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. o0sydney0o
    Jun 30, 2023
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. About half way through the msq and I have had an amazing ride so far! The graphics are stunning especially the battle cutscenes! I feel pumped up every single major battle!

    The music is also good and some of the tracks are total bops (especially the ones in major battles).

    I am loving the story so far and I think it has a really good main romance if you are in to watching a good slow burn ship.

    The side quests are the usual side quests in jrpgs. I actually have been reading them. Normally in jrpgs I like to skip the dialogue for side quests and just get them done. Are some of them “boring” fetch quests? Yes, but there was only one so far that I felt was super boring and could not wait for it to end and it was one of the last ones that I did. I have done every single side quest and hunt when they appear so far. All of the side quests do give better world building and look at the people in the world and how they are dealing with the difficult circumstances so I do recommend doing them. Most of them take no time at all to do. Some of them also lead up to you getting a trophy for the in game trophy shelf (like some of the apples or a chocobo saddle), ability to ride chocobos, or increased potion potency when you use potions. It may not be anything flashy as a reward (so far at least) but it still gives you something and you get more background story. As for the hunts, I really have enjoyed those battles.

    There is basically no exp grinding in this game. I personally look at that as a plus though. I am also not using any of the help rings that the game gives you but you can make the game more difficult or easy to your liking which is nice. I love the battle system as well. It has been very fun especially when you stagger the enemies. There are a handful of characters I really love so far: Clive, Jill, GAV, nektar, Joshua, and of course CID!! Cid in this game has to be one of my favorite characters in the whole entire franchise so far. I 100% recommend anybody to play this game!    … Expand
  2. Dagtaros
    Jun 30, 2023
    9
    Although I don't like medieval settings in games and was hoping for a typical mix like previous Final Fantasy games, I got hooked by the great storytelling and the lovable characters.
    I deducted one point for the gameplay which could be better and feels plain after some battles.
  3. magiciansarcana
    Jun 30, 2023
    9
    Amazing game. Beautiful story, well written characters, fun gameplay, god tier OST. My only issue is minor things like being unable to sprint in towns which can get a lil annoying when doing the side quests .

    Do not listen to the people review bombing for it not being a "Real final fantasy" This game is all final fantasy. It is easily the best final fantasy since X. (not counting XIV)
  4. Frate_Sprava
    Jun 30, 2023
    9
    Mi sento di recensire questo gioco come primo titolo valutato su metacritic nonostante il mio giudizio sicuramente non imparziale, la cui causa scatenante è sicuramente l'impatto che ha avuto su di me come primo final fantasy mai giocato.
    La qualità nello storytelling, nella cinematografia, nella creazione delle colonne sonore, nella componente artistica, nel doppiaggio, nel gameplay    Mi sento di recensire questo gioco come primo titolo valutato su metacritic nonostante il mio giudizio sicuramente non imparziale, la cui causa scatenante è sicuramente l'impatto che ha avuto su di me come primo final fantasy mai giocato.
    La qualità nello storytelling, nella cinematografia, nella creazione delle colonne sonore, nella componente artistica, nel doppiaggio, nel gameplay (seppur in parte tagliato per riempire vuoti che potevano essere lasciati tali per aggiungere chicche alla base più che solida) sono la prova di un grande impegno.
    Spero che nonostante alcune criticità riusciate tutti a godervelo come prodotto nonostante il cambio di formula, perché continuando per questa strada il brand può soltanto divenire migliore, e noi pubblico/fruitori dobbiamo farglielo capire.
    Un saluto a tutta la community e a chi lo ha giocato.    … Expand
  5. Eremyth
    Jul 1, 2023
    9
    This game was something else, an amazing experience from start to finish, full of dark and epic moments that slow down at the right segments to do some good side questing that ties directly to the story and characters around you.
    The story was amazing and Clive as a protagonist was one of my favourites. Cid is definitely the best Cid in the series as a whole.
    The villain is alright and    This game was something else, an amazing experience from start to finish, full of dark and epic moments that slow down at the right segments to do some good side questing that ties directly to the story and characters around you.
    The story was amazing and Clive as a protagonist was one of my favourites. Cid is definitely the best Cid in the series as a whole.
    The villain is alright and serves his purpose, I've seen better.
    Combat was fun and the Music was on another level.

