User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8567 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Jun 25, 2023
    10
    I love this game. One of the best final fantasy of all time. Clive is so badass. Finally the Eikons have the spotlight they deserved. The history is very dark and have many surprises. The combat is fast and furious
  2. Jun 25, 2023
    10
    One of the best games of the history, with amazing epic moments and the best character developement. Deserves at least a 9.0…is better than FFXII and FFXII gets 9.2…
  3. Jun 25, 2023
    10
    As a big fan of the Final Fantasy series, I can easily say it’s one of the best game I’ve played so far.
    The characters are endearing and touching, the story is incredible with breathtaking cutscenes. The gameplay is really fun to play. Can’t even remember the last time I had so much fun while playing and was so invested in a game.
    Also there’s many accessibility options and in-game help
    As a big fan of the Final Fantasy series, I can easily say it’s one of the best game I’ve played so far.
    The characters are endearing and touching, the story is incredible with breathtaking cutscenes. The gameplay is really fun to play. Can’t even remember the last time I had so much fun while playing and was so invested in a game.
    Also there’s many accessibility options and in-game help available to facilitate the experience for people who need it so that everyone can enjoy the game in the best possible way, and it's a good thing to have thought about accessibility in FFXVI because often this is not the case in other games.
    I loved everything in FFXVI, it’s a 10/10. My 2023 goty for sure!
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  4. Jun 25, 2023
    10
    An absolutely amazing game that has a very Game of Thrones feel to it. Storyline is well written and the combat and boss battles are really well done. Looks fantastic too.
  5. Jun 25, 2023
    10
    Fantastic graphics, fantastic music, fantastic voices, fantastic game overall. Yoshi P and team done it again!
  6. Jun 25, 2023
    5
    Giving it a 10 is ridiculous the character models are so bad for PS5 it’s laughable as is the performance. I like the new mature theme of the story but the combat sucks and the animations/effects are way too exaggerated and flashy all over the screen. Another mediocre Final Fantasy after the last good one being X
  7. 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.
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  8. Jun 25, 2023
    10
    This game is an absolute banger! Great music, story and action. I like the new action style too. This is a system seller!
  9. Jun 25, 2023
    9
    It’s unfair this game is getting undeservedly bad reviews. I understand everyone has differing opinions, but many of the sub 7 reviews are simply review bombing because of console wars et al. I am loving this new style of FF and really appreciate the more focused approach on its story. For someone that just doesn’t have the time nor the attention these days to put 50+ hours into games justIt’s unfair this game is getting undeservedly bad reviews. I understand everyone has differing opinions, but many of the sub 7 reviews are simply review bombing because of console wars et al. I am loving this new style of FF and really appreciate the more focused approach on its story. For someone that just doesn’t have the time nor the attention these days to put 50+ hours into games just for exploration alone, this has been a breath of fresh air. Graphics are top notch, music and sound is brilliant and combat is extremely fun and addictive. Getting to know these characters more and more and how the story is evolving is a joy. Really hoping these fake reviews stop soon and something Metacritic can eventually remedy. All in all, another fantastic game this year, it’s great to be a true gamer and not a fanboy, with an already growing list of potential GOTY’s. Expand
  10. Jun 25, 2023
    7
    Final Fantasy 16 is the game I needed but didn't get completely. Story is damn good and interesting every second. The new combat system is glorious and a lot of fun. Characters are well written and fit perfectly. I love that the world is again broken up into linear sections which not only allows for nicer areas but doesn't feel as cluttered as in FFXV. Now for the criticisms. No game hasFinal Fantasy 16 is the game I needed but didn't get completely. Story is damn good and interesting every second. The new combat system is glorious and a lot of fun. Characters are well written and fit perfectly. I love that the world is again broken up into linear sections which not only allows for nicer areas but doesn't feel as cluttered as in FFXV. Now for the criticisms. No game has disappointed me as much this year as FFXVI. As a developer, how can you rave about how well the game runs and not notice that it very often has severe frame drops, even in cutscenes and very often goes down to 720p in performance mode and even then doesn't keep the 60fps .. I don't know what i would recommend to people if they want to have a next gen experience that in quality mode you have 4k(upscaled) and 30fps that is not next gen, in performance mode you have 1080p(but very often 720p) and 35-60fps that is too no Next Gen I'm really disappointed and I'm starting to wonder if the developers want to make our hobby bad for us. Expand
  11. Jun 25, 2023
    9
    Excellent game. Combat is fast-paced and exciting— definitely a step up from previous entries. Voice acting is great and the character design and environments are beautiful. You can definitely see the inspiration from FFXIV in the game, especially in battle and it makes it familiar but also exciting. The equipment and weapons could use a bit more depth; a more realised crafting systemExcellent game. Combat is fast-paced and exciting— definitely a step up from previous entries. Voice acting is great and the character design and environments are beautiful. You can definitely see the inspiration from FFXIV in the game, especially in battle and it makes it familiar but also exciting. The equipment and weapons could use a bit more depth; a more realised crafting system would be amazing, but overall it doesn’t detract from the experience. Super dynamic and interesting entry into the series and I’ve absolutely loved it. Expand
  12. Jun 25, 2023
    10
    Excelente juego, el último FF que jugué fue el XII y este me volvió a llevar a lo grandioso de la saga con el último gran FF que para mí existió, el FFX.
  13. Jun 25, 2023
    9
    After playing through the game for awhile now this game is the best game I have played in the last Several years. Here is the reason why: 1. Amazing story: The story in this game is incredible. The writing in this game is incredible and heartfelt. It has been a while since I was emotionally involved in a game like I was in this one. The characters as well str amazing, and Torgal isAfter playing through the game for awhile now this game is the best game I have played in the last Several years. Here is the reason why: 1. Amazing story: The story in this game is incredible. The writing in this game is incredible and heartfelt. It has been a while since I was emotionally involved in a game like I was in this one. The characters as well str amazing, and Torgal is fantastic. Also you have the amazing QOL effect where you can stop the game in the middle of a cutscene and read more back story on locations, Characters, and History. 2. The music in this game is very good. Does it hold up to the greats in the past? I would say it comes very very close. Overall the music in this game is incredible. 3. The Graphics: people can get angry all you want about this game ,but the visuals are just amazing. Can you tell me a game ever where as you are fighting with Ifrit then the ground itself shakes and trees burn to ash when you touch them? Cause I never have ever. The world is gorgeous to behold and there where times you just wanted to stop and look around. The dungeons in the game where amazing and melted directly into the storyline and events of the game and that was fantastic. The effects where great the fighting felt amazing and fluent. I was blown away. 4. The combat: The game is not turn based and that is ok. I felt the game had a ton of variety. You had to choose what abilities to use. You had Eikon abilities you have to match together to for your play style. You had to change between them to make the play styles work better together. There was alot going on but it was fast, fun, and fluent. Then you have the Eikon battles which are the most incredible fun thing I have ever done.

