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. OmarAndres
    Jul 24, 2023
    10
    Incredible game. The music is spectacular and the narrative is incredible. the combat improved a lot from the previous games.
  2. AorusAorus
    Jul 24, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I just cried when he held Joshua in his arms and the flashbacks came, then it went better and I could hold it in until Gav cried and it started to rain again… Expand
  3. ProjectRaxyn
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I just beat Final Fantasy XVI.

    I haven't cried over a video game in a LONG time, but good lord man, this broke me. Final Fantasy XVI is 1000000% my game of the year, and has reinvigorated my love for video games as a hole. It's in my top 10 video games of all-time now. I'm truly thankful to Square Enix for this incredible work of art. ;-;    … Expand
  4. moonNight
    Jul 24, 2023
    3
    The game plot is so childish. All the villains are stupid. Very disappointed. The character design is good but not get enough supported in the plot. It is not RPG but I am ok with it.
  5. Marcelo649
    Jul 24, 2023
    10
    A la fecha es el mejor juego de 2023 tiene una buena historia, excelentes gráficos y una jugabilidad incomparable.
  6. Emacto13
    Jul 24, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Live your life and meet your terms. FFXVI continues with the trend of the saga to always changes, transforms and that is Clive Rossfield. Clive can be anyone of us. That suffers, that has moments of happiness, and seeks to fulfill the goals of his life. A shield, a brother, a Lover, a Friend, a Leader when needed, and even more.

    He is the person that demonstrates that even if you are gifted with a great power, that is not relevant because what actually makes us great are the bonds that affiliate us with our goals to pursue. All to pursue an unknown future that is worth with fighting for. With a more tremendous Sacrifice, there is a greater chance to embrace a better future even though it is not visible. I consider that FFXVI innovates in-game story mecánics that should all future RPGs have and for the future FF it should have a bit more of RPG elements.

