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. Sammael
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Easily my favorite Final Fantasy since the PS1 days. Get it, you won’t regret it.
  2. Keln
    Jul 3, 2023
    10
    Outstanding.

    The spectacle, the soundtrack, oh my god. Those alone are enough to warrant a 10. Solid cast of characters. Solid voice acting. The themes of discrimination and slavery are met with nuance and variety. Combat plays nicely, very permissive on the first playthrough (NG+ has more difficulty options) Wish RPG elements were pushed a bit further, as itemisation is just a    Outstanding.

    The spectacle, the soundtrack, oh my god. Those alone are enough to warrant a 10.

    Solid cast of characters. Solid voice acting. The themes of discrimination and slavery are met with nuance and variety.
    Combat plays nicely, very permissive on the first playthrough (NG+ has more difficulty options)
    Wish RPG elements were pushed a bit further, as itemisation is just a matter of "equipment new equipment to get marginal increase in stats".
    Accessories aren't really providing the variety I was hoping they would.

    Still a massive recommendation. Will probably get it on PC to enjoy the glorious PC performances eventually.    … Expand
  3. Bo3mra
    Jun 25, 2023
    10
    Very fun game and I enjoyed every aspect of it and Yoshi-pi and his team did a great job in that regard.
  4. Best1One
    Aug 18, 2023
    0
    Bad game. Bad Story, playing like an arcade game, Eikons is just arcade Sega style button mashing in a soulless caves.

    Final Fantasy 7 remake in the other hand is a masterpiece.
  5. 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
  6. Gizlo
    Jun 24, 2023
    2
    I thought just the beginning of the game would be slow with the whole “walk forward for 2 seconds then watch a cutscene, then walk forward for 5 seconds and watch another cutscene” thing, but that’s what most of the game is. If you like sitting around and watching a movie, you’ll love this. The actual GAME part of FFXVI is as bare bones as you get. The combat could’ve been interesting butI thought just the beginning of the game would be slow with the whole “walk forward for 2 seconds then watch a cutscene, then walk forward for 5 seconds and watch another cutscene” thing, but that’s what most of the game is. If you like sitting around and watching a movie, you’ll love this. The actual GAME part of FFXVI is as bare bones as you get. The combat could’ve been interesting but the battles are so easy that all the flashy stuff doesn’t matter because most enemies sit back and let you wail on them without trying to fight back, or you just need to throw in a few easily timed dodges and continue button mashing to win. After that, you’ll be greeted with more walking and cutscenes and walking and cutscenes. I made it about 15 hours into the game before I had to uninstall and be mad at myself for buying into the hype. I wish I liked this game, I love Final Fantasy games. It’s truly a terrible video game if you’re looking for an engaging experience. Even the boss battles, while very epic and beautiful, aren’t really that engaging. 2 giant monsters battle on your screen while you press one button for a QTE. If you’re looking to watch a pretty movie with mediocre writing, then I guess you’ll like it. I did not.… Expand
  7. SimonExMachina
    Jul 7, 2023
    4
    Please watch SkillUps review. The guy is on point. This game is 70-75% non interactive cutscenes, the rest is an outdated, brainless action game. No RPG mechanics, no chalange, no freedom or player agency. Game is very linear and even when there's an open area there's absolutely no reason to explore. Mission and level design are as basic & repetitive as it gets. Combat is flashy but soPlease watch SkillUps review. The guy is on point. This game is 70-75% non interactive cutscenes, the rest is an outdated, brainless action game. No RPG mechanics, no chalange, no freedom or player agency. Game is very linear and even when there's an open area there's absolutely no reason to explore. Mission and level design are as basic & repetitive as it gets. Combat is flashy but so easy there is no depth or strategy to it.

    Story was ment to be a dark fantasy tale inspired by Game of Thrones but it's juvenile, cheesy anime shlock. Just because there's violence, sex and profanity doesn't make it mature. It's a childs idea of what an adoult story is. Ther's no depth on nuance here, just over the top stupidity.

    To top it all of the performace is framerate mode is horrible - the game never hits a stable 60fps and runs at a low resolution with extreme motion blure to hide it.    … Expand
  8. Vigov
    Aug 9, 2023
    0
    The hugest disappointment of the year
    Yep, Final Fantasy 16 over not being a Final Fantasy game at all, it was an even boring and tedious action game.
    The whole package is just a movie covered with shiny particles and fluff, but miss the actual substance.
    A shallow experience and more specifically this FF16 is a terribly low point for the Final Fantasy franchise
  9. FalcoZuero
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    Final fantasy XVI has a combat reminiscent of Devil May cry but with a game of thrones-like story. The combat may look simple at first but if you try approaching it to be as effective and flashy as you can it can get quite interesting. The story is great. Not the best of the FF franchise but it is up there with the good ones. Graphics are great. The world is beautiful. The music is fantastic.
  10. bryan101384
    Jun 27, 2023
    10
    Best main line FF in years. The combat is fantastic and the game is gorgeous.
  11. gasherz
    Jun 25, 2023
    5
    Written after apx. 12 hrs of play.

