User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8567 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Gameplay: The fast action gameplay is engaging and fun, you can make some insane combos with all kinds of different abilities and elements. Once you progress far enough in the game you can even mix and match elements/magic with different Eikons (previously called summons.) So the possibilities are there for anyone to play whatever playstyle they like. I want to address people saying youGameplay: The fast action gameplay is engaging and fun, you can make some insane combos with all kinds of different abilities and elements. Once you progress far enough in the game you can even mix and match elements/magic with different Eikons (previously called summons.) So the possibilities are there for anyone to play whatever playstyle they like. I want to address people saying you can just spam the square button and beat everything. That is true if you choose to play that way, the developers wanted ANYONE to be able to pickup this game and experience the story, art, and music within. There are accessories you have to EQUIP, if you WANT that type of playstyle, these help unfamiliar action players, non-gamers, older players/fans be able to make it through the game without issue and without the frustration of being unable to survive the battles. This is a choice of playstyle that each individual person has to make, the game is not inherently that easy.

    Companions: Your dog, Torgal, is a beast, has his own back story, and grows in power the more you use him throughout the game. I won't get into the actual companions names to avoid spoilers, but they all have their own set of abilities to make combat more intense. The only companion you have control over though is Torgal. The companions are helpful and engaging but do their own thing, this is slightly different than most may expect.

    Story: Holy **** this is Lord of the Rings extended edition quality, this is quite literally Game of Thrones 2.0 or maybe even 3.0. There has never been a more intense Final Fantasy and they have never taken more risks. With that being said, early on side quests feel just enough and right and as the game progresses they maybe do a little too many side quests that slows the pacing of the story. While the side quests all feel like they have meaning its like a random filler episode right in the middle of the main fight in your favorite anime. So while it's not bad, it can get distracting, but most of them are good in their own way and have their own story arcs they wrap up by the end of the game if you bother doing them.

    Cinematics: Sweet Mother Theresa on the hood of a Mercedes Benz! The cutscenes and cinematics are absolutely INSANE in this game. Easily one of the best visual masterpieces in gaming to date, easily up there with Death Stranding and the like. The landscapes are endless and beautiful. Each of the major cities is an architectural masterpiece in their own right, the cities are vibrant and beautiful in each cutscene, and what's crazier is so many times I said "it can't get more beautiful than this" and it absolutely did time and time again!

    Voice acting: Most of the time you can really sense real emotion coming from the performance of the actors in which sometimes you may shed a tear with them. Learning some back story of Clive's voice actor and his father passing during the recording of some of these scenes you can really hear raw, true emotion emanating from his performance. There are the occasional "cringy" dialogue lines which these games tend to have, but even those are few and not even that bad.

    Music: As always, Final Fantasy has an amazing musical score. There's a lot of new emotional pieces, as well as a few very nostalgic pieces that are sure to be a treat for old fans and new!

    Cons: Anyone coming into this game looking for a traditional JRPG will probably be disappointed, this is more of an ARPG with all the one player focused action RPG. I'm the type of player that scours every inch of the map looking for secrets and hidden items/objects, you won't find a ton of that here in this FF. It's not until the end of the game when you can discover a few secrets worth finding. Throughout the game there's also not much in the way of weapon/accessory crafting/customization. Typically you'll either craft the thing based on what you got from finishing your last boss, or you'll buy your upgrades/enhancements directly from the base store/blacksmith. There are the occasional chests tucked off the beaten path that have some really nice swords/equipment to wear, and some of which will last until endgame. But that's very far and few between, by the time I came across most things I already crafted/made a better weapon.

    Final Thoughts: After doing everything in the game that I could find/locate, I'm just absolutely blown away that we're at this point where gameplay, graphics, and story have combined into such a masterpiece. If half of the game being beautiful cutscenes isn't something you like, this game may not be for you. This game was emotional, beautiful, heart breaking, and exhilarating all at the same time. This game was a masterpiece.

