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[LavitzSlambert]

Even if it doesn't end up getting as many awards & accolades, it'll likely be my personal GOTY.
I know this year is packed with great titles, but I haven't been this excited the week of release in a long time.

Having said that, the demo seems to have been well-received by a lot of FF fans and newcomers alike, so FFXVI won't go unappreciated.

I don't know if it will be GOTY, but FFXVI might be the most important game of the year. It's trying to redefine an iconic series, with a drastic departure from the norm and after multiple disappointing mainline FF games. I know there are FFXII stans out there, but that was viewed as "not FF" and it's been 22 years since FFX - which was the last "FF as we know it". 13 and 15 were two of the worst received entries in the series.

In terms of importance, TOTK doesn't rank - even though it's a much better game than BOTW. Starfield can give FFXVI a run for its money in terms of importance, but only because it's a new IP and the first WRPG of this caliber since the Witcher 3 and Skyrim.

 

[Lokaum D+]

lol...............................................................................................

All of the above are OLD games with only critic reviews from times of the past when Sakaguchi held the reigns. It's no surprise FF games were rated 90+ when they were held as the DEFINED games of said genre.

The only game on that list that isn't part of my statement is FFXII and XIV.

Here, let me help your jaded mind what Final Fantasy games usually score around in todays era. We ARE in 2023, not 2002, right?

If Final Fantasy XVI scores a 90 on Metacritic, that's fan-fucking-tastic. Trust me (I've been playing games of this franchise longer than the majority of people on this forum have existed), I would be the happiest guy on this planet. However let's not jest ourselves by thinking Final Fantasy games (even the solid ones) are immediate 90+ on Metacritic. There is for example a reason to why people were exhilarated with joy when FFVII Remake reviewed the way it did; simply put because FF games don't get 90+ today - and a 87 was WELL above what people were expecting. Set your expectations around these parts, not fucking TotK-levels.

First i m not surprised to see a ToTK mention here, majority of Zelda reviews scores is heavily influenced by notalgia factor, TotK is far from a 95 game imo, but thats ok.

Second u are disregarding all the old FF games above 90 just because their are OLD review that is not affect by modern reviews sensibility, so u are using scores of the two WORST FF games ( XIII and XV ) to date as a metric of quality of the entire series ? lol

I dont know how old are u and a coulnt care less, i m playing FF game since 6 so i know what this series is capable, its not because the last dacades FF games didnt break the 90+ ( aside from FFXIV expansions ) that FF cant reivent itself and got to the same lvl of the golden age of square.

 

[Yoshichan]

First i m not surprised to see a ToTK mention here, majority of Zelda reviews scores is heavily influenced by notalgia factor, TotK is far from a 97 game imo, but thats ok.

Second u are disregarding all the old FF games above 90 just because their are OLD review that is not affect by modern reviews sensibility, so u are using scores of the two WORST FF games ( XIII and XV ) to date as a metric of quality of the entire series ? lol

I dont know how old are u and a coulnt care less, i m playing FF game since 6 so i know what this series is capable, its not because the last dacades FF games didnt break the 90+ ( aside from FFXIV expansions ) that FF cant reivent itself and got to the same lvl of the golden age of square.

I agree with every fiber in my body about TotK.

I’m not using scores ”of the two WORST FF games”, I’m using the scores of the FF games that were released in the PAST 15 years. You ever thought of that as a relevant standpoint anywhere in your flustered message?

 

[TheKremlinBossMan]

lol...............................................................................................

All of the above are OLD games with only critic reviews from times of the past when Sakaguchi held the reigns. It's no surprise FF games were rated 90+ when they were held as the DEFINED games of said genre.

The only game on that list that isn't part of my statement is FFXII and XIV.

Here, let me help your jaded mind what Final Fantasy games usually score around in todays era. We ARE in 2023, not 2002, right?