    In many ways XVI follows the same graphical and narrative formula found in XIV and XV. Class-leading graphics, an at least decent-sized main story quest line and battle systems "innovations". I found the audio experience to be acceptable however several of the musical pieces are too repetitive and most of the music is blanketed with the same or    Written after apx. 12 hrs of play.

    In many ways XVI follows the same graphical and narrative formula found in XIV and XV.
    Class-leading graphics, an at least decent-sized main story quest line and battle systems "innovations". I found the audio experience to be acceptable however several of the musical pieces are too repetitive and most of the music is blanketed with the same or similar "bombastic orchestra" touch.

    The story is "decent". The demo really hit a home run here. It presented what was to become an epic tale and really built up to an awesome cliff hanger. In my opinion and in order to not spoil anything - the "rest" of the game as far as I have played does not deliver on those promises. It's not bad - but it is in my current (I hope I can find it in me to finish the game) opinion not good or great either.

    The latest SqE innovation in battle system leaves little to no impression. It is a mix of DmC with a touch of Soulslikes (timed parries and whatnot) and the "epic" Eikon battles feel more akin to a static on-rails VR shooter than an actual innovation. Perhaps the exclusion of the auto-battler accessories would make battle _slightly_ more challenging - however I found no major difference using them vs not using them. It's an "OK" battle system, nothing ground breaking. Just to be clear here - it all looks _FENOMENAL_ ... however there is a cost to all this phenomenal looking graphics.

    Setting the game to performance mode I was expecting the PS5 to deliver 4k60fps without any issues - that is certainly not the case in the majority of scenes. Expect 4k 48-59.9fps. Is that terrible? Well, it sort of is if that is how this console generation was sold to players. And while we are on the topic of performance - the constant shifting between "60fps" mode in normal play and "cinematic mode" (which perhaps is something like 30 fps?) leaves me even less impressed. Further more, the world map that players use to select a region to travel to is mindbogglingly slow/laggy. Sure - I can buy the argument that the cinematic experience is better at 30fps for several cinematic/human eye reasons... but the world map?! Come on...

    Looking a bit deeper one soon finds that the levels are extremely linear and every level are littered with in-modeled immersion breaking invisible walls , be it indoors or outdoors (although outdoor level suffer more apparently from this). Couple this with the overwhelming majority of geometry props also being hard modeled into the level and thus not available for geometry breaking actions (eg smashing boxes, tables, bookshelves etc) - note that I write majority here... there are situations where this is setup to occur however it is nowhere near at the level of say Diablo IV or similar ARPG titles. And since the developers have been quite clear with XVI being a "new direction" for Final Fantasy - I would have liked to see a _much_ greater degree of geometry interaction than what is currently present. To me, the world is way too static. Main hub zone have some voiced NPC's scattered around the area which help to alleviate the static nature.

    My god, man... this became a literal wall of text. Anyways - in short it's an acceptable, awesome-looking JRPG-KINDA-ARPG that innovates in battle systems and delivers a decent story at sub-par performance... in performance mode. All in all a 5/10.    … Expand
  12. Mubher
    Jul 7, 2023
    10
    A great step in the right direction. XVI makes me excited for the future of the series. The action battle system is great but it would have been much better with elemental damage and stats to add a layer of strategy and differentiate Eikons from one another. The missions design is too MMO'ish for a single player game but overall the game is a gem.
  13. jacktea007
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    For me is 9.5 out of 10 however Metacritic doesn’t have 9.5 so I put 10. I haven’t play a good Final Fantasy game since the best last one is Final Fantasy 12, Final Fantasy 7 remake is great as well. But Final Fantasy 16 improve in RPG element into Action RPG style like you don’t have to wait turn by turn which is great. And graphic on FF16 is excellent, quality mode it run 4k render fromFor me is 9.5 out of 10 however Metacritic doesn’t have 9.5 so I put 10. I haven’t play a good Final Fantasy game since the best last one is Final Fantasy 12, Final Fantasy 7 remake is great as well. But Final Fantasy 16 improve in RPG element into Action RPG style like you don’t have to wait turn by turn which is great. And graphic on FF16 is excellent, quality mode it run 4k render from 1440p in 30 fps and performance mode we run 1080p most time but hiccups 720p if heavy scene, frame rate issues run 40-50 fps in most scene and but we are human of course we are greedy and hoping can get 60 fps in 1440p and 30fps in 4k but we in 2023, no much downgrade unlike watchdog or Tom Clancy games and the graphic is excellent and more demanding I am satisfy. And Clive can use multiple type of summon beast(dominant) and use their skill which is awesome and you really like most of the characters in this game and no annoying character. I mean is an excellent game, you don’t have to listen to the website review and play your own way.… Expand
  14. Savarunl
    Jun 27, 2023
    10
    Awesome game, reminds me of the old final fantasies (1-6), but with an amazing combat system.
    Superb music, very good storytelling and sometimes jawdropping in the graphics. I haven't been this addicted to a game in a long time!
    Deffo one of my all-time favourites now after finishing it.
  15. aotero4512
    Jun 27, 2023
    10
    Deserves to be a classic One of the best game I have ever played
    Everybody should buy this game and play it before they die.
  16. DingerDonger
    Jun 24, 2023
    7
    Why must they use the Final Fantasy name for this game? Both 15 and 16 (and that remake I guess) have morphed the series' combat into an unrecognizable atrocity when compared to the games of the past. Thankfully Square is still putting out games like Octopath Traveler, I Am Setsuna, and Triangle Strategy for the real RPG fans. The visuals and music are stunning, and the story is epic. BestWhy must they use the Final Fantasy name for this game? Both 15 and 16 (and that remake I guess) have morphed the series' combat into an unrecognizable atrocity when compared to the games of the past. Thankfully Square is still putting out games like Octopath Traveler, I Am Setsuna, and Triangle Strategy for the real RPG fans. The visuals and music are stunning, and the story is epic. Best of all, though, is that Square did not fall victim to the woke nonsense that poisons every new game franchise. The Japanese are not as easy to compromise their integrity as the spineless cowards in the West.

