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. Blkmoblin
    Jun 26, 2023
    4
    I really wanted to like this game and it had a strong start but only after about 10 hours of gameplay it became the most bland and basic game I've played this year. The hype surrounding this game baffles me. There's nothing unique or especially great about literally anything in this game. The combat is just smashing square and using abilities on cooldown. Super repetitive and requires noI really wanted to like this game and it had a strong start but only after about 10 hours of gameplay it became the most bland and basic game I've played this year. The hype surrounding this game baffles me. There's nothing unique or especially great about literally anything in this game. The combat is just smashing square and using abilities on cooldown. Super repetitive and requires no real strategy. Crafting is completely pointless as you can hardly ever craft new things. You don't have to farm any resources for crafting either because you always have 10x more than you need any time you can craft weapons or gear. Exploration is pointless as well. There are no collectables to find and every area generally looks the same. Side quests are all fetch quests and the only thing you get most of the time is more crafting materials that you don't need for doing them. The main story is just ok, but the comparisons I've heard to Game Of Thrones and Witcher are inaccurate. The voice acting is great and the graphics are decent but unfortunately that's not enough to carry this game, especially at $75 price point. This feels like an early PS4 game. I think the ppl giving this 9s and 10s are just huge FF fans. So if you're not, I would skip this title as it is extremely weak imo. I am about 20hrs in and I am planning on returning it to GameStop.… Expand
  2. Leo59
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Ce jeu m'a ébloui par son gameplay, son histoire, ses personnages et son univers. Le goty 2023 sans aucun doute.
  3. StubbornStanley
    Jun 26, 2023
    7
    It's a good game, but is it really FInal Fantasy? Well, yes, because that's what it's called, that's the universe, and that's what the creators' made. BUT, to echo many other FF vets, it's really not quite a Final Fantasy game at heart. The action is way over the top. There are too many enemies in many battles, which then boils down to a goofy dance of dodge and slash and wait for coolIt's a good game, but is it really FInal Fantasy? Well, yes, because that's what it's called, that's the universe, and that's what the creators' made. BUT, to echo many other FF vets, it's really not quite a Final Fantasy game at heart. The action is way over the top. There are too many enemies in many battles, which then boils down to a goofy dance of dodge and slash and wait for cool downs with very little strategy involved. And then there's the lack of party management, lack of wonder, and lack of any semblance of strategic combat that I'd prefer from a FF mainline game.

    The graphics are hit-and-miss. There are some gorgeous creature models, but many humans have very soft/muddy overtones. That goes for the environments, as well--some look great, and some have that muddy, soft look to them.

    The story is very adult and pretty well done, but I wouldn't say it's elite by any means. Still, well above average compared to most games.

    The music is excellent. I'm hoping a real OST appears on Spotify sooner than later.

    Overall, it's about as good as FFXV for me. It's worth playing and well made. However, yes I'm firmly in that camp that disagrees with the Devil May Cry direction that they've taken the franchise. I guess they think the Fortnite/ADHD crowd can't handle anything that's not completely spastic in it's combat.

    For me, it's a play through, done, trade in type of game that I will enjoy but won't ever come back to.    … Expand
  4. NihylBaxter
    Jun 26, 2023
    4
    Oh boy am I disappointed in this game. Except from the boss fights everything is shallow, too easy, pointless, boring, unfinished and repetitive. This really seals it for me, Final Fantasy is officially dead to me. It’s a shame I paid so much money for this and I would rather watch a let’s play and skip the boring parts! I mean I played a main dungeon drunk and with one hand an one eye andOh boy am I disappointed in this game. Except from the boss fights everything is shallow, too easy, pointless, boring, unfinished and repetitive. This really seals it for me, Final Fantasy is officially dead to me. It’s a shame I paid so much money for this and I would rather watch a let’s play and skip the boring parts! I mean I played a main dungeon drunk and with one hand an one eye and was able to do it. Even the praised combat system is just way too simple and easy. The side quests are a joke ( fight 3 normal enemies for what you take max. 5 mins and get materials you have +50 of it already with which you can’t do anything because you already have everything. There is no flow because you have to stop all the time and everything is slow and needs extra steps to confirm or whatever. I have so many complaints about little things which makes this game just a chore to play for me. Fuxk this game seriously. At the end you are just pressing forward walking through areas where exploration is pointless because you will just find potions and materials you already have enough of to another cutscene to then fight pointless, easy enemies till you arrive at a bossfight which at the end is just an interactive cutscene. This was false marketing and I’m literally mad right now that I bought this crap.… Expand
  5. Kirkmfj
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Final Fantasy XVI delivers a captivating and darkly immersive experience. The story is gripping, featuring complex characters and a richly woven narrative. The combat system strikes a perfect balance between traditional and modern, offering strategic depth and fluid action. The visuals are stunning, showcasing breathtaking environments and detailed character designs. The soundtrack isFinal Fantasy XVI delivers a captivating and darkly immersive experience. The story is gripping, featuring complex characters and a richly woven narrative. The combat system strikes a perfect balance between traditional and modern, offering strategic depth and fluid action. The visuals are stunning, showcasing breathtaking environments and detailed character designs. The soundtrack is masterfully composed, enhancing the emotional depth of each moment. Despite these minor drawbacks, Final Fantasy XVI is a triumphant return to form for the series, providing an unforgettable journey filled with intrigue, adventure, and heart.… Expand
  6. Quarkelious
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Great combat and world-building, topped off with fantastic music and stunning visuals. An all-too-welcome breath of fresh air for the Final Fantasy franchise
  7. abowman
    Jun 26, 2023
    9
    Final Fantasy is one of the main video game series that got me interested in video games more than 30 years ago. I have played every Final fantasy to date. There have been lots of good games, and lots of mediocre ones. Final Fantasy 16 is one of the best Final Fantasies in the series to date.

