Very Positive(80%)
Final Fantasy XVI appears to deliver a visually stunning, emotionally resonant, and well-acted experience that is often compared to 'Game of Thrones' for its mature and complex storytelling. Despite its strong narrative and engaging action-combat system, players frequently encounter performance issues that detract from the experience, especially on PC. The game's cinematic approach and linear progression might not please those expecting traditional Final Fantasy elements, with some finding the RPG aspects and side quests lacking depth. Overall, FFXVI is seen as a high-quality production but not without its frustrations, particularly on technical fronts.
Positive Points
The story is often praised for its engaging, complex narrative, especially likened to a dark, mature fantasy akin to 'Game of Thrones.'The graphics are frequently described as stunning and cinematic, setting a benchmark in visual fidelity.The combat system, reminiscent of Devil May Cry, is noted for being fluid, fun, and filled with visually spectacular moves and combos.Voice acting, particularly Ben Starr as Clive, receives significant praise for adding depth and emotion to the characters.The music composed by Masayoshi Soken is widely admired, enhancing emotional impact and fitting the game's tone perfectly.The character development and interactions are highlighted as strong points, with many players growing attached to the main cast.Negative Points
Performance issues are a major concern, with frequent crashes and frame rate drops, particularly during cutscenes, noted by many players.The PC port is criticized for poor optimization, requiring high-end systems to run smoothly, and lacking support for ultrawide displays.The side quests are often described as bland and repetitive, offering little beyond basic fetch tasks, with minimal impact on the main story.Some players find the game only mildly engaging due to its pacing and lack of meaningful gameplay depth.Mixed Points
The combat system, while fun, can become repetitive over time, with a lack of challenge noted by some players despite its initial depth.While many appreciate the narrative's complexity and character depth, others find the pacing slow and the plot sometimes predictable or cliched.The RPG elements are considered lacking by traditional standards, reduced mostly to superficial gear and skill upgrades without tactical depth.Common Themes
The comparison to 'Game of Thrones' is recurring, particularly in tone and thematic elements, which are appreciated by many but seen as an imitation by some.The protagonist, Clive Rosfield, is highlighted positively for his journey and emotional depth.The music and voice acting consistently receive acclaim for elevating the storytelling experience.The game's cinematic quality is both a point of praise and a critique, noted as beautiful but leading to excessive non-interactive sequences.Updated 4/30/2025, 8:41:27 PM UTC