Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

Links

Amazon

Playstation

Twitch

MONSTER

World of Final Fantasy

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of World of Final Fantasy
Item: World of Final Fantasy
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2016

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Military and Warfare, Single Player

AvailableOct 25, 2016

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC

DeveloperSquare Enix

Overview

World of Final Fantasy combines classic RPG gameplay mechanics with fresh and imaginative toy-like visuals. As a brand-new title in the Final Fantasy franchise, this game can be enjoyed by both fans and newcomers to the series. Players will lead a pair of twins through varied Final Fantasy worlds and encounter the adorably familiar monsters therein. Capture and raise such familiar beasts as cactuar, chocobo, and behemoth to discover alternate forms and learn new abilities.

Elsewhere

7.3

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

45%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of World of Final Fantasy receives mixed reviews from critics, with some positive aspects highlighted. Critics like GameSpot and Worth Playing appreciate the game's blend of celebrating the Final Fantasy legacy and appealing to a younger audience. Worth Playing specifically mentions the lighthearted and humorous tone of the story, incorporating familiar Final Fantasy elements and characters. Additionally, The Digital Fix and GameWatcher commend the engaging storytelling, with The Digital Fix noting a dark and complex narrative that unfolds progressively. On the negative side, several critics criticize the story for various reasons. Polygon and Metro GameCentral find the plotline boring and poorly executed, with Metro GameCentral specifically mentioning the lack of a real plot and an overabundance of unamusing comedy skits. Destructoid and Game Informer point out weak dialogue, clichés, and unfunny banter between characters, which hinder the overall storytelling experience. Furthermore, GamingTrend and Game Revolution highlight issues such as muddy exposition, inconsistent themes, and one-dimensional characters, detracting from the overall narrative impact. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the story of World of Final Fantasy leans towards the negative spectrum. While some critics appreciate the nostalgic elements and character interactions, such as IGN Denmark and TheSixthAxis, many others find the storytelling lacking in depth and coherence. Critics like GameCritics and GameOver.gr note the story's shortcomings in execution and pacing, overshadowed by comedic elements and clichés. The general sentiment suggests that while the game may offer moments of charm and fan service, the overall narrative fails to deliver a compelling and engaging experience for a significant portion of reviewers.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed feelings about the story in World of Final Fantasy. Some praise its blend of nostalgia and humor, while others criticize it for weak dialogue and lackluster plot execution. Despite some positive aspects like character interactions, the general consensus leans towards the negative side, with many finding the storytelling lacking depth and coherence. Overall, while the game offers moments of charm and fan service, it falls short of delivering a compelling narrative for many reviewers.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

66%

Mixed (50-79)

34%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The Gameplay of World of Final Fantasy has garnered praise from several critics for its unique and innovative mechanics. Critics like Game Revolution and Gameplanet commend the monster-collecting aspect, with Gameplanet specifically highlighting the homage to the series' classic Active Time Battle system. The stacking mechanic, as mentioned by GamingTrend and PC Gamer, adds a layer of customization and strategy to battles, allowing players to experiment with different combinations of Mirages for powerful attacks. The ability to capture and evolve Mirages, as noted by XGN and The Overpowered Noobs, contributes to the depth and value of the gameplay experience. On the downside, some critics express concerns about the repetitive nature of the combat system in World of Final Fantasy. New York Daily News and GamesRadar++ mention that battles can feel like a grind, with too many throwaway encounters that lack challenge and depth. Gaming Age and GameSpot point out issues with the combat becoming repetitive due to reliance on elemental weaknesses and slow-paced battles, respectively. Additionally, GameSpot highlights frustrations with linear dungeons and specific monster requirements for puzzles, which can detract from the overall enjoyment of the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Gameplay of World of Final Fantasy is mixed. While the stacking mechanic and monster-collecting elements receive praise for their creativity and strategic depth, the repetitive nature of combat and lack of challenge in some encounters are noted as drawbacks. Critics like Game Rant and TheSixthAxis appreciate the unique blend of traditional Final Fantasy gameplay with modern twists, while others, such as Easy Allies and Game Informer, find the combat lacking in depth and sophistication. Despite some criticisms, the majority of reviewers acknowledge the engaging aspects of the gameplay, making World of Final Fantasy a title that offers a blend of nostalgia and innovation for fans of the series.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

World of Final Fantasy's gameplay impresses with innovative mechanics like monster-collecting and stacking, praised for adding depth and strategy. However, critics point out issues with repetitive combat and lack of challenge, detracting from the overall experience. While some appreciate the blend of classic and modern gameplay elements, others find it lacking in depth. Ultimately, the game offers a mix of nostalgia and innovation for fans of the series, with a consensus among critics that is somewhat mixed.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

