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. 22116
    Jul 1, 2023
    9
    Best game of the year. Totally recommend for people looking for a sory-oriebted game with a big, interesting plot. The only thing really bothered me was unstable FPS in performance mode. In some places, like villages or cities it is like I have 30-40 frames, which makes game fill terrible.
  2. Scuzzey
    Jul 12, 2023
    9
    Absolutely AMAZING game. The graphics were absolutely amazing, especially toward the end. The story can get a little confusing with all the different names and locations, but it doesn't really detract from the experience. The combat was enjoyable, but a little repetitive when it came to multiple waves of the same enemies who all seem to have a little too much health. The RPG aspect wasAbsolutely AMAZING game. The graphics were absolutely amazing, especially toward the end. The story can get a little confusing with all the different names and locations, but it doesn't really detract from the experience. The combat was enjoyable, but a little repetitive when it came to multiple waves of the same enemies who all seem to have a little too much health. The RPG aspect was almost entirely unnecessary, playing much less of a role than I would have liked. Overall loved it and well worth the price tag.… Expand
  3. Lloyce
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    Gameplay, story, graphics, soundtrack, all are 11/10.

    -1 for the timed exclusivity (2024 release on PC, will never be on xbox), everyone should be able to play this masterpiece, 9/10.
  4. fulustreco
    Aug 5, 2023
    9
    An excellent story with plenty of plot twist and a strong protagonist. Clive is one of the best lead character on the franchise.
  5. Lucianowizzard
    Jun 23, 2023
    9
    Jogo maravilhoso, só precisa correção no modo desempenho. Gráficos ótimos, história incrível, gameplay divertida.
  6. Jaywilda9
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    What’s not to like about the newest and latest entry to the Final Fantasy franchise?. The combat is amazing, from the start it is a little learning curve. However later in the game and receiving new abilities, it is too fun to learn different combinations. The story is intriguing and the cinematic’s are stunning. The different weapons you can craft and armor are cool. Plus the best featureWhat’s not to like about the newest and latest entry to the Final Fantasy franchise?. The combat is amazing, from the start it is a little learning curve. However later in the game and receiving new abilities, it is too fun to learn different combinations. The story is intriguing and the cinematic’s are stunning. The different weapons you can craft and armor are cool. Plus the best feature to some that are not very good at action games (I.E. DMC, Elden Ring, God of War, Star Wars Jedi Survivor or Beyonetta to name a few) they have what I call “accessibility accessories” which can help curve the difficulty for players that struggle with these types of games. I am not done with this game yet but so far I am thoroughly impressed. Definitely one of my top games of the year. This is one i highly recommend to old and new players to play.… Expand
  7. ckcrowt
    Jun 26, 2023
    9
    A good return to form for Final Fantasy
    Amazing combat and story
    Awesome soundtrack
    Buy it. Play it.
  8. EnglishDevil
    Jun 27, 2023
    9
    If only this game had more RPG-related mechanics and better loot incentives to explore the world and perhaps playable party members outside of just Clive and sort of Toragal? Such as Jill, Cid, etc. then we truly could have had a true 'god game' masterpiece on our hands. With that said Final Fantasy 16 is still an excellent game but I would say it's around a 9/10 rather than a 10 which itIf only this game had more RPG-related mechanics and better loot incentives to explore the world and perhaps playable party members outside of just Clive and sort of Toragal? Such as Jill, Cid, etc. then we truly could have had a true 'god game' masterpiece on our hands. With that said Final Fantasy 16 is still an excellent game but I would say it's around a 9/10 rather than a 10 which it very much had the potential to be. It has excellent combat albeit with repetitive enemies a lot of which are too easy. Insane over-the-top boss fights the likes of which are the best I've come across in terms of spectacle and cinematic flair, but not necessarily for mechanical complexity or difficulty which I think this game should have embraced more.… Expand
  9. sabin16
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    Honestly I am surprised by the low scores. This game is amazing, indeed is a departure from the traditional FF,but in the right direction. The combat is amazing, if you know how to use it, Eikon battles as well, the story is one of the best FF in years, and the characters well developed and have a interesting evolution. The score is great and as usual the music doesn't disappoint. I didn'tHonestly I am surprised by the low scores. This game is amazing, indeed is a departure from the traditional FF,but in the right direction. The combat is amazing, if you know how to use it, Eikon battles as well, the story is one of the best FF in years, and the characters well developed and have a interesting evolution. The score is great and as usual the music doesn't disappoint. I didn't encounter any bugs so the game is well polished. This might be my game of the year.… Expand
  10. Xapa
    Jun 23, 2023
    9
    I can't give my actual rating but I would give it a 9.2 for non final fantasy fans or 9.6 for final fantasy fans.