    I know a lot of people are probably disappointed that final fantasy has moved pretty far from    Final Fantasy is one of the main video game series that got me interested in video games more than 30 years ago. I have played every Final fantasy to date. There have been lots of good games, and lots of mediocre ones. Final Fantasy 16 is one of the best Final Fantasies in the series to date.

    I know a lot of people are probably disappointed that final fantasy has moved pretty far from its original roots as a JRPG. I'm not one of those people. While there is some work to be done with this new direction, I do feel it has breathed new life into the series.

    The combat is absolutely phenomenal. In my opinion, It's probably in the top 5 combat systems of all time. Ryota Suzuki called FF16 his masterpiece, and boy oh boy does it show. I don't think I have had a larger smile across my face during some of the fights in this game. It's visceral, it flows well, and it FEELS good.

    The story and characters are also fantastic. As someone who couldn't relate as well with the last few protagonists of the final fantasy series, Clive, Cid, and many other characters were EXTREMELY relatable. The world and characters are complex, dark, grim, and MATURE. This is probably the best aspect of this new Final Fantasy and its a HUGE step in the right direction. I hope they continue down this path with future releases.

    Now, the bad. I agree with a lot of complaints regarding the overall "corridor" feeling that this game has. This game is MAJORILY on rails. There is SOME side quests in previous areas that you've visited, but you will almost always be experiencing the game exactly how everyone else is. This is where both FF16 and the FF7 remake suffer, and its where Square Enix needs to put their attention next.

    As someone who loves open world games, Final fantasy doesn't need to be open world. The game doesn't need to be fully open world. It does, however, need to FEEL LIKE A WORLD. Final Fantasy 16 feels like a series of corridors and scripted events, one after another. I think a system like Dragon Age 3, where you have maps of semi open world environments, would work well for Final Fantasy. This is absolutely where the game suffers the most. Square Enix needs to find better ways to break up the corridors.

