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. danar
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Outstanding story, characters, and worldbuilding earn the right to depart from what fans expect from Final Fantasy.
  2. Fusion1
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    an amazing story that keeps you engaged
    addicting, fun combat that keeps you interested as new abilities unlock
    well-voiced characters, well-built as well
    some of the best boss fights and cinematic of gaming history
    This is not a game its an experience
    Definite Must Play
  3. PixelPals
    Jun 24, 2023
    8
    I wanted a JRPG, but it was an action game with cinematic cutscenes. Still, it's not bad.
  4. FTC
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Another FF game means it's time for another round of review bombing!

    Seriously, just ignore all of the negative reviews. Utterly none of them were written by intelligent lifeforms.
  5. BloodAndWine
    Jun 24, 2023
    4
    For being such a story heavy game (half the playtime is cutscenes) it has severe pacing issues. For every hour of interesting story, there is another hour of padding of what feels like bad fetch quests that were rolled into the main quest.

    The combat can be fun at first, but by the end I was ready for the game to end as it became stale and repetitive. Diesn't help that the game is very    For being such a story heavy game (half the playtime is cutscenes) it has severe pacing issues. For every hour of interesting story, there is another hour of padding of what feels like bad fetch quests that were rolled into the main quest.

    The combat can be fun at first, but by the end I was ready for the game to end as it became stale and repetitive. Diesn't help that the game is very easy. Since you only play as one character, there is no real variety. RPG mechanics feel entirely tacked on. Gear is boring. Loot dropped by fights is mostly irrelevant and exists solely to fill up your inventory.

    The game is very linear. It's level design goes from hallways to "open" fields, but the open areas have nothing in them. There is nothing interesting to find via exploration. Areas exist merely to be scenic. Too much time is spent going from one bland, muddy town to another.

    Most of the cast is quite bland and uniteresting with the exception of Cid. Overall character designs are lacking and visually boring. Interaction between the cast feels thin. The game seems heavily inspired by Game of Thrones except only superficially so. In trying to present itself as "mature" it ends up coming across incredibly forced and contrived (often corny but not in a fun way), and the attempt at being grounded plays against the strengths of the series.

    The music is very good.

    Overall, i didn't like it. Really disappointed. Game doesn't have much to it. It has some cool fantasy scenes, but it's bogged down by fetch quests, paint-by-numbers political intrigue and bigotry plotlines, too many mundane settings, repetitive combat, filler cutscenes, an empty world devoid of exploration and cool gear, a gloomy cast of characters with generic designs and dull personalities, and no real parties end up making the game a lonely and derivative experience.

    Also, the way sprinting works is dumb, motion blur is excessive, and the inability to turn off the auto-follow camera is annoying. Luckily the later two will be patched. And people giving the game a bad score doesn't mean you can write off their criticism as "review bombing". Sometimes people don't like things. No one ever fusses about the hordes of mindless 10/10 reviews.    … Expand
  6. doctorbudz420
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Amazing game! Amazing visuals! And amazing combat.
  7. greg435
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    From the moment I started playing, the game's immersive world and intricate storytelling drew me in. The depth of character development and the vast array of quests and missions kept me engaged for hours on end. The gameplay mechanics were seamless, offering a perfect balance between strategic combat and exploration. The visuals were stunning, with breathtaking landscapes and meticulouslyFrom the moment I started playing, the game's immersive world and intricate storytelling drew me in. The depth of character development and the vast array of quests and missions kept me engaged for hours on end. The gameplay mechanics were seamless, offering a perfect balance between strategic combat and exploration. The visuals were stunning, with breathtaking landscapes and meticulously designed environments. With its gripping narrative, rich gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals, this RPG game has undoubtedly become a favorite in my collection.… Expand
  8. bonggvi
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    amazing game. completed the whole game and this is truly one of the best games of the year
  9. Jovi_seph
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    About 10+ hours in and loving everything about the game. A 9 due to the frame rate not being locked at 60 for performance mode, but other than that a phenomenal game worthy of playing. Story reels you in and wanting more and and the combat feels very fluid and natural. The characters are phenomenal, the boss fights are epic, and the voice acting and OST is amazing..