58%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The Graphics and Visual Design of World of Final Fantasy have received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Many critics praised the game for its charming and adorable art style, with cute chibi character designs and vibrant environments. Critics like Easy Allies and GameSpot appreciated the storybook vibe and nostalgic charm of the visuals, featuring recognizable elements from previous Final Fantasy games. TheSixthAxis and GameWatcher highlighted the adorable character designs and lovable world created by Square Enix, with beautiful locations and well-done cutscenes adding to the overall appeal. Additionally, critics such as Game Revolution and Digitally Downloaded commended the bold, bright colors and clean, simple designs that set the game apart from the more complex visuals of mainline Final Fantasy titles. On the flip side, some critics expressed concerns about the game's graphics and visual aspects. Metro GameCentral and New York Daily News criticized the graphics for not being too impressive, with Metro GameCentral attributing this to the game being a dual-format release on the PS Vita as well. Polygon and Worth Playing mentioned that while the initial design of the dungeons was interesting and the character designs were cute, the visuals became monotonous or lacked significant graphical improvements on the PC port. Game Revolution also noted that the nostalgic references struggled to make a connection due to the art style and writing, indicating a potential disconnect for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of World of Final Fantasy leans towards the positive side. The game's charming and colorful art style, featuring adorable chibi character models and immersive environments, resonated well with many reviewers, including Game Informer and Shacknews. While some critics pointed out limitations such as technical issues on the PC port or a lack of graphical complexity in certain areas, the majority appreciated the game's unique aesthetic and nostalgic appeal. The blend of familiar Final Fantasy elements with a cute and engaging art style seemed to strike a chord with fans of the series, as noted by Destructoid and Impulsegamer. In conclusion, World of Final Fantasy's graphics and visual design succeed in creating a whimsical and enchanting world that pays homage to the franchise's legacy while offering a fresh and endearing experience for both new and longtime fans.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics are divided on the graphics of World of Final Fantasy, with some praising its charming art style and nostalgic vibe, while others criticize its lack of graphical impressiveness and monotonous visuals. Overall, the majority of reviewers appreciate the game's cute chibi character designs, vibrant environments, and nostalgic references, making it a whimsical and enchanting experience for fans of the series.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praised the Sound Design and Music of World of Final Fantasy, highlighting various positive aspects. Arcade Sushi commended the breathtaking soundtrack with brilliant remixes of classic Final Fantasy tunes, creating a nostalgic and immersive experience. Easy Allies noted the solid soundtrack with original compositions and beautiful new arrangements of classic pieces, enhancing the game's storybook vibe. RPG Site highlighted Masashi Hamauzu's music, which shines with new themes and classic Final Fantasy arrangements, accompanied by original voice actors and musical cues for iconic characters, further elevating the audio experience. While the overall sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of World of Final Fantasy was positive, some critics did mention a few drawbacks. COGconnected pointed out the lack of a significant amount of music but highlighted the solid sound effects and voice acting that added to the overall experience. LevelUp mentioned the limited Japanese audio options, which could disappoint some players, despite the good audio quality and notable voice acting present in the game. Game Over Online noted one character with annoying voice acting, which slightly detracted from the otherwise excellent audio work in the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of World of Final Fantasy. The majority of reviewers praised the game for its fantastic mix of old and new music, iconic musical themes from the Final Fantasy series, and well-composed soundtrack that enhances the overall immersive experience. Critics like Game Revolution, who mentioned the commendable soundtrack and superb audio work, along with GameSpew, who highlighted the brilliant sound design and voice acting, contributed to the overall positive reception of the game's audio elements. Despite a few minor criticisms, the general consensus is that the Sound Design and Music of World of Final Fantasy were very well-received by critics, adding significant value to the game's audiovisual presentation and overall enjoyment.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly praised the Sound Design and Music of World of Final Fantasy for its breathtaking soundtrack, brilliant remixes of classic tunes, and immersive experience. Some drawbacks mentioned include limited music, Japanese audio options, and one character's annoying voice acting. Overall, the consensus is highly positive, with reviewers lauding the mix of old and new music, iconic themes, and well-composed soundtrack that enhances the game's immersive experience.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in World of Final Fantasy has received mostly positive feedback from critics. Many reviewers, such as COGconnected and GameSpew, praised the voice cast for delivering solid performances that bring the characters to life brilliantly. GameWatcher also noted that characters gain a prominent voice throughout the game's events, indicating a strong commitment to maintaining a consistent and engaging audio experience. Additionally, Impulsegamer highlighted the excellent English voice-acting of the main cast, adding to the fun and zany narrative of the game. The inclusion of both Japanese and English language tracks, as mentioned by We Got This Covered, further enhances the immersive storytelling experience for players. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about certain aspects of the voice acting in World of Final Fantasy. Destructoid and GamesBeat specifically criticized the character Tama's voice acting, describing it as grating and annoying, which detracted from the overall experience. Polygon also highlighted issues with the dialogue, particularly the incessant banter of the sibling leads, which was deemed as terrible. GamingTrend mentioned that while the voice actors delivered solid performances, the writing for the main characters, Lann and Reynn, was considered childish and unlikable, hindering the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in World of Final Fantasy leans towards the positive side. While there were criticisms, such as the annoying dialogue and specific character portrayals, the majority of reviewers appreciated the efforts put into the voice cast's performances and the immersive nature of the fully-voiced cutscenes. The mix of both English and Japanese voice tracks, as well as the extensive voice acting across various dialogues and interactions, contributed to a well-rounded audio experience that enhanced the overall charm and storytelling of the game. Critics like Arcade Sushi and Game Revolution commended the voice acting, while acknowledging some shortcomings in the writing quality. Ultimately, the voice acting in World of Final Fantasy seems to have left a generally favorable impression on reviewers, despite some minor flaws.