    If they released this game under a different moniker, it'd be at least a 9/10 from me. This is not a Final Fantasy game, though, and as such I cannot give it a higher rating.    … Expand
  17. spestalitz
    Jul 7, 2023
    10
    Excellent story and gameplay and would love to have 120 fps on a graphics settings or balance between performance and graphics at 60 fps.
  18. ChaosPhoenix
    Jul 3, 2023
    10
    This is such an epic game. Haven't feel good about a game for such a long time. The story, the characters, the gameplay and the music, all are S tier.
  19. anthonyjc419
    Jul 8, 2023
    9
    I think it’s safe to say that this is the break though game for the final fantasy franchise that will bring the new generation into the franchise , absolutely amazing soundtrack, gameplay, and story, there are a couple nit picks I can say but nothing that overshadows the greatness that this game brings, and more than all it’s just fun as hell to play! Beautiful graphics bring to light theI think it’s safe to say that this is the break though game for the final fantasy franchise that will bring the new generation into the franchise , absolutely amazing soundtrack, gameplay, and story, there are a couple nit picks I can say but nothing that overshadows the greatness that this game brings, and more than all it’s just fun as hell to play! Beautiful graphics bring to light the characters and world around Clive and gang, definitely recommending this future classic!… Expand
  20. Ghostagent
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    I typically prefer turn based but this game is amazing. Music, story, presentation, combat, graphics all superb.
  21. tkg2s
    Jul 20, 2023
    10
    FF16 is the most amazing game. The story, combat, and music are the best in the world. And it kept me excited until the end.
    2023 GOTY!!
  22. Veteranshanks
    Jul 7, 2023
    10
    This game is just crazy, just wish they done some up coming dlcs for this!!!!
  23. Marilagi
    Jun 27, 2023
    10
    GOTY for me. It's everything I ever wanted in a Final Fantasy game + more. Other than 14 the last mainline title I enjoyed and really loved was 12. This game has exceeded my expectations and keeps me on the edge of my seat during tense cutscenes. Boss fights are INSANE.
  24. Javieraz
    Jun 27, 2023
    10
    Incredible history. Amazing game. Nice surprise. Thank square enix for that jewell
  25. DusKnight
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Over exceed expectations.
    Game has one of the best boss fights in the industry accompanied by one of the greatest OST in gaming as well.
  26. Anti-wokebot
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    One of the best Final fantasies ever period. I put this up there with other legends like Ff10 Ff12, Ff8, Ff9 and yes it's that good.
  27. Joeyman517
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    This game is one of the best things I've ever played amazing storytelling soundtrack and combat
  28. xManGod
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    If you like to enjoy the show . trust me the game is really worth playing..
  29. JRPGamer_03
    Jun 29, 2023
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Love the gameplay, graphics and cast of characters! Just wished that the ending explored more about what happened to Jill after Clive's fight with Ultima! Looking forward to Tonberry, Cactuar and Leviathan in the future! Hoping that they consider creating a DLC. Thank you for another masterpiece Square Enix! … Expand
  30. kyma
    Jun 29, 2023
    10
    I have never had such a great gaming experience. I can't hide my amazement. I can't thank you enough, especially for letting me play it with such excellent cinematic graphics.
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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 »