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. Terwilliger
    Jun 25, 2023
    10
    One of the best FF games out there, a welcome change has been made to the combat, one where reflex and reaction are more important for survival.

    The story is one of the darker stories to grace a mainline FF, there’s plenty of gruesome deaths and other things to earn the game that M rating. The OST shines, one of the best in an FF since Nobuo Uematsu was responsible for the compositions.    One of the best FF games out there, a welcome change has been made to the combat, one where reflex and reaction are more important for survival.

    The story is one of the darker stories to grace a mainline FF, there’s plenty of gruesome deaths and other things to earn the game that M rating.

    The OST shines, one of the best in an FF since Nobuo Uematsu was responsible for the compositions.

    The graphics are good, the performance mode needs some improvement as there are noticeable dips in the frames, however the frame pacing makes them tolerable and they’re not affecting the combat at all which is important.

    This game is fantastic and I’m glad Sony offered SE the best deal to lock this game down.    … Expand
  2. Cmota
    Jul 2, 2023
    10
    I love this game. I love to play RPG-style games, and I'm not locked into specific genres. A big pain point for me is my play style is casual. I just want to have fun and be immersed, and this game delivers. I love the cutscenes, the cool fight scenes, when executed correctly, feel like a reward, and the combat has a lot of depth and strategy by trying to take the least amount of damage. II love this game. I love to play RPG-style games, and I'm not locked into specific genres. A big pain point for me is my play style is casual. I just want to have fun and be immersed, and this game delivers. I love the cutscenes, the cool fight scenes, when executed correctly, feel like a reward, and the combat has a lot of depth and strategy by trying to take the least amount of damage. I really like how it doesn't start complex with a hundred menus and eases you into things, and doesn't make itself to be the same old systems, just re-skinned. As well as it doesn't make me feel tired like other games with bad story and just tons of missions like Assassins Creed or Diablo they are good games in their on rights but I just feel tired after playing them. I recommend this 5/5 it's one of the top games for me… Expand
  3. Guildartz
    Jun 30, 2023
    10
    Gameplay is fantastic, a slight step up from 15, The story is darker than usual and it's very much a good change of pace for the franchise.
  4. UpsideDownOne
    Jul 1, 2023
    10
    I think this is a top 5 final fantasy, call me crazy, but I personally put this in my top 2, the story is magnificent, the combat is awesome, music is phenomenal, the characters and how they grow are all just so well played out and the voice acting is pretty good, the entire game just gave me so many goose bumps, I took so many screenshots and just had a blast with the different areas andI think this is a top 5 final fantasy, call me crazy, but I personally put this in my top 2, the story is magnificent, the combat is awesome, music is phenomenal, the characters and how they grow are all just so well played out and the voice acting is pretty good, the entire game just gave me so many goose bumps, I took so many screenshots and just had a blast with the different areas and cutscenes, I have about 51 hours in the game and plan to put a whole lot more into this work of art, anyone giving this a 7 is mind boggling.… Expand
  5. Darlanmoreira
    Jul 18, 2023
    10
    Jogo mais épico que já joguei na minha vida!

    História é muito fascinante, a gameplay é supimpa, amei os personagens e as batalhas contras os Eikons são de CAIR O QUEIXO!! Mundo aberto e as missões secundárias podem ser decepcionantes, mas todo o conjunto bom do jogo, com adição dos belos gráficos e com boa fluidez, se torna para mim o melhor Final Fantasy e, com certeza, um dos    Jogo mais épico que já joguei na minha vida!

    História é muito fascinante, a gameplay é supimpa, amei os personagens e as batalhas contras os Eikons são de CAIR O QUEIXO!!

    Mundo aberto e as missões secundárias podem ser decepcionantes, mas todo o conjunto bom do jogo, com adição dos belos gráficos e com boa fluidez, se torna para mim o melhor Final Fantasy e, com certeza, um dos MELHORES JOGOS QUE JÁ JOGUEI NA MINHA VIDA!!    … Expand
  6. Simlin
    Jun 27, 2023
    10
    These days, there is an abundance of open-world games with intriguing yet vague stories that fail to provide an enjoyable experience. However, Final Fantasy XVI takes a traditional yet proven approach by engaging players with captivating story cutscenes and an exciting, diverse combat system. It delivers a mind-blowing experience that will leave you in awe during your initial playthrough.These days, there is an abundance of open-world games with intriguing yet vague stories that fail to provide an enjoyable experience. However, Final Fantasy XVI takes a traditional yet proven approach by engaging players with captivating story cutscenes and an exciting, diverse combat system. It delivers a mind-blowing experience that will leave you in awe during your initial playthrough.