TL;DR

voice acting

World of Final Fantasy's voice acting earns praise for bringing characters to life with solid performances, immersive storytelling, and a fun narrative. While some critics found faults in certain aspects like Tama's voice and dialogue quality, the majority appreciated the extensive voice work and captivating audio experience. Overall, the voice acting receives positive feedback, enhancing the game's charm and storytelling despite minor flaws.

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the PlayStation 4, World of Final Fantasy received positive feedback from several critics. Attack of the Fanboy highlighted the cross-save feature between the PS4 and PS Vita versions, enhancing the overall experience. EGM praised the impressive visuals on the PS4, while Eurogamer Italy mentioned solid technical performance with improved load times and seamless transitions. SpazioGames also commended the clean, colorful, and graceful style of the game, with a day one patch further improving the visual presentation. On the flip side, some negative aspects were pointed out by critics regarding the PS4 version. Gameblog.fr mentioned technical issues like aliasing impacting the experience, and Vandal highlighted limitations such as stability issues and the size of Mirages affecting gameplay. IGN Spain noted a lack of quality on the PS4 version, although not extensively discussed. Moving on to the PC platform, the opinions were more varied. RPG Site described the game as performing well with no glitches or bugs encountered, indicating a positive technical experience. However, 3DJuegos criticized the PC port for suffering from technical issues like slowdowns and lack of graphical options, impacting the overall experience. DarkStation also pointed out issues with water textures on certain hardware configurations and the lack of cloud saves on the Steam version. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of World of Final Fantasy is mixed. While the PlayStation 4 version received praise for its visuals and performance improvements, there were also mentions of technical issues like aliasing and stability problems. On the PC platform, the game's performance varied, with some critics experiencing smooth gameplay while others encountered slowdowns and lack of graphical options. The general sentiment leans towards a decent technical performance on the PS4, with room for improvement on the PC platform in terms of optimization and feature support.

TL;DR

technical performance

World of Final Fantasy on PS4 impressed critics with visuals and cross-save feature, but faced technical issues like aliasing. PC version had mixed reviews, with some praising smooth performance while others criticized technical issues and lack of features like cloud saves. Overall, PS4 version is seen more positively for technical performance, while PC version needs optimization.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

39%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The Replay Value of World of Final Fantasy has been widely praised by critics for its diverse range of activities and content that offer players a reason to revisit the game. Critics like Attack of the Fanboy and Eurogamer Italy highlight the extensive gameplay hours, side missions, Mirage hunting tasks, and collectible Mirages, providing additional value and depth to the overall experience. The ability to customize and evolve Mirages, as mentioned by COGconnected and GamesRadar++, adds a layer of strategy and engagement that appeals to fans of the series. The addictive nature of capturing and training monsters, as noted by Impulsegamer and Push Square, also contributes positively to the game's replay value. On the flip side, some critics point out potential drawbacks that may impact the game's replayability. Critics like GamingTrend and GamesRadar++ mention the lack of challenge and depth in gameplay mechanics, leading to potential repetitiveness that could limit long-term engagement. Eurogamer Italy also notes that while there are various activities available, the linear level design and lack of challenging scenarios may hinder replay value for some players. Additionally, PC Gamer highlights that battles can become repetitive after a certain point, which could detract from the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that World of Final Fantasy offers a substantial amount of content and activities that cater to both newcomers and long-time fans of the franchise. The game's nostalgic references, monster-collecting mechanics, diverse gameplay mechanics, and engaging combat system are highlighted as key strengths that contribute to its replay value. Critics like The Digital Fix and We Got This Covered commend the game for providing an immersive and addictive experience that keeps players invested for extended periods. While some critics mention potential issues with repetitiveness and lack of challenge, the overall sentiment leans towards World of Final Fantasy being a worthwhile experience for those seeking a rich and varied RPG adventure with ample replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise World of Final Fantasy's replay value for its diverse activities like Mirage hunting, side missions, and customizable Mirages that offer depth and engagement. However, some critics mention potential drawbacks such as lack of challenge and repetitive battles that could impact long-term engagement. Overall, the game is seen as a rich and varied RPG adventure with nostalgic references and addictive gameplay mechanics that cater to both newcomers and long-time fans of the franchise.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