    Overall I am loving this game. It's a huge step in the right direction and It will attract a wider audience. I'm hoping we see more mature Final Fantasy games in the future.    … Expand
  8. Flower708
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Esse jogo é incrível e merecia mais reconhecimento de todos. A qualidade dele não é definida por ser um exclusivo de Playstation, mas pelo esforço que o grupo da Square Enix pôs e valeu muito a pena. O jogo não ganhou um 90 + neste site e nem vai ganhar uma avaliação boa dos usuários, mas se você ler isso, saiba que o jogo merece ser jogado por você. História fantástica, gameplayEsse jogo é incrível e merecia mais reconhecimento de todos. A qualidade dele não é definida por ser um exclusivo de Playstation, mas pelo esforço que o grupo da Square Enix pôs e valeu muito a pena. O jogo não ganhou um 90 + neste site e nem vai ganhar uma avaliação boa dos usuários, mas se você ler isso, saiba que o jogo merece ser jogado por você. História fantástica, gameplay sensacional e divertido, batalhas de Eikons que são simplesmente inacreditáveis e uma trilha sonora tão espetacular que parece ser impossível ter sido feito por seres humanos. Por favor, tente ter uma mente aberta e respeite o jogo, não é só ele que sofre que tanto ódio das pessoas, diversos outros jogos igualmente incríveis também. O jogo vale 100 % a pena. Na minha opinião, merece o prêmio Game of the Year, apesar de ser difícil de ganhar, mas torço pelo sucesso porque Final Fantasy XVI é épico e vai marcar quem o jogar.… Expand
  9. check21
    Jun 26, 2023
    9
    The game play is good but the story is vague.
    The country setting feel crude and fleeting in the story. World map is beautiful but lack of interaction and exploration. Running in the world map is boring.
  10. Chiefghostzx
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Amazing game! better than expected. I love the fact that it’s different. Happy with the purchase. Easily the best Final Fantasy I’ve played. In my opinion it should be the game of the year.
  11. BingusMax
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Gameplay is great. Visuals are great. Soundtrack is amazing. Performance could be better, but overall a great game.
  12. Meeno6456
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    A modern masterpiece! One of the most gripping stories I have ever experienced. Everything from the intense action, the score, the characters and dialogue absolutely blew me away.
  13. brearick82
    Jun 26, 2023
    9
    This should get a GOTY nomination. The only reason I can't give this a perfect 10 is because I don't feel like games these days deserve 10s...I've played every final fantasy from back in the 80s on the NES to today. This is probably top 3 best of all Final Fantasy games. My only complaint, and it's petty, is that there's TOO much dialogue (i know i know) and not enough fighting. I feelThis should get a GOTY nomination. The only reason I can't give this a perfect 10 is because I don't feel like games these days deserve 10s...I've played every final fantasy from back in the 80s on the NES to today. This is probably top 3 best of all Final Fantasy games. My only complaint, and it's petty, is that there's TOO much dialogue (i know i know) and not enough fighting. I feel like if you're good at dodging, you will win literally every battle. I'm about 40% through right now so this could be bumped to a 10 once I finish the game...… Expand
  14. Diegorega
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    AWESOME game. An experience like never before. A breath of fresh air for the franchise. New type of battles, an epic story, great main characters... besides... A breathtaking eikons' encounters. Don't expect a classical final fantasy, open your mind and let Valisthea surprise you. Love it!
  15. Repus_Edud
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    FF16 is a great good game! Its right now my GOTY. good story, fun combat. And a very beautiful game.
  16. JulianS04
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Perfect story, perfect characters, perfect combat! One of the best games i ever played!… Expand
  17. goregons_05
    Jun 26, 2023
    8
    FFXVI isn't the worst game ever like many people online would have you believe. However, it certainly isn't perfect by any means, and has a number of flaws holding it back from all of it's potential of being a truly great game.

    Pros: * For every weak character in the cast, there are at least two strong and well-written characters. One particular highlight for me was a character    FFXVI isn't the worst game ever like many people online would have you believe. However, it certainly isn't perfect by any means, and has a number of flaws holding it back from all of it's potential of being a truly great game.

    Pros:

    * For every weak character in the cast, there are at least two strong and well-written characters. One particular highlight for me was a character you'll meet early on named Cid, who oozes with charm, personality, and might just be the best Cid in the series.

    * The voice acting is absolutely stellar. Almost every single character in the main cast is voiced beautifully and helps carry the scenes even when they are particularly lacking (which will be elaborated on.) Ben Starr in particular does an excellent job as Clive, to the point where his voice during some particularly emotional scenes brought me to the brink with tears.

    * The battle system is very good, although the amount of time before it truly expands and the many hours between the unlocking of new skills will make some encounters tedious.

    * The accessibility and optimization in this game is excellent, from the various rings included to the Active Time Lore feature. (The latter I had to use many times, and although I did not use the former many times, I hope that the rings can help someone's experience.) Besides the current lack of the option to remove motion blur (which is to be patched,) I hope that many games as a whole will take a page from FFXVI's book and implement these features into their games.

    * The soundtrack is amazing, enough said.

    * There are certain over-the-top battles roughly every 7-9 hours, and they are the best moments in the game. Some of them are perhaps even some of my favorite moments in the series, which considering the many moments so far, is hard to accomplish.

    Cons:

    * The women aren't really written that well, and considering the other characters and relatively well-written LGBTQ+ characters in this game (whom were actually confirmed as queer, to my extremely pleasant surprise), it's truly such a shame that they round out as the weakest of the cast. Our main heroine is a great character when the writers allow her to BE one, and a certain character (those whom have finished the game might have a solid guess on who) deserved so much more than what she was given.

    * Without giving much away as well, while the antagonists often pose a threat, but there were very few who ultimately intrigued me. Many of them are very weak in terms of writing.

    * The pacing is not too awful, but just enough to detract from the experience. FFXVI ultimately has one of the same, and biggest, flaws of Endwalker: after an extremely large climatic event that rocks your socks off and makes you invested in what happens next, there is often a boring quest that while contributing to the plot, takes you out of the suspense that the story was meant to make you feel.

    * Near the third act, there are many reused mobs that make the game rather predictable in terms of action. I actually counted one mob adjacent to a miniboss used about four times within the span of the third act, and that's not counting how that boss can be boiled down to a recolor with different colored attacks. (And, while the recolor reason is somewhat valid in that case, there are some bosses that do not get that excuse.)

    ------

    Overall, if you are looking for an Action RPG with an emphasis on a solid gameplay with great characters, then FFXVI is absolutely the game for you. However, do not expect a revolutionary combat system or story, and as with almost every game, please be sure to come in with your expectations mildly tempered.    … Expand
  18. Yuzumi
    Jun 26, 2023
    9
    This game is amazing, seriously.

