graphics from Ps4 era , Story is boring and slow as molasses pace, Clive is stoic and boring, no minigames or other content; Non-Linear gameplay worse than FF13 with scriptedGame lacks the feel of FF , slow movement, easy and unrewarding combat system, bland and non looking FF characters , poor optimization, this isnt FF this is bloodborne LITE meets Oblivion with slightly upgraded graphics from Ps4 era , Story is boring and slow as molasses pace, Clive is stoic and boring, no minigames or other content; Non-Linear gameplay worse than FF13 with scripted battles and events ;

    This title is only in name of FF and does not represent the core tradition of its predecessors they should have called it FF: Interactive Edition because the amount of time your watching cutscenes vs exploring or doing battles is about 70%-30% it would make the Yakuza series blush the amount of time your forced to watch scripted cutscenes back to back to back

    the demo fooled everyone core and casual audience alike I feel sorry for those poor souls that I read many a times on forums and YT that claimed they actually bought a PS5 system for this abomination at least you will have Spiderman 2 to have for hope ;;; wow 2023 was supposed to be excellent for gaming so far outside of Hogwarts its been poor to deliver
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  39. Jun 23, 2023
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Its a great game especially when it comes to the story. Yes I will admit there's certain things they could of shown better for the other main characters instead of just clive. But in the end they also get development. Especially Jill and Joshua. The side quests are actually not that bad, there way... better than most of the side quests from previous final fantasy games. You saying ffxv is better than ff16 is like a huge insult to creaters and devs that actually care for the final fantasy storytelling unlike ffxv. I will admit the gameplay is very fun and cool and the bosses have there own type of fighting style unlike ffxv. But what I was going to save is even though it has that the game is still a bit too easy. I hoping yoship makes it way harder for us because the bosses are fun cool to fight. Unlike again FFXV! So I do hope we get some dlc content. Because u know what?! The game deserves it. The first final fantasy game in a long time that actually has a really good story. That's all I really wanted from a final fantasy game in so long. The gameplay they could easily fix. Not the story. There's a little bit of nitpicks and stuff they didn't show but other that it was a really good story. Expand
  40. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Todas las críticas negativas ni siquiera han de haber jugado ni 10 horas, la historia es muy buena, el personaje principal es muy bueno, tiene muy buenos personajes secundarios, las misiones secundarias dan mucha información extra y no solo están para rellenar, ha tenido combates que son los mejores que he jugado en cualquier videojuego, el apartado gráfico es muy lindo, va fluido, solo se han caído los fps dos veces y apenas ha durado 1 segundo. En conclusión una obra maestra. Expand
  41. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Metacritic.com pls do something about the bots rating the game badly for no actual reason
    Like being different from the old games is really not a reason to rate a game badly and seriously ff fans do you still wanna see a turned based ff game where during combat you're just spaming the attack button and watching as the charecter does the animation for yoi in 2023?
    Not a single game deserves
    Metacritic.com pls do something about the bots rating the game badly for no actual reason
    Like being different from the old games is really not a reason to rate a game badly and seriously ff fans do you still wanna see a turned based ff game where during combat you're just spaming the attack button and watching as the charecter does the animation for yoi in 2023?
    Not a single game deserves to be treated like this just for being different
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  42. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    This is the best final fantasy in years.
    Don't believe the haters... the game is really good. Must buy.
  43. Jun 23, 2023
    3
    Final Fantasy game 16, marketed as a more mature entry in the franchise, explores a darker narrative and deviates from the traditional atmosphere associated with the series.

    Atmosphere: Diverging from the established Final Fantasy ambiance, the game ventures into a notably darker tone reminiscent of the Devil May Cry series. While attempts are made to infuse the experience with
    Final Fantasy game 16, marketed as a more mature entry in the franchise, explores a darker narrative and deviates from the traditional atmosphere associated with the series.

    Atmosphere:
    Diverging from the established Final Fantasy ambiance, the game ventures into a notably darker tone reminiscent of the Devil May Cry series. While attempts are made to infuse the experience with familiar Final Fantasy elements through the use of music, it is evident that the game falls short in capturing the essence of a Final Fantasy atmosphere. The absence of the series' signature blend of light and dark, coupled with a scarcity of humour, is a departure from the established norm of what many expects. To sum it up, this game is just dark. While this is not a problem on it’s own, I think it’s worthwhile to mention that if you look for a balance between light and dark you will not find it here cause the innocence and humour is long gone.