    At the end of a Story, a new one begins.    … Expand
  7. Kearne
    Jul 24, 2023
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So I'm just after gaining Shiva Eikon powers, before final showdown with Odin and I have to say that.... it was the most boring Final Fantasy in my career. I'm fresh after finishing FF6 and repeating 9. My God... so many things went wrong in this one. Plot was great until Cid's death, then suddenly game lost all its pacing. Dozens of completly random side quests (talk to 1st person, talk to 2nd person, kill something, bring item to 1st person). And there is more and more of those between almost every bigger main mission. Even main mission are all like: run through corridors, valleys, kill every group, 2 mini bosses and main boss. Rinse and repeat. Characters are boring. Jill is there just to be a meatshield and show Shiva from time to time, Clive is so cliché with his "I have to save the world and let people choose their lives". Boss Eikon fights are really good, so is the graphics. Fighting itself is .... meh.... I would rather prefer what they did in 7 remake. As there is absolutely nothing left of rpg tactical thing. FF16 is just Devil May Cry, so if you like action hack and slash mashers you will probably like the game. I'm not even sure if I will have enough will to finish the game. And that's really bad if you have to make yourself finish something that should be fun. Plus for graphics, eikon fights and powers, moogle and first half of the plot.… Expand
  8. SpartanEdge
    Jul 24, 2023
    10
    I don't often give 10's, but in my opinion this game is a masterpiece... I love everything about it, the Characters, the music score (which is phenominal), the story and the gameplay and enjoyable and satisfying combat system are all excellent here. It's rare that a game grabs me like this one has, and i find myselg wanting to keep coming back to it. I hope they make a sequel set in this universe.
  9. cid33
    Jul 24, 2023
    6
    The good? epic boss battles, amazing music, interesting story. The bad everything else. It feels like bootleg Witcher.
    Combat is repetitive and boring, way to easy with enemies having excessive hp, fighting the same 10 enemies the entire game, small enemy vith axesword, big guy with hammeraxe, flying bird, wyvern, bomb, and then some of the worst reskinre color I have encountered a AAA    The good? epic boss battles, amazing music, interesting story. The bad everything else. It feels like bootleg Witcher.
    Combat is repetitive and boring, way to easy with enemies having excessive hp, fighting the same 10 enemies the entire game, small enemy vith axesword, big guy with hammeraxe, flying bird, wyvern, bomb, and then some of the worst reskinre color I have encountered a AAA game. Boss battles consist of on the rails QTE nightmares. They do look epic tho, but this is not supposed to be a interactive movie. Sidequest and exploring feel like a chore and reward nothing but crafting materials that you craft 1 thing with at start of chapter then they pileup in inventory by the thousands. Enemies level with each chapter making leveling irrelevant as they stay at your level and you don't feel like you grow in strength. Visuals are amazing if it wasn't for choppy framerate and horrendous blur, the blur got patched tho, still sucked for half the game Animation is horrible reusing the same animation for 90% of the game, zoom in on Clive he waves hand zoom in on NPC shoulder shrug zoom to Clive reaches for camera to giveget item. Main character voice is like the town drunk woke up in the snow to cold to express or speak words instead of mumbling them. Barely showing feelings true game except for some random times in battle. The rest are good voice acting.    … Expand
  10. chevychiller
    Jul 24, 2023
    4
    Final Fantasy 16's greatest strength is its visuals, but it relies on them so heavily that it usually feels more like a movie, than a video game. FF16 is chock full of unnecessarily-long, constant cutscenes which break your engagement. The "gameplay" loop is 30 minutes of dialogue/fetch quests, followed by 15 minutes of action battles, and a choreographed boss fight (which also includesFinal Fantasy 16's greatest strength is its visuals, but it relies on them so heavily that it usually feels more like a movie, than a video game. FF16 is chock full of unnecessarily-long, constant cutscenes which break your engagement. The "gameplay" loop is 30 minutes of dialogue/fetch quests, followed by 15 minutes of action battles, and a choreographed boss fight (which also includes cutscenes throughout its climax). What RPG elements are present feel shallow and meaningless. There are very few customization options for equipment, or character builds. This game would have been better off as a spinoff, not a main series title.… Expand
  11. WellEvil
    Jul 24, 2023
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great game with a huge focus on story, characters, and world-building. I don't remember the last time when the story absorbed me so much. Yes, there are a few bugs here are there, but nothing game-breaking. Usually minor visual glitches.… Expand
  12. LordSexywolf
    Jul 24, 2023
    9
    It's a really good final fantasy little bit different than the others and more mature, the only fault it's about there's not traditional turn base battle.
  13. omnislack
    Jul 23, 2023
    4
    Everything this game does, other games just do better.
    The fans being happy with this kind of mediocrity is the reason why FF will not reach the heights of the likes TLoU, GoW, RDR, or Soulsborne.
  14. Novus458
    Jul 23, 2023
    10
    This game is really something special. It's GOTY for me. And Clive and Jill is probably my all time fav couple
  15. Thiccbob
    Jul 23, 2023
    5
    First of all, I think people should wait until they actually finish the game before rating the game a 10 or a 0 after only 6 hours of gameplay. So, I'm a lifelong Final Fantasy fan, since first playing FFX as a kid. So it pains me to give this game such a low score. I thought the series had hit rock bottom with 15, and maybe it technically had, and while the two are very different, I feelFirst of all, I think people should wait until they actually finish the game before rating the game a 10 or a 0 after only 6 hours of gameplay. So, I'm a lifelong Final Fantasy fan, since first playing FFX as a kid. So it pains me to give this game such a low score. I thought the series had hit rock bottom with 15, and maybe it technically had, and while the two are very different, I feel like both of them are a low point in the series.

    Tl;dr version: The game has incredibly flashy if repetitive combat, with the exception of the eikon fights which are the best parts of the game. The story gets interesting at times, but dull characters don't help make this straightforward story stand out. It's alright as a one time play through, but I don't think it will leave much of a positive impact on the franchise. It will probably go down as a very dull entry in the series.

    Longer version: The demo had me hooked on the game, especially with the way it ended. However, that demo hid the worst parts of the game: the pacing and by extension, the side quests. In between the highs of the eikon fights, which are a lot of fun and very flashy, are dull parts where you return to the hideaway and get bossed around by Mid or go around running inane errands for some random npc, even though I'm supposed to be the leader of their whole resistance, but whatever. The side quests are also basically just that. Dull fetch quests, with dull npcs. Sometimes they are interesting, but after running around delivering apples, it was clear they were going to be like that the entire game.

    As for the story, it can definitely be confusing at times. The game has a compendium where you can look up terms, people, and places, but until those places or people become major players in the story (which is like halfway through, since the first half focuses on like 2 or 3 kingdoms out of the 6 in the game) their roles in the game's world are kind of confusing. In the final leg of the game, you get an NPC, Vivian, and she has a map and goes through and explains each kingdom's motivations and what exactly they are doing at that point of the game, which is incredibly helpful, it's just a shame nobody does earlier in the game. But that leads me to my next point. Most of the characters are just so dull and they don't really feel that special. I liked Byron and Cid, but everyone else, even Clive himself, are just kind of boring. I've never cared less for characters in a Final Fantasy game than in 15. At least 15 had some cool DLC to flesh out their main cast. You get a glimpse of the main enemy after you get the first eikon, and I thought there would be more interesting developments, but there wasn't really. Yoshida's involvement was so hyped so maybe I was just spoiled by 14's amazing story, although that game had over a decade to develop its plot with amazing plot twists. There's also a lot of stuff that was interesting but never explored, like what about the lands outside of Storm and Ash? Why is Leviathan not there? What the heck happened to the Fallen?

