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. umi0908
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    I got really emotional with this game. There were many scenes where I was at a loss for words.
  2. Precious13
    Jun 28, 2023
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view.
  3. fyrantgg
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Since FFX it’s a mind browning experience once again for a final fantasy game. I hope this is the start for new great final fantasy’s to come!
  4. DnyHydro
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Eu estou Gostando muito do jogo, vi vários comentários negativos mas que não me parecem ter embasamento. Gráficos não são de ultima geração mas mesmo assim o jogo está muito bonito, o som está ótimo, a História é muito boa, vc sempre está querendo saber o que vai acontecer, Gameplay fugiu do convencional, mas todos os Final Fantasy's mudam de jogo para jogo, e digo que a Gameplay do FF XVI está incrível, vc cria combos e monta estratégias, na primeira gameplay o jogo não apresenta tanto desafio mas está lá, na segunda Gameplay que se testa mesmo. Enfim, estou curtindo muito o jogo. Até mesmo as Side quest mais simples, ajudam a expandir a Lore.… Expand
  5. yatoff7
    Jun 28, 2023
    5
    Increible el sistema de combate, la historia 10/10 sinceramente de las mejores historias de un videojuego puede ofrecer. Si fixean lo del rendimiento del juego y den la opcion de quitar el motion blur.
  6. tyco_08
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Bust FF in ages. And CBU3 where really good at transparency. The battles where fun.
  7. Mayveen
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Hello, I don't understand the majority of critics that are made of the game (Gameplay/story/...). To sum up the game is clearly not perfect, but largely fulfills its role with breathtaking fights, rich story, artistic direction...
  8. AztecEX
    Jun 28, 2023
    9
    Очень классная игра. Боевая система лучше чем в DMC5. Сюжет интересный, персонажи тоже. Хочется узнать историю главного героя и к чему это всё приведёт. Битвы с Эйконами самый сок. Не пожалел, что купил игру по предзаказу. Из минусов, не самая лучшая производительность. Во всем остальном игра классная.Очень классная игра. Боевая система лучше чем в DMC5. Сюжет интересный, персонажи тоже. Хочется узнать историю главного героя и к чему это всё приведёт. Битвы с Эйконами самый сок. Не пожалел, что купил игру по предзаказу. Из минусов, не самая лучшая производительность. Во всем остальном игра классная.
  9. Anti-wokebot
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    One of the best Final fantasies ever period. I put this up there with other legends like Ff10 Ff12, Ff8, Ff9 and yes it's that good.
  10. Dimordimon
    Jun 28, 2023
    1
    I never thought I’d be giving a final fantasy game a bad review in my life. Hell I even loved 15 but this, this thing has been so hard to force myself to get through. So, whoever made this game wrote a decent story, made it real pretty, and then it almost feels like they slapped an alpha version of a barebones ARPG on top of it. You’re genuinely only ever a few fights or a coupleI never thought I’d be giving a final fantasy game a bad review in my life. Hell I even loved 15 but this, this thing has been so hard to force myself to get through. So, whoever made this game wrote a decent story, made it real pretty, and then it almost feels like they slapped an alpha version of a barebones ARPG on top of it. You’re genuinely only ever a few fights or a couple hundred yards at most away from the next cutscene, it’s frankly jarring just how often they take control away from the player, and half the time it’s to say nothing. And the world is so empty. Now by empty I mean the bestiary is like 38-40 creatures and over half of that is Eikons, some important characters, an owl you only see for a couple minutes, and then the other half are enemies. So essentially when you’re walking around any of these on rails or even semi open stages you’re going to be fighting the same 5-6 enemies for the majority of the game. And there’s geniunely nothing to do except advance the main story. The shinies on the ground on the map? It’s about 2-5 gil, a potion (of which you can only have 7 of ever), or 1-3 crafting mats. Wooden chest on the map? It’s about 100 gil or about 20 crafting mats. Finish a side quest? Oh yeah crafting mats. Boss time oh yeah!! You are rewarded with crafting mats. Major plot enemy or Eikon fight?!?! You guessed it! More crafting mats!!! And thats assuming you can get through all the QTEs they put into every Eikon fight to hide loading times that literally consist of either “press square” or “press R1” and you have like 10 seconds to do it so no rush. And those QTEs will about take care of the last half of their Hp so don’t worry. Did I mention crafting mats? Because you literally barely ever need to use it. You are 100% guaranteed to get the next best weapon from a mat dropped by last chapters boss. There are no status effects, no elemental weaknesses, which I feel like they forgot. Because enemies cast stuff like bad breath, poison mist, etc., you get several elemental spells, but all they do is damage, again no status effects, and in no greater amount than any other spell. It’s….pretty, and the story really tries to stay relevant minus some very weird points it REALLY wants to drive home and some massive plot holes, but it has some really good scenes for sure. But this game only feels like a slightly interactive visual novel with some good boss fights. Better to watch a stream or a YouTube vid because it really just feels like a GoT fan fic movie. Please don’t waste your money.… Expand
  11. L0ckhart
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    A true masterpiece. Breaks conventions established by the series, and moves gaming forward in the process. Sets the bar higher than anything has before for open world games with dark mediaeval story telling. The sense of freedom is amazing, and actually becomes a story line element. This game is more than complete, and it's full of surprises. Because of the open world aspect, there areA true masterpiece. Breaks conventions established by the series, and moves gaming forward in the process. Sets the bar higher than anything has before for open world games with dark mediaeval story telling. The sense of freedom is amazing, and actually becomes a story line element. This game is more than complete, and it's full of surprises. Because of the open world aspect, there are several ways to play, and one problem/challenge can have several solutions depending on your style and strategy so many unique ways to play making your combos look clean as **** This provides a huge amount of replay value, as players can play new game plus for additional runs through the game. This is art. This is a masterpiece. This is a gift to gamers. Best game to ever release best looking game of all time! 10/10… Expand
  12. BatLB
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Game takes a bit to take off, Combat System reminds of Devil May Cry, not Final Fantasy, but feels more fleshed out than FF 15 which it was clearly inspired from.