    Overall, go play!    … Expand
  6. rodolfoaco
    Jul 9, 2023
    9
    Amazing game overall, one of the best FFs I have ever played, I’m glad square allowed a grimmer fantasy twist to the story than in previous games. Don’t expect an open world RPG. This is a very linear game, so just enjoy it for what it is. I would have given it 10 stars if the enemies were more challenging and the item/weapon upgrades weren’t as linear as the story.
  7. Gandalfsbeard
    Jul 2, 2023
    9
    Modern approach to gameplay that respects and preserves its roots. At times a bit of an empty world lacking incentive to explore outwith the main plot. Could use some more humour and tongue in cheek dialogue as it does take itself a bit too seriously at times. Seems to be a another case of rushing a game out before it's finished, but still fun to play.
  8. Kyrus2504
    Jul 2, 2023
    9
    The release of FFXVI has been hyped up for well over a year now. And I'm happy to say it delivers on most fronts. The game overall is phenomenal, and the devs at Square Enix really delivered on the 'rollercoaster' experience. The visuals are breathtakingly gorgeous, the combat is fun if you are a fan of action-based gameplay, and there's enough variety within builds for you to not getThe release of FFXVI has been hyped up for well over a year now. And I'm happy to say it delivers on most fronts. The game overall is phenomenal, and the devs at Square Enix really delivered on the 'rollercoaster' experience. The visuals are breathtakingly gorgeous, the combat is fun if you are a fan of action-based gameplay, and there's enough variety within builds for you to not get bored. Tack this on with a story that leaves you always itching for that next high, then proceeding to exceed your expectations and you could quite literally call this a masterpiece. The game is not perfect however. The pacing of the story can feel a bit slow during the middle sections, and some of the earlier sidequests are a bit boring and unnecessary. The lore of the game is also not always presented to your face, and to get a full understanding, you may sometimes have to speak to the loremaster for extra info. But if you can get past that, its very easy to see this game becoming many people GOTY for 2023.… Expand
  9. TsuiroRankami
    Jul 2, 2023
    9
    Not a perfect game, needs some improving in Level Design, Gear and Exploration. However all the “bad stuff” I found, were things that can easily be fixed through patches or future DLC. The strengths here greatly outshine every weakness. The story, worldbuilding, setting, character development and design, tone, art direction, boss battles, voice acting, HUDs, music and graphics. All theseNot a perfect game, needs some improving in Level Design, Gear and Exploration. However all the “bad stuff” I found, were things that can easily be fixed through patches or future DLC. The strengths here greatly outshine every weakness. The story, worldbuilding, setting, character development and design, tone, art direction, boss battles, voice acting, HUDs, music and graphics. All these are all full 10/10, with the boss battles and music peaking at 11/10. Combat could do with one more Eikon and one more ability for each Eikon, but aside these, it’s incredible good and deep. Boss battles are the peak here. Definitely the best action iteration they made so far with Final Fantasy, leagues above FFXV. 9/10 for the combat. Exceptionally good, I just want a few more abilities to make things even more varied. A great addition to this system would Eikonic load-outs, even better if switchable during fights but I understand that would make us too OP perhaps. I had no problem with the performance or motion blur to be fair. I have motion sickness, but it wasn’t too much once I got used to it. Would love an option to turn it off though for comparison. I played graphics mode but I barely realised I was in 30 fps during combat. It felt perhaps a bit noticeable only during exploration and cutscenes. No bugs for me. My ps5 never turned off. All smooth. Side-quests have two faces. While the outdated fetch-quest formula generally drags down the whole side-content experience, fortunately they at least provide incredible world-building, and some quests revealed to be full characters arc. These characters arc are only unlocked doing their quest-chain, and they all have surprisingly good cutscenes that are vital in order to fully appreciate the world, the game’s ending and all the characters. This approach to the side-quest made me feel like the world was truly alive, even after the last boss when I re-visited some places to finish some hunts, I felt like every place became sort of familiar, alive. Another nice details is how the places changes based on your action between the main story and side-quests. The main story tends to change all Valisthea, and you can notice everytime something important changes, the same happens with the weather or day/night cycle. Meanwhile completion of certain side-quest may drastically change an open zone. Example: what is a lost village full of bandits, upon doing the right quest-chain, may become again civilised and people may return to live there. And then some nice people will forever thank you. And if you don’t do those specific side-quests, it just remains like it was before. And you can go there everyday and kill some frenzy bandit. It feels very alive. The world reacts to your actions.