    Overall: The only reason I don't give this game a 10 is because it's not fully perfect, but it is about as close to perfect as you can get. When games come out not running and looking like **** It is very nice to have a game like final fantasy 16 come out that shows you why you love video games in the first place. Because they are engaging and fun... Or they should be. Final Fantasy 16 is engaging, fun, and have a great story line and music. This is my Game of the Year.
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  14. Jun 25, 2023
    10
    Apenas voy abajo de la mitad de la historia y para mi es uno de los mejores juegos de 2023 y también uno de los mejores juegos jamás creados. Este es un hecho objetivo, puede que no te guste ese hecho, pero sigue siendo un hecho. Muy probablemente GOTY, a menos que Spider-Man 2 haga algo increíble. ES UNA OBRA MAESTRA QUE NO TE DECEPCIONARÁ!
  15. Jun 25, 2023
    10
    Outstanding cinematic gameplay, but for game story, FFX is better than this, 16 feel like an improve of FF13.
  16. Jun 25, 2023
    10
    Game of the year, Xbox fanboys are review bombing this game, so people need to offset those bs bad reviews.
  17. Jun 25, 2023
    10
    10/10 Demo is great, story is great, the combat is great.
    This game is really enjoyable if people actually gave it a chance instead of trying to gate keep and bash on the game before even trying it.
    It has something for everyone. If you want to just enjoy the story and not worry about combat you can equip auto pilot gear for that. If you want to be more action focused you can take them
    10/10 Demo is great, story is great, the combat is great.
    This game is really enjoyable if people actually gave it a chance instead of trying to gate keep and bash on the game before even trying it.
    It has something for everyone. If you want to just enjoy the story and not worry about combat you can equip auto pilot gear for that. If you want to be more action focused you can take them off.
    This is as much of a Final Fantasy game as any other. Stop calling your selves a FF fan if all you know how to complain about is that it's not a turn base. Turn base doesn't make final fantasy The Lore does. Also it's a Final Fantasy game as long as the creators says so. Stop gate keeping.
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  18. Jun 25, 2023
    10
    Amazing combat and bosses, riveting story, stunning graphics and outstanding music. What more could you ask for in a game?
  19. Jun 25, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This review is subject to change as I don’t believe I am anywhere near the end but it’s **** perfect. It’s like game of thrones meets final fantasy meets devil may cry. Don’t bother getting attached to characters. right off rip they “kill” joshua and then also kill clive’s father. honestly the events of the game are depressing and i love it. Expand
  20. Jun 25, 2023
    9
    Even if the fighting was feeling strange at first and the story won’t hold the fast pace of the demo this feels like FF and is now my ne favorite part. i am a fan of the old ones and this one reminded me of FF5.
  21. Jun 25, 2023
    8
    At its peak in moments when the rhythm between cutscenes and gameplay is managed at its best, when the perfect music kick in and the art direction hits you final fantasy 16 can be a masterpiece... Unfortunately when you're outside from these moments it can be seen that the game is based on a rather old gamedesign structure.. the sidequests are terrible at the Mmorpg level, the explorationAt its peak in moments when the rhythm between cutscenes and gameplay is managed at its best, when the perfect music kick in and the art direction hits you final fantasy 16 can be a masterpiece... Unfortunately when you're outside from these moments it can be seen that the game is based on a rather old gamedesign structure.. the sidequests are terrible at the Mmorpg level, the exploration and interaction is non-existent and the few rpg elements are just approximate and put into the game without purpose.