    The story is well-crafted, effectively capturing your interest and making you invested in the characters. The music and sound design are of top-notch quality, enhancing the overall immersive experience.

    However, if you're seeking deep RPG character development, Final Fantasy XVI may not be the right choice for you. Character progression primarily relies on improving your combat skills and understanding your opponents' moves, rather than through intricate character arcs.

    The side quests in the game are enjoyable, especially if you're willing to slow down the pace and explore the finer details of the world and the people you're striving to save. It's worth noting that the animation quality in side quest sequences is somewhat downgraded, reminiscent of the style seen in The Witcher 3.

    In summary, if you have a preference for epic combat, cinematic storytelling, and the inclusion of adorable dogs or wolves, Final Fantasy XVI is an experience you shouldn't miss out on.    … Expand
  7. excryptor950
    Jun 25, 2023
    10
    Amazing game with incredible combat, story, characters, music, and cutscenes!! Highly racommended!
  8. getinho
    Jun 25, 2023
    10
    I wish they could develop better sidequest lines, but some of them are fine. They are in general too simples. But, despite that, the game is perfect in every way.
  9. rwxt
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    It's an amazing game with fascinating storytelling, epic battles, adorable characters, and especially the wonderful BGM. Thank you Yoshida san and team CBU3. I love this game and feeling so grateful for everything.
  10. glitchtimefail
    Jun 30, 2023
    10
    Cons - this game takes a good few hours before the story gets great. this game has side quests, and some main quests, and gameplay wise they're pretty basic. they're a stark reminder that the people who made this game also made XIV, and to be honest they can be boring. HOWEVER, halfway through the game I realised how important these "fetch quests" are for the world building of this game.Cons - this game takes a good few hours before the story gets great. this game has side quests, and some main quests, and gameplay wise they're pretty basic. they're a stark reminder that the people who made this game also made XIV, and to be honest they can be boring. HOWEVER, halfway through the game I realised how important these "fetch quests" are for the world building of this game.

    Pros- everyone with a PS5 should play this game. some moments in this game felt like spectacles of video game history. by the end of this game, you will feel as though Valisthea is a living breathing world, with communities of people who love one another and have their own problems. even the smaller side characters in this game are so beloved to me. as far as world building goes, XVI blows any other FF out of the water. its also the most fun ive had with an action game ever.    … Expand
  11. S7ulk1
    Jul 1, 2023
    10
    best game i ever played with GOD ragnarok and final fantasy vii...it's a must.
  12. stgr1
    Jun 24, 2023
    6
    The story and graphics are the only good things in this game. How did the level design go from open world filled with dungeons/bosses/items/secrets to nothing but tight corridors and empty zones is beyond me.
    The combat is like DMC and it shows, only problem is it's like the starting hour of DMC: one sword one ranged weapon and a few combos and that's it. It never gets anywhere, the same    The story and graphics are the only good things in this game. How did the level design go from open world filled with dungeons/bosses/items/secrets to nothing but tight corridors and empty zones is beyond me.
    The combat is like DMC and it shows, only problem is it's like the starting hour of DMC: one sword one ranged weapon and a few combos and that's it. It never gets anywhere, the same attacks you use at the start you use until the end. Only thing changing is the 2 special attacks you can use.
    Item system and overall progression are completely pointless. You gain levels and stats but they are not used anywhere. You don't have any skill point, no level requirements. Your naturally gain new weapons as you progress the story. They might as well have removed levels and items so that you don't have to bother. Once every 20 hours you might have to go craft a new set of weapons/gear. I only used crafting 3 times in the entire game, not because i wasn't trying but because there was nothing new.

