Final Fantasy XVI Reviews

Final Fantasy XVI is ranked in the 98th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
10 / 10
Jun 26, 2023

Final Fantasy XVI stands tall as one of the best entries in the series, encapsulating the essence of the long-standing franchise whilst delivering an experience that sets the framework for future titles to come. From the moment I embarked on this journey, I was enthralled by its captivating narrative, breathtaking visuals and addictive action RPG gameplay, leaving me with no choice but to award it a straight 10/10, minor faults and all.

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10 / 10.0
Jun 30, 2023

Final Fantasy XVI doesn’t feel like a traditional Final Fantasy experience, but that doesn’t stop it from being a masterpiece. There has been a big leap in the evolution of the gameplay as the series moves into action RPG territory, but the results are astounding, with the game offering some of the best combat I’ve seen in any action title. Add to that the gripping narrative, the astounding visuals, the wonderful soundtrack, and the sheer scale of the epic adventure, and it’ll be hard not to be wowed by just how magnificent it feels to play. I have no doubt it won’t be for everyone (there’ll be those that crave to see the series return to its roots) and there are some things the game could do better. As it stands, though? Final Fantasy XVI is simply magnificent. It might not feel like the Final Fantasy titles of yesteryear, but it still has the epic sense of scope and phenomenal production values that have made the franchise so beloved by fans.

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5 / 5.0
Jun 29, 2023

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a casual like myself, you’ll fully appreciate Final Fantasy XVI relishing as one of the best role-playing games ever. A masterpiece story, incredibly in-depth combat and magic, awestruck battles, lovable characters, eye gawking environment and much more formulated the ultimate unique experience. This is no exaggeration, but I couldn’t identify a single negative even if I tried. No question, this is a game of the year 2023 contender.

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5 / 5.0
Jul 1, 2023

I may be a diehard classic Final Fantasy fan at heart, but there’s no getting past the fact that this game, with all of its high-octane, DMC-inspired action, is an absolutely phenomenal example of RPG craftsmanship. Setting out in a new direction once again, the oft-bitter, yet irresistibly engaging story and addictive, action-focused gameplay allow Final Fantasy XVI to stand tall as a phenomenal example of contemporary video game craftsmanship.

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10 / 10.0
Jul 19, 2023

Final Fantasy XVI crafts a deep world with plenty to explore, builds a multi-faceted story with characters that kept me playing for hours on end, and blew me away with awe at the visuals at times. Adding a genuinely fun customizable combat system kept the fun going the entire time too. And if you’ve not had enough at the end of the journey, it even adds in a few extras for New Game+. While I do have a lot of nostalgia for the older Final Fantasy titles, I feel this is the best one in the series yet.

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10 / 10
Jul 9, 2023

Final Fantasy 16 successfully offers an engaging story and awe-inspiring encounters, firmly places it as a standout title in the Final Fantasy series.

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10 / 10
Jul 10, 2023

Final Fantasy XVI is a monumental step forward for the franchise. Its grim and grounded narrative boasting some of the franchise’s best characters, music, and voice acting, is only outclassed by the masterful boss battles and addictive action combat system. The latest entry in the Final Fantasy series is one of the best comprehensive offerings Square Enix has released in the last decade and a must-buy title for RPG fans.

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10 / 10.0
Jul 28, 2023

Final Fantasy XVI is the pinnacle of the franchise, the fantasy genre, and gaming overall.

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97%
Jun 21, 2023

Final Fantasy XVI is a stone-cold masterpiece, and the new high-water mark for the series.

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9.7 / 10.0
Jul 17, 2023

Final Fantasy XVI is the definitive real-time combat experience of the series. It expands the horizons of the franchise and mixes the concepts of RPG and Hack & Slash into one masterpiece. Being by far the most epic installment of the franchise yet, it delivers an astonishing soundtrack, a dark-themed story with deep characters and relationships, and an unmatched feeling in combat that even the most experienced will be in awe with.

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9.6 / 10.0
Jun 21, 2023

Final Fantasy XVI is a gift to the fans, it's a gift to the world of video games. Friends, enjoy it, enjoy it very much.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

9.6 / 10.0
Jul 6, 2023

Final Fantasy XVI brings the heat with a roller coaster ride if a story and a top-tier combat system.

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9.5 / 10.0
Jun 21, 2023

An amazing proof of narrative maturity, as well as cohesion between worldbuilding and gameplay.

Review in Italian | Read full review

9.5 / 10.0
Jun 21, 2023

Very little gets in the way of the success that Final Fantasy XVI creates. The strength of combat on top of a compelling, deep narrative steal the show. Despite little need for world exploration and the occasional lower resolution texture, Final Fantasy XVI stats true to the namesake while forging its own path forward.

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95 / 100
Jun 21, 2023

Despite not being perfect, the way Final Fantasy XVI presents a new combat sistema and an epic story, elevates it to being one of the best Final Fantasy games and also, one of the greatest games of the year.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

9.5 / 10.0
Jun 21, 2023

Final Fantasy XVI is everything I could have hoped for and more. Combat is fast paced and rewarding as you master combos and abilities. Eikon fights, while not as interesting to play, are gorgeous to witness. All of this is wrapped up into a deep story and fully fleshed out world that you'll want to be protecting.

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9.5 / 10.0
Jun 21, 2023

I still can’t escape Final Fantasy XVI’s world. I still think about all the events and the ending, and can’t play any other game for now. Those are the kinds of feelings that emerge after watching the greatest of movies, reading the best of books and playing the perfect games. Just wow.

Review in Polish | Read full review

9.5 / 10.0
Jun 21, 2023

Players will experience a superbly told and presented story, which is decorated with visually beautiful and exquisitely dynamic duels. From time to time, the writers serve us unnecessary breaks that knock out the rhythm, but when the story falls on the right track, it's hard to tear yourself away from the screen.

Review in Polish | Read full review

9.5 / 10.0
Jun 29, 2023

Final Fantasy XVI is one of those very rare masterpieces with issues. Developed by a stellar team, the game shines when it comes to story and combat, but fails in other aspects like narrative structure, itemization and RPG elements.

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9.5 / 10.0
Jul 9, 2023

Final Fantasy XVI may not be perfect, and surely some changes may not be welcomed by the fans of the older games, but these changes are necessary to push the series forward, and one day, all these new changes will be the ones that we know and love the Final Fantasy series for.

Review in Persian | Read full review