Final Fantasy XVI is the culmination of a long journey that began more than twenty years ago, which sees the RPG series subvert the codes arbitrarily imposed by both the public and the critics. If the name “JRPG” is so strongly rejected by Yoshida, it is not out of sin of pride, but out of conviction that limiting a license to its sounds, its images and its mechanics is an outdated notion. More than the sum of its influences, apparent as ever, this sixteenth episode is fundamentally Final Fantasy in the themes that run through it, and just as transgressive with respect to expectations. The bet is largely successful – carried by a successful gameplay, a gripping plot and a high-flying artistic direction, both visual and sound. As for technical deviations and other ancillary half-measures, they are easily forgiven. In the worst case, Ifrit will take care of convincing the last agnostics.
Gamer Gen: 18/20
Final Fantasy XVI fully succeeds in the turn towards Action-RPG with a gameplay with small onions which remains pleasant over time. We can only thank the CBU3 for this incredible Epic faithful to the origins of the license, while reinventing itself, which has everything of an essential future game. Despite a certain classicism and a few lengths, it manages to transcend itself to make us vibrate as rarely a Final Fantasy has been able to achieve. The team clearly masters its subject and skillfully uses the iconic elements known to fans to conduct its business. Even if a post-credits scene brings an end to the experience, our only wish to Méthia at this moment is that like other numbered episodes, this world and its characters will have the chance to return to shine on our screens.
Carole Quintaine.com: 16/20
Final Fantasy 16 is a very good game, offering a touching and extremely well told story. We feel that the story of Valisthéa and Clive and his friends is at the heart of the experience, much more than the gameplay. The latter is enjoyable thanks to the use of the powers of the Primordials and the fights with the creatures are visually incredible. Despite a very interventionist format and uninteresting side quests, FF 16 takes us on board and leaves us with a very nice journey.
Hardcore Gamer: 10/10
Final Fantasy XVI is going to change how we think about the franchise going forward. It’s groundbreaking on so many levels, elevating the thirty-five-year-old series to new heights. The combat is highly engaging and invites creativity and experimentation by giving players a wealth of tools to play with. The story is beautifully written, and while it draws inspiration from other fantasy properties, it builds its own unique universe to immerse yourself in.
Twinfinite: 10/10
After 80 hours, what I find most compelling about Final Fantasy XVI is its total commitment to redefining what it means to be a Final Fantasy game, while staying true to the series’ roots and themes. This is a great example of how Final Fantasy doesn’t have to be tied down to one idea or system, and I sincerely hope it serves as inspiration for future developers to take the series in their own completely new direction. .
Fan RPG: 9.7/10
So, yes, Final Fantasy XVI may not be entirely “new”, but it is bold in a way Final Fantasy never was. It’s meticulous, it wants to thrill, and it wants you to feel. All of this combined makes Final Fantasy XVI a new high point for the series, and I don’t expect it to be matched for many entries to come.
Gamepressure: 9.5/10
You might not hear a playful theme song when riding a Chocobo, but the spirit of the series lives on in the way Final Fantasy XVI weaves together combat and story to create an exciting experience that’s hard to beat. lay.
Playsense: 9.5/10
Final Fantasy XVI is the new pinnacle of the long-running series, which does a top-notch job in just about every way. The intriguing story is captivating from start to finish. The gameplay is delightful thanks to the fluidity of the action, and exploring Valisthea is a pleasure. Then there are the fantastic boss fights, the wonderful soundtrack, the spectacle. Too many things to mention. Square Enix has thought of everything and that makes Final Fantasy XVI a game you should buy.
TierraGamer: 9.5/10
Final Fantasy XVI is a Square Enix bet that went very well. His transition to adulthood gives us one of the most complex stories in the franchise, and his frenetic combat might draw more people into this long-running saga. Its high narrative quality, thrilling battles and extraordinary visuals make this video game an experience that everyone should try.
Hobby Consoles: 9.2/10
Like the Phoenix, Final Fantasy XVI rises from its ashes to regain its throne among the best RPGs. It’s a game that exudes a confidence and firmness when it comes to doing things the saga hasn’t seen in years, showing that Final Fantasy doesn’t have to wait for its turn to shine like a star.