World of Final Fantasy has received praise for its positive aspects, with critics highlighting various strengths of the game. Critics like ZTGD and Game Informer appreciated the game's nostalgic elements, engaging monster management mechanics, and the blend of familiar and new gameplay experiences. Impulsegamer and Eurogamer Italy commended the game for successfully blending old and new elements, offering a satisfying experience for fans of the genre. The charming characters, humor, and fun gameplay were also noted by CGMagazine and Game Over Online as standout features that contribute to an enjoyable gaming experience. On the other hand, the game faced criticism for certain aspects that detracted from its overall appeal. Critics such as GameCritics and GamingTrend pointed out issues with pacing, pedestrian storyline, and lack of depth in character development, which may hinder the enjoyment of players who are not die-hard fans of the franchise. PC Gamer and Eurogamer Italy mentioned technical shortcomings, convoluted menus, and repetitive battles as drawbacks that affected the overall experience. Additionally, Gaming Age highlighted shortcomings in Mirage management and combat systems, which may disappoint players seeking a more sophisticated RPG experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed regarding World of Final Fantasy. While the game has its strengths in nostalgia, engaging gameplay mechanics, and charming elements, it also has its share of weaknesses such as pacing issues, technical shortcomings, and lack of depth in certain aspects. Critics like Polygon and GameWatcher praised the game for its appeal to both children and experienced RPG players, while others like Gameplanet and Stevivor mentioned flaws in storytelling and party management. Despite its flaws, the game seems to resonate more with fans of the Final Fantasy franchise, as noted by critics like IGN Denmark and XGN, who found it to be a delightful and engaging experience for fans of the series. Ultimately, World of Final Fantasy offers a mix of nostalgia, modern gameplay mechanics, and charming elements that may cater well to fans of the franchise, but may not fully satisfy all gamers seeking a deep and sophisticated RPG experience.

TL;DR

World of Final Fantasy praised for nostalgic charm and engaging monster management, but criticized for pacing issues and lack of depth. Mixed reviews highlight its appeal to franchise fans, with some noting technical shortcomings and repetitive battles. Delightful for fans, but falls short on a deep RPG experience for all players.

MONSTER

Reviews

128 reviews found

100

Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 4

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

World of Final Fantasy is praised for being a love letter to the series, combining nostalgia with modern gameplay mechanics. It is described as a meaningful and delightful experience for fans of the franchise, offering a refreshing and lighthearted take on the Final Fantasy universe.

Read full review

100

GameWatcher

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A seriously strong JRPG that any fan of the genre should get a kick out of

Read full review

NZGamer

PlayStation 4

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is a wonderful celebration of all things Final Fantasy and has enough to appeal to both old fans and new players. It is a captivating monster-collecting game with an intriguing story and robust gameplay mechanics.

GameSpew

PlayStation 4

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

World of Final Fantasy is a fantastic game with brilliant design, graphics, sound, and fan service. The only downside is the frequent random battles.

Read full review

Game Over Online

PlayStation 4

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

World of Final Fantasy brings the beloved franchise back to its roots while adding modern flourishes. It strikes a balance between turn-based combat and faster action. The storyline is reasonably intriguing with a light tone for kids and enough humor for adults. The game is not perfect, but it is enjoyable.

Read full review

COGconnected

PlayStation 4

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

World of Final Fantasy is a unique and entertaining addition to the franchise, combining cuteness, humor, and accessibility. It appeals to both new and returning fans, offering a nostalgic experience with customizable gameplay mechanics.

Read full review

Game Rant

PlayStation 4

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

World of Final Fantasy is a remarkable blend of old-school JRPG mannerisms and innovative gameplay elements. It is one of the best Final Fantasy games in recent memory.

Read full review

Shacknews

PlayStation 4

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A celebration of the Final Fantasy franchise with a light-hearted story and great gameplay, but may be inaccessible to younger gamers due to complexity.

Read full review

We Got This Covered

PlayStation 4

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

World of Final Fantasy is a loving 30th anniversary tribute to the beloved series, offering a stand-alone experience with addictive gameplay and a fun narrative that brings together characters from across the franchise.

Read full review

The Games Machine

PlayStation 4

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Unique and engaging gameplay experience with flaws, enjoyable exploration of dungeons, wealth of content for Final Fantasy fans

Read full review