    Pros 1.) The game has an incredible story. 2.) The combat, if you're willing to experiment has quite a bit of depth. Mixed 1.) The graphics are amazing although the game at this time has some performance issue when playing on performance mode. 2.) There are quite a lot of    I can't give my actual rating but I would give it a 9.2 for non final fantasy fans or 9.6 for final fantasy fans.

    Pros
    1.) The game has an incredible story.
    2.) The combat, if you're willing to experiment has quite a bit of depth.

    Mixed 1.) The graphics are amazing although the game at this time has some performance issue when playing on performance mode.
    2.) There are quite a lot of cutscenes (over 18 hours) for people who don't like cutscenes you probably won't like this game. 3.) Some quests can be boring, these quests do help expand on the world though. I will not explain why they expand on the world due to possible spoilers, but if you approach the game with the story in mind I'm sure you can piece it together.

    Bad
    1.) Motion blur is currently an issue but we are told it will be addressed.
    2.) You will run into popping, that is in every game bit I will include it since I know people don't like it. 3.) There is a lack of minigames which is a staple for a lot of final fantasy games.
    4.) The customization and item selection is not very good.
    5.) There is a lack of diversity in the total amount of regular enemies you fight, maybe between 13-20 different normal enemies others are pallet swaps.

    Overall what I look for in a game is a good story and for it to be fun to play, and this game does that.
    Yes the game has flaws, but the overall experience with is has been positive.

    Lastly, for everyone saying you can beat the game with 2 buttons, you're right, but you should check your equipment, I think you have the auto combo and auto dodge rings equipped. Also for everyone saying that the game doesn't even hit 30 fps in combat, digital foundry created a video on it, and I'm assuming you're referencing that since I can't even notice the frames drop, it's 99% 30 fps on graphics mode with a 1% drop in populated cities. The game also stays at a consistent 60fps when in combat in performance mode and drops when outside of combat.

    It's fine to critique the game, but you should probably know what you're talking about when doing so.    … Expand
  11. emrakul11
    Jun 26, 2023
    9
    Is not a perfect game but niether what some haters of ps5 will review. A good point of where final fantasy can reborn.
  12. LetsGoPokemonLu
    Jun 23, 2023
    9
    Addicting and fun, one of the best rpgs I've played in years.
    Combat is brilliant, visuals are outstanding, soundtrack is good. the story is very interesting and overall decent - although it does have some pacing issues later on. the characters are also very interesting.
  13. soliduswasright
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    This is a fantastic action game with some of the best spectacle I've seen since GOW 3 and some of the best voice acting I've heard since the Witcher 3? The main character especially. The music is OST of the Year tier.
  14. AtHoRn65
    Jun 23, 2023
    9
    Great music. Great voice acting. Combat feels good. The over the top fights feel over the top. Easy? Hard? Depends how you play. If you understand the system it's easy. If you've never played a game with this type of combat system it may be hard. Is it the best game I've ever played? No. The story keeps me going. I've felt emotions in the game. If you're looking for number crunching damageGreat music. Great voice acting. Combat feels good. The over the top fights feel over the top. Easy? Hard? Depends how you play. If you understand the system it's easy. If you've never played a game with this type of combat system it may be hard. Is it the best game I've ever played? No. The story keeps me going. I've felt emotions in the game. If you're looking for number crunching damage and emotion through gameplay. Okay, play elden ring. this isn't it. And I love elden ring. But I felt no emotion from the story. This is a story driven game. It requires empathy. Not sympathy.… Expand
  15. Selectivimom
    Jun 23, 2023
    9
    Really good game that is once again review bombed as usual. Combat, story and world are vastly superior to Final Fantasy XV. It has a few drawbacks such as side Questa that lower the score to a 9 but it is a very enjoyable experiencia and one of the BEST games to come out this year, no matter what the review bombers say
  16. Tunez
    Jun 23, 2023
    9
    CBU3 were completely clear and transparent on the type of game this would be throughout its development, and this game delivers based on that transparency.

    Pros: -Phenomenal story. Extremely dark tones and feels very mature. This game will invoke a lot of emotion as you explore Valisthea and the hardships it’s people encounter. Clive is probably one of the best written characters in    CBU3 were completely clear and transparent on the type of game this would be throughout its development, and this game delivers based on that transparency.