GAMINGbible: 9/10
To conclude, Final Fantasy XVI is truly an epic adventure. It has a fantastic story, over-the-top character performances, a sublime soundtrack, epic boss battles, and it looks gorgeous to boot. Seriously, what’s not to love about this game? It doesn’t matter if you’re a veteran of the series or a newcomer like me, Final Fantasy XVI is one of the most brilliantly outlandish adventures of 2023 and a surefire contender for game of the year.
IGN: 9/10
With fast-paced, reflex-driven, action-driven combat, Final Fantasy 16 is certainly a departure from what fans can expect from a Final Fantasy game, but its excellent story, characters, and world-building are at a premium. the height of the best in the series. offers, and the innovative Active Time Lore feature is set to set a new standard for game length and story that keeps gamers invested in its world.
GameSpot: 9/10
It may fall short in some ways, but it should be celebrated for its most amazing moments and the characters who embody them. FFXVI succeeds and earns its place within the Final Fantasy pantheon as one of the great entries, and does so on its own terms.
GamesRadar+: 9/10
By ditching turn-based combat for combo-heavy melee, Final Fantasy 16 recaptures the spirit of reinvention the series lends itself to. This new approach to action merges with a world you’ll want to explore and an engaging story that’s powerfully executed by its voice. Overall, Final Fantasy 16 is an experience that stands alongside the series greats.
Noisy Pixel: 9/10
Final Fantasy XVI is an action JRPG polished to an iridescent sheen. Its well-designed combat system and enemies, outstanding character writing and world-building, and consistently stellar side content make it a standout entry into this legendary franchise. Even allowing for weak villains and a lukewarm conclusion, this was a journey that truly gripped me from start to finish. It’s a must-have game of the year and a Final Fantasy adventure you won’t forget.
Press Start Australia: 9/10
Final Fantasy XVI is an epic in every sense of the word. Consistently crisp writing, a captivating cast of characters, exhilarating combat and a timeless soundtrack coalesce in an experience that showcases what the PlayStation 5 is capable of at the highest level. He constantly finds ways to exceed his own scale in remarkable ways, but never loses sight of the intimate journey around which he was built.
Push Square: 9/10
At its best, Final Fantasy 16 is a jaw-dropping epic of rarely seen proportions. It’s pretty much the pinnacle of cinematic spectacle in modern games, and its often gripping and emotional story is matched only by its fantastic combat system. While its overall quality dips outside of the main plot, it’s still a must-play action RPG and the best single-player Final Fantasy in over a decade.
The GamesMachine: 8/10
Final Fantasy XVI is a hard-to-judge beast, a divisive experience that would have found itself more at home as a spin-off, rather than clunky in guise as the final official installment of a much-loved series. A passionate plot and a successful combat system hold their attention for the approximately 30 hours it takes to finish the game, but unfortunately they are forced to share the stage with mushy “role-playing” mechanics. and a sadly arid and artificial world, clear of a praiseworthy artistic direction. On the JRPG front, we’re faced with a very controversial result, but overall a more than decent game.
Guardian: 8/10
Final Fantasy XVI is the most spectacular series, for better and for worse. However, Square Enix has taken on board much of the criticism of previous games, and battles offer more freedom, characters are fleshed out, and thanks to detailed world building, you finally feel like there’s a world out there that needs saving.
Video Gamer: 7/10
Final Fantasy 16 is a rich and visually arresting spectacle with captivating settings let down by a bloated story and muted combat.
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Well Played: 7/10
While Final Fantasy XVI fell short of this fan’s expectations for a new entry in the series, newcomers to epic fantasy and action games will be swept away by the jaw-dropping combat and massive yet accessible scale.
The Enemy: 6/10
Final Fantasy XVI is a messy game that sometimes delivers and sometimes doesn’t. The new combat system only gets good after many hours and the fetch quests are an insult. However, the story is captivating and the characters too.
Eurogamer: 6/10
A clever combat system under the weight of a character-heavy but pseudo-medieval soap opera, with some of the biggest bosses and most boring side quests in FF history.
Digital Trend: 6/10
Final Fantasy XVI offers the “action” side of its action-RPG formula. A fierce and fast-paced combat system makes for the series’ most thrilling real-time swordsmanship to date, while its hit Eikon fights rank among some of the most impressive battles in gaming. general flatness around those exhilarating highs, as the shallow RPG hooks and dated design leave a promising evolution for the series stuck in the past.