    To those giving the    About 10+ hours in and loving everything about the game. A 9 due to the frame rate not being locked at 60 for performance mode, but other than that a phenomenal game worthy of playing. Story reels you in and wanting more and and the combat feels very fluid and natural. The characters are phenomenal, the boss fights are epic, and the voice acting and OST is amazing..

    To those giving the game a 0 are just a bunch of losers that want to see the game/franchise fail due to it not being what they want (turn based) or it being exclusive to PlayStation. Get a life and stop trying to bring down all the hard working people that have put in everything to give us this game. How miserable of a person must you be to come and give a 0 just to review bomb the game? Get the game and experience it for yourself rather than listening to a bunch of no-lifers. The game has been out less than 2 full days so it’s clear they haven’t even completed all the content… most probably haven’t even played it.    … Expand
  10. Swampwiise
    Jun 24, 2023
    1
    Unfortunately this isn’t a JRPG or even a Final Fantasy it’s an experiment in an attempt of merging an action game with a beloved franchise. I find myself pushing to finish just to move on. The cutscenes are fun. I would recommend watching streams and not wasting time with this borefest.
  11. 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.
  12. fait23
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    As a Final Fantasy player since the Playstation 1. This game is amazing. Each Final Fantasy tells a unique story and characters. This Final Fantasy brought back the classic, but with modern gameplay mechanics. Thank you SqureEnix for another great Final Fantasy game.
  13. Autumnsoldier
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Outstanding reboot of the Final Fantasy Formula. Strong story and flashy gameplay make for an amazing experience!
  14. Gemesi92
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    best FF ever made, who gave bad votes probably it's better go back to play fifa. It's since FF9 we don't have a game like this.
  15. Gonzalodmv
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Uno de los mejores juegos de la saga sin duda, entra en el top 3 mejores bandas sonoras de la historia de Final Fantasy, el combate es un sueño, sin caídas de FPS por muchos enemigos que haya. La música dinámica está súper bien implementada y la historia está a otro nivel los giros que van haciendo. Lo único malo es el no dejar lugar a la exploración haciendo de esto una aventura menosUno de los mejores juegos de la saga sin duda, entra en el top 3 mejores bandas sonoras de la historia de Final Fantasy, el combate es un sueño, sin caídas de FPS por muchos enemigos que haya. La música dinámica está súper bien implementada y la historia está a otro nivel los giros que van haciendo. Lo único malo es el no dejar lugar a la exploración haciendo de esto una aventura menos aventura.… Expand
  16. krutoj
    Jun 24, 2023
    0
    Just another Final Fantasy game, that fails to deliver. The world looks great, but it's just a lifeless scenery. There are barely people you can actually talk to and if there are, they don't have anything interesting to say. The characters also look too clean for a medival fantasy game.
    The battle system is again very chaotic. Once you gain more abilities there are light shows all over    Just another Final Fantasy game, that fails to deliver. The world looks great, but it's just a lifeless scenery. There are barely people you can actually talk to and if there are, they don't have anything interesting to say. The characters also look too clean for a medival fantasy game.
    The battle system is again very chaotic. Once you gain more abilities there are light shows all over the screen and you barely know what's going on. It just isn't a problem, because most enemies don't even pose a threat. Except for their large health pools they don't have anything going for them. So even with blind button mashing you'll be fine. The battles just drag on for way too long.
    Also it's very annoying, that you often get animation locked by your abilities. This is so counterintuitive for an ARPG. If you want to make action combat, design your skills for action combat, so that my character responds to my input and isn't locked for 3 seconds, because he has to go through a lengthy animation.
    If you want to make lengthy and flashy animtions, go back to making turn based games. At least there players can enjoy those animations. In an ARPG they are just an hindrance.
    The side quests are the worst type of fetch quests you'll ever see in a video game. It's unbelievable how a series known for their great side quests could turn into this.
    There is barely no RPG and almost no J left in this JRPG. It's more like a character action game than anything else. The skill progression system is so shallow, they could just have removed it all together and turned the whole game into an Action game instead of an JRPG.