    Pros:
    -Phenomenal story. Extremely dark tones and feels very mature. This game will invoke a lot of emotion as you explore Valisthea and the hardships it’s people encounter. Clive is probably one of the best written characters in all the series and his struggle with finding himself and his purpose in the world makes for an interesting ride.
    -The politics of Valisthea runs very deep and if you are into that sort of stuff, there is tons to learn and experience with the power struggle over the mother crystals
    -Active Time Lore. Simply the greatest thing ever created to help you keep track of all lore in the game from the current conflicts taking place to all the characters they introduce.
    -Combat feels amazing, albeit it does take some time for you to gain access to more abilities as the story progresses, but when it all comes together and you put the time into it, you can do some pretty incredible combos. Cons:
    -Side quests can be a bit dull, not all. Later in the game the side quests do branch off and are quite interesting and emotional. - Main story does jump all over the place since there’s a bunch of stuff happening in the world , but comes together.
    -rpg elements are streamlined and less focus on party control, but these and many more classic features that were put to the side were addressed by the dev team
    -lack of exploration in large areas. The game is very linear, but it was designed this way purposely, however I do wish they made some hidden dungeons or secret nooks to unveil new items and gear.    … Expand
  17. ClemsonPhan88
    Jun 23, 2023
    9
    Created an account to write my first review. Amazing game. No it isn’t a traditional rpg but you can’t rate a game for what it isn’t I’m eating it for what it is. I docked one point for the performance issues that I’m hoping will be fixed with patches.
  18. XxHawkx2
    Jun 23, 2023
    9
    Very good game. Very good combat system, incredible lore. An amazing game!!
  19. Mattguy78
    Jun 23, 2023
    9
    While I agree that the RPG elements being stripped is a tragedy, the story, characters, spectacle, and world make up for it in spades. Wish I could give a perfect 10, but I would say it’s a 9/10 experience.
  20. Edking4
    Jun 23, 2023
    9
    A fantastic return to form. Featuring a compelling world and narrative. Action focused and highly cinematic thru and thru. A must play if you have a ps5 and any interest in action / adventure/ rpgs.
  21. JoshWeeks47
    Jun 23, 2023
    9
    This game may not seem like a Final Fantasy game from the outside looking in but once you play it, its comes to life before your very eyes. I'm giving it a 9 because some of the side quests are a little dull and a few main scenario quests feel like side quests. But everything else is top tier. The combat, while dull at first opens up once you gain your 3rd Eikon, meaning you arentThis game may not seem like a Final Fantasy game from the outside looking in but once you play it, its comes to life before your very eyes. I'm giving it a 9 because some of the side quests are a little dull and a few main scenario quests feel like side quests. But everything else is top tier. The combat, while dull at first opens up once you gain your 3rd Eikon, meaning you arent constantly waiting on cooldowns. It's fun to mix and match Eikons to create a playstyle that suits the way you play. The store is also very well done. CBU3 definitely know how to grab you and sink their hooks in. I'm about a third of the way through and love it to bits. Some of the graphics could be better, namely character models and enemies but it's nothing worth docking a point. Highly recommend this one if you're a fan of the series as it feels nostalgic. And no I didnt forget about the best part of the game, the MUSIC. Masayoshi Soken is slowly becoming my new favorite composer. The tracks for each location fit the game so well. They dynamically used battle theme is so addictive and makes the action feel alive. 100% a 9/10 from me and the wait was so worth it. Play it.… Expand
  22. alexestrada86
    Jun 23, 2023
    9
    Awesome game, story, OST and characters. Graphics could be better, as there are some beautiful environments, but sometimes you can see some downgrades with designs. Sidequests could be better. Regardless of that, this is my GOTY so far this year.
  23. Taser9001
    Jun 23, 2023
    9
    Brought to you by Creative Business Unit III, the latest in Square Enix's flagship series, Final Fantasy XVI, does not disappoint. It may be different from previous entries, but what's new with that in a franchise that has evolved with every new game?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Overall, this is a phenomenal entry to Square Enix's best known series, despite its few flaws. Square Enix described its predecessor, Final Fantasy XV, as, "A Final Fantasy for fans and first-timers," and Final Fantasy XVI carries on that torch amazingly. Whether you are a veteran fan of the Final Fantasy series or a newcomer, if you are able to play it, you should.    … Expand
  24. cognacplays
    Jun 23, 2023
    9
  25. outrun
    Jun 23, 2023
    9
    A true masterpiece, the best final fantasy game in many years. Fun, engaging combat with a healthy learning curve, and a touching, impactful story.
  26. alan_daki
    Jun 29, 2023
    9
    Buen juego, pero tiene detalles, grandes detalles, que indican que le faltó pulirse.
    Algunos puntos a favor:
    - Una historia increíble, con sus altibajos y enredos locos, pero que cumple su cometido e invita a seguir explorando si tienes la intención de descubrir más. - Un sistema de combate de personaje que se disfruta una vez que decides explorar las diferentes habilidades de Clive,    Buen juego, pero tiene detalles, grandes detalles, que indican que le faltó pulirse.
    Algunos puntos a favor:
    - Una historia increíble, con sus altibajos y enredos locos, pero que cumple su cometido e invita a seguir explorando si tienes la intención de descubrir más.
    - Un sistema de combate de personaje que se disfruta una vez que decides explorar las diferentes habilidades de Clive, encadenar las habilidades y buscar las batallas aéreas.
    - Nektar.

