84
MONSTER
Final Fantasy XVI is the first fully fledged action RPG in the mainline Final Fantasy series. Clive Rosfield is on a mission to free mankind from its fate, and must use the Eikonic powers at his disposal to overcome every obstacle his enemies lay before him.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
88
Final Fantasy XVI’s storytelling dazzles with mature, politically charged depth, blending Game of Thrones-like intrigue and One Piece’s heart, as critics praise its emotional Clive Rosfield arc, rich lore, and themes of revenge and class struggle. Yet its convoluted plot, overburdened characters, and predictable tropes draw fire, with some calling it bloated and uneven—despite flaws, the narrative’s ambition and Shakespearean tragedy resonate, cementing it as one of the series’ strongest tales.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
88
Positive Reviews (80-100)
83%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
15%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
1%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Final Fantasy XVI’s storytelling dazzles with mature, politically charged depth, blending Game of Thrones-like intrigue and One Piece’s heart, as critics praise its emotional Clive Rosfield arc, rich lore, and themes of revenge and class struggle. Yet its convoluted plot, overburdened characters, and predictable tropes draw fire, with some calling it bloated and uneven—despite flaws, the narrative’s ambition and Shakespearean tragedy resonate, cementing it as one of the series’ strongest tales.
Gameplay Mechanics
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84
Final Fantasy XVI electrifies with hyper-stylized action combat, trading turn-based roots for fast-paced Eikon-driven battles that rival Devil May Cry—yet its stripped RPG mechanics, repetitive filler, and rigid structure clash with traditionalist fans, despite praise for its bold, thrilling redefinition of the franchise.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
84
Positive Reviews (80-100)
75%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
23%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
1%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Final Fantasy XVI electrifies with hyper-stylized action combat, trading turn-based roots for fast-paced Eikon-driven battles that rival Devil May Cry—yet its stripped RPG mechanics, repetitive filler, and rigid structure clash with traditionalist fans, despite praise for its bold, thrilling redefinition of the franchise.
Graphics and Visual Design
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88
Critics hail Final Fantasy XVI’s jaw-dropping visuals as a series high, praising its cinematic grandeur, intricate character models, and lush environments—yet technical hiccups, clunky NPCs, and limited exploration temper its impact.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
88
Positive Reviews (80-100)
78%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
22%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics hail Final Fantasy XVI’s jaw-dropping visuals as a series high, praising its cinematic grandeur, intricate character models, and lush environments—yet technical hiccups, clunky NPCs, and limited exploration temper its impact.
Music and Sound Design
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93
Final Fantasy XVI’s sound design and music dominate with orchestral grandeur, emotional resonance, and technical brilliance, hailed as a series highlight by critics—though some noted minor flaws in subtlety and repetition.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
93
Positive Reviews (80-100)
95%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
5%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Final Fantasy XVI’s sound design and music dominate with orchestral grandeur, emotional resonance, and technical brilliance, hailed as a series highlight by critics—though some noted minor flaws in subtlety and repetition.
Voice Acting
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89
Praise for Final Fantasy XVI's voice acting is overwhelming, with Ben Starr and Ralph Ineson’s performances hailed as emotionally resonant and technically flawless, elevating characters to relatable, immersive heights. Critics lauded its authenticity, synchronization, and narrative depth, calling it among the series’ best. Minor critiques—monotonous tones, uneven NPC work, and regional dub preferences—were overshadowed by consensus that the cast’s commitment anchored the game’s storytelling, making it a defining strength.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
89
Positive Reviews (80-100)
90%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
10%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Praise for Final Fantasy XVI's voice acting is overwhelming, with Ben Starr and Ralph Ineson’s performances hailed as emotionally resonant and technically flawless, elevating characters to relatable, immersive heights. Critics lauded its authenticity, synchronization, and narrative depth, calling it among the series’ best. Minor critiques—monotonous tones, uneven NPC work, and regional dub preferences—were overshadowed by consensus that the cast’s commitment anchored the game’s storytelling, making it a defining strength.
