Final Fantasy 16 is one of those games that looks like it’s got everything going for it: stunning visuals, top-tier voice acting, and a production level that screams big budget. But as someone who’s spent 6 hours diving into this world, I can say it’s like ordering a fancy, high-end Western dish—everything looks perfect on the plate, but it doesn’t quite satisfy like the hearty, flavour-packed comfort food of past Final Fantasy games.

Going in, I knew this game was divisive. Some people love it for the graphics and storytelling, while others argue it’s lost the soul of what makes a Final Fantasy game great. And honestly? I get both sides. Visually, it’s breathtaking, with a story line that feels straight out of Game of Thrones. It’s mature, it’s dark, and it’s definitely not holding back on the drama and intrigue. It’s probably the most “grown-up” Final Fantasy has ever been, and that part really works.

But then you get to the combat, and that’s where it starts to falter. The action is flashy, but it’s missing the depth that used to make these games feel so strategic and rewarding. No gear customisation, no real control over your companions—it’s all very streamlined, and it leaves the gameplay feeling pretty shallow, especially if you’re used to the more tactical, layered combat of older titles.

I held off playing on PS5 because, even in performance mode, it felt like the console was struggling to keep up. But now that it’s on PC? Whole different ball game. Running at 4K, 120 Hz, with HDR and every setting cranked up, it’s a visual masterpiece. This is the version you want to play if you’re going to dive in.

Despite my gripes with the gameplay, I’ll keep playing because the story has me hooked. That’s the strength of this game—narrative and visuals. But if you’re here for classic RPG mechanics, gear hunting, and party control, you might find yourself missing the old days. I know I do.

At the end of the day, Final Fantasy 16 is a gorgeous, cinematic experience that’s worth checking out for the story alone, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that something’s missing. It’s like they nailed the look and feel but left the heart behind. For me, it’s just not the same Final Fantasy games I fell in love with—and it’s certainly not the kind of RPG that keeps me coming back for more.

Final Fantasy 16 is one of those games that looks like it’s got everything going for it: stunning visuals, top-tier voice acting, and a production level that screams big budget. But as someone who’s spent 6 hours diving into this world, I can say it’s like ordering a fancy, high-end Western dish—everything looks perfect on the plate, but it doesn’t quite satisfy like the hearty, flavour-packed comfort food of past Final Fantasy games. Going in, I knew this game was divisive. Some people love it for the graphics and storytelling, while others argue it’s lost the soul of what makes a Final Fantasy game great. And honestly? I get both sides. Visually, it’s breathtaking, with a story line that feels straight out of Game of Thrones. It’s mature, it’s dark, and it’s definitely not holding back on the drama and intrigue. It’s probably the most “grown-up” Final Fantasy has ever been, and that part really works. But then you get to the combat, and that’s where it starts to falter. The action is flashy, but it’s missing the depth that used to make these games feel so strategic and rewarding. No gear customisation, no real control over your companions—it’s all very streamlined, and it leaves the gameplay feeling pretty shallow, especially if you’re used to the more tactical, layered combat of older titles. I held off playing on PS5 because, even in performance mode, it felt like the console was struggling to keep up. But now that it’s on PC? Whole different ball game. Running at 4K, 120 Hz, with HDR and every setting cranked up, it’s a visual masterpiece. This is the version you want to play if you’re going to dive in. Despite my gripes with the gameplay, I’ll keep playing because the story has me hooked. That’s the strength of this game—narrative and visuals. But if you’re here for classic RPG mechanics, gear hunting, and party control, you might find yourself missing the old days. I know I do. At the end of the day, Final Fantasy 16 is a gorgeous, cinematic experience that’s worth checking out for the story alone, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that something’s missing. It’s like they nailed the look and feel but left the heart behind. For me, it’s just not the same Final Fantasy games I fell in love with—and it’s certainly not the kind of RPG that keeps me coming back for more.