Final Fantasy XVI

82%
Game Brain Score Based on 7,179 reviews
  • story
  • optimization
  • gameplay
Final Fantasy XVI Game Cover
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"Final Fantasy XVI" is a single-player Fantasy Role Playing game with an interesting plot, good graphics, and a wonderful soundtrack. The game is set in a dark fantasy world where the fate of the land is decided by the mighty Eikons and the Dominants who wield them. The player follows the story of Clive Rosfield, a warrior seeking revenge against the Dark Eikon Ifrit, after a great tragedy befalls him and his brother Joshua, the dominant of the Phoenix.

  • PC
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

82%
Audience ScoreBased on 7,179 reviews
story2,076 positive mentions
optimization431 negative mentions
  • Engaging and emotional story with well-developed characters.
  • Stunning graphics and visuals that enhance the overall experience.
  • Fast-paced and satisfying combat system with a variety of abilities.
  • Repetitive side quests that often feel like busywork.
  • Performance issues on PC, including frame drops and crashes.
  • Lack of traditional RPG elements, such as party control and meaningful gear progression.
  • story5,282 mentions

    The story of Final Fantasy XVI is widely praised for its mature themes, engaging narrative, and well-developed characters, drawing comparisons to series like Game of Thrones. While the main plot captivates players with emotional depth and political intrigue, many reviewers criticize the pacing and the abundance of repetitive side quests, which often detract from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the game's storytelling, voice acting, and cinematic presentation are highlighted as standout features, making it a compelling entry in the Final Fantasy franchise.

    • “The story is beautiful, filled with amazing characters.”
    • “The story is engaging, though I wish it had been more fleshed out and open to exploring its rich world.”
    • “The story is captivating and memorable with a fantastic cast of characters and while at points predictable, it did a good job shaking up the narrative.”
    • “The story is very bad.”
    • “The side quests are by far the lamest I have ever experienced in any game, ever.”
    • “The pacing of the story is completely atrocious, after every peak they take out all of the momentum like they want to make sure you're not having too much fun.”
  • optimization1,503 mentions

    The optimization of *Final Fantasy XVI* on PC has received significant criticism, with many players reporting severe performance issues, including stuttering, frame drops, and inconsistent framerates, even on high-end hardware. While some users have managed to achieve stable performance through various tweaks and mods, the general consensus is that the game is poorly optimized, particularly in densely populated areas and during cutscenes. Many reviewers recommend waiting for patches to address these issues before purchasing the game.

    • “They give all the customizations to tweak the performance to how you want.”
    • “The game runs smoothly and offers a variety of stunning landscapes that make exploration a joy.”
    • “The optimization is solid, with smooth framerates and crisp graphics even on mid-range PCs.”
    • “The game is badly optimized and it runs poorly considering how it looks.”
    • “Given the prevalence of powerful gaming PCs, it’s baffling that such a high-profile title struggles with optimization.”
    • “The performance on PC is so disappointing....”
  • gameplay1,456 mentions

    The gameplay of Final Fantasy XVI has garnered mixed reviews, with many praising its fast-paced, action-oriented combat reminiscent of titles like Devil May Cry, while others criticize its simplicity and lack of traditional RPG mechanics. Players appreciate the fluidity and excitement of boss battles and the integration of cinematic elements, but some feel that the gameplay can become repetitive and lacks depth, particularly due to the absence of party mechanics and meaningful exploration. Overall, while the game excels in storytelling and visuals, its gameplay may not satisfy those seeking the complexity and strategic elements characteristic of earlier Final Fantasy titles.

    • “The gameplay emulates the feel of Devil May Cry very nicely, and I love how well-executed each different gameplay augment feels.”
    • “It’s constantly evolving, throwing new mechanics and jaw-dropping moments your way.”
    • “The gameplay is undeniably elite.”
    • “The only major gripe I have with this game is that the gameplay becomes very repetitive towards the end, which is a shame, as the mid-game is very diverse in combinations of abilities that feel viable to deal with a variety of situations.”
    • “The gameplay is a hollow, disjointed nightmare that feels like it was rushed out the door to hit a deadline, rather than something that had even a shred of care or quality put into it.”
  • graphics1,176 mentions

    The graphics of "Final Fantasy XVI" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and intricate detail, particularly during cinematic sequences and boss battles, which are described as breathtaking. However, many players have reported significant performance issues, including frame rate drops and poor optimization, even on high-end hardware, leading to frustration despite the game's visual appeal. Overall, while the graphics are a highlight, the inconsistent performance detracts from the experience for some players.