    It's ok if FF16 isn't what you expected. 0 reviews don't make sense, there's so many things about this game better than most. There's too much "this game doesn't have what I want it's crap" and not enough "this game just wasn't for me." Have fun and enjoy!
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  2. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    After a lot of years waiting for a good final fantasy and this comes to fulfill the space betwen ff12 and now. I really love the dark story and the mature of dialogues.
    *Battle system is like playing devil may cry, dragon dogma y final fantasy, What can a rpg lover could ask?
    *Characters are so lovely and you can pet you DOG, dude GOTY. I pet my Doggy torgal every battle since i cannot
    After a lot of years waiting for a good final fantasy and this comes to fulfill the space betwen ff12 and now. I really love the dark story and the mature of dialogues.
    *Battle system is like playing devil may cry, dragon dogma y final fantasy, What can a rpg lover could ask?
    *Characters are so lovely and you can pet you DOG, dude GOTY. I pet my Doggy torgal every battle since i cannot resist.

    Game have space to improve a little more like motion blur option to turn off.
    *Oh btw if you speak spanish and hate spain subs dont worry, this game have a real Spanish sub and no the trash spain voice.
    10/10
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  3. Jun 23, 2023
    10
    Perefect Game for me, great World, great Charackters, great Story, great Combat, great World, great Music, great Design. LOVE IT!

    Dont believe this 0/10 Reviews, this people never played the game and they dont know what they are talking about.
  4. Jun 24, 2023
    10
    The best game in this year Story 100
    Graphic 100
    Combat 100
    Gameplay 100
    Everything in this game is perfect Mastarpeace
  5. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Amazing game, incredible combat, rich story and unprecedented production. Final Fantasy XVI sets a new bar for quality all around this generation. Clive is the best protagonist since Cloud and the Eikon battles leave me picking my jaw up off the floor every time. A true work of digital art.
  6. Jun 26, 2023
    0
    I long for the pure-hearted, inspirational Final Fantasy games that Square used to create. I've played them all (except the two MMOs) and spent over $2,000 on Final Fantasy games and merch over the decades, but sadly I won't be purchasing this one. I loved the dark undertones of games like 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, and 15, but this one takes things to a ridiculous extreme with no satisfyingI long for the pure-hearted, inspirational Final Fantasy games that Square used to create. I've played them all (except the two MMOs) and spent over $2,000 on Final Fantasy games and merch over the decades, but sadly I won't be purchasing this one. I loved the dark undertones of games like 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, and 15, but this one takes things to a ridiculous extreme with no satisfying payoff. The change in style strays unimaginably far from the mark as well. It's a betrayal of the fans who helped to build Squaresoft/Square-Enix's brand. Shame on you guys, we deserved better. I used to buy every new game without hesitation, but now you're going to have to earn me back as a customer for anything but remakes; the trust is broken. Expand
  7. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    I Played every Final Fantasy mainline, though I miss the classic RPG elements of past games, I still enjoyed this entry. For me, a FF game focuses on story telling, every game has a great an unique story and this entry was no exception. You can't do many things that were possible on past entries, like customizing your allies, but giving the type of game it is, I don't think it would fit atI Played every Final Fantasy mainline, though I miss the classic RPG elements of past games, I still enjoyed this entry. For me, a FF game focuses on story telling, every game has a great an unique story and this entry was no exception. You can't do many things that were possible on past entries, like customizing your allies, but giving the type of game it is, I don't think it would fit at all. I would recommend playing it without using the easy rings, unless you want a FFXV gameplay where you only need to press a single button. A really good improvement for battle systems in the series. Expand
  8. Jun 23, 2023
    9
    De los mejores FF, es un juegazo brutal increíble, los combates, la historia, los personajes Buff... Recomendado 100% JUEGAZO
  9. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    El juego esta increíble, el combate es una locura cuando consigues dominar todas las mecánicas junto con una dificultad adecuada.

    Hay mucha gente quejándose del juego, pero son para mi quejas sin tontearías, como que el juego no es con el típico sistema de combate por turnos, o que es muy mundo abierto, la verdad para mi es un juego increíble, me lo pase genial mientras lo jugaba, así
    El juego esta increíble, el combate es una locura cuando consigues dominar todas las mecánicas junto con una dificultad adecuada.