    And then, finally, the combat. It's incredibly flashy and cool looking, but the game seems to boil down to: press R1 to doge, hit an enemy until they stagger, then use all your cooldowns at once, repeat. You get many eikon abilities, but you will mostly use phoenix and ifrit abilities the whole game, and near the end once you get Odin, Zantetsuken makes every non-boss enemy a joke. Some eikon abilities feel straight up useless, like Ramuh and Shiva. There are "Eikonic vulnerabilities" which are elemental weaknesses essentially, but it's so inconsequential that you won't even notice they are weaknesses. They also went the FF14 route where you can use fire magic on fire enemies, etc which I felt was weird. Things like weapons, armor, accessories, crafting, and leveling up felt almost entirely pointless. I used like the same 2 accessories the whole game, potion healing up and the one where dodging increases damage from attacks. Things like +10 defense or attack felt like they made no difference, and neither did any new equipment or leveling up. You unlock trials throughout the game which force you to use certain eikons, but I didn't love the combat, so I didn't finish them all. There are hunts which are a nice challenge if you are under leveled. It's a shame because I feel FF7R had the perfect balance of action RPG and classic turn based RPG elements, but they decided to go for style over subtstance with this game.

    Overall it's not terrible, but I just don't see any lasting appeal with this game. After I beat the game, I just had no desire to play it. Like ever again. I spoke with a few people who also bought the game, and they feel pretty much the same way I do. It's fun at first but really overstays it's welcome.    … Expand
  16. bockwurst-mutti
    Jul 23, 2023
    2
    This is not a final fantasy! Mindless button mashing with no need to ever change the skillset. Open areas are dull and empty. For me it seems like the game is split in half. Epic main story battles and the rest of the game as afterthought. Even the graphical difference between those to aspects are huge. It feels just as empty and boring as Valkyrie asylum and forspoken. CharacterprogessionThis is not a final fantasy! Mindless button mashing with no need to ever change the skillset. Open areas are dull and empty. For me it seems like the game is split in half. Epic main story battles and the rest of the game as afterthought. Even the graphical difference between those to aspects are huge. It feels just as empty and boring as Valkyrie asylum and forspoken. Characterprogession has nothing to do with an rpg. Numbers in damage output barely change the whole game. Sidequests are as boring as the possibly could be. As if someone at square thought of it as „how to make the least final fantasy game ever and than slap the 16 on top of it!“ Those good review scores are just mindblowing to me and not understandable! Just as bad as 13! Square, maybe you should stick with the remakes and remasters of older games. There are at least good and worth the money. Or even better bring sakaguchi back or someone with his mindset. Ff16 is a terrible game for longtime fans and does not deserve the Name final fantasy!!… Expand
  17. Alexandra1990
    Jul 23, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game handles love so well. The love between brothers, the love between friends, the love between significant others...the love for country. ...When Ultimas power could not raise Joshua and only healed his body, I knew Clive was gonna destroy all magic.… Expand
  18. Coralpearlz
    Jul 23, 2023
    5
    Fine action-game, but it's barely even an RPG/JRPG and feels ashamed to be an Final Fantasy title at times.
  19. HopeLastReward
    Jul 23, 2023
    7
    Algo que ha caracterizado los videojuegos de los ultimos años es el relleno para hacer que los videojuegos duren mas y Final Fantasy XVI no es la excepcion fuera de las misiones secundarias hay algunas principales que tambien lo parecen y se diente que hacen perder tu tiempo, en cuanto a la historia principal los personajes no son de los que te encariñas y los mejores son los villanos queAlgo que ha caracterizado los videojuegos de los ultimos años es el relleno para hacer que los videojuegos duren mas y Final Fantasy XVI no es la excepcion fuera de las misiones secundarias hay algunas principales que tambien lo parecen y se diente que hacen perder tu tiempo, en cuanto a la historia principal los personajes no son de los que te encariñas y los mejores son los villanos que desafortunadamente despues de derrotarlos ya no siguen en el juego, la jugabilidad parece hack and slash pero no se siente tan lleno de posibilidades como un devil may cry/bayonetta esto cambia rn la recta final cuando ya cuentas con todos los poderes, la historia esta bien pero pudo ser mejor aprovechada si hubieran mas personajes jugables al menos 1 por cada reino pero bueno lo mejor del juego son sus cinematicas y el soundtrack utilizado en estas aqui esta lo epico inclusive las batallas de las invocaciones estan igual de epicas, si bien no me gusto tanto el juego si pulen o mejoran la secuela sin dudas jugaria el XVII… Expand