If Final Fantasy XVI scores a 90 on Metacritic, that's fan-fucking-tastic. Trust me (I've been playing games of this franchise longer than the majority of people on this forum have existed), I would be the happiest guy on this planet. However let's not jest ourselves by thinking Final Fantasy games (even the solid ones) are immediate 90+ on Metacritic. There is for example a reason to why people were exhilarated with joy when FFVII Remake reviewed the way it did; simply put because FF games don't get 90+ today - and a 87 was WELL above what people were expecting. Set your expectations around these parts, not fucking TotK-levels.

The only negativity I can find on XVI is here and that other site. This is going to review very well. I'd be surprised if it scores less than a 94 based on reviewer comments. Prepare yourself for BEST FF EVER comments.

 

[Yoshichan]

The only negativity I can find on XVI is here and that other site. This is going to review very well. I'd be surprised if it scores less than a 94 based on reviewer comments. Prepare yourself for BEST FF EVER comments.

I wish this game to be a 99 up there with OoT. I want the team to be successful so we could get quality ass titles like these from Square on a yearly basis.

But I’m also realistic here. Saying this title will get a 95 ”without a problem” is absolutely maddening. Without a problem! That easy huh?

 

[TheKremlinBossMan]

I wish this game to be a 99 up there with OoT. I want the team to be successful so we could get quality ass titles like these from Square on a yearly basis.

But I’m also realistic here. Saying this title will get a 95 ”without a problem” is absolutely maddening. Without a problem! That easy huh?

They have had a problem since FFX, so there was definitely a problem. It's about time. IF the full game maintains the same quality of the demo it will review VERY well. My guess would be a 94 it would be higher but there will be outliers.

 

[Yoshichan]

They have had a problem since FFX, so there was definitely a problem. It's about time. IF the full game maintains the same quality of the demo it will review VERY well. My guess would be a 94 it would be higher but there will be outliers.

This is what I’m saying. It’s not gonna be easy and 95 is downright impossible.

I think setting our expectations at around 90 is the healthiest. Again, look at FFVII Remake getting 87 and people were so happy about that. Final Fantasy games getting around 85 is a MASSIVE success. Let’s not sit here and expect this game to easily pump itself to top 50 of all time on Metacritic just like that (refering to the other guy in this thread).

 

[Thief1987]

If Persona could score 95, i don't see why it's impossible for FF. It just needs to be that good.

 

[Yoshichan]

If Persona could score 95, i don't see why it's impossible for FF. It just need to be that good.

It’s cool to hate on the dorky kid ”Final Fantasy” and it’s dope to flirt with the cool kid ”Persona”.

 

[Lokaum D+]

I wish this game to be a 99 up there with OoT. I want the team to be successful so we could get quality ass titles like these from Square on a yearly basis.

But I’m also realistic here. Saying this title will get a 95 ”without a problem” is absolutely maddening. Without a problem! That easy huh?

I didnt see no one saying this game ll get 95 without a problem, ppl are just hopefully waiting for good reviews, if u are a realistic person u can also see the potential that 16 has over the old games and that he could break the 90+ score, downplaying the potential of 16 bacause the past games didnt break 90+ is not realistic, is just been negative imo

 

[Yoshichan]

I didnt see no one saying this game ll get 95 without a problem, ppl are just hopefully waiting for good reviews, if u are a realistic person u can also see the potential that 16 has over the old games and that he could break the 90+ score, downplaying the potential of 16 bacause the past games didnt break 90+ is not realistic, is just been negative imo

Aight I see your point, but no positivity in the world can make me see FFXVI get 95. I’m saying this with confidence.

Anyway, I’m hoping for as high as possible but I will be absolutely thrilled with a 90. A 90 would indicate that Final Fantasy TRULY is back - especially coming directly from FFVII Remakes very successful 87.

 

[Balducci30]

They have had a problem since FFX, so there was definitely a problem. It's about time. IF the full game maintains the same quality of the demo it will review VERY well. My guess would be a 94 it would be higher but there will be outliers.

People will give it lower scores for agenda purposes I bet tho - considering some of the reactions going around to it.