Technical Performance
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74
Final Fantasy XVI delivers polished PS5 performance with fluid combat but suffers frame drops and glitches; PC shines with optimization despite high demands, while Xbox offers stable, if minorly flawed, play. Technical quirks persist across platforms, yet most praise its core appeal and post-launch fixes.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
74
Positive Reviews (80-100)
33%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
66%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
1%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Final Fantasy XVI delivers polished PS5 performance with fluid combat but suffers frame drops and glitches; PC shines with optimization despite high demands, while Xbox offers stable, if minorly flawed, play. Technical quirks persist across platforms, yet most praise its core appeal and post-launch fixes.
Replay Value
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73
Final Fantasy XVI delivers strong replayability through New Game+, combat customization, and engaging side quests, but its linear structure, repetitive optional content, and lack of open-world depth limit long-term appeal for some players.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
73
Positive Reviews (80-100)
33%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
63%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
4%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Final Fantasy XVI delivers strong replayability through New Game+, combat customization, and engaging side quests, but its linear structure, repetitive optional content, and lack of open-world depth limit long-term appeal for some players.
Overall Verdict
84
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
84
Positive Reviews (80-100)
90%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
10%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Final Fantasy XVI earns rave reviews for its bold evolution, stellar storytelling, dynamic combat, and immersive world-building, with critics hailing it as a genre-defining masterpiece and Game of the Year contender. While some praise its emotional depth and visuals, others critique its departure from traditional RPG mechanics, pacing issues, and PC port flaws—yet the consensus remains overwhelmingly positive, marking it as a landmark entry in the series.
84
MONSTER
Reviews
270 reviews found100
Hey Poor Player
Jun 30, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Final Fantasy XVI is praised for its engaging story, addictive gameplay, and stands as a phenomenal example of contemporary video game craftsmanship, receiving a perfect score of 5/5.
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100
GamingTrend
Oct 1, 2024
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Final Fantasy XVI Complete Edition is described as a complete package that excels in performance and offers a fantastic experience, making it the ultimate way to enjoy this entry in the series.
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100
Dexerto
Jun 21, 2023
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Final Fantasy XVI is described as a triumphant action RPG that deserves attention, with a compelling story, memorable characters, and an exceptional combat system. The review gives it a perfect score of 5/5.
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100
But Why Tho?
Jun 21, 2023
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Final Fantasy XVI is highly praised as a game that stands out and rises above the rest. The combination of fun combat, beautiful presentation, and an excellent story make it a memorable and impactful adventure.
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100
Malditos Nerds
Jun 21, 2023
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Final Fantasy XVI is hailed as a groundbreaking entry in the franchise, combining narrative depth, engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and an exceptional soundtrack. It sets new standards for the series and the industry.
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100
IGN Brasil
Jun 21, 2023
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Final Fantasy XVI é considerado um dos melhores jogos de 2023, combinando elementos clássicos e modernos da franquia, com uma narrativa emocionante e um combate divertido.
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100
MMORPG.com
Jun 21, 2023
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Final Fantasy XVI is hailed as a masterpiece, combining stellar writing, captivating gameplay, and breathtaking visuals. It stands out as one of the greatest RPGs in the series, offering a rich and immersive experience.
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100
Digitally Downloaded
Jun 21, 2023
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Final Fantasy XVI is described as an engrossing and intelligent game that successfully combines blockbuster entertainment with a strong, timely message, making it a significant entry in the series.
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100
GamingBolt
Jun 19, 2025
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Final Fantasy XVI is highly recommended as one of the best action games of the generation, combining an ambitious narrative, beautiful visuals, and satisfying gameplay.
100
Digital Chumps
Jun 21, 2023
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Final Fantasy XVI is a standout title that revitalizes the franchise with its engaging story, innovative gameplay, and stunning presentation. It is highly recommended for PS5 owners and is considered one of the best games of the generation.
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