    Exploration and Side Missions:
    Regrettably, the game's exploration aspect lacks the depth and intrigue found in its predecessors. With a predominantly linear structure, any opportunities for open exploration are fleeting and fail to captivate players. Engaging in side missions yields little satisfaction, as they lack substance and fail to provide a meaningful contribution to the overall narrative. This lack of depth in both exploration and side missions detracts from the game's overall appeal and hampers player immersion.

    Gameplay:
    Despite carrying an 18+ age rating, the game suffers from an unfortunate simplification of gameplay mechanics. Players may find themselves disappointed with the diminished challenge as combat devolves into repetitive button-mashing. Even after disabling various automated features, the game remains surprisingly easy, undermining the potential for a rewarding and engaging experience. Notably, the inclusion of a respawn system that grants substantial advantages upon failure further exacerbates the issue, trivializing encounters and undermining the sense of achievement.

    Conclusion:
    While marketed as a Final Fantasy title for a more mature audience, the game struggles to maintain the intricate balance between light and dark that has defined the series. Departing from the franchise's established atmosphere, it falls short in incorporating the depth, exploration, and engaging side missions that fans have come to appreciate. The oversimplified gameplay mechanics, coupled with an overly forgiving respawn system, diminish the challenge and overall satisfaction derived from the game. As a result, one may question the decision to attach the Final Fantasy name to this installment, as it fails to authentically deliver the hallmark elements expected from the renowned franchise. Because of this I feel this descision was economically driven.
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  44. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    This is the greatest game of all ever. I have played it for 90 hours and am amazed. I know it will be a legend. The story is great, the plot is amazing, and the narrative is incredible. The music is awesome and the score is so good. The graphics and also the way it looks and visuals are all superior to even anything you will see in the real world. What are you doing….stop reading this andThis is the greatest game of all ever. I have played it for 90 hours and am amazed. I know it will be a legend. The story is great, the plot is amazing, and the narrative is incredible. The music is awesome and the score is so good. The graphics and also the way it looks and visuals are all superior to even anything you will see in the real world. What are you doing….stop reading this and go buy this game from the store! Expand
  45. Jun 23, 2023
    7
    Final Fantasy XVI is a good game, but it's hard to not feel that it could have been a great game and can't quite get to the finish line.

    I was genuinely incredibly hyped for the game, as I think Yoshi-P and his team can complete fantastic projects and I am a big fan of FF14 -- it is genuinely my favorite Final Fantasy game -- but 16 just fails to stick the landing for me. I know
    Final Fantasy XVI is a good game, but it's hard to not feel that it could have been a great game and can't quite get to the finish line.

    I was genuinely incredibly hyped for the game, as I think Yoshi-P and his team can complete fantastic projects and I am a big fan of FF14 -- it is genuinely my favorite Final Fantasy game -- but 16 just fails to stick the landing for me.

    I know there is a lot of discourse about the action style v ATB/turn based/etc., and I don't really care too much about that discourse as I genuinely liked Stranger of Paradise; but there's something about the style of action combat 16 tries that I feel just falls flat for me. I do genuinely miss being able to be some archetype of a "caster" and focus on casting magic, or having more obvious "job" or "role" designs like previous games. I think it's possible to do in an action game (as mentioned, Stranger of Paradise), but this comes off being half-baked.