It’s not like Zelda where it’s totally inoffensive and hits all the nostalgia buttons

 

[Go_Ly_Dow]

If Persona could score 95, i don't see why it's impossible for FF. It just need to be that good.

Tales of Arise nearly got 90 lol

If the underwhelming and forgetful God of War Ragnarock is worth a 94-95, then so should this based of the first slither of the game in the demo.

Santa Monica produced a forgetful sequel despite the luxury of reusing so much from the 2018 game. You'll notice there's essentially no discussion about the game on forums after it released. No calls for a 3rd entry etc..

Yoshida's team from scratch has buillt what is shaping up to be a memorable game, with the kind of scale you'd expect from a God of War game, yet was absent in the new games. I think it can score the same or higher all things considered.

 

[Lokaum D+]

Aight I see your point, but no positivity in the world can make me see FFXVI get 95. I’m saying this with confidence.

Anyway, I’m hoping for as high as possible but I will be absolutely thrilled with a 90. A 90 would indicate that Final Fantasy TRULY is back - especially coming directly from FFVII Remakes very successful 87.

i ll be absolutely thrilled with a 80, i have more then 4k hours on 14 and if this game is close to a FF14 single player experience it ll be by far my personal GOTY, but i m expecting good review knowing what the team behind this is capable, just look how good 14 came to be since 2.0

 

[James Sawyer Ford]

If god of war can get a 94 meta, I see no reason why this one can’t get close or better

It’s definitely going to be high 80s minimum, and I’m confident it will be above 90

 

[Fabieter]

lol...............................................................................................

All of the above are OLD games with only critic reviews from times of the past when Sakaguchi held the reigns. It's no surprise FF games were rated 90+ when they were held as the DEFINED games of said genre.

The only game on that list that isn't part of my statement is FFXII and XIV.

Here, let me help your jaded mind what Final Fantasy games usually score around in todays era. We ARE in 2023, not 2002, right?

If Final Fantasy XVI scores a 90 on Metacritic, that's fan-fucking-tastic. Trust me (I've been playing games of this franchise longer than the majority of people on this forum have existed), I would be the happiest guy on this planet. However let's not jest ourselves by thinking Final Fantasy games (even the solid ones) are immediate 90+ on Metacritic. There is for example a reason to why people were exhilarated with joy when FFVII Remake reviewed the way it did; simply put because FF games don't get 90+ today - and a 87 was WELL above what people were expecting. Set your expectations around these parts, not fucking TotK-levels.

Well its one of the most hated of the big franchises nowadays. I dont think its possible for them to review like it used to no matter the quality.

 

[Meicyn]

Because it looks anime as fuck? From the direction to the characters, to the writing? Yes it’s inspired by medieval fantasy, sure, but it’s very clearly a Japanese game and story written and developed by Japanese. The casting in the Japanese VA destroys the English VA, as it blends with the aesthetic and tone of everything else while the English VA sounds miscast at almost every turn.

lmao what

It’s very clearly a Japanese game with a story written and developed by Japanese, handed over to the localization director to be refined since the goal is to make a western inspired fantasy epic, then adjusted in Japanese to more or less match changes that make more sense in English.

When the FFXVI producer, director, and other folks on the dev team are telling you that the game took inspiration from Game of Thrones, the performance capture was done with the English actors, that they decided not to put up the resources to do proper lip sync for the Japanese dub, and that you should play it in English, it’s abundantly clear what the intended experience is. It’s not me saying you should play it in English, the dev team is literally recommending it.

But hey, you do you!

 

[Lokaum D+]

Dp

 

[James Sawyer Ford]

Well its one of the most hated of the big franchises nowadays. I dont think its possible for them to review like it used to no matter the quality.

So was god of war

Until 2018 happened

Or Zelda until BOTW happened

Franchises can reinvent themselves

 

[Fabieter]

So was god of war

Until 2018 happened

Or Zelda until BOTW happened

Franchises can reinvent themselves

Well don't get me wrong I also think that XIII and xv is better than alot of people make them out to be. The franchise is just overhated.