  20. sixeightsix19
    Jul 23, 2023
    10
    Probably the best game I've ever played overall. The story is top notch and utterly engrossing. The character development and accompanying voice acting is incredibly deep and moving, creating a strong emotional connection to the characters. Is is this connection and care about the characters that drives me to continue progressing in the game. But honestly, that's not enough: the combatProbably the best game I've ever played overall. The story is top notch and utterly engrossing. The character development and accompanying voice acting is incredibly deep and moving, creating a strong emotional connection to the characters. Is is this connection and care about the characters that drives me to continue progressing in the game. But honestly, that's not enough: the combat system is absolutely the very best RPG combat system I've yet to encounter. Never a dull moment, with tons of variety and fun to be had. The animations are superb and the combat flows fluidly and without a hitch in a very fast paced and enjoyable manner. I've played a ton of RPGs and nothing compares to this milestone achievement of a combat system they have here: I absolutely love it! And I can't speak enough to the beautiful graphics (I Play in graphics mode on PS5) and the performance in Graphics Mode on PS5 is good. I won't say it's great as this is quite a demanding game for the PS5 hardware, though I'm sure a modern video card would run it at like 60 + fps without a hitch. The PS5 in Graphics mode runs 30-40 fps I'd say (at least that's how it feels when I play). Again, "Good" performance not "Great" but more than satisfactory for me and doesn't take away from the gameplay. Going into this game I didn't expect I'd love it nearly as much as I do. I'm 20+ hours in, so not too far in, but the gameplay loop, story, graphics, diversity in environments and characters, etc., are all top notch and the boss fights are especially rewarding and challenging. 10/10.… Expand
  21. Bubulao7
    Jul 23, 2023
    9
    Não sou muito fã de Final Fantasy mas esse game ficou muito bom, jogarei mais vezes com certeza
  22. Netoztation
    Jun 23, 2023
    10
    you can say that it is the best of this year, excellent graphics and gameplay and the story and music on another level
  23. KryCheQ
    Jul 23, 2023
    10
    This is the best FF game since 10, and possibly the best story and main character of any FF game. The side quests and combat are a huge leap forward from FF15 and even the FF7 Remake. The amount of story and world building that you discover via side quests is enormous. Active Time Lore system should be implemented in every story heavy game. The music is amazing. The Eikon battles are great.
  24. GODGAM
    Jul 23, 2023
    9
    It was a production close to perfection. It felt like watching movie. so It was very touching
  25. Pampapero
    Jul 5, 2023
    10
    Enfin un très bon final fantasy ! Un grand bravo à Naoki et son équipe. Good Job
  26. Umjogador
    Jul 22, 2023
    0
    A trash!! Very generic, dated graphics, nothing new generation.
    There are RPG games a thousand times better than this one.Obsolete, repetitive, tiring, too many scenes, linear. Most of the positive comments are from people who are afraid to speak the truth of the game and not receive it to play, hilarious haha
  27. mstersmith
    Jul 22, 2023
    3
    This will be my last FF game. It is probably the trashiest game I have ever played. The story is ruined by terrible gameplay and braindead flash. I am sure as well as it sold this is the state of the franchise, cash in on the braindead masses.
  28. Toshi_inu
    Jul 22, 2023
    3
    Buena banda sonora, salvos unos temas contra los jefes que dejan mucho que desear, la historia es buena pero tiene errores importante como el tema del leviatán, eso si tiene mucho relleno la historia donde te hacen hacer de forma obligatoria misiones que no apartan nada y solo son una perdida de tiempo, pero no es un rpg sino un Hack and slash, ciudades vacías sin personalizar, el perro yBuena banda sonora, salvos unos temas contra los jefes que dejan mucho que desear, la historia es buena pero tiene errores importante como el tema del leviatán, eso si tiene mucho relleno la historia donde te hacen hacer de forma obligatoria misiones que no apartan nada y solo son una perdida de tiempo, pero no es un rpg sino un Hack and slash, ciudades vacías sin personalizar, el perro y jill son inmortales en las luchas y no ayuda en nada, la historia cae muy feo en el transcurso final, el jefe final su lucha es muy mala, después de odin todo va cuesta abajo… Expand
  29. AryxGamer25
    Jul 22, 2023
    10
    Its a MASTERPIECE, a true game with good gameplay, history and soundtrack.... The history behind the Aikons (Summons) is very interesting.
  30. Super_Tomato00
    Jul 22, 2023
    9
    One of the best games I've ever played. Not perfect (FPS drops most impactful) but the good parts clearly outweigh the negative parts. A console generation defining game which I definitely recommend.
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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 »