    Ultimately, it feels like a darker FFXIV but a little worse. I think this was a good entry into the Final Fantasy series and one that breathed new life into it, but I hope other games in the franchise test out different styles, as I'm not sure the action styles of DMC really work well within the bounds of what I expect from a Final Fantasy.
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  46. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Game is amazing . Do not let the negative review bombers say otherwise I’m 98% sure they haven’t even played the game .
  47. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    An excellent game, the combat is amazing and the plot, as epic as it gets.. xbox stans crying a river around here should tell you everything you need to know. Another Square win.
  48. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Gorgeous environments, epic story telling, entertaining and addictive combat, innovative chapter replay implementation, amazing voice acting; this game hits all aspects of video game greatness.
  49. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Much better than I expected, increíble epic boss fights, phenomenal soundtrack, great gameplay and very good graphics, what else can You ask for a Game?
    A plus is that it has a long duration and it is highly replayable.
  50. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Amazing game, with a great narrative, ecxellent combat system and a fine sense of espectacularity. Despite some performance issues related mostly to the performance mode, this game Will be with no Doubts enjoyable for all Time fans and newcomers in the franchise.
  51. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    10 hours in so far

    OST: 11/10
    Combat: 9/10
    Art Direction: 10/10
    Dialogue: 9/10
    Voice acting: 10/10
    Animation and Graphics: 10/10
    Story so far 8/10

    Game makes up for it's linearity but just being extremely polished. Feels like FF 10 with a FF Tactics aesthetic. **** is review bombing it because it's clearly GOTY and they know it.

    Best Waifu: Jill
    Best boy: Torgal
  52. Jun 23, 2023
    9
    Awesome game, story, OST and characters. Graphics could be better, as there are some beautiful environments, but sometimes you can see some downgrades with designs. Sidequests could be better. Regardless of that, this is my GOTY so far this year.
  53. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Not the best FF I've ever played, but this is the best team they could have for a new entry in the franchise that isn't just a Remake or a Spin Off.
    Really hoping for a PC port soon so I can replay it at 60fps from start to end.
  54. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    It's possibly the most complete new AAA game that came out this year. It has great combat even though it's sadly a bit on the easier side, great boss battles, AMAZING soundtrack and a great story that keeps you on the edge. Pacing is pretty inconsistent at times going from set piece to set piece back to back and then doing filler stuff for an hour after that though. Despite it's issuesIt's possibly the most complete new AAA game that came out this year. It has great combat even though it's sadly a bit on the easier side, great boss battles, AMAZING soundtrack and a great story that keeps you on the edge. Pacing is pretty inconsistent at times going from set piece to set piece back to back and then doing filler stuff for an hour after that though. Despite it's issues it's a great experience overall Expand
  55. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Best game this year, history, soundtrack,fighting system character designs, the eikon battles OMG!! If you have a ps5 u need to play this gem!!
  56. Jun 23, 2023
    7
    Es muy buen juego, espectacular en sus efectos visuales, buena música, buen protagonista, más que aceptable historia. Normalmente a un juego así le pondría un 8/10 pero como alguien que ha jugado casi todos los FF anteriores me molesta que se hayan alejado tanto de la fórmula original haciéndolo casi irreconocible.
    Debieron lanzarlo con otro nombre.
  57. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Breathtaking game
    Amazing graphics, cinematics, action, eikon and boss fights are epic, performance is perfectly fine if you have a tv that supports that high performance, music is beautiful, so far everything is just perfect, I don’t get the 0 ratings at all and I think speaking this bad about an obviously beautiful game is ridiculous and got something to do with their personal issues
    Breathtaking game
    Amazing graphics, cinematics, action, eikon and boss fights are epic, performance is perfectly fine if you have a tv that supports that high performance, music is beautiful, so far everything is just perfect, I don’t get the 0 ratings at all and I think speaking this bad about an obviously beautiful game is ridiculous and got something to do with their personal issues (one of the zero reviews was about the game being a ps5 exclusive), if you don’t like how the game is different from the old ff games it is fine but giving it zero just for that (while it’s absolutely phenomenal) doesn’t make any sense..
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  58. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Easily the best game of this year so far. Great music, great characters, great combat system
    Looking forward to the pc port for mod support
  59. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. este juego es unos de los mejores que jugue de la franquicia , la musica , la jugabilidad , la historia son increíbles , las peleas de los eikons son epicos , agradezco mucho a square enix de hacer un hermoso juego . en mi opinion es uno de los mejores juegos de este año . Expand
  60. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Nice game with nice OST and cinematic present skill. I can say it's way better than FFXV in story telling. The Battles are new to final fantasy series and i have no problem with it, we can't always remain same and don't have any innovation. We can get different battle like turn based in old series , action in FFXV , Half action in FFVII REMAKE and also new action play style in FFXVI. I amNice game with nice OST and cinematic present skill. I can say it's way better than FFXV in story telling. The Battles are new to final fantasy series and i have no problem with it, we can't always remain same and don't have any innovation. We can get different battle like turn based in old series , action in FFXV , Half action in FFVII REMAKE and also new action play style in FFXVI. I am those kind of people that can accept new things. I am waiting for FFVII:Rebirth now and i hope i can finish Trilogy of the FFVII Remake Series. And also hope we can get more Final Fantasy main series in the future and more nice JRPG in the future without any political correct. Expand
  61. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Story great
    Voice acting surprisingly wonderful ben as clive kill he's role
    Combat is amazing if you know what you are doing.
  62. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    GOTY candidate. Gameplay fun af and the music is *chefs kiss*. The 0 scores are all jealous Xbox gamers who tweet more than game.
  63. Jun 23, 2023
    2
    I’m not having at good time at all. The lack of motivation for explorations because there’s literally nothing to discover, the lack of RPG elements and pre-battle preparations, the embarrassingly designed fetch quests, the underwhelming character progression (you can’t feel any progression really), the repetitive combats. Wow. Nothing about these is fun.

