Final Fantasy XVI

Bold action-focused departure rewarding multiple playthroughs.

A bold action-focused mainline entry that pivots to real-time combat while maintaining FF traditions. Strong narrative with compelling characters and excellent visual spectacle, though action gameplay has moments of jankiness.

Impressive production and presentation but linear design with heavy reliance on cutscenes undermines combat engagement. Story veers unfocused.

A phenomenal entry that restores the series to its lofty status, delivering the most satisfying single-player Final Fantasy in nearly two decades. Its character-driven political drama, rich world building, fantastic voice work, and a thrilling action-combat system anchored by spectacular Eikon set pieces and an outstanding soundtrack are major strengths. The main drawback is performance, which fluctuates between 30 and 60 FPS in larger environments, alongside minor annoyances like no loadout saving.

A standout entry that finally feels recommendable without caveats, succeeding through a character-driven, Game of Thrones-inspired story with some of the best writing and performances the series has had. The huge, gorgeous world and escalating Eikon set-piece battles impress. Weaknesses include superfluous RPG systems like pointless crafting, repetitive go-here-kill-that side quests, unevenly paced Eikon unlocks, and a lack of difficulty that locks the harder mode behind New Game Plus.

Exceptional action RPG with satisfying combat, intricate combo system, and compelling storytelling. PS5's capabilities fully utilized with fluid gameplay and breathtaking visuals. One of the reviewer's favorite Final Fantasy titles despite minor customization wishes.

Arekkz Gaming delivers a strong recommendation for Final Fantasy XVI after 70+ hours. The combat system is engaging and fun, the eikon battles are spectacular and top-tier, and the story with memorable characters (especially protagonist Clive) is compelling. Graphics are impressive and the soundtrack is excellent. However, the game lacks traditional FF RPG systems like party management and deep gear progression, features linear maps with minimal exploration, and includes filler quests between major story arcs. Despite not feeling like a traditional Final Fantasy, they consider it one of the best in the series and strongly encourage players to experience the exceptional boss fights and combat system.

A complicated but worthwhile modern Final Fantasy with sky-high peaks and notable lows. The shift to full Devil May Cry-style action combat is solid and satisfying, and the Eikon boss battles deliver jaw-dropping, over-the-top spectacle alongside a strong story and great presentation. It stumbles in the quieter stretches — dull side quests, barebones RPG and loot progression, lifeless hub towns, and inconsistent frame-rate performance — but the unforgettable big moments carry it.

GameSpot calls it an outstanding entry in the series with bold storytelling, spectacular combat, and emotional impact. Excellent music and impressive spectacle throughout.