    Overall feels like a very basic indie game, slapped on a AAA graphics and story.    … Expand
  13. Carloscascant
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Un videojuego excelente que tiene toda la escencia de final fantasy una obra maestra imprescindible para cualquier fan verdadero de la franquicia uno de los mejores final fantasy junto con el 14 el combate es sobresaliente y muy profundo los bosses son los mejores de la franquicia a la par de los del 14 la historia mi favorita de la saga y club e es uno de los mejores protagonistas deUn videojuego excelente que tiene toda la escencia de final fantasy una obra maestra imprescindible para cualquier fan verdadero de la franquicia uno de los mejores final fantasy junto con el 14 el combate es sobresaliente y muy profundo los bosses son los mejores de la franquicia a la par de los del 14 la historia mi favorita de la saga y club e es uno de los mejores protagonistas de final fantasy más bien me parece el mejor de a saga sin ninguna duda uno de mis candidatos a goty… Expand
  14. michaelowen24
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    THIS IS THE FIRST FF GAME THAT I CAN FINALLY ENJOY, AFTER FF10 A great story, great graphics, great characters, great combat system, AND THE EIKON BATTLES ARE JAWDROPPING
  15. SadSubz
    Jun 24, 2023
    6
    Its ok. Pacing, story, and characters ruined it for me. Bosses are awesome, and combat is fun, but lacks strategy.
  16. lambertbehnke
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    This is a great game, it looks gorgeous, the combat is fast and furious and has sufficient depth to keep interesting even 50 hours into the game. Even the side missions are fun and engaging.
  17. thetkennedy
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    I’ve played this game for well over 10 hours now and everything about it is incredible. Honestly it encapsulates how I feel playing final fantasy games. It has a lot of elements that make it final fantasy and as with all FF games we have some new elements and a new story too. It’s just great fun, fantastic visuals, great combat, beautiful story line and it’s everything I had wanted it toI’ve played this game for well over 10 hours now and everything about it is incredible. Honestly it encapsulates how I feel playing final fantasy games. It has a lot of elements that make it final fantasy and as with all FF games we have some new elements and a new story too. It’s just great fun, fantastic visuals, great combat, beautiful story line and it’s everything I had wanted it to be. I honestly didn’t have high hopes since I wasn’t that into FF15 and the main character looked somewhat dull, but I’ve grown to love this character and the world is spectacular… Expand
  18. Renzo_30
    Jun 25, 2023
    10
    It features an outstanding, top-of-the-line 20-hour action game with an absolutely great plot. The other 25 hours of the experience are made up of a seriously bad role-playing game that is bolted to it but still....... GOTY 2023 for me hehehe
  19. Braxbox
    Jun 25, 2023
    10
    Best game i have played in a while, combat is really fun and the VAs are going nuts !
  20. praveennagaraj9
    Jun 25, 2023
    10
    One of the best game in long running final fantasy series, surprised to see game this bug performing so well without any issues/bugs.
  21. guitarfreakk22
    Jun 25, 2023
    10
    I absolutely love this game. From the world/characters to the combat. My favorite game this year and favorite final fantasy since 10. I feel like the makers went above and beyond and met my expectations and exceeded. Clive and companions have excellent voice work. The world is beautiful they built and the story left me wanting to know more about the world the entire time. Worth the buy inI absolutely love this game. From the world/characters to the combat. My favorite game this year and favorite final fantasy since 10. I feel like the makers went above and beyond and met my expectations and exceeded. Clive and companions have excellent voice work. The world is beautiful they built and the story left me wanting to know more about the world the entire time. Worth the buy in my opinion.… Expand
  22. asotoudeh18
    Jun 25, 2023
    10
    Fantastic graphics, fantastic music, fantastic voices, fantastic game overall. Yoshi P and team done it again!
  23. Lasrmiller19
    Jun 25, 2023
    5
    Strays way to far from the rpg model if we wanted action games we'd buy them not final fantasy this was the worst final fantasy i ever played the director should never be allowed near final fantasy again
  24. Dardi9203
    Jul 2, 2023
    10
    Ottimo final fantasy. Sono al 60% con una 30ina di ore di game. Lo consiglio a tutti, anche a chi non si è mai approcciato a un gioco di final fantasy
  25. Degaty
    Jun 25, 2023
    6
    It's an excellent game for what it is. It needs more RPG element than what it currently has. The only solid reason I can find why I would accept this as a Final Fantasy title would be the names of the Eikons. Other than that, you could slap a new IP and you wouldn't even notice.

    The RPG elements that I am referring to are as follows; - Customization (whether character or their level up    It's an excellent game for what it is. It needs more RPG element than what it currently has. The only solid reason I can find why I would accept this as a Final Fantasy title would be the names of the Eikons. Other than that, you could slap a new IP and you wouldn't even notice.

    The RPG elements that I am referring to are as follows;
    - Customization (whether character or their level up development)
    - Farming
    - Grinding (albeit not for everyone)
    - Crafting
    - Exploration

    The number of enemies have also shrunk since ff13, but this is mainly due to the nature of "action".