    Not to mention the generic
    I’m not having at good time at all. The lack of motivation for explorations because there’s literally nothing to discover, the lack of RPG elements and pre-battle preparations, the embarrassingly designed fetch quests, the underwhelming character progression (you can’t feel any progression really), the repetitive combats. Wow. Nothing about these is fun.

    Not to mention the generic medieval European’d world. It’s just not captivating like past Final Fantasies. Praying and hoping no future Final Fantasy would miss the mark this badly. I’ve had much more fun with FF15 and I’m not exaggerating. And FF15 was like my least favourite Final Fantasy.

    2 points for expensive cutscenes I guess. Flashy without substances.
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  64. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    amzing game, awsome combat , amzing story and characters, amazing japanese voice acting, just a maazing time
  65. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    FF16 delivers an great gaming experience with stunning visuals. The thoughtfully crafted narrative keeps you invested throughout the whole game. A masterpiece in its genre.
  66. Jun 23, 2023
    7
    The combat is fun, but it's held back by on-rails RPG progression. It's also spaced out by chunks of fetch quests and long dialogue cinematics that are often uninteresting and padded with awkward silence between "cuts."

    Still, the teams behind the hero cinematics and Eikon battles deserve a lot of praise for making up for the game's shortcomings.
  67. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    This game is a significant evolution from previous games in the series. This game is more of a character action game than an RPG, and it focuses more on quick reflexes than on character-building RPG mechanics. The combat is described as excellent for an action RPG but is a bit lacking when compared to other character action games. The game has an epic, 50+ hour story filled withThis game is a significant evolution from previous games in the series. This game is more of a character action game than an RPG, and it focuses more on quick reflexes than on character-building RPG mechanics. The combat is described as excellent for an action RPG but is a bit lacking when compared to other character action games. The game has an epic, 50+ hour story filled with unforgettable characters, outstanding worldbuilding, an incredible soundtrack, and numerous spectacular moments. Expand
  68. Jun 23, 2023
    4
    I've read some people saying to judge this game for what it is and not what it isn't. Well what it is is a Final Fantasy game that is missing a lot of stuff I enjoy about Final Fantasy, so there you go.

    I can only wonder what FF17 is going to be like if this is a hit. Will we be calling in air strikes and attack dogs? Maybe shooting hookers? I really think I'd rather be playing FF13
    I've read some people saying to judge this game for what it is and not what it isn't. Well what it is is a Final Fantasy game that is missing a lot of stuff I enjoy about Final Fantasy, so there you go.

    I can only wonder what FF17 is going to be like if this is a hit. Will we be calling in air strikes and attack dogs? Maybe shooting hookers?