    But the worst thing are those Eikon battles the game advertises with. They just aren't fun and fell so out of place. You see like 20-30 seconds of interesting animations and actions, but the battles drag on for 5 minutes or more. You just keep repeating the same mind numbing stuff over and over and over again, barely doing any damage to your enemy and having to rewatch the same animations over and over and over again. So after a while you get really annoyed by those animations, that were supposed to be cool and awesome. You just wish to finally get over with this fight and move on with the story. It would have been much much better if SE made the Eikon battles just 20-30 seconds long cutscenes.

    The story and characters are the only good aspects of this game, but they can't save this trainwreck. Before you buy this game check out the demo.    … Expand
  17. RaptorNemesis
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Super bon jeu, du Got, de l'action, une mise en scene incroyable!! Quand je vois des mecs cracher sur le jeu car exclue sony
  18. klkevinkl
    Jun 24, 2023
    2
    This is an action RPG that feels like it's afraid to commit to the action or the RPG. Weapons are just there for stats, not for variety. Combos are encouraged, but damage multipliers for doing so barely go up, so it's better to just button mash short combos. Many side quests feel repetitive and might offer something lore rewarding, but usually not. Many of those "come walk with me andThis is an action RPG that feels like it's afraid to commit to the action or the RPG. Weapons are just there for stats, not for variety. Combos are encouraged, but damage multipliers for doing so barely go up, so it's better to just button mash short combos. Many side quests feel repetitive and might offer something lore rewarding, but usually not. Many of those "come walk with me and talk" style cutscenes. Yet, no party members. The world might not be as empty as FF15, but still feels quite empty and doesn't help distract from the sense of linearity. Cutscenes are excessive and are definitely huge problems in the Eikon transitions. It's made worse by the QTEs in said fights. It looks amazing, but the style over substance makes for poor gameplay.

    There's also A LOT of parallels to .hack//G.U that I cannot unsee.    … Expand
  19. assassingajeel
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    10/10 best final fantasy I have ever played since 7 and 10. Does stuff better than ffxv and ff7 remake. Combat 10/10 story 10/10 sidequest 10/10. Everything you love from ff is here. The evolution of the franchise is now in ff16. The rpg elements are present and useful. The skill tree is massive with new abilities and moves. Also the eikon battles are sick and the QTE don’t get in the way10/10 best final fantasy I have ever played since 7 and 10. Does stuff better than ffxv and ff7 remake. Combat 10/10 story 10/10 sidequest 10/10. Everything you love from ff is here. The evolution of the franchise is now in ff16. The rpg elements are present and useful. The skill tree is massive with new abilities and moves. Also the eikon battles are sick and the QTE don’t get in the way of combat. If you are still on the fence about ff16 then I suggest you play the demo and see you will like. All in all I think this game did a excellent job… Expand
  20. ChichoJL82
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    El juego es una pasada! Lo he jugado durante una hora y me parece una maravilla! No hagan caso de la comunidad de los de siempre, porque os estáis perdiendo el GOTY de éste año!!
  21. SammiKid
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    FF is back and at the top of its game! I haven't been invested this much in FF for a long time.
  22. N1er
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Gameplay : adjustable to your play style or ability. Clive feels smooth to handle in and out of combat along with a training room much a like to a training mode seen in most modern fighting games this game is a joy to play no matter your skill level. Story: I'm hooked. The game plunges you into this medieval fantasy realm and gives you the choice of learning the lore through theGameplay : adjustable to your play style or ability. Clive feels smooth to handle in and out of combat along with a training room much a like to a training mode seen in most modern fighting games this game is a joy to play no matter your skill level. Story: I'm hooked. The game plunges you into this medieval fantasy realm and gives you the choice of learning the lore through the perspective of Clive or you can access active lore with the press of a button. Along with NPCs that unlock along the way with the sole purpose of collecting and explaining lore about the world and it's characters. As a fan of darker stories such as Nier: replicant, drakengard and berserk. I find the story here has some comparisons to them without being too dark and heavy. The game knows when to break up these dark and depressing moments without making light of the situation and keeping the gravity of each situation intact. The characters are memorable and well written and certainly have a little sprinkle of past Final Fantasy titles in them, it feels like a natural progression of final fantasy. Graphics: The PS5 works well for this title. Square-Enix have been known to push boundaries of a consoles capabilities in the past, while many game companies now can make beautiful games I wouldn't say this one is lacking either. The magic effects and background scenery are truly breathtaking at times while the backdrop of villages and towns feel somewhat familiar to some I've walked through in real life. Music: Soken has done it again. Incredible sounds of choirs for massive moments, single guitars for quiet moments and even more electronic sounds for SPOILER. Final fantasy xiv fans will be pleased to hear one or two little moments that sound familiar to them but don't get me wrong this isn't just FFXIV with a bit extra. There's an entire new feel for this title and the battle themes will stay stuck in your head. Honestly cannot wait for the soundtrack to be released. Overall: everyone has their right to a personal opinion but it's just that. Personal. My favourite final fantasy games are: FFVI,FF:TACTICS, FF:CRYSTAL CHRONICLES, FFIX, FFXIV and now this is on that list FFXVI. Everything works wonderfully to draw you into this realm, not all of us old players of Final Fantasy are sour and wishing for the old days. I embrace all the new final fantasy fans this title will bring and I'm thankful to the team who brought this to us. If you want to play an older final fantasy they all still exist and you are free to play them at any point but I feel if you are expecting the exact same as 10,20,30 years ago then you might just benefit from embracing something new for a change. Otherwise you are denying yourself this wonderful experience for the sake of your perception of 'tradition'.… Expand
  23. Mclovins6xnine
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Story is so engaging and the intro/demo is one of the best, while the boss fights just keep on getting better so far
  24. JosephKry
    Jun 24, 2023
    2
    FF4, FF6, FF7, FF8, FF9, FF10 where art thou?
    How I miss those days of greatness, where those games where deep with story, mechanics, magic, items and lore. Opening every treasure box was exciting. Will I get a new armor, weapon, maybe a new magic?
    And this, what is this? FF16 has nothing of the above. I agree, the graphics are good and some of the battle music is excellent, but where    FF4, FF6, FF7, FF8, FF9, FF10 where art thou?
    How I miss those days of greatness, where those games where deep with story, mechanics, magic, items and lore. Opening every treasure box was exciting. Will I get a new armor, weapon, maybe a new magic?
    And this, what is this? FF16 has nothing of the above.