    Itemsystem is very simple, but all Final Fantasy Games were mostly "get higher stat" Itemupgrades, so I am not too worried about that. Combat System Skills are nice, you unlock the combat over the first couple hours and it    Game takes a bit to take off, Combat System reminds of Devil May Cry, not Final Fantasy, but feels more fleshed out than FF 15 which it was clearly inspired from.

    Itemsystem is very simple, but all Final Fantasy Games were mostly "get higher stat" Itemupgrades, so I am not too worried about that.

    Combat System Skills are nice, you unlock the combat over the first couple hours and it feels better and better.

    Areas are pretty and monsters clearly FF14 monster designs. Makes the world feel "Final Fantasy"

    Not for People who expect this to be a 2D Bird-perspective JRPG from the 90s. Those times are over. Theres MANY!! rpgmaker games you can buy on steam if you want that experience - or beat the ones you havent beaten from your childhood.

    Its a 9/10 as a game for me. As a Final Fantasy it would probably get a bit less since I am not the biggest fan of the game of thrones storyline, but as a game its solid and fun to play. Keeps me going and wants me to see the story to an end.

    Edit couple days later: OK, its a 10/10. Game becomes better and better and better and there is not much I would like this game to be more. Its exactly what a Story driven Adventure should be. GOOD GAME    … Expand
  13. W4rk
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    I have honeslty loved this game.

    I have completed the game with all the sidequests and I'm now replaying it in final fantasy mode so this is a review of 60+ hours into the game (no spoilers): - The best: The combat system is really good and with a lot of dephth. It's low skill floor high skill cieling and exremely clean. For the normal difficulty you can get away with mashing    I have honeslty loved this game.

    I have completed the game with all the sidequests and I'm now replaying it in final fantasy mode so this is a review of 60+ hours into the game (no spoilers):

    - The best:

    The combat system is really good and with a lot of dephth. It's low skill floor high skill cieling and exremely clean. For the normal difficulty you can get away with mashing buttons but if you are into Soulslike games the system is clean and super fun so you can try to do the fights without using potions or try for a no hit run. It rewards learning the boss pattrerns and executing clean dodges and long combos.

    The boss battles are pure hype. The music, the visuals... I would say this game is a must play just for those battles.

    The story and characters are amazing. The sidequests are not a filler, they are amazing but slow paced. If you want to rush into the ending you will hate them but if you relax and take your time they are very well written and rewarding. You really get to care for the characters and the world.

    - What could be improved:

    The gameplay of the sidequests. As I said above the story of the sidequests is really good and I think it's a shame that because of the boring sidequest gameplay some people will not be able to enjoy them.

    Without spoilers there are 2 characters and the part they play in the story that I feel were on a lower level than the rest of the game, still good but not amazing.

    And finally the boss variety. Leaning the moves of each of the enemies was very fun, and I don't mind repeating them, in fact I enjoy it since I can put to test what I learned from the last encounter. Still I wish thet had added more fights with more types of enemies.

    - What I don't care:

    I don't care it's not a real open world. I feel this game has decided to put the action and the combat first and I am grateful they haven't put an empty open world just for the sake of it.

    I don't care you can't control a party. I have played all the mainline FF games and when first it was announced that you will be only controling a character I was sad. But the change has not been a problem for me and I was able to enjoy the game. There is still the Dragon Quest saga going on for a more traditional jRPG, I'm fine with FF innovating more since it's what the saga has always done.