    I know there have been people complaining about either exclusivity, or the fact that this game is less "RPG" and more Action oriented. I love the new combat design, its fluid, feels impactful and gives you freedom to design your combo/battles the way you want them to be. Parrying and countering actually rewards you with good punishers. You can use    This game is amazing, seriously.

    I know there have been people complaining about either exclusivity, or the fact that this game is less "RPG" and more Action oriented.

    I love the new combat design, its fluid, feels impactful and gives you freedom to design your combo/battles the way you want them to be.
    Parrying and countering actually rewards you with good punishers.

    You can use Torgal (the dog compaion) to create extensive air combo's to shred through your enemies, you can use him to heal a part of your damaged HP Bar (similiar how agression restores HP in Bloodborne) and you can pet him (big bonus).

    The Story is overall really good. It doesnt stand up to my favorite FF-XIV, but its still a very solid good story. Boss fights feel important, impactful and shows that care has been put into them.

    The only real downside i have is that the early sidequests are really dull, while later on (about 10-20h into the Main Story) they become A LOT, and i mean A LOT, better. They are seriously morbid, and build up the whole notion that the "Bearers" are simple tools for the normal humans to be used, whether this ends up in their death, or not.    … Expand
  19. Losn
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    one of the best FF when it comes to history, although the combat will not please many, this FF has many epic moments and with several plot Twist
  20. Bones98
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    An absolute masterpiece of a video game. I haven’t felt this kind of awe from a game in YEARS. The combat, boss battles, world and most of all the STORY is absolute insanity, in the best way possible. Game of the year is here.
  21. IzoDorian
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Incredible from start to finish!Spectacular fighting system and great story.
  22. NeilVoct
    Jun 26, 2023
    8
    Eikon fight is amazing！While this game still has many issues,but being able to play a real-time Final Fantasy would truly bring me immense joy.
  23. AlexanderWake
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Masterpiece. One of the best "Final Fantasy" ever. A great dark fantasy story.
  24. Makura
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    I've had high expectations for this game. It managed to surpass them in every sense. It's simply a masterpiece: godly combat system, amazing graphics, captivating story, exemplary english voice acting, perfectly written dialogues and interesting characters.
  25. Ebx4x
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Amazing game I enjoyed every second of it and I grit vs Garuda was just chefs kiss… Expand
  26. Zortrax
    Jun 26, 2023
    9
    Final fantasy XVI is a very refreshing experience for the series.

    The graphics are amazing, the gameplay is very cool, much better than its predecessor and the history it's like a spin-off of the Game of Thrones.

    I will give a 9 just because the fights are so nice and do not happen all the time.
  27. snes
    Jun 26, 2023
    6
    Yeesh, after 15 this one feels a bit lackluster. Heck after the recent FF7 remake it especially feels lackluster. I do get what the devs were trying to shoot for but the main story is just... Meh, nothing about it calls out to me. Nor did they make very likeable characters, though imo FF never makes very likeable characters so maybe that's just on me. Also the side quests are incrediblyYeesh, after 15 this one feels a bit lackluster. Heck after the recent FF7 remake it especially feels lackluster. I do get what the devs were trying to shoot for but the main story is just... Meh, nothing about it calls out to me. Nor did they make very likeable characters, though imo FF never makes very likeable characters so maybe that's just on me. Also the side quests are incredibly mediocre, like FF14 has better side quests and it's an mmo. Combine that with the terrible exploration and lack of minigames and there's just very little reason to explore this world. Zero reason to ever replay this game unless you're a sucker for the story, which lol, I'm not... I do like the combat, and it's of course polished to the standard FF levels. If this game is your jam then more power to you, have some fun in my stead cause this game aint it for me chief.… Expand
  28. SuperArishero
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    This is easily one of the best games in the series. The action combat is incredible. The story has me on the edge of my seat. Let's be honest, game journalists insert their brainwashed Western-political beliefs into everything nowadays and if you were to review this game objectively it certainly isn't a 6/10. This game is fun. The story, graphics, music, and battles are all top-notch. IfThis is easily one of the best games in the series. The action combat is incredible. The story has me on the edge of my seat. Let's be honest, game journalists insert their brainwashed Western-political beliefs into everything nowadays and if you were to review this game objectively it certainly isn't a 6/10. This game is fun. The story, graphics, music, and battles are all top-notch. If that's something you enjoy, buy this game!… Expand
  29. Zipperdemon
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Another PlayStation masterpiece! Ignore the review bombing and get the game. Epic and huge in scale with a great narrative and awesome combat.
  30. syndra
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is crazy. Fantastic bgm, amazing directing, finally polished combat system… 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 »