Very Positive(80%)
Engaging story
Cinematic battles
Stunning graphics
Epic music
Eikon battles
Action-oriented
Cinematic approach
Combat system
Character development
Poor optimization
Repetitive quests
Combat depth
Technical issues
Reviews for Final Fantasy XVI embody a balance of praise and critique. The story, graphics, music, and Eikon battles are widely appreciated, contributing to a rich, cinematic experience. However, the game is hampered by significant performance issues on PC, repetitive combat, and underwhelming side quests. While some players relish the compelling narrative and visually stunning moments, others find the gameplay loop repetitive and the technical problems detracting from an otherwise immersive experience.
Positive Points
The game features a well-crafted and engaging story that many players found captivating. Themes of love, loss, and brotherhood are explored, with some players comparing it to serialized dramas like Game of Thrones.A visually stunning game with high-quality graphics and cinematics that many players described as comparable to a movie, enhancing the storytelling and emotional impact.The music and sound design received high praise, with many players highlighting it as one of the game's strongest aspects, contributing significantly to the atmosphere and emotional resonance.The boss fights, especially the Eikon battles, are noted for their epic scale and cinematic presentation, providing standout moments in the game.Negative Points
Performance and optimization issues are a significant concern, with many players experiencing crashes, stuttering, and other technical issues that disrupt gameplay, especially on PC.The side quests are largely perceived as repetitive and not engaging, often described as fetch quests that do not add substantial narrative value.Combat is frequently described as repetitive, with limited depth and strategic variety, leading to a gameplay loop that can become stale over time.Mixed Points
The combat system, while visually impressive and fun for some, is seen by others as lacking complexity and depth, offering little challenge and relying heavily on spamming abilities.The game has a strong narrative focus, which appeals to players interested in story-driven experiences, but the frequent and lengthy cutscenes can interrupt gameplay, leading to mixed reactions.Common Themes
The game is noted for its shift towards a more action-oriented style, drawing comparisons to Devil May Cry, which has divided opinions among players who have different expectations from a Final Fantasy title.The game includes significant character development, particularly for Clive, the protagonist, although some secondary characters are criticized for lack of depth.Many reviews highlight the game's ambitious narrative and cinematic approach, which are seen as both a strength and a limitation due to the impact on gameplay pacing.Updated 1/24/2026, 12:02:14 AM UTC