    Hay mucha gente quejándose del juego, pero son para mi quejas sin tontearías, como que el juego no es con el típico sistema de combate por turnos, o que es muy mundo abierto, la verdad para mi es un juego increíble, me lo pase genial mientras lo jugaba, así que gente, dejen de quejarse y dejen jugar que esta es una gran oportunidad para que nuevas personas conozcan la saga
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  10. Jun 26, 2023
    1
    You would think that most of the people giving this game a 10 or 9 workers for Sony, this game is just a large CGI movie, you get maybe 5 minutes of gameplay and then 10 minutes of cutscenes, it’s extremely annoying, the dodge system is terrible when you do get into a boss fight, when they said this game has cutscenes longer than the entire lord of the rings trilogy, THEY WEREN”T LYING.
  11. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    probablemente contiene las mejores peleas contra jefes finales de toda mi vida
  12. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Fantastic game that successfully continues the final fantasy torch in innovation and storytelling. Great game, I was in tears and captivated by the beauty of this game. This was a very unique experience in gaming for me. (I am a huge fan of RPGs and narrative driven games).
  13. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. جميله جدا من احلى الألعاب اللي لعبتها اخر خمس سنوات ::::::::
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  14. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Major improvement in combat and story from previous games. I know the combat isn’t turn-based but it’s extremely fun and there isn’t too much to the point it’s annoying or a burden. The story is captivating and unique with many outstanding characters. Would have liked to see more expansive lore and less fetch quests but it’s still a great game that has kept me occupied for 5 straight days.Major improvement in combat and story from previous games. I know the combat isn’t turn-based but it’s extremely fun and there isn’t too much to the point it’s annoying or a burden. The story is captivating and unique with many outstanding characters. Would have liked to see more expansive lore and less fetch quests but it’s still a great game that has kept me occupied for 5 straight days.
  15. Jun 26, 2023
    1
    The story is intriguing, but unfortunately the game is rather shallow. The battles can be won by just spamming a few buttons and then unleashing a special move, there are no status ailments, weapon crafting seems to have been an after thought and there isn't a huge variation between the different "stances". For how much time went into this game I was hoping for more
  16. Jun 26, 2023
    1
    When I heard Yoshida was taking this over. Having spent many years playing FFXIV. I predicted what to expect. A bland overworld. Poorly designed sidequest. And cutscenes, cutscenes on top of cutscenes on top of cutscenes. And sad to say I was entirely correct, that was the end result. Hilariously enough people complain about this when it comes to Naughty Dog games or western games inWhen I heard Yoshida was taking this over. Having spent many years playing FFXIV. I predicted what to expect. A bland overworld. Poorly designed sidequest. And cutscenes, cutscenes on top of cutscenes on top of cutscenes. And sad to say I was entirely correct, that was the end result. Hilariously enough people complain about this when it comes to Naughty Dog games or western games in general with more cutscenes than gameplay and quicktime events, but seem to constantly give a pass to this franchise in both the MMO and now this game. Luckily I played it with a friend so none of my actual money was wasted. Expand
  17. Jun 26, 2023
    5
    Juegazo, simplemente, juegazo. Gráficamente es genial, la historia es una maravilla, el sistema de combate y el mismo combate es una cosa burtal, guapisimo.
  18. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    I didn’t think I’d be writing this, but this is a surprisingly awesome game after all the mediocre to bad ones recently. I’m impressed. Keep this up! While it may be more of an epic action adventure than an RPG, it is an amazing one as such and deserves the name final fantasy!
  19. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Masterpiece, the history is so good, and the boss fighters are the best. Excelente game,
  20. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    One of the finest games of 2023 is this one. A stunning game with excellent combat, a captivating narrative, and excellent voice acting. It would be in your best interest to test out the demo before making a purchase since, without a doubt, you WILL become engrossed in this universe and not want to leave until the credits start to roll.
  21. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    It's not perfect, in fact I think it's a game that could be a masterpiece, however I'm giving it this rating because of the unfair notes it's received.
  22. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Such a great game and great FINAL FANTASY GAME. Combat is addicting and so cool looking and the boss battles are some of the best I've ever played.