    I really think I'd rather be playing FF13 than this, and that's a thought I'd have believed to be impossible to have up until now. What a waste.
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  69. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    One of the best entry in the series. Amazing music, game play, combat everything is top notch. High quality production value. Must play.
  70. Jun 23, 2023
    5
    8/10 if it weren't a Final Fantasy game, but I expect more from a mainline FF entry. For the life of me I don't understand where they thought people wanted an action game that was even more braindead than all it's competition, to the point even garbage like Nu-Assassins Creed is more of an RPG than Final Fantasy. That said the story, characters and voice acting are more hit than miss, but8/10 if it weren't a Final Fantasy game, but I expect more from a mainline FF entry. For the life of me I don't understand where they thought people wanted an action game that was even more braindead than all it's competition, to the point even garbage like Nu-Assassins Creed is more of an RPG than Final Fantasy. That said the story, characters and voice acting are more hit than miss, but the quality is all over the place and it honestly gets really irritating. Combat gets really repetitive and the FX start to seem truly ridiculous when you're fighting a normal human, juggling them in the air for an eternity because for some idiot reason they have the health pool of a Monster Hunter flagship monster. Sidequests are MMO tier. Music is so far removed from the greatness of Uematsu that it's honestly depressing. I have to say after FFXV and now this, I think I'm done with Square Enix for good. They are floundering and listening to the idiotic shareholders and marketing suits instead of sticking to what worked so well for the first 20yrs of the series. If you want to make $$ make a new IP instead of embarassing yourselves. Expand
  71. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Final Fantasy is back in style! Fantastic story, soundtrack and battle system.
  72. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    FFXVI is a good game and the best FF ever made.
    -Story has great pacing, many consistencies and explosive moments
    -Characters are relatable and some have interesting arcs -Performance is great during battle
  73. Jun 23, 2023
    4
    Final Fantasy 15 was better, and that's saying something because 15 wasn't good.
  74. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Best FF we could asked for since forever. Combat is deep and satisfying. Story is incredible. Sound and presentation is top notch. Definitely my GOTY
  75. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    FF16 has got me emotional bros... it's been over two decades since the last time Final Fantasy has been this good (FFX, 2001). XII and XV had their strengths but were messy overall, and XIII of course was a complete garbage fire. But XVI is a totally different beast -- it is a glorious triumphant return, and it may surpass them all.

    Final Fantasy X was one of those games that make the
    FF16 has got me emotional bros... it's been over two decades since the last time Final Fantasy has been this good (FFX, 2001). XII and XV had their strengths but were messy overall, and XIII of course was a complete garbage fire. But XVI is a totally different beast -- it is a glorious triumphant return, and it may surpass them all.

    Final Fantasy X was one of those games that make the case for the entire genre. Yoshi-P described the franchise the best I've ever heard in a recent interview when he said simply, "Final Fantasy has the best story, the best characters, the best graphics, and the best gameplay. It has Chocobos and it has Moogles. If it doesn't have all of that, everyone will hate you." It's important to remember how big Final Fantasy once was -- were it not for FFX blowing open the door with its undeniable greatness and high production value, many in my generation would never have stepped through it to experience the more hardcore JRPG's of its time like Nocturne and Persona 4. It really was one of the most prestigious videogame franchises, formerly neck and neck with a series like The Legend of Zelda, and had since then fallen far from grace.

