User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8567 Ratings

User score distribution:
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
  1. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Gameplay: The fast action gameplay is engaging and fun, you can make some insane combos with all kinds of different abilities and elements. Once you progress far enough in the game you can even mix and match elements/magic with different Eikons (previously called summons.) So the possibilities are there for anyone to play whatever playstyle they like. I want to address people saying youGameplay: The fast action gameplay is engaging and fun, you can make some insane combos with all kinds of different abilities and elements. Once you progress far enough in the game you can even mix and match elements/magic with different Eikons (previously called summons.) So the possibilities are there for anyone to play whatever playstyle they like. I want to address people saying you can just spam the square button and beat everything. That is true if you choose to play that way, the developers wanted ANYONE to be able to pickup this game and experience the story, art, and music within. There are accessories you have to EQUIP, if you WANT that type of playstyle, these help unfamiliar action players, non-gamers, older players/fans be able to make it through the game without issue and without the frustration of being unable to survive the battles. This is a choice of playstyle that each individual person has to make, the game is not inherently that easy.

    Companions: Your dog, Torgal, is a beast, has his own back story, and grows in power the more you use him throughout the game. I won't get into the actual companions names to avoid spoilers, but they all have their own set of abilities to make combat more intense. The only companion you have control over though is Torgal. The companions are helpful and engaging but do their own thing, this is slightly different than most may expect.

    Story: Holy **** this is Lord of the Rings extended edition quality, this is quite literally Game of Thrones 2.0 or maybe even 3.0. There has never been a more intense Final Fantasy and they have never taken more risks. With that being said, early on side quests feel just enough and right and as the game progresses they maybe do a little too many side quests that slows the pacing of the story. While the side quests all feel like they have meaning its like a random filler episode right in the middle of the main fight in your favorite anime. So while it's not bad, it can get distracting, but most of them are good in their own way and have their own story arcs they wrap up by the end of the game if you bother doing them.

    Cinematics: Sweet Mother Theresa on the hood of a Mercedes Benz! The cutscenes and cinematics are absolutely INSANE in this game. Easily one of the best visual masterpieces in gaming to date, easily up there with Death Stranding and the like. The landscapes are endless and beautiful. Each of the major cities is an architectural masterpiece in their own right, the cities are vibrant and beautiful in each cutscene, and what's crazier is so many times I said "it can't get more beautiful than this" and it absolutely did time and time again!

    Voice acting: Most of the time you can really sense real emotion coming from the performance of the actors in which sometimes you may shed a tear with them. Learning some back story of Clive's voice actor and his father passing during the recording of some of these scenes you can really hear raw, true emotion emanating from his performance. There are the occasional "cringy" dialogue lines which these games tend to have, but even those are few and not even that bad.

    Music: As always, Final Fantasy has an amazing musical score. There's a lot of new emotional pieces, as well as a few very nostalgic pieces that are sure to be a treat for old fans and new!

    Cons: Anyone coming into this game looking for a traditional JRPG will probably be disappointed, this is more of an ARPG with all the one player focused action RPG. I'm the type of player that scours every inch of the map looking for secrets and hidden items/objects, you won't find a ton of that here in this FF. It's not until the end of the game when you can discover a few secrets worth finding. Throughout the game there's also not much in the way of weapon/accessory crafting/customization. Typically you'll either craft the thing based on what you got from finishing your last boss, or you'll buy your upgrades/enhancements directly from the base store/blacksmith. There are the occasional chests tucked off the beaten path that have some really nice swords/equipment to wear, and some of which will last until endgame. But that's very far and few between, by the time I came across most things I already crafted/made a better weapon.

    Final Thoughts: After doing everything in the game that I could find/locate, I'm just absolutely blown away that we're at this point where gameplay, graphics, and story have combined into such a masterpiece. If half of the game being beautiful cutscenes isn't something you like, this game may not be for you. This game was emotional, beautiful, heart breaking, and exhilarating all at the same time. This game was a masterpiece.

    It's ok if FF16 isn't what you expected. 0 reviews don't make sense, there's so many things about this game better than most. There's too much "this game doesn't have what I want it's crap" and not enough "this game just wasn't for me." Have fun and enjoy!
    Expand
  2. Jun 24, 2023
    9
    First final fantasy game that keeps me playing! A bit disappointed not being an open world but Definitely a GOTY
  3. Aug 16, 2023
    10
    After 84 hours of fully completing this game, I have to say this one is a great game, the more action combat was a nice change the series might have needed, though some may not agree cause they took away the turned based RPG element of the game.

    Story was great, Soken is a mastermind with the amazing music, beautiful world of Valisthea, and great characters (and doggo), and OMG the
    After 84 hours of fully completing this game, I have to say this one is a great game, the more action combat was a nice change the series might have needed, though some may not agree cause they took away the turned based RPG element of the game.

