Review embargo lifted. No spoilers in this post. Probably spoilers in the links below. Here’s a few:
Kotaku: https://kotaku.com/xbox-series-x-game-pass-price-increase-ps5-microsoft-1850561048
A bold shift to action and a stirring fantasy tale make this the best Final Fantasy in ages.
For the first time in years, I’m excited about a new mainline Final Fantasy game. It’s about time.
GameSpot: https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/final-fantasy-16-review-on-its-own-terms/1900-6418081/
FFXVI is a bold shift in both gameplay and narrative, yet captures the Final Fantasy magic in stunning fashion, earning a place within the pantheon of incredible entries in the beloved franchise.
9/10
Variety: https://variety.com/2023/digital/reviews/final-fantasy-xvi-review-1235650066/
‘Final Fantasy XVI’ Is a Messy, but Quietly Brilliant Next Step for Square Enix’s RPG Series
Destructoid: https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-final-fantasy-xvi/
Superb - A hallmark of excellence. There may be flaws, but they are negligible and won’t cause massive damage.
9/10
IGN: https://www.ign.com/articles/final-fantasy-16-review
Outstanding story, characters, and worldbuilding earn the right to depart from what fans expect from Final Fantasy.
Amazing - Featuring fast, reflex driven, action heavy combat, Final Fantasy 16 is certainly a departure from what fans may expect out of a Final Fantasy game, but its excellent story, characters, and world building are right up there with the best the series has to offer, and the innovative Active Time Lore feature should set a new standard for how lengthy, story-heavy games keep players invested in its world.
9/10
Please add and link reviews in comments.
Not too surprising overall. It seems a little weird that so many people keep harping on the action-combat. 7R and 15 were both heavily action-focused games, and I quite enjoyed those.
From the demo, the combat seemed totally serviceable. It’s not God of War, but it really doesn’t need to be. Any concerns I have for the game are actually narrative in nature, and that’s something I won’t be able to judge without playing a lot more.