    I didn’t realise at all big cities very missing. Perhaps cause the main story dungeons are smartly designed, although they’re linear, they will make you feel inserted in a bigger location than what you will actually explore. You will in fact take a closer look to Capitals through those dungeons rather than it being an open-zones. I appreciated this approach, the game doesn’t necessarily make you feel like you need more open spaces or cities. Perhaps in a DLC. What could have been improved about this spaces is definitely what you could find in it. Exploration doesn’t feel rewarding if not for doing hunts and side-quests completion. A simple fix here would be very appreciated. In general though, addressing the side-quests again: they all have this very mmo fetch quest-formula, and there are also many. It can feel very dragging at times as it breaks the pacing of the game quite a lot. Especially Mid’s main quests (and this is a main quest) after the Crystalline Dominion events, were very out of place imo and it felt bad. That’s the only part of the game I genuinely didn’t like. Especially when I had to redo it in NG+. Why is it even a main quest? Many other side-quests were better than that. In general “quest formula” I’d say overall side-quests all considered, good and bad, are a 7/10 average. Some side-quests (and that bad main quest) were 5s/4s and others straight out 8s/9s. I’m leaving a 9 score to the whole game, but it could easily become a 10 if they polish the “not exciting enough things” up a bit, rework the RPG elements like gear a tiny more. Waiting for such patch, and hopefully a DLC in which we can play as the other Dominants too.    … Expand
  10. cordelialear
    Jul 2, 2023
    9
    I was initially going to give this game an 8, but it's stayed with me so much that I bumped it up to a 9. This is a great game with a number of flaws that I think could have been easily fixed for a better experience.

    I didn't love the side quests. The majority of them seemed nothing more than fetch quests that added little to the story and often didn't even add to the lore or setting.    I was initially going to give this game an 8, but it's stayed with me so much that I bumped it up to a 9. This is a great game with a number of flaws that I think could have been easily fixed for a better experience.

    I didn't love the side quests. The majority of them seemed nothing more than fetch quests that added little to the story and often didn't even add to the lore or setting. Most of them seemed tedious with little payoff when I've played other games with side quests that are legendary. I wish they'd put more work in those quests. There *are* some interesting side quests, but often they should have been in the MSQ! I like bonuses and easter eggs, but quests that are absolutely crucial to character development and even fully understanding the ending should be in the MSQ. Fortunately, there aren't too many quests like this, but it further reveals the weakest part of the game.

    I wish there'd been more character development with some of the secondary characters, though that's probably a preference rather than a weakness. I can imagine some people saying they like the mystery.

    The pros, though I can't list them all:

    Soken's score. Holy everything that's holy. Once again, he does not disappoint!!

    The eikon fights. I think these fights will be this game's legacy and be what people most remember in ten years in the most positive of ways.

    Clive's quest--his quest and motivation are quickly revealed and they are as natural and sympathetic as anything in the series, making him a character you almost immediate cheer on.

    Clive's relationships with the people closest to him--fantastic. They seemed more real and more human than almost anything from any of the previous games in the series. Helps you relate with him and the others more.

    The plot--slow in some places, but overall great and I especially like how the endgame plays out.

    The ending (non-spoilery)--I would have liked more details, but it has stayed with me a lot. I think that's the mark of a good ending and a good story.

    If they announce DLC or a sequel, I'll pre-order immediately. There's far more about it I liked than I disliked and I may play through it again and see what I missed the first time around.    … Expand
  11. Calamityuni
    Jul 2, 2023
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Story wise this is a game to play. I can't say it more blunt enough. This is a very gritty and bloody game. I love that. It's not too far fetched. It sticks to its "medieval roots". Definitely see this being a game of the year contender. I want it to be.

    Clive and Jill bring back so many memories of Yuna and Tidus

    Yes there is a few issues with combat coming from a core FF fan I do see it being similar to other action titles but it is trying to progress into something greater.

    The Eikon fights alone are a subject to that being a fantastic thing. Jaw drops every time.    … Expand
  12. arthuralpha
    Jul 2, 2023
    9
    this game is probably gonna be GOTY 2023.
    Story: 9
    Gameplay: 9
    Music: 10
    UI: 10
    Performance: 8

    Pros: Great story and gameplay. Music both during and off battle is awesome. Eikon showdown is otherworldly good.