    - Why did I review it as a 10?

    Because honeslty the things it does good are soo really good that for me they are an 11, what could be improved is still not bad so those are a 9.    … Expand
  14. Joshuafangirl
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Arguably the best Final Fantasy game of all time and certainly the best game of 2023... Even though we’re half way in year. This game has an amazing art style and an incredible soundtrack. The combat/eikon fights is actually really fun and has its own unique style with the outstanding scaling. Final Fantasy XVI 10/10 pays a lot homage to the previous titles
  15. shuiyi
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    After finally completing the game and exploring it in depth, I can say this game is a masterpiece. It is very different from the common "marvel" approach of all action without any meaning, it is a game that rewards the players that decide to learn about its world and to think about the themes it proposes, as well as about the gameplay mechanics.

    The combat is amazing: it does not punish    After finally completing the game and exploring it in depth, I can say this game is a masterpiece. It is very different from the common "marvel" approach of all action without any meaning, it is a game that rewards the players that decide to learn about its world and to think about the themes it proposes, as well as about the gameplay mechanics.

    The combat is amazing: it does not punish the failure but it rewards the excellence. What I mean is that it doesn't kill you if you fail a dodge like a souls game would, but it gives you the feedback that you fail (the enemy interrupts your attack) and if you do a timely dodge to the attacks you get the flashy animations and counterattacks and extra score. And the challenge is there for whomever wants to look for it, the ultimania mode is quite crazy in terms of difficulty.

    Also about the sidequest, I personally loved them so much. They were what made the game a 10 for me. Of course, from a mechanical point of view they are not the most exciting but from a narrative point of view they allow the game to explore deeply the themes it proposes without making it too "in your face", so subtle sometimes that I feel reviewers didn't even understand what the game was about.    … Expand
  16. Gavsco82
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Game is unbelievable, everything ive ever wanted in not only a final fantasy but in video games in general . Never felt more comfortable recommending a game to anyone. 10/10
  17. athexx
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Really loved the story and got super attached to the characters. Combat was fun and fluid and more complex than I was expecting from the footage I’d seen pre release. Great job devs for putting out such an unforgettable experience! GG
  18. Bight223macit
    Jun 28, 2023
    9
    The game is just fun I like. combat good story good it got platinum on it and everything
  19. FantasyGod
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Final Fantasy XVI, 2023 is officially one of the best game in video game history and that's only first half of the year never seen a game so beautifully polished the scaling everything is top notch love everything about this game every second!
  20. DarknessWithin_
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Final Fantasy XVI is amazing and on the grandest scale ever seen on a console based game. The artwork is amazing, the gameplay/eikon fights draws you in, and the concepts are completely innovative and jaw-dropping.

    This is truly one of those games you must play before you die. One the best games of all time period. All the trailers they shown wasn’t even 5% the game didn’t spoil anything    Final Fantasy XVI is amazing and on the grandest scale ever seen on a console based game. The artwork is amazing, the gameplay/eikon fights draws you in, and the concepts are completely innovative and jaw-dropping.

    This is truly one of those games you must play before you die. One the best games of all time period. All the trailers they shown wasn’t even 5% the game didn’t spoil anything blessed to have opportunity to play this masterpiece    … Expand
  21. csfree
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Excellent game. Retains spirit of Final Fantasy while providing a new polished experience. Only complaint I have so far is a lack of ability to change abilities during Eikon fights. But can easily just restart back to the previous check point. Otherwise, epic epic epic
  22. Haraxmant
    Jun 28, 2023
    7
    Tbh, It's a really good story, it's dramatically held back by its gameplay though.
    7 Isn't bad, comparatively it's even good.
    But compared to a lot of the 2020's Action games on PS5, XVI's gameplay just leaves a lot to be desired.
  23. DusKnight
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Over exceed expectations.
    Game has one of the best boss fights in the industry accompanied by one of the greatest OST in gaming as well.
  24. Javieraz
    Jun 27, 2023
    10
    Incredible history. Amazing game. Nice surprise. Thank square enix for that jewell
  25. Nadoo
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    This game is wonderful. I can’t fathom why would anyone rate this masterpiece with less than an 8. I absolutely loved this game.
  26. UkyoSonoda
    Jun 28, 2023
    6
    The parts of the game you actually get to play are mostly smooth however hitbox timing for dodges on a number of enemy attacks doesn't fully line up with the animations. It's also extremely heavy on cutscenes and expository breaks as I feel I spent more time watching the game than playing it. Also observed a number of typos in the game text for items and captions.

    Visually the game is    The parts of the game you actually get to play are mostly smooth however hitbox timing for dodges on a number of enemy attacks doesn't fully line up with the animations. It's also extremely heavy on cutscenes and expository breaks as I feel I spent more time watching the game than playing it. Also observed a number of typos in the game text for items and captions.

