Final Fantasy XVI

The main pros of the game

• Story and Characters: Many players praised the game for its engaging and well-written story, with emotional depth and character development that resonates with players. The narrative has been described as captivating, with memorable characters.
• Visuals and Production Quality: The graphics are frequently highlighted as stunning, with impressive art design, animations, and cinematic sequences that enhance the storytelling experience.
• Combat System: While opinions on the combat vary, some players enjoyed the fast-paced, action-oriented gameplay reminiscent of titles like Devil May Cry. The Eikon battles were also noted for their cinematic quality.
• Soundtrack: The music is often described as exceptional, adding to the overall atmosphere and emotional impact of the game.
• Voice Acting: The voice performances received positive feedback for their quality and contribution to character immersion.

The main cons of the game

• Pacing and Length of Cutscenes: Many reviews criticized the game for its slow pacing, with long cutscenes that can disrupt gameplay and make the experience feel more like watching a movie than playing a game.
• Linear Gameplay and Lack of Exploration: Players noted the game’s linear structure, with limited open-world exploration and a feeling of being on a "railroad" rather than in a fully realized world.
• Repetitive Combat: Some reviewers found the combat to be simplistic and repetitive, lacking the depth and challenge typically expected from an RPG, leading to boredom over extended play.
• Technical Issues: Several players reported performance problems, including crashes, frame rate drops, and optimization issues, particularly on PC. This detracted from the overall experience for some.
• Side Quests: While some side quests were appreciated, others were deemed tedious or uninteresting, contributing to a sense of filler content.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Party Dynamics: A significant number of players missed the traditional party system seen in earlier Final Fantasy games. The focus on a single protagonist (Clive) without the ability to control or manage a party was seen as a departure from the franchise's roots.
• Exploration and Side Activities: Many reviews expressed a desire for more exploration options, mini-games, and side activities that are common in previous Final Fantasy titles, feeling that the game lacked these elements.
• Difficulty Settings: Some players wished for more varied difficulty settings to cater to different play styles, especially for those who prefer a greater challenge.
• Customization Options: Users noted the absence of more extensive character customization and equipment management, which could enhance the RPG experience.
• Pre-rendered Cutscenes: A few players suggested that pre-rendered cutscenes could enhance performance and visual quality during key story moments, as current in-engine cutscenes sometimes led to technical issues.

Summary

• Overall, while Final Fantasy XVI has many strengths, particularly in its story and presentation, it also faces criticism for pacing, gameplay mechanics, and technical performance, leading to a mixed reception among fans of the franchise.

Summary generated on: October 8, 2025