    Story was great, Soken is a mastermind with the amazing music, beautiful world of Valisthea, and great characters (and doggo), and OMG the Eikon vs Eikon boss fights, I'm so jealous of people that haven't tried it yet or when they will experience it for the first time when it releases on PC.
    Expand
  4. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Spoiler free; After playing the demo, I immediately preordered the game proper and I’m happy to say it didn’t disappoint. Superb gameplay, cinematics and story. Lots of flexibility on how to engage with combat, depending on skill level and its linear approach is in no way a detriment to the game. Fantastic all round.
  5. Jun 26, 2023
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. FF16 is a very good game, but has some flaws. First off the combat is fun but kind of feels like DMC on easy difficulty or Force Unleashed or the early God of War games it's often a whirling power fantasy, which feels slightly off from the story driven game. Perhaps the FF7 Remake style combat would've been better. As for the story it is darker and deeper and I want to address professional reviews. 1 comment I heard was the lack of diversity well in this game it makes sense given the slavery aspect the bearers face and even having some of the bearers say they would rather stay slaves than join your rebellion would not go over well from a brown person NPC. Also there have been comments about the female characters not being allowed to be strong, well that's just **** the idea in this world magic takes a toll on the user and after 20 years of fighting as Shiva Jill is reaching the end of what her body can take. She is strong and pushes through until the curse nearly kills her. Finally the downsides are the simple subquests they are often fetch quests rather than deep story beats, and early on a cutscene occurs almost every 10 steps. It gets better later, but in the beginning it is full MGS levels of cutscenes. Expand
  6. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Хорошая игра,сюжет хороший ,не особо и греется ps5 Expand
  7. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Very good game. Long and addictive main story campaign, beautiful graphics and well-written characters.
  8. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Amazing story, soundtrack and gameplay. One of the best FF game ever. Really enjoy it.
  9. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Best final fantasy series ever. Best character with best gameplay and of course battle of eikons. Nice story . Love it so much
  10. Aug 2, 2023
    10
    A game which made me cry plenty times. Greatest action show in the video game history. The plot is wonderful and touching.
  11. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    The combat, the gameplay, the story, everything is top notch! They really outdid themselves with this one right here. 10/10
  12. Jun 27, 2023
    10
    Fantastic combat, fascinating story, and beautifully crafted world. I’m glad Final Fantasy gets away from the stupid turn based combat.
  13. Jun 26, 2023
    8
    I'm quite early in, just got my first Eikon ability. It's a really good game, not 10/10 Elden Ring or Zelda quality, but still a very solid experience.
  14. Jun 27, 2023
    10
    Mi puntuación real iba a ser 8 tirando a 9, pero debido a los t0nt0s de siempre me veo casi moralmente obligado a ponerle un 10.

    Es un FF que arriesga con el cambio en el estilo de combate, y le sale muy bien en mi opinión. Se sigue sintiendo como un FF a pesar de que el combate sea más un hack&slash y las mecánicas de RPG se han visto reducidas.
  15. Jun 25, 2023
    10
    Best FF ever, nice story and cutscenes , incredible battle, wonderful music
  16. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    FF XVI is so amazing RPG,I love it so much. I have play it half the progress.Looking forward to the second half.
  17. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Best FF ever made. Graphics ,visuals and story were outstanding. I wasn’t expecting that much and it was beyond my expectations spent some good 45+ hours in it.. My GOTY
  18. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    An awesome game with a wonderful story, involving combat, gigantic set pieces and great graphic. Don't miss this
  19. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Absolutely on spot, beautiful, great combat, addictive story. Can't wait to get back playing again. 11 out of 10. Goty so far.
  20. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    I've been playing Final Fantasy for 22 years, played and finished almost all of their games and let me say I absolutely love this game!
    It has all the qualities of a final fantasy game, great visuals and music, epic game play and an amazing story. On top of the typical qualities it also brings something new to the game, a more dark and adult feel and amazing voice acting (which was much
    I've been playing Final Fantasy for 22 years, played and finished almost all of their games and let me say I absolutely love this game!
    It has all the qualities of a final fantasy game, great visuals and music, epic game play and an amazing story. On top of the typical qualities it also brings something new to the game, a more dark and adult feel and amazing voice acting (which was much needed in my opinion). This game made me laugh, cry and blush and had me on the edge of my seat with my butt cheeks clenched during big fights.
    Is it perfect... No
    Is it a wonderful game ... Most definitely!
    Expand
  21. Jun 26, 2023
    9
    Story is awesome, combat has endless combos to try, cinematics and music are epic. Point off for how linear some areas are but overall brilliant.
  22. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    I've been a Final Fantasy fan since FFIV, and my personal favorites are VII, VIII, IX and X like many.... I don't think they will ever eclipse these, but Final Fantasy XVI is the closest they've got in many years with matching the sheer quality of them. It is graphically amazing, the voice acting is superb, and it shocks with it's dark moments in the storytelling.

