Final Fantasy XVI - PlayStation 5

I’ve bought five games from Final Fantasy and I think this is the one for me. The others I had to force myself to play (I’m just really bad at games) but this one I really sat down and played it. I needed to know what would happen next. I love the characters and the story. So if you’re curious just watch some videos on yt to see if it’s worth buying.

Normally I power through a Final Fantasy game in just 2-3 weeks. This one took me two and a half months. Final play time was 65 hours for all story and side quests, including hunts. I just couldn’t muster my usual enthusiasm and desire to progress the story with this entry after the first Mother Crystal. The game is technically very well done. It’s pretty, well acted, the story is a grand epic with bombastic cinematic battles (hello Titan!), the combat had work done by one of the Devil May Cry guys (in other words, character action fans should enjoy it!), and the opening prologue was phenomenal. Yet I found it a relentlessly dull and joyless experience overall. Often I felt it confused maturity in storytelling with violence and a grim, overly serious tone . Bad things happen and suffering is omnipresent because that is Mature. I disagree, personally, and think it’s merely what my teenage self would have found Mature. It didn’t leave me with any lasting, impactful messages and some of the more sensitive topics don’t go deeper than surface level. This wouldn’t be a bad thing if the game didn’t seem to be trying so hard to say something. The color palette is very muted and lacking vibrancy (desert was my favorite area). It fits the tone but it adds to the feeling of not wanting to play more than a couple of hours at a time. And as much as I enjoy Devil May Cry, the combat here just didn’t do it for me. I found myself taken out of the game during the QTE button mashing boss battle cinematics and really wish Square would stop with that. Rather than thinking it was cool, I felt it ruined the drama and prevented me from just enjoying the spectacle. I love Final Fantasy. I eat through these games like cake. I loved 15 and even like 13, to an extent. I plowed through FF7Rebirth in 3 weeks at 115 hours of playtime because I couldn’t put it down. I could barely get through this one. But it is competently made and my grievances are largely that it just wasn’t my taste. And that’s okay. That each game is different, in ways little or big, is what makes this series special. Others clearly loved this game, and that makes me happy. Also, Torgal is the goodest of good boys.

Great gameplay and story

Amazing game, takes about six hours to really get into it, but overall a thoroughly joyful experience. Graphics are great, gameplay is fun and combat is rewarding and visually stunning. The story has its moments of slowness but is captivating when it starts to gain momentum.

The game is AMAZING. Would highly recommend!

The story and combat is amazing!! I love the mechanics they built it to help track the story and allow you to pick the game back up if you take a break from playing. This is the first Final Fantasy I've beat since FF10, it's not perfect but a refreshing change of pace with tons of details tying it back to the final fantasy line of games. If you're a stickler for a complex loot system and long grinding dungeons, might not be your cup of tea.

Great refreshing entry into final fantasy

Excellent gameplay and story

Great game. It had some issues with the pacing, but I skipped most side quests, which helped with that. The side quests with the + icon usually unlock extra stuff for you (potions, gear, etc), so there's at least one side quest I'd recommend for the QoL. FF16 has some of the highest highs in gaming and I'm glad I got to experience them. I would give it a 9/10.

Always been a fan of final fantasy but skipped XV few years ago due to shifts in gameplay. FFXVI has a great new combat system and the story sucked my in right away. Very happy with this new game

I’m almost finished but it’s super enjoyable. Reminds me of GOT.

Final Fantasy 16 is, without a doubt, the best Final Fantasy game I have ever played. It transcends the boundaries of a mere video game and becomes an immersive cinematic experience that touches the depths of your heart. The deliberate pace of the game may not appeal to those seeking instant gratification, but it's a testament to the tremendous effort the creative team poured into the story and artwork. This game is not about mindlessly venting frustration or slaying monsters—it's a meticulously crafted world where each character has their own emotions and purpose. It invites you to embark on a profound journey, offering an escape from reality as you laugh and cry alongside the captivating characters. As a fellow GoT fan, I couldn't help but draw parallels between the two. The game captures similar themes and characters that keep you engaged and invested. The artistic achievements in Final Fantasy 16 are nothing short of breathtaking. The meticulously designed environments and the attention to detail in character development showcase the immense talent of the development team. The visuals transport you to a world where fantasy and reality blend seamlessly, leaving you in awe. In the end, Final Fantasy 16 is more than just a game; it's an emotional journey that tugs at your heartstrings. It is a testament to the dedication and passion of the creators who have crafted a masterpiece that demands to be experienced. If you're searching for a gaming experience that transcends boundaries and immerses you in a rich tapestry of storytelling, Final Fantasy 16 is an absolute must-play.

It's really good with an involved story. If you find it to easy just change the gauntlets.

Follow Clive through his tale of vengeance and discovery of purpose in life. This isn't a cringy JRPG with big tiddie waifus; this is a gruesome tale that started off reminding me a little bit of GoT. Thankfully it got better. Give it a chance; I don't think it deserved the review bombs it got. It was addictive enough to draw me in and keep me wanting more from start to finish. If you absolutely demand your JRPGs to be turn-based combat, then this isn't for you. The battle system is heavily based on action and timing; however, don't let that deter you -- there are some accessories you can equip that adds assist features so that you don't have to work too hard on combos or dodging. Pros: - Great English voice acting, especially Cid - You can pet the dog - Incredible cinematics - Side quests aren't actually entirely fetch & kill quests like JRPGs of yesteryear; there are some meaningful results of them and I would suggest taking the time to go through them as the story progresses. - Game is packed with lore -- and it's organized! If you ever feel lost, you can always review the game timeline, reading about the various regions and wars that went on. There's also a cool character tree where you can see all the characters in the game, and read different descriptions as their characters develop over time through the game. - As the game progresses, new skills provide a variety of playstyle options. This adds some replay value, which is always welcome for RPGs. Cons: - In rare scenarios, depending on your playstyle -- fighting a high HP mob might result in resetting the battle if you leave the enemy's designated battle radius. They end up walking back to their area and recover full health. I got really annoyed a handful of times doing this, but it's probably my fault for not fighting the mob efficiently. - The game is quite linear, but this may exactly be a bad thing as it is probably the story teller's intention to steer you a certain way for a specific experience. - Equipment system is quite infantile and unsatisfactory. You won't really care for it, except for some of the perks of different accessories.

GOAT GOTY EPIC FIRE MUST BUY

Inspired by Game of Thrones and Berserk. What a masterpiece. This is the best Final Fantasy game I’ve ever played. The combat, music, bosses, story, my goodness what a game.

Loving this game, the graphics are beautiful. Best part of pre ordering it , was that I actually got the game 4 days earlier.

Played about 7hrs of the game so far. Love the epic boss battles and cut scenes. Visually stunning graphics. It's a must have if you're a FF fan!

Incredible game, highly recommend to everyone

Final Fantasy XVI delivers a captivating and darkly immersive experience. The story is gripping, featuring complex characters and a richly woven narrative. The combat system strikes a perfect balance between traditional and modern, offering strategic depth and fluid action. The visuals are stunning, showcasing breathtaking environments and detailed character designs. The soundtrack is masterfully composed, enhancing the emotional depth of each moment. Final Fantasy XVI is a triumphant return to form for the series, providing an unforgettable journey filled with intrigue, adventure, and heart.