    Cons: panning the camera the image becomes blurry. camera auto correction while moving could cause dizziness.
  13. bang0800
    Jul 3, 2023
    9
    Every thing is good. The game did a really good job in getting the player much involve into it, much like how its gonna play out rather than whats gonna play out. The only let down is that it still bears the love tradition of the FF franchise: the main character never gets a happy love-ending at the end.
  14. coaoac
    Jul 9, 2023
    9
    Amazing game. Would easily be one of the best games ever made if they removed the 10h or so of dum filler quests and made them side quests. Respect our time please!! Also add a higher difficulty for the ones who want a challenge. That being said, I only remember the best parts which are the solid story, great cinematics and the epic boss fights. And did I mention the music. JustAmazing game. Would easily be one of the best games ever made if they removed the 10h or so of dum filler quests and made them side quests. Respect our time please!! Also add a higher difficulty for the ones who want a challenge. That being said, I only remember the best parts which are the solid story, great cinematics and the epic boss fights. And did I mention the music. Just incredible! I am happy I pushed through the boring parts.… Expand
  15. Ranran1234
    Jul 3, 2023
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Just wow! This game is fantastic. From the quick and rewarding combat system to the gorgeous set pieces to the insane and epic boss battles. Easily one of the best in the series. Yes, it may not be a classic final fantasy game, but each game in the series is different. Each numbered game since 12 has had a completely different combat system than the last. That is just what these games have been for a few years now. The writing, the monsters, the bosses the characters. All of it screams final fantasy. There are of course flaws, some side quests do fall flat bust some are just as equally amazing and heart wrenching. And don't even get me started on the sound track one of the best in years, in the series and in games in general. This was truly a near masterwork, and is definitely fighting it out with TOTK for my game of the year.… Expand
  16. Soggyramen
    Jul 3, 2023
    9
    Definitely an amazing FF game. The story, characters, lore, set pieces, and music really gave me a classic FF feel from start to finish. Not everyone will love the action combat but I really enjoyed it. However some powers/skills definitely are much more useful than others and I did fall into a rhythm of how to handle every enemy. One big issue I had was the side quests and the extremelyDefinitely an amazing FF game. The story, characters, lore, set pieces, and music really gave me a classic FF feel from start to finish. Not everyone will love the action combat but I really enjoyed it. However some powers/skills definitely are much more useful than others and I did fall into a rhythm of how to handle every enemy. One big issue I had was the side quests and the extremely high quality set pieces in the game. The side quests were mostly a joke and how undercooked they were was almost baffling at times. I think if they went forward with an FF game like this in the future, they need to flesh out the things to do within and outside of the side quests. Finally while I loved the set pieces and story highs, it did no favors for the moments after these "highs". The momentum just made you want to push through the busy work to get to the big story moments. Which in some way sounds good but makes the downtime in between the moments a little boring and pointless at times.

    Still loved it. Will take some time before I end up playing it again however.    … Expand
  17. SaltySeaSalt
    Jul 4, 2023
    9
    It feels like a 50hour movie with amazing story and soundtrack that keeps you engaged while having fun fighting all the enemies with the power of eikons and being part of the world knowing all the little things through the sidequests, and i simply enjoyed each and every hour of it :)
  18. PatRiotSaint
    Jul 4, 2023
    9
    Final Fantasy XVI has exceeded my expectations, its a very enjoyable and immersive story that FEELS like a Final Fantasy game! I've always had a clear favourite Final Fantasy game in my mind but this one has me second guessing myself so I'll put FFXVI as my Top 1-2. Well done to SquareEnix and all involved in the creation of this masterpiece!
  19. YonoR
    Jul 4, 2023
    9
    Jogo incrível, épico e com momentos únicos que te farão grudar na cadeira ou te animar pelo acontecimento. Excelente aventura e história. Não dou 10 por alguns problemas de desempenho, mas nota 9 vale com muita tranquilidade.
  20. Smokewell
    Jul 4, 2023
    9
    This game is what the streets needed. It was everything it needed to be and then some.
  21. Souteago
    Jul 6, 2023
    9
    Joguei o 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15 e agora o 16. Final Fantasy continua sendo minha segunda franquia favorita!

    Final Fantasy 16 é um game com uma história complexa, adulta, pesada e emocionante digna de Final Fantasy, os personagens com fortes traços de personalidade, e mundo repleto de detalhes e histórias. Gameplay a princípio pelos trailers me deixaram receoso, assim que joguei a demo    Joguei o 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15 e agora o 16. Final Fantasy continua sendo minha segunda franquia favorita!

