Final Fantasy XVI

This game should have been marketed as a system seller for the PlayStation 5 because it shows what the console is truly capable of. There were so many moments where my jaw hit the floor while watching and playing parts of this games sequences, boss fights and cinematics. Adding to that praise a truly mesmerising soundtrack, this game is simply one of the all time greats from all things technical.

The only bad marks it gets is how it builds a very interesting and in depth story of politics, wars and regicide from all different angles but then almost drops this to focus on the more mythic and other worldly elements of its story. I feel like the story chiefs were caught in a tug of war between grounded political intrigue and remembering this is a Final Fantasy game and therefore needs a cosmic entity to define the whole picture.

While this isn't necessarily a bad thing, I do think more could have been done to have the games multiple antagonists have more of an impact on our hero's actions and 'destiny' than they did. They end up being stepping stones, only to be rendered narratively obsolete by there being a bridge further down river. But really, come the end of the game there are numerous call backs that make it not too much of an egregious misstep.

The only other criticism is a nitpick, as mentioned at the start, this game is a technical marvel, but to its detriment at times as there are so many particle effects, flashes and chaos happening on screen that, if you're using multiple abilities at the same time, it can become extremely difficult to tell what on earth is going on on your screen. Certain abilities had me turning my camera to an upward angle so I could see what the enemy was doing as I was charging up a latent power that took up much needed space. Also considering the enemies also have their own particle effects and attacks that leave impacts on the ground, it's a confusing and chaotic melee on screen. Thankfully the combat is extremely fun and intense so again, it's a nitpick.

The strength of this game quite rightly is the technical flexing it pulls off with ease. I had zero crashes which is extremely impressive considering everything that can be happening everywhere, all at once on my screen. Unforgettable boss battles and brilliant performances from all casts members. This is a one of a kind fantasy epic and I will always look back on it with excitement.

I wanted to write this review on the eve of it's two-year anniversary. I was truly captivated by Final Fantasy XVI, particularly by its darker, more mature narrative. The story delves into complex themes of power, betrayal, and sacrifice, creating a gritty atmosphere that sets it apart from previous entries. For example, the intense scenes involving the political machinations and inner conflicts of the characters amplify this darker tone, making the story feel both compelling and emotionally charged.

The character development in the game mirrors elements from Game of Thrones, with deeply layered characters navigating morally ambiguous situations. Clive's transformation from a driven soldier to a more layered and conflicted hero is particularly admirable, reminiscent of the nuanced character arcs seen in the iconic series. The intricate relationships and betrayals further add to the realism and depth of the narrative.

Visually, the game is breathtaking. The attention to scenery and the action-packed graphics are nothing short of spectacular. Each environment feels alive and meticulously crafted-from the lush, vivid landscapes to the detailed cityscapes. The dynamic combat sequences are fluid and exhilarating, making every boss fight feel epic and immersive. The visuals truly elevate the gaming experience to a cinematic level.

The voice acting also deserves praise. The cast nailed their roles, bringing authenticity and emotion to every line. For instance, the lead's somber yet fierce delivery during pivotal moments added weight and engagement, pulling players deeper into the story.

I loved Final Fantasy XVI so much that I initially played it on my PS5, enjoying the base game, the DLC, and even trying out New Game+ to experience the story from a fresh perspective. Its immersive world and engaging gameplay left such an impression that I recently re-bought it on Steam just to stream it and share my philosophical input on the game's themes, characters, and narrative intricacies. It's rare for a game to inspire such a dual-layered experience for me.

However, the game isn't without its flaws. One area where it struggled was in the direction, likely affected by the studio's simultaneous development of two AAA titles. It sometimes felt like the game's pacing and narrative focus were compromised, with certain sequences feeling rushed or underdeveloped, hinting that the studio's priorities might have been split.

Overall, Final Fantasy XVI is a visually stunning, narratively rich, and emotionally resonant experience-despite some developmental challenges. It's a must-play for fans of darker stories and epic adventures.

I will admit going into this that I may be fully biased. Final Fantasy is one of my favorite game series of all time with 10 being my favorite game. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed 16. The story, the combat, the music. All of it was a home run for me.

The combat director formerly worked on Devil May Cry 6 and it shows. It feels fluid and clean just like the former. It can feel simple yet as you progress and become more comfortable with it; you can pull of more complicated combos and weave together more powers. I found it a much more engaging solution to FF15's leave from the more original combat of Final Fantasy. Eikon battles are absolutely insane and truly take the game to a higher level. There are plenty of accessibility accessories you can equip that modify the combat to be easier. This is great for those either newly interested players or those that struggle with this gameplay.

The story is absolute dynamite. A fantastic cast comes together to bring this to life. Clive's actor definitely understood and added so much subtext to it all that came through. The relationships between all the characters as they progressed were wonderful to watch. Even comedic relief was incredibly well done and well timed. As always, the strongest suit of Final Fantasy is a story that engages you and makes you feel many emotions while playing. Simply a fantastic cast of characters.

Overall, some may be upset with the combat changes or diversion from the FF norm. Lots of reviews claiming that the game is too easy!! (While playing with every easy modifier). This is a Final Fantasy that anyone can truly get into and enjoy. As always, fantastic work to Square Enix, congratulations to the production and cast, and, finally, enjoy the journey.

I have played hundreds of games in my lifetime and this is the best thusfar. What a combination of the things that made FF7 great and an epic movie, you get to play yourself. The only thing for me that comes somewhat close is The Witcher 3, but this is so much more epic (visually and in total). If you're reading this, to decide whether you should buy it... let this be your signal. Enjoy, you won't be disappointed!

And for all the people who always want to look for the negatives or points of improvement.. yes, the hp gating is not ideal, but it doesn't matter, because it makes sure the story stays up, despite exp and ap farms... and yes, the itemization could be better, including the whole buying and selling system, which is now to linear and simple compared to games like WoW.. and yes, the game offers a lack of customization.. but if you are bothered by all these things, you are missing the point.. you are playing a movie.. you are in control for some parts, but never was it intended for you to be able to change the whole movie.. just sit back and enjoy this awesome ride :-)

Hey folks, I'd say I'm a pretty average Final Fantasy Fan. Haven't played all of them, but have beaten my fair share of FF titles that I feel confident enough to give a solid opinion on Square Enix's newest edition to the series.

It's been about two months since I beat this title and usually after I beat a game, I just go on to the next and enjoy it. FFXVI has managed to have a solid impact on my life, at the moment, and the characters feel very real/fleshed out for me. I haven't been so immersed in game side characters since Red Dead 2; not to compare the two, they're vastly different games. Everything about the cast, from Cid's voice performance to the designs of the bosses, is amazing and so unique. While I think I enjoyed VII remake and XV's soundtrack a bit more, this game was not short of some AMAZING pieces.

If you're on the fence about playing this game, just do yourself the favor and get it. If you're not sure, just wait for a sale and see what you think. In case anyone is wondering how long it is, I had about 76 hours by the time I uninstalled it from my PS5. Can't wait for the DLC!!!!