    Algunos puntos en contra:
    - El increíble sistema de combate no se implementa de manera adecuada en el mundo de Final Fantasy. Por ejemplo, se echa de menos la falta de estados alterados que podrían haber añadido más vida, jugabilidad y complejidad.
    - A medida que avanzas en el juego, la variedad de ataques de los jefes aumenta, pero es tan fácil esquivarlos que se logran evitar todos de la misma manera.
    - Aunque algunas misiones secundarias valen la pena y brindan más contexto sobre la situación en la que nos encontramos, la mayoría pecan de ser simples y repetitivas.    … Expand
  27. indiana1127
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    I wasn't expecting it, but it was interesting. It would have been better if the map was bigger and there were bigger cities and such.
  28. totalvamp
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    Don't mind all the retards giving it a 0, they are braindead zealots hellbent on just spouting their equally retarded takes with lies and nonsense. While there are some issues like the FPS at only certain points in the story, nothing what they morons are saying is true. I bet they don't even play the game and just watched some idiot streamer or read the eurogamer nonsense review.

    Good    Don't mind all the retards giving it a 0, they are braindead zealots hellbent on just spouting their equally retarded takes with lies and nonsense. While there are some issues like the FPS at only certain points in the story, nothing what they morons are saying is true. I bet they don't even play the game and just watched some idiot streamer or read the eurogamer nonsense review.

    Good points:
    - Characters / Acting
    - Visuals
    - Spectacle
    - Fluid combat

    Bad points:
    - PS5 limitations causing backgrounds and other stuff to blur at times
    - Lip syncing not always on point
    - Quite predictable story

    Giving it a 0 would classify you as a braindead moron that needs a reality check or get off the internet.    … Expand
  29. SaltyPotato
    Jun 25, 2023
    9
    The best final fantasy game in the series. The story is engaging and the combat always feels fresh and new, though the game might have it's flaws when it comes to exploration and side quests, the pros heavily outweigh the cons. The Eikon battles are reminiscent of the feeling I got when I played God of War 3 for the first time. Needless to say, a masterpiece. I highly encourage everyone toThe best final fantasy game in the series. The story is engaging and the combat always feels fresh and new, though the game might have it's flaws when it comes to exploration and side quests, the pros heavily outweigh the cons. The Eikon battles are reminiscent of the feeling I got when I played God of War 3 for the first time. Needless to say, a masterpiece. I highly encourage everyone to try the demo and then buy the full game if satisfied because it lives up to the hype.… Expand
  30. astroid50
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    Post-Game Clearance Review

    Final Fantasy is back. A medieval fantasy world, dark fantasy and adventure on an epic scale. This is the FF we have been looking for. The battle system is very deep, and 100 hours is not enough time to build it for research. It is a great action. The story is a solidly colored fantasy work, although there are some elements that will choose the right    Post-Game Clearance Review

    Final Fantasy is back.
    A medieval fantasy world, dark fantasy and adventure on an epic scale. This is the FF we have been looking for.
    The battle system is very deep, and 100 hours is not enough time to build it for research. It is a great action.
    The story is a solidly colored fantasy work, although there are some elements that will choose the right person.
    Overall, despite the minor inconveniences and lack of content, this is definitely a masterpiece of the series.    … Expand
Page:

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 »