    Final Fantasy 16 é um game com uma história complexa, adulta, pesada e emocionante digna de Final Fantasy, os personagens com fortes traços de personalidade, e mundo repleto de detalhes e histórias.

    Gameplay a princípio pelos trailers me deixaram receoso, assim que joguei a demo fiquei muito mais tranquilo, o combate é intenso e muito satisfatório que continua evoluindo até o final da história.

    Trilha sonora simplesmente perfeita, tudo encaixa com o que está sendo mostrado na tela, as músicas encaixam perfeitamente nos combates dando um empolgação extra nas batalhas épicas de Eikons.

    Pontos fracos:
    Mágica elemental e status negativos inexistentes.
    Poucos elementos de RPG.
    Pouca variedade de inimigos.
    Relativamente fácil (dificuldade Final Fantasy melhora muito).    … Expand
  22. Tsukiyomi04
    Jul 8, 2023
    9
    The story is just crazy good. With the boss fights this game is a clear 9/10.
  23. Esotb
    Jul 9, 2023
    9
    I was a bit reluctant at first, as I've played all FF games before and this seemed to different from the others. But it's an excellent gaming experience: superb story, characters and acting, world and lore, music, battle system and oh, those boss battles, so epic, like nothing I've ever played before. I loved everything intros game, even the side quests! It would have been perfect if partyI was a bit reluctant at first, as I've played all FF games before and this seemed to different from the others. But it's an excellent gaming experience: superb story, characters and acting, world and lore, music, battle system and oh, those boss battles, so epic, like nothing I've ever played before. I loved everything intros game, even the side quests! It would have been perfect if party members were controllable and there had been more RPG elements, such as elemental weakness, status, etc. All in all, a great gaming experience and already in my top 3 FF games! Highly recommendable.… Expand
  24. Nyanko1234
    Jul 9, 2023
    9
    I rate this 9.1

    Took me about 41 hours to finish the game. Completed all side quests and Mob Hunt Story - Great, even though storyline is dark, I think its well designed. Gameplay - Not a big action fan but I was able to manage and create my own combos and it was fun. I wish there was more Eikons to choose from or if not, each Eikon to have more abilities to choose from. I think    I rate this 9.1

    Took me about 41 hours to finish the game. Completed all side quests and Mob Hunt
    Story - Great, even though storyline is dark, I think its well designed.
    Gameplay - Not a big action fan but I was able to manage and create my own combos and it was fun.
    I wish there was more Eikons to choose from or if not, each Eikon to have more abilities to choose from.

    I think this game is a banger when it comes to game experience. Eikon battle is breathtaking and never felt so intense playing game before. Also, the music, it is amazing, it fits so well with the game scenes. I`m not sure if I will play the second round but definitely getting DLC if it comes out. My only advice is, play the game yourself, demo is out there for free. You must experience this game yourself and if its not your type, that`s totally understandable but never `not` play this the game because of mixed reviews.    … Expand
  25. Eeman123
    Jul 9, 2023
    9
    A great game. One I strongly recommend. Has the best boss fights in the final fantasy franchise and has a very heartfelt and emotional story. The M rating of he game allowed devs to go more in depth on topics like genocide and Slavery.

    Its definitely a final fantasy game. The only downside is that AI partners aren't as provocative as I would like. Definitely GOTY
  26. s4nada
    Jul 10, 2023
    9
    Final Fantasy XVI makes a bold attempt to rejuvenate the series, delivering an emotionally gripping narrative that leaves a lasting impact. The game's combat system is nothing short of phenomenal, offering a fresh and exhilarating experience that challenges and rewards players in equal measure.

    However, one cannot overlook the shortcomings in the side quests which unfortunately feel    Final Fantasy XVI makes a bold attempt to rejuvenate the series, delivering an emotionally gripping narrative that leaves a lasting impact. The game's combat system is nothing short of phenomenal, offering a fresh and exhilarating experience that challenges and rewards players in equal measure.

    However, one cannot overlook the shortcomings in the side quests which unfortunately feel repetitive and lack the depth that would make them truly engaging. Similarly, the game's open-world zones could benefit from more rich and intricate detail to alleviate their stark emptiness.

    On the topic of customization, an additional layer could have been added by providing players the option to tailor Clive's armor. Much like how the aesthetics of weapons evolve throughout the game, a similar feature for armors would have greatly enriched the immersive gaming experience.