    So it feels amazing to say that finally, after all these years, all those things that once were true about Final Fantasy are true again. I'm sure the effect that Final Fantasy X had on me when I first played it as a kid on PS2, Final Fantasy XVI will have on all the kids who get their mitts on it today. Final Fantasy is back baby.
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  76. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    This game is amazing. I had to stay up all night playing it. The writing, voice acting, and mechanics are very well done. The battle mechanics feel very fluid and you look great while doing it. I have had zero bugs or glitches on PS5 in many, many hours of gameplay and the game runs beautifully. It's 2023. Final Fantasy the franchise is almost 40 years old. The hardcore fans have manyThis game is amazing. I had to stay up all night playing it. The writing, voice acting, and mechanics are very well done. The battle mechanics feel very fluid and you look great while doing it. I have had zero bugs or glitches on PS5 in many, many hours of gameplay and the game runs beautifully. It's 2023. Final Fantasy the franchise is almost 40 years old. The hardcore fans have many games and remakes they can play if they don't like this new amazing game. Thank you devs for making this game. This game really deserves GOTY, truly. Don't listen to the naysayers. Expand
  77. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Too many good cutscenes just like an usual Final Fantasy does. xiv but it's real time action. No turnbase? this is a test of your reflexes!
    And Try Parsing
  78. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Increible. en mi humilde opinion tiene el mejor combate de la saga. la historia es 9/10 la primera mitad es buenisima pero la segunda decae pero igualmente me parece bastante buena. recomendado al 100%
  79. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I am an FFXIV player, so perhaps I am being somewhat lenient in my assessment. However, even with that being said, I think this game deserves praise. The scenario, combat system, worldview, characters, and music all come together at a very high level. In particular, I was struck by the process in which Clive and Jill support each other and regain their humanity. Without a doubt, I think they will be the best couple in the FF series. Expand
  80. Jun 23, 2023
    9
    This game may not seem like a Final Fantasy game from the outside looking in but once you play it, its comes to life before your very eyes. I'm giving it a 9 because some of the side quests are a little dull and a few main scenario quests feel like side quests. But everything else is top tier. The combat, while dull at first opens up once you gain your 3rd Eikon, meaning you arentThis game may not seem like a Final Fantasy game from the outside looking in but once you play it, its comes to life before your very eyes. I'm giving it a 9 because some of the side quests are a little dull and a few main scenario quests feel like side quests. But everything else is top tier. The combat, while dull at first opens up once you gain your 3rd Eikon, meaning you arent constantly waiting on cooldowns. It's fun to mix and match Eikons to create a playstyle that suits the way you play. The store is also very well done. CBU3 definitely know how to grab you and sink their hooks in. I'm about a third of the way through and love it to bits. Some of the graphics could be better, namely character models and enemies but it's nothing worth docking a point. Highly recommend this one if you're a fan of the series as it feels nostalgic. And no I didnt forget about the best part of the game, the MUSIC. Masayoshi Soken is slowly becoming my new favorite composer. The tracks for each location fit the game so well. They dynamically used battle theme is so addictive and makes the action feel alive. 100% a 9/10 from me and the wait was so worth it. Play it. Expand
  81. Jun 23, 2023
    9
    Excellent music and combat. Dialogues and voice actors did and amazing job. The obscure tone is actually great in this FF. Also, the protagonist is one of the best if not the best of any FF game for me. Finally things doesn't feel childish or more like a human threath in that fantasy world. The game could have been better filling the maps with more content to do like exploring to get moreExcellent music and combat. Dialogues and voice actors did and amazing job. The obscure tone is actually great in this FF. Also, the protagonist is one of the best if not the best of any FF game for me. Finally things doesn't feel childish or more like a human threath in that fantasy world. The game could have been better filling the maps with more content to do like exploring to get more important chests or so. Secondary quests are bad too. Some are good but other don't and that should have been better. Performance should have been better too. There are games like Horizon FW and GOW Ragnarok who kept steady 60 fps with outstanding graphics. Expand
  82. Jun 23, 2023
    5
    It seems to me that the game is too simple. The saga has been innovative on many occasions, but this game has not wanted to take risks and has only offered combat with a lot of brilliance. Disappointing in graphics, story and performance.
  83. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    10/10 easily going to be GOTY. Amazing story, combat, graphics, voice acting definitely the best FF game since X
  84. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    I have played almost every Final Fantasy games since 1990. I enjoy how every FF game is unique and its own story. You don’t have to play any of the past games to enjoy the latest in the series. This one does a great job with combat, world building, and story. Great game and outstanding edition to this legendary series.
  85. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Wasn’t expecting to like the game as much as I did, my favorite final fantasy games have always been ff10 and ff4 but this one is definitely in my top 3. Play the game with the volume as loud as possible and enjoy.
  86. Jun 23, 2023
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Look, this game is fantastic. Final Fantasy is a great series because it is an anthology type of game series. And if you don’t enjoy ff16 in Jan 2024, you will be playing ff7 rebirth, so don’t review bomb this game because it isn’t your cup of tea. Expand
  87. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    El mejor final fantasy desde el X, historia, diversión, adicción, lo tiene todo
  88. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Overall: 10/10
    Music:10/10 (Best of the best)
    Stroy:9/10
    Graphics:9/10
    Gameplay:9/10

    A wonderful game of PS5
  89. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    The combat system, story, and characters make this the best FF in years. Love it
  90. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    This game... I can't it's literally a tear jerker. I loveeeee this game. Don't believe the negative review bombers who said they where going to try and boycott this game like hogwarts legacy and failed. This game has such a great story and music and combat! Also I love clive x jill.
  91. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    A masterpiece. it's a 9.5 for me guys they did really well in this game thanks for yoshi p and his team
  92. Jun 23, 2023
    0
    I was excited to play this game and bought into all the hype that surrounded it. Unfortunately it did not match expectations by a large margin.