    • “The graphics are absolutely stunning, and the concept is a really cool idea.”
    • “The visuals are stunning, especially on high-end PCs, showcasing the power of modern hardware.”
    • “The graphics showcase a meticulous attention to detail, bringing the world of Valisthea to life with breathtaking environments, intricately designed cities, and character models that exhibit a level of realism rarely seen in the series.”
    • “The graphics are a mess and it doesn't run at regular resolution without using AI frame generation and DLSS, which results in blurry textures all over the place.”
    • “The game does look good, but the graphics do not warrant this bad of performance.”
    • “Unfortunately, the graphics are another letdown.”
  • music1,117 mentions

    The music in *Final Fantasy XVI* has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its epic orchestral compositions and emotional depth, particularly during boss battles and key story moments. Composed by Masayoshi Soken, the soundtrack is noted for its ability to enhance the game's cinematic experience, making it a standout feature that many players find memorable and worthy of listening to outside of gameplay. However, some critiques mention a lack of variety in certain areas, with repetitive tracks during exploration and combat, which can detract from the overall experience.

    • “The music is overwhelmingly kickass and the game is a cinematic flex on any modern game that tries to be an RPG.”
    • “The soundtrack is pure gold, can't overstate this enough.”
    • “The music, composed by Masayoshi Soken, is equally remarkable.”
    • “The music is lackluster and doesn't feel in place with the story and especially the environment.”
    • “The music is not memorable.”
    • “Worst thing is that there is basically only one music track for each of the 5 major regions or so, so you will be hearing the same music track over and over and for me it even became annoying because of that.”
  • emotional232 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game has been widely praised, with many players highlighting its deeply engaging narrative and well-developed characters, particularly the protagonist Clive and his relationships, which evoke strong feelings and even tears. The soundtrack, composed by Masayoshi Soken, enhances the emotional experience, complementing both the epic battles and poignant moments throughout the story. While some critiques mention pacing issues and repetitive side quests that dilute emotional impact, the overall consensus is that the game delivers a powerful, heart-wrenching journey that resonates long after the credits roll.

    • “The story is dark, emotional, and utterly immersive, with Clive Rosfield delivering one of the most unforgettable journeys in gaming.”
    • “The relationships between Clive, Joshua, Jill, Cid, and Gav are masterfully developed and form the emotional backbone of the game.”
    • “I cried more than once—it’s that powerful.”
    • “Boring story, voice acting lacks emotion.”
    • “How did they manage to make a game that has genuinely good writing and premise, yet such a boring story?”
    • “Boring story that has been repeated over and over again in this series of man vs a superior being, yet somehow the man wins.”
  • grinding127 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players describing it as tedious and monotonous, particularly due to the prevalence of fetch quests and long, drawn-out combat sequences. While some appreciate the character development tied to these quests, the overall sentiment is that the grinding feels unnecessary and detracts from the enjoyment of the game, making it feel like a chore rather than a rewarding experience. Despite these criticisms, some players still recommend the game, albeit with caution regarding its pacing and repetitive tasks.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “No farming in the open world needed.”
    • “No grinding, both a story mode and an action mode, and the people that rebuilt the controls for keyboard/mouse did a great job.”
    • “The side quests are mostly fetch quests and, oh boy, are they tedious.”
    • “Because there's no real way to make them easier (grinding is crap in the game, monsters are too spread out, equipment sucks, no permanent stat boost items) you are stuck there in these long and I mean long fights every single time.”
    • “The overwhelming majority of the side quests are very boring and tedious fetch quests and not really worth the time, which is a bit of a shame.”
  • stability100 mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent bugs, freezes, and crashes, particularly during cutscenes and area transitions. While some users with high-end hardware experience smooth performance, others face significant issues regardless of their settings, indicating poor optimization. Overall, while the game can run well on capable systems, the prevalence of technical problems detracts from the experience for many players.

    • “Great gameplay, great story, and also runs great on Linux.”
    • “Runs great full settings, no problems on 4080 Super.”
    • “This game runs great, I'm glad they fixed the original performance issues the PS5 had at launch.”
    • “The random freezes and crashes are what really do this game in though.”
    • “I have come to the point that every time I get to a specific cutscene the game freezes and I cannot finish the main campaign.”
    • “The game freezes when loading areas, so you can only quit the game.”
  • character development91 mentions

    Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising the depth and emotional engagement of the protagonist Clive and his relationships, while others criticize the lack of development for supporting characters and the pacing of character arcs. Many players appreciate the stunning character designs and the integration of character growth into the narrative, but some feel that the overall execution falls short, leading to a disconnect with certain characters and their journeys. Overall, while there are standout moments and strong character interactions, the inconsistency in development and emotional resonance leaves some players wanting more.