    In keeping with tradition, Final Fantasy XVI boasts a spectacular and epic soundtrack that significantly enhances the overall atmosphere of the game.

    Despite certain areas for improvement, Final Fantasy XVI is an outstanding action RPG that will quickly become a must-have for any PS5 owner.    … Expand
  27. Lirycalhadok
    Jul 10, 2023
    9
    Great story, great protagonist maybe they can do better on secondary mission but love this game in every step you put into it
  28. LordStrider87
    Jul 12, 2023
    9
    Considero un aire fresco a una persona que ha jugado todos los final fantasy y aunque debo decir que me gusta más los combates tradicionales, este mecanismo de pelea en tiempo real le sienta bien a la saga, pero se deberían mejorar ciertos puntos para no perder la esencia vital de los RPG, la estrategia
  29. Dunkki
    Jul 12, 2023
    9
    The story and gameplay are some of the best the industry offers. This game is a spectacle!
  30. ott3rcha0s
    Jul 13, 2023
    9
    Let me preface this by saying that the only other Final Fantasy games I’d tried before was FF VII Remake (which is one of the best videogames I’ve ever played) and FF XV, so I’m a relative newcomer to the franchise. It’s ironic that FF XV was touted as a “A Final Fantasy for Fans and First-Timers,” but that game didn’t grip me at all! I played it only for 7 hours and had enough and neverLet me preface this by saying that the only other Final Fantasy games I’d tried before was FF VII Remake (which is one of the best videogames I’ve ever played) and FF XV, so I’m a relative newcomer to the franchise. It’s ironic that FF XV was touted as a “A Final Fantasy for Fans and First-Timers,” but that game didn’t grip me at all! I played it only for 7 hours and had enough and never went back. FF XVI, on the other hand, gripped from the onset and never let go! From the trailers, I wasn’t sure whether it was my cup of tea though, but then I saw there was a free demo available and decided to give it shot. Boy! Was I in for quite a treat! After finishing the demo, I was immediately hooked and knew right there and then… I. HAVE. TO. BUY. THIS. GAME. NOW!

    In those opening hours, the game succeeds in making you care about its story, characters and universe. I wanted to know more about Clive and his journey of redemption and vengeance (He’s a compelling protagonist and oh-so-easy on the eyes!). That’s what pulled me in, first and foremost. I wanted to know more about this fantasy world that felt like Game of Thrones meets Attack on Titan. I was in! And so I played more. Then, there is the presentation, from the visuals to the soundtrack, which is top-notch. You can tell you’re playing something special. It features some of the most jaw-dropping, bombastic, thrilling showdowns in recent memory. God of War Ragnarok’s final boss fight pales in comparison to the first titanic boss battle here. There a sense of scale, wonder and awe that not even that formidable title could evoke as spectacularly as FF XVI does here. It manages to shift up the gear, making every succeeding boss battle feel even bigger and more over-the-top than the last. Quite an impressive achievement.

    Now onto the gameplay. It starts out pretty basic. However, as the story progresses you start acquiring more powers to diversify your arsenal and match your preferred gameplay style. It’s reminiscent of GOW in its use of special abilities, but not as sophisticated. Here, you’re far more invested in doing as much damage as possible in the shortest amount of time possible, which is where its combo system comes into the equation. It’s fast-paced, flashy and so much fun! If you’re coming off playing something like Elden Ring, FF XVI will feel like a piece of cake. You can unequip the rings of assistance you start out with if you want more of a challenge. Unfortunately, hard mode (FF mode) only unlocks after you’ve completed the game, which I thought was a misjudgment on their part. It’s not a perfect game, though.

    The side quests do bring it down a bit. While not completely pointless, as they do add something to the world-building in many interesting ways, they can feel like a drag. Some are more interesting than others, with the overwhelming majority being subpar, not only in quality but also in presentation. You can tell all the money went towards those breathtakingly spectacular boss battles, because one features state-of-the art visuals and the other animation that wouldn’t feel out of place in a PS3 game.

    So, the highs are so stratospherically high that it makes the lows feel mid at best. This is a solid 8 game, but the highs are sooo high that they push it to a 9. Just push through the slow parts and meandering side quests (prioritize those with a plus sign), because its boss battles are quite something to behold. You have to play and experience them for yourself to believe it! Overall, a fantastic game and the most fun I’ve had this year so far! You’ll come away wanting more! Fingers-crossed for a DLC in the future!    … 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.
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  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]
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