    pros:
    +Great artdirection
    +great action gameplay
    +Music is a masterpiece
    +active lore system is a great idea
    +the story and the characters will grab you

    with:
    -Terrible sidequest gameplaywise
    -very very low difficulty level
    -meaningless exploration and zero interaction.
    -Useless and wasted rpg elements

    overall a good game, probably the best final fantasy since 12, but some elements weigh it down preventing it from reaching excellence
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  22. 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
  23. Jun 25, 2023
    8
    Very good game, amazing story that pulls you in and engaging combat. Not perfect though (minimal RPG elements, limited exploring, side quests a bit dull, combat can feel a bit button mashing), but overall gameplay, story and combat mechanics overshadows its flaws.

    One of the best games for this year. Game of the year contender as well.
  24. Jun 25, 2023
    10
    If you are invested in the story like me, this game is a banger. I would play/watch the demo first before considering buying this game, so you have an understanding if the gameplay mechanic and the story are for you.
    The story and spectacle alone sells me on this game. As a DMC fan the gameplay hooked me in easily.
  25. Jun 25, 2023
    10
    Amazing game with incredible combat, story, characters, music, and cutscenes!! Highly racommended!
  26. Jun 25, 2023
    9
    This game is completely awesome. As a fan of FF I must say:

    History and characters are very consistent (Clive is one of the best main characters of all franchise) and been linear is a plus. Combat system is not rpg (nothing new having in mind the last games) but works really really good, the same way that in Devil May Cry series. Soundtrack is one of the best soundtracks that I've ever
    This game is completely awesome. As a fan of FF I must say:

    History and characters are very consistent (Clive is one of the best main characters of all franchise) and been linear is a plus.

    Combat system is not rpg (nothing new having in mind the last games) but works really really good, the same way that in Devil May Cry series.

    Soundtrack is one of the best soundtracks that I've ever heard in a videogame.

    Is not perfect, secondary quests are poor, rpg content is too limited (no elements, no stats like poison, freeze, burning, etc) and performance mode needs a bit of fixes.

    In a nutshell, its an incredible game that is a must if you like action/adventure games with a very good combat system. If you are looking for an intense JRPG buy another game, you have many other options available.

    Finally, one of the most spectacular games I've ever played. Good job Square Enix!
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  27. Jun 25, 2023
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Alley run, too much button smashing for my liking. Very nice scenery but that's about it. Not gonna play more than one playthrough. Expand
  28. Jun 25, 2023
    9
    Awesome instalment. Plays great and looks fantastic too. More would be welcome too I think ✌️
  29. 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.
  30. Jun 25, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Boss fight really perfect , great story description,ff is back, but as jrpg isn’t that good Expand
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]