    • “Great character development, solid world, rewarding battle system, diverse population so nobody feels like a carbon copy.”
    • “The story and character development 9/10 - great story with interesting and progressively changing characters.”
    • “The character development is strong, and while the pacing can be uneven at times, the deep lore and emotional engagements keep players invested in the unfolding drama.”
    • “Which is a shame, because they kind of tried to do some character development with her, but it fell flat and felt rushed.”
    • “The character development is awful; I never managed to connect with Clive or feel any sadness for his situation.”
    • “The ending felt rushed and the deaths of certain characters weren't really necessary because of no build up on character development.”
  • humor45 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as a mix of dark and absurd moments, with some players finding the occasional witty dialogue and character interactions genuinely funny, particularly in contrast to the game's serious themes. While the humor may not be as prevalent as in previous titles, memorable comedic moments and character dynamics, especially involving Cid and Clive, provide a lighthearted reprieve amidst the darker narrative. Overall, the humor is appreciated for its uniqueness and ability to enhance character depth, even if it sometimes feels out of place.

    • “One of the icon fights is so long that my monitor actually turned off automatically before the cutscene finished, which was actually hilarious and the most amusing part of the whole game for me personally.”
    • “Cid is an amazing character with a fucking amazing personality, he’s funny as hell.”
    • “The story has brought me to tears on more than one occasion, and made me laugh more times than I can count, and every character feels like a real person, and I am not even halfway done.”
  • replayability33 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is mixed, with some players noting limited value primarily through New Game Plus (NG+) and endgame activities, while others find the linear gameplay and repetitive side quests detract from long-term engagement. Although there are modes and DLCs that offer additional challenges, many reviewers feel that the game lacks the depth and exploration typical of the Final Fantasy series, resulting in a lower replay value.

    • “The replayability value is also through the roof with: the possibility to replay stages of the game, arcade mode, Kairos Gate, and DLCs.”
    • “Game offers great replayability with New Game Plus increasing level cap, offering new items and challenges.”
    • “I still believe this game has a lot of replayable value with the different modes they give you and the DLCs.”
    • “While I replay classics like FF6, FF7, and FF9, this game suffers from a lack of replayability for me, due to its linear gameplay and absence of a true open world.”
    • “Due to the cinema-over-gameplay nature and overall length of XVI, I can't see this game having replayability for many people.”
    • “After beating the game once, you unlock 'Final Fantasy mode,' which is a NG+-exclusive challenge mode, but I've never cared for NG+ and I don't see this game having much replay value anyway.”
  • atmosphere31 mentions

    The atmosphere in Final Fantasy XVI is widely praised for its immersive and distinct environments, complemented by a mature and gritty tone that enhances the storytelling. Players appreciate the engaging character development and the seamless integration of a memorable soundtrack that elevates the overall experience. While some critiques mention inconsistencies in character interactions and voice acting, the game's art design and atmospheric depth create a captivating world that invites exploration and emotional investment.

    • “Each area feels distinct, and the world’s design creates a living, breathing atmosphere that invites players to get lost in it.”
    • “The atmosphere, character development, and deeply engaging story are simply masterfully crafted.”
    • “The darker and more mature art style complements the narrative tone, immersing players in a visually striking and atmospheric world.”
    • “So if you're comparing this game's plot to something like Game of Thrones, you'll be surely disappointed, as the medieval theme and dark atmosphere are only skin deep.”
    • “Zero character development and who in the world finds all these low-budget sitcom voice actors; the random comments the characters throw out don't fit the atmosphere; it's like pre-recorded tone and insert; so many wrongs.”
    • “It bears a dark, gritty atmosphere right from the get-go; blood, gruesome death, and discrimination are apparent from the start, and you immediately know this isn't going to be your typical Final Fantasy game.”
  • monetization9 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many players feeling that it prioritizes profit over quality, labeling it a "cash grab" that detracts from the franchise's legacy. Users express frustration over the prevalence of microtransactions and ads in a single-player experience, which they believe undermines the value of the game despite some enjoyment of its core elements. Overall, there is a strong sentiment that the game's monetization strategy has led to a decline in quality and trust among longtime fans.

    • “Microtransactions are well-balanced and don't feel intrusive.”
    • “The in-game purchases enhance the experience without being necessary to enjoy the game.”
    • “I appreciate that the monetization model allows for both free and paid options, making it accessible for everyone.”
    • “A waste of a saga which used to mean something to gamers abroad, but I guess investors got their hands on production claims and made all these games nothing more than a quick cash grab in the end.”
    • “This will likely be the last Final Fantasy game I will purchase, as you can't trust them to produce anything decent these days without pulling the cash grab for questionable quality.”
    • “I do not appreciate ads in my single player games.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

12hMedian play time
31hAverage play time
37hMain story
79hCompletionist
6-64hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 44 analyzed playthroughs

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