    I agree, the graphics are good and some of the battle music is excellent, but where is the game?
    No party, no weapon selection, no armor, no magic, no strategy, juts walk around, see cutscenes, find useless loot, evade and kill.
    Yes, the boss fights look epic, but deep beneath, I can kill any HP bloated boss by just clicking the attack and evade buttons.
    Square Enix said that with FF16 they are returning to the roots and getting all veteran fans excited. I prefer playing FF6 for the 10th time and not this.
    In my country I paid $90 for the base game.
    I will finish the game because I paid so much, and the story is interesting enough, but the game, where is the game?
    I created a Metacritic account just to show how disappointed I am and warn other FF veterans to stay away from this game.    … Expand
  25. bonnieloup
    Jun 24, 2023
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Fantastic combat and even more fantastic storyline. A total new vision for Final Fantasy which is worth trying and embrace.… Expand
  26. Urodith
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Un juego espectacular, un gran final fantasy que vuelve a sus orígenes. Combate de 10 y la ost una maravilla de soken. Recomendado para usuarios de Xbox incluso
  27. Malignant
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Outstanding game. GOTY status. Not sure why the review bombers are here but I expect that to happen on any game nowadays.… Expand
  28. Deseila
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Amazing game. I would recommend it for anyone to try. Also please ignore the baboons that are review bombing. They have nothing better to do than be morons. They can't handle that this game is doing amazing.
  29. Tjf0057
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Such a great game.
  30. rledan09
    Jun 24, 2023
    10
    Title: Final Fantasy XVI: The Perfect Game Redefining Perfection

    Final Fantasy XVI, the latest entry in the iconic Final Fantasy series, stands as an exemplar of gaming perfection. Developed by Square Enix, this magnum opus of the role-playing genre has shattered expectations, delivering an unparalleled experience that redefines what it means to be a perfect game. With its awe-inspiring    Title: Final Fantasy XVI: The Perfect Game Redefining Perfection

    Final Fantasy XVI, the latest entry in the iconic Final Fantasy series, stands as an exemplar of gaming perfection. Developed by Square Enix, this magnum opus of the role-playing genre has shattered expectations, delivering an unparalleled experience that redefines what it means to be a perfect game. With its awe-inspiring visuals, masterful storytelling, complex characters, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a sublime musical score, Final Fantasy XVI sets the gold standard for gaming excellence. In this review, we will delve into the various aspects of this remarkable title and explore why it truly embodies perfection within the gaming world.