    I won't go into too much
    I've been a Final Fantasy fan since FFIV, and my personal favorites are VII, VIII, IX and X like many.... I don't think they will ever eclipse these, but Final Fantasy XVI is the closest they've got in many years with matching the sheer quality of them. It is graphically amazing, the voice acting is superb, and it shocks with it's dark moments in the storytelling.

    I won't go into too much detail on gameplay, or mechanics as many reviews have already, but the pacing, the lead character and supporting cast are well integrated into this medieval Valisthea. I love what they've done with the Gameplay, it improves on FF XV fighting, with a Devil May Cry esque style of play switching between Eikons at the touch of a button, utilising more move sets to beat your foes.

    I can't believe we're still in the era of people reviewing 0/10 when they probably haven't even played the demo let alone the game, and quite frankly even if they didn't like the game, nothing is worthy of a 0 - my most hated games will still be a 3 to 5 out of 10.

    Ignore haters, they have nothing better to do, this game is top notch, must play... The critic reviews speak for themselves.
    Expand
  23. Jun 25, 2023
    10
    It's an amazing entry to the series with cinematic Battles, Cutscenes and loveable characters.
    The world is open with a linear type level design which I really enjoyed.
    The Story is amazing with a sense of Game of Thrones influence and the side quests are sometimes tedious, but added immersion to the World of Valisthea. Plus the side quests are well paced and the game doesnt crush you
    It's an amazing entry to the series with cinematic Battles, Cutscenes and loveable characters.
    The world is open with a linear type level design which I really enjoyed.
    The Story is amazing with a sense of Game of Thrones influence and the side quests are sometimes tedious, but added immersion to the World of Valisthea. Plus the side quests are well paced and the game doesnt crush you with 10 or so at a time.

    9.5/10
    Expand
  24. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    I didn’t think I’d be writing this, but this is a surprisingly awesome game after all the mediocre to bad ones recently. I’m impressed. Keep this up! While it may be more of an epic action adventure than an RPG, it is an amazing one as such and deserves the name final fantasy!
  25. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Wonderful but have some obvious flaws,hope ff17 can make this series great again.
  26. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    In progress review

    This has been so hard to put down. Definitely going to play all the other FF games after this. Great way to introduce the series to a new audience.
  27. Jun 27, 2023
    10
    All a game sequel is all about!

    Graphically, the game really demonstrates the power of the next generation of consoles! The story is a little bit intricate yet strong and unfolding as you dive in the game! Gameplay and combat is the strongest I’ve ever seen for the last two years at least! Sound is the icing of the cake, and it reminds me of old great games which heavily utilised music
    All a game sequel is all about!

    Graphically, the game really demonstrates the power of the next generation of consoles! The story is a little bit intricate yet strong and unfolding as you dive in the game! Gameplay and combat is the strongest I’ve ever seen for the last two years at least! Sound is the icing of the cake, and it reminds me of old great games which heavily utilised music and sound effects for the highest immersion possible! All in all, Final Fantasy 16 is all I hoped to see and more! Congrats to the developers and gamers
    Expand
  28. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Es un Final Fantasy, de los pies a la cabeza, con todo aquello que representa a la saga: Unos personajes memorables, una historia que engancha, un mundo muy bien construido, un banda sonora que se queda para siempre en la cabeza y unos diseños preciosos.
    El combate es divertido y accesible y va ganando capas de profundidad decenas de horas después del inicio. Quien desee un desafío mayor,
    Es un Final Fantasy, de los pies a la cabeza, con todo aquello que representa a la saga: Unos personajes memorables, una historia que engancha, un mundo muy bien construido, un banda sonora que se queda para siempre en la cabeza y unos diseños preciosos.
    El combate es divertido y accesible y va ganando capas de profundidad decenas de horas después del inicio. Quien desee un desafío mayor, está el modo Final Fantasy.
    Hace mucho(con permiso de FF7 Remake), que un FF no me enganchaba tanto y me hacía sentir como los de la época dorada de PS1-PS2. Es mi GOTY personal de este año, con diferencia.
    Expand
  29. Jun 25, 2023
    9
    This is possible Game of the year contender for me but,
    There’s more game to be released and I’m will play Zelda next,
    So far this is GOTY so far but I can’t give it a 10 and deduct 1 point because of performance issues ☹️
    Beside that this game is a 10 of 10 and loving FF16
  30. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Jogo épico e que faz uma importante virada de chave na franquia Final Fantasy!
    Uma narrativa forte e um gameplay frenético, fazem desse jogo um forte candidato a jogo do ano.
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 146 Critic Reviews

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