    The game looks amazing at first but then you start seeing all the cut corners. Things in the distance are fine, but often times you'll find really low resolution textures. On the flipside this isn't even benefiting the performance, which is
    I was excited to play this game and bought into all the hype that surrounded it. Unfortunately it did not match expectations by a large margin.

    The game looks amazing at first but then you start seeing all the cut corners. Things in the distance are fine, but often times you'll find really low resolution textures. On the flipside this isn't even benefiting the performance, which is unstable. There's never an excuse for a console game to have unstable performance.

    The gameplay is something different to the series, but not really anything new in the wider world of gaming. It ends up lackluster and especially early on lacks any sort of depth.

    Final Fantasy tends to have strong stories with interesting characters. This seems like the writers just watched a couple of seasons of Game of Thrones and decided to try their own hand at that, but forgot to give us a reason to care about any of it.

    The music is fitting, but extremely forgettable. Audio design in general works, but is not exceptional. There are times where the audio mixing seems to be just wildly off making me wonder if QA was rushed on the game.

    I have a hard time figuring out who this could be recommended for. I certainly would not recommend it to any fan of the Final Fantasy series so far. Perhaps fans of Devil May Cry might find the combat interesting down the line, but the rest of the game is too self-serious for DMC fans. Maybe if you like God of War you may enjoy this, but even then I would not recommend paying full price for the game. Wait for at least a -50% sale.
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  93. Jun 23, 2023
    9
    A fantastic return to form. Featuring a compelling world and narrative. Action focused and highly cinematic thru and thru. A must play if you have a ps5 and any interest in action / adventure/ rpgs.
  94. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    A respectable return to form for the series after the fairly disastrous Final Fantasy 15
  95. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Best Cid is best Cid 10/10
    Helps that this is one I truly do love, and it is a 10/10 to me.
  96. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Game of the year!!! The gameplay is amazing, it's not flawless, but it's a game that you must try!!
  97. Jun 23, 2023
    1
    Final Fantasy 16 tries to be anything but Final Fantasy.

    In its attempt to evolve as an RPG franchise, FF16 completely loses its identity and consistency. At one point you feel like you're playing a Devil May Cry wannabe game, suddenly shifts to being a shallow MMO RPG with laughably dull and outdated side quest design, to over the top cinematic battles held back by Quick Time Events
    Final Fantasy 16 tries to be anything but Final Fantasy.

    In its attempt to evolve as an RPG franchise, FF16 completely loses its identity and consistency.

    At one point you feel like you're playing a Devil May Cry wannabe game, suddenly shifts to being a shallow MMO RPG with laughably dull and outdated side quest design, to over the top cinematic battles held back by Quick Time Events (QTEs) that have a very long window that takes away the purpose of QTEs which is to be engaging and interactive.

    This is not how to evolve a franchise; this is just a poor uninspired attempt at copying other games while shoehorning bland RPG elements in the mix.

    And the story is another story; without going into much details, but everything the game does well to build up its story and characters throws it away mid way through the game and takes a completely uninteresting pivot that ends badly.

    This is by far one of the worst Final Fantasy games and one that doesn't bode well for the franchise's future, because despite having a somewhat good combat and characters, the game ignores the things that it needs to excel and innovate on as a Final Fantasy game.

    My advice: don't think of it as a Final Fantasy game. You'd enjoy it for its combat that is clearly and heavily inspired by Devil May Cry. Otherwise, I don't recommend it at all as a Final Fantasy game.

    * Game's performance is not well optimized by the way.
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  98. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    I think that the story is the best of Final Fantasy series.

    Try this game if you have PS5.
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 146 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. 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. 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.
  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]