    1. A Visual Marvel: Pushing the Boundaries of Graphics and Artistry

    From the very moment players enter the world of Final Fantasy XVI, they are spellbound by its visual splendor. The game's graphics are a tour de force, seamlessly blending photorealistic environments with fantastical elements. The meticulous attention to detail is breathtaking, whether it's the intricate cityscapes, sprawling landscapes, or the exquisitely designed characters. The lighting effects, particle systems, and fluid animations work in perfect harmony to create an immersive and visually stunning experience that captivates players from start to finish.

    2. Epic Storytelling: A Gripping Narrative that Transcends Boundaries

    Final Fantasy XVI weaves a tapestry of storytelling brilliance, taking players on a journey that transcends the boundaries of the medium. The narrative unfolds with a masterful blend of intrigue, emotion, and epic proportions. It delves into profound themes of love, sacrifice, power, and redemption, presenting players with morally ambiguous choices and exploring the depths of human emotions. The characters are exceptionally well-written, each possessing their own unique motivations, flaws, and growth arcs. The dialogue is crafted with finesse, eliciting a wide range of emotions and fostering a deep connection between the players and the game world.

    3. Revolutionary Gameplay: Blending Tradition and Innovation

    Final Fantasy XVI revolutionizes gameplay by seamlessly blending traditional elements of the series with innovative mechanics. The combat system is a symphony of strategic depth and real-time action, offering a perfect balance between accessibility and complexity. Players can seamlessly switch between party members, employing unique abilities and executing devastating combos. The skill progression system is robust, allowing players to tailor their characters' abilities to suit their playstyle. Furthermore, the open-world environment is replete with engrossing side quests, hidden treasures, and engaging activities, offering players a sense of exploration and adventure.

    4. Musical Brilliance: A Melodic Masterpiece

    The musical score of Final Fantasy XVI stands as a testament to the remarkable talent of its composers. From the triumphant orchestral pieces to the hauntingly beautiful melodies, the soundtrack elevates every moment of the game. It expertly enhances the emotional impact of the narrative, capturing the essence of each scene and character. The sound design, including the environmental audio effects, brings the game world to life, further immersing players in the rich tapestry of Final Fantasy XVI.

    5. Worldbuilding: A Vast and Immersive Realm

    The world of Final Fantasy XVI is an expansive and intricately crafted realm, brimming with wonder, history, and lore. The attention to detail in its creation is extraordinary, with each location boasting its distinct culture, geography, and architectural design. The world feels alive, populated by diverse and vibrant communities, each with its own stories to tell. Exploration is rewarded with hidden secrets, engaging encounters, and a profound sense of discovery. The worldbuilding in Final Fantasy XVI is a testament to the developers' dedication to creating a rich and immersive experience for players.

    6. Emotional Resonance: A Profound Connection with Characters and Themes

    I’d keep going but there’s a character limit.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2023
1
#1 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2023

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 146 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 134 out of 146
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 146
  3. Negative: 0 out of 146
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 22, 2024
    100
    Final Fantasy XVI is an excellent game in every way. If you're a fan of the series for the stories and characters, you won't go wrong here, and if you've avoided the series for, say, turn-based combat, the sixteenth installment offers the perfect opportunity to get started with this legend of the gaming industry. [Issue#329]
  2. Riot Pixels
    Oct 30, 2023
    73
    This is a solid RPG/action game. Some elements of the game are unusual and fresh for single-player parts of the Final Fantasy series, but some are too dull and rudimentary.
    Read full review
  3. PLAY
    Sep 17, 2023
    90
    New numbered FFs are good again. Stunning to look at, with new, punchy combat, and a great yarn, it is, if anything, too focussed, lacking a bit of the weird. [Issue#30, p.78]
See all critic reviews »