    Visually the game is quite impressive with it's details. However gameplay itself is overly simplified to timing button presses while navigating mostly linear map areas. There is little reason to explore and nearly all staples and mechanics of an RPG are missing.

    The only build "options" you have are limited to the relic slots which have a limited range of options and which Eikons and skills you choose to slot. However that part just boils down to preferences on what types of moves you like as the element of the Eikon makes no difference at all in the game.

    It's not a bad game. However it's not something that should have been shipped as a numbered mainline entry to the Final Fantasy series and instead been given a spinoff designation like other forays by SE to branch the Final Fantasy series outside of the RPG genre. Between this title and the direction they've been taking with changes to Final Fantasy 14, it gives the impression that CBU3's goal is to take the Final Fantasy franchise away from it's original fanbase.

    Lots of flashy things to get attention but sorely lacking in substance compared to previous mainline entries in the series and even a number of the series spinoffs.    … Expand
  27. alm1234
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    The best advice I can give you is to literally ignore the Negative Reviews, they are just embarrassing

    About the game... The game has an awesome Story, Characters, World Building, Gameplay, and several fights which I would consider one of the best in gaming history. Side Quests begin shallow, but halfway they become decent, with some specifically being really good and offering    The best advice I can give you is to literally ignore the Negative Reviews, they are just embarrassing

    About the game...

    The game has an awesome Story, Characters, World Building, Gameplay, and several fights which I would consider one of the best in gaming history.

    Side Quests begin shallow, but halfway they become decent, with some specifically being really good and offering extra Lore and narrative.

    About performance, the Quality mode is flawless, but the performance one needs some improvements, for a new player I would tell you to play in Quality mode.

    The game always needs a disable motion blur option, which was already confirmed to come at a later patch.~

    All being said, buy this game and enjoy it, ignore people who just review bomb because it's not turn-based and lacks black people, which is the main reason they complain since the game isn't all white people like they like to spread misinformation.    … Expand
  28. Redwolf18blue
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Loving it so far. The characters, graphics and music are so good. Any free time iv got its my go to! Just as any good game should make you want to do. Only thing I don't like are the names...Clive it just doesn't sit right with me.
  29. Baneblade
    Jun 28, 2023
    5
    Potentially good game impaired by lack of critical industry standard user experience feature. Graphical issues are nothing compared to being unable to play due to shockingly unfamiliar button placements. For most of people that play more than one game, new muscle memory for each game is not something that could be tolerated. Who would dodge with R1 and not O? Why Lock target is not R3?Potentially good game impaired by lack of critical industry standard user experience feature. Graphical issues are nothing compared to being unable to play due to shockingly unfamiliar button placements. For most of people that play more than one game, new muscle memory for each game is not something that could be tolerated. Who would dodge with R1 and not O? Why Lock target is not R3? This review could be much higher if Square Enix simply release a patch to enable custom control layout. But they don't even recognize the issue. Do they even have QA department? If so then replace them with competent people for not doing a simple job. I tried PS5's Accessibility feature combined with scheme B, I could do the combat perfectly, but then when I get to the game's menu, it gets messy again because the buttons already swapped. Also, the diamond shaped bar at the bottom right does not change according to the selected button scheme. Otherwise, this could be a sneak attempt at selling Dualsense Edge, that could swap button profiles easily. Unfortunately most of people don't have that controller, so yeah, another game for the backlog that will never see play.… Expand
  30. Emptilion
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    First time since FF12 that I have been this invested in a singleplayer final fantasy game. Loved every minute of it. It doesn't play like the final fantasies of old, but it sure is the first game in a long time that made me feel the same way I did playing a Final Fantasy game back in the day. You might not have a true party in this game, but this cast of characters might be one of the bestFirst time since FF12 that I have been this invested in a singleplayer final fantasy game. Loved every minute of it. It doesn't play like the final fantasies of old, but it sure is the first game in a long time that made me feel the same way I did playing a Final Fantasy game back in the day. You might not have a true party in this game, but this cast of characters might be one of the best in the entire franchise. I found the story to be really engaging, I felt invested in the world, the gameplay is really fun and the boss fights are the absolute highlights of the game. Watching an FMV was the most hype thing back during the PS1 and PS2 days, and that has kind of been lost now. But the Eikon battles feel like the replacement for that in this game. They are breathtaking. I had a smile on my face during every single one.

    Not every fan is going to be pleased, but for me 13 and 15 were not what I personally wanted out of this franchise, and even 7R made decisions I am not a huge fan of. But FF16 felt like a true return to form to me. I have played every game in this franchise besides 11, and while I still need to let it sink in a bit, I am confident this game is going to rank high among my favourite FF games. Maybe even top 3.    … Expand
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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]
See all critic reviews »