  23. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    I have played most FF games, my favorite genre is RPG and I've been playing FFXIV since 2013, when i heard that CBU3 was in charge of 16 i was at ease since i know that they are good at what they do, but oh boy, since FF16 came out i cant think of anything else, every other game i try to play doesn't feel the emptiness of not playing FF16, i find no joy in playing Diablo IV due to FF16,I have played most FF games, my favorite genre is RPG and I've been playing FFXIV since 2013, when i heard that CBU3 was in charge of 16 i was at ease since i know that they are good at what they do, but oh boy, since FF16 came out i cant think of anything else, every other game i try to play doesn't feel the emptiness of not playing FF16, i find no joy in playing Diablo IV due to FF16, the combat is the best one in a FF series, you actually feel powerful not just some dude fighting against the world. Expand
  24. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Narratively this game is outstanding, I wasn’t sure about the moment to moment gameplay at first with the lack of open world that I’ve become so use to but this is where I feel it works, I didn’t have much of a chance to get off the train story speaking, being a linear game it kept me really engaged with the story and characters and I couldn’t wait to get to each part of the story to seeNarratively this game is outstanding, I wasn’t sure about the moment to moment gameplay at first with the lack of open world that I’ve become so use to but this is where I feel it works, I didn’t have much of a chance to get off the train story speaking, being a linear game it kept me really engaged with the story and characters and I couldn’t wait to get to each part of the story to see what was happening next, the combat is amazing, real fluid and satisfying, I hope the games sees DLC or expansions it would be amazing, really happy I went with a day one purchase, fantastic job by square. Expand
  25. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    This has quickly become one of my favorite Final Fantasy games. The story, characters, music, and combat are all simply amazing. I also think this is the best world building we've ever seen in a Final Fantasy game. As a long time fan of the series, I give this one the full 10.
  26. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    This game is amazing. Personally it’s one of my favorite. story. 10/10 combat. 10/10.
  27. Jun 26, 2023
    8
    I'm quite early in, just got my first Eikon ability. It's a really good game, not 10/10 Elden Ring or Zelda quality, but still a very solid experience.
  28. Jun 26, 2023
    4
    4 might be generous. Poor performance on fps mode makes game hard to see because it’s so choppy. Boring exploration and combat. Empty world, nothing interesting to find and no reason to explore. Enemies are sponges, battles are way too long for no reason. I found myself running away from encounters because they are so boring. The side quests are so bad not sure why they even bothered. This4 might be generous. Poor performance on fps mode makes game hard to see because it’s so choppy. Boring exploration and combat. Empty world, nothing interesting to find and no reason to explore. Enemies are sponges, battles are way too long for no reason. I found myself running away from encounters because they are so boring. The side quests are so bad not sure why they even bothered. This game make 15 look like a absolute ff masterpiece. So disappointing they didn’t stick with FF7 remake combat system. I’m not a turn based fan but this is not engaging action combat. I wish I could get my money back and I’m mad at myself for supporting this new direction for FF. Expand
  29. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    I've been a Final Fantasy fan since FFIV, and my personal favorites are VII, VIII, IX and X like many.... I don't think they will ever eclipse these, but Final Fantasy XVI is the closest they've got in many years with matching the sheer quality of them. It is graphically amazing, the voice acting is superb, and it shocks with it's dark moments in the storytelling.

    I won't go into too much
    I've been a Final Fantasy fan since FFIV, and my personal favorites are VII, VIII, IX and X like many.... I don't think they will ever eclipse these, but Final Fantasy XVI is the closest they've got in many years with matching the sheer quality of them. It is graphically amazing, the voice acting is superb, and it shocks with it's dark moments in the storytelling.

    I won't go into too much detail on gameplay, or mechanics as many reviews have already, but the pacing, the lead character and supporting cast are well integrated into this medieval Valisthea. I love what they've done with the Gameplay, it improves on FF XV fighting, with a Devil May Cry esque style of play switching between Eikons at the touch of a button, utilising more move sets to beat your foes.

    I can't believe we're still in the era of people reviewing 0/10 when they probably haven't even played the demo let alone the game, and quite frankly even if they didn't like the game, nothing is worthy of a 0 - my most hated games will still be a 3 to 5 out of 10.

    Ignore haters, they have nothing better to do, this game is top notch, must play... The critic reviews speak for themselves.
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  30. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Absolutely on spot, beautiful, great combat, addictive story. Can't wait to get back playing again. 11 out of 10. Goty so far.
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]