    In the end, I give it a 6, because this isn't an RPG. It barely touches what made Final Fantasy the juggernaut that it is. I am okay with innovation, testing waters and the likes, but this would've been a better standalone rather than slapping the final fantasy brand on it.

    This is probably the last time I will pre-order a mainline Final Fantasy game because as a fan of the genre since 6, and I've played each one and even the spinoffs, world of final fantasy, etc., I think this is a huge let down of the brand.

    It's like toyota suddenly taking away reliability from its products. Or Ferrari suddenly entering the compact sedan market that despite the badge, you'd still probably hate the product.

    In the end, the game is good. But not for the brand it represents. What's painful though is that, it's gonna take another 5-10 years before another mainline final fantasy comes our way. and the fact that we're left with this, it feels such an empty next few years.

    Looking forward to rebirth. I hope the RPG elements, whether mentioned or not, is more involved compared to 16.    … Expand
  26. Kreuzfahrer
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    easy GOTY for me. played through the game once and the gameplay, world building, characters and story is so well done. NG+ now, and its extremely well done. bravo, square enix, bravo YoshiP for creating this gem. a masterpiece.
  27. Jatod7
    Jun 27, 2023
    10
    Personally, this game its impressive, beautiful graphics, and a story can touch ur heart.
    I feel very privileged to be able to acquire a ps5 and be able to play this title.
    This type of games fulfills its function perfectly, make you have fun, and enjoy the ride. Thats the user's deal, personally.
  28. dVelas20
    Jun 27, 2023
    10
    FFXVI is absolutely incredible. The combat is immensely fun (especially as you progress further in the game) and the story is engaging and genuinely good. Yes, there are so many cutscenes, but for me they added so much necessary depth. Once you pass 10ish hours, things really start to hook you in. I've never written a review for a game before, but just felt compelled to do so this time.FFXVI is absolutely incredible. The combat is immensely fun (especially as you progress further in the game) and the story is engaging and genuinely good. Yes, there are so many cutscenes, but for me they added so much necessary depth. Once you pass 10ish hours, things really start to hook you in. I've never written a review for a game before, but just felt compelled to do so this time. It's that good.… Expand
  29. taariq76
    Jun 27, 2023
    10
    It's a cinematic masterpiece, I have to pick my jaw up off the ground every time I finish a play session
  30. Norua88
    Jun 28, 2023
    9
    I didn't stop playing the game since it came out. Reading some reviews I feared another ffxv happened but this is not the case, I breath FF, I see FF and in everything you can do you can see they put a lot of work to let the player understand what's a final fantasy.
    Of course everything is not perfect.
    From my side you have some nice PROs like: - Story, lore and characters -    I didn't stop playing the game since it came out. Reading some reviews I feared another ffxv happened but this is not the case, I breath FF, I see FF and in everything you can do you can see they put a lot of work to let the player understand what's a final fantasy.
    Of course everything is not perfect.
    From my side you have some nice PROs like:

    - Story, lore and characters
    - World-building, yes it's not an open world and it may be more linear than others but that was the issue of the FFXV. Now that they put some maps with different structures and explorable is it the issue? Of course, the problem of exploration is another thing that I'm going to put in the cons.
    - Tempo of the game, the rhythm is high every time except when it needs to slow down and it happens only twice
    - Combat System. Yes it's an action but it's deep especially when you go against the bosses and on the next difficulty
    - It may be my favourite now since FFX
    - Side Quest: Yes there are some fetch quests or go there and kill this but for at least 70% of them even 80% there is lore and a story behind that if you don't skip the dialogue and the meaning of that it's deeper than a lot of other games and FF I tried (all of them)

    Cons:
    - RPG elements. For as much there are the numbers they could have added more status (we have paralysis/iced/death) but in the case of a Molboro that uses Bad Breath and doesn't add status, it's a bit meh. Same for the Equip, it's just a number except for the jewels; they could have added a way to give elements to the weapons/accessories in order to make it less "I find a new weapon I swap it"
    - Difficulty. They should have added from the beginning the Final Fantasy Mode; i understand they didn't because you need the best eikons but it may be too simple sometimes
    - Exploration/Secrets. As I was saying in the cons the maps are good as they are the problem of the missing exploration is that there are not many secrets...that's the issue. Secret Eikons, mini-game or similar. Yeah, we have some secrets on the lore or chests but nothing worth that much.

    But I really missed a Final Fantasy like this in a long time. Really Happy and it doesn't deserve some hate I read around.    … 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

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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 »