 

[James Sawyer Ford]

Well don't get me wrong I also think that XIII and xv is better than alot of people make them out to be. The franchise is just overhated.

I think those games got the scores they deserved

Not terrible, but also not close to exceptional

Based on the demo, 16 is exceptional and elevates the series back to the ps1/snes era of what the franchise is known for

 

[MasterCornholio]

If the game ends up fantastic I hope it reviews very well since that will help sell it. I have a feeling its going to be a good one though based on my impressions with the demo.

 

[Thirty7ven]

lmao what

It’s very clearly a Japanese game with a story written and developed by Japanese, handed over to the localization director to be refined since the goal is to make a western inspired fantasy epic, then adjusted in Japanese to more or less match changes that make more sense in English.

When the FFXVI producer, director, and other folks on the dev team are telling you that the game took inspiration from Game of Thrones, the performance capture was done with the English actors, that they decided not to put up the resources to do proper lip sync for the Japanese dub, and that you should play it in English, it’s abundantly clear what the intended experience is. It’s not me saying you should play it in English, the dev team is literally recommending it.

But hey, you do you!

Everybody knows they really want to appeal to a western audience, yes. What you don’t seem to understand is that no matter what work they did with the English VA, the game will never feel and sound like it was made by western devs. And if you think the English voices match the characters they created then more power to you.

Don’t forget that no matter the dialog tweaks, it’s still a Japanese script.

 

[Fabieter]

I think those games got the scores they deserved

Not terrible, but also not close to exceptional

Based on the demo, 16 is exceptional and elevates the series back to the ps1/snes era of what the franchise is known for

I hope it gets 90+ or even 95+ because this has a big impact on sales. If it has at like 95+ than it will sell like GOWR no problem.

 

[MISTER INVEIGLER]

The only negativity I can find on XVI is here and that other site. This is going to review very well. I'd be surprised if it scores less than a 94 based on reviewer comments. Prepare yourself for BEST FF EVER comments.

The game won't score 90+.

 

[cesar2xtreme]

So do we actually need a jump button?

 

[Danjin44]

Everybody knows they really want to appeal to a western audience, yes. What you don’t seem to understand is that no matter what work they did with the English VA, the game will never feel and sound like it was made by western devs. And if you think the English voices match the characters they created then more power to you.

Don’t forget that no matter the dialog tweaks, it’s still a Japanese script.

For me I simply played Demo and I thought english voice acting was pretty good. I felt same way with Nier Gestalt/Replicant, I can’t imagine playing that game other than english voice.

 

[TheKremlinBossMan]

People will give it lower scores for agenda purposes I bet tho - considering some of the reactions going around to it.

It’s not like Zelda where it’s totally inoffensive and hits all the nostalgia buttons

Yea those will be the outliers.

 

[Lokaum D+]

The franchise is just overhated.

Lol we are talking FF or Pokemon/Zelda ?

FF nowadays is one of the most underhated franchises of the big ones, if it was overhated the game would need a banger demo to start selling well.

 

[Coulomb_Barrier]

If this is not the best FF since FF10 I'll be shocked. Cos I'm halfway through FF12 and it's great but the combat (gambit system and repetitive nature) is shite.

 

[Luipadre]

Day 1 patch is out. Wonder how much better the performance is.

 

[Balducci30]

Yea those will be the outliers.

Hope so. But it’ll probably bring the official score down anyway.

I don’t actually care about these aggregates regardless personally. They just mean what game had the most broad appeal at the end of the day.

 

[Fabieter]

Lol we are talking FF or Pokemon/Zelda ?

FF nowadays is one of the most underhated franchises of the big ones, if it was overhated the game would need a banger demo to start selling well.

I mainly talk critics. Cod is also overhated but sells insanly every single year.

Do you think zelda or pokemon is overhated?

 

[Meicyn]

Don’t forget that no matter the dialog tweaks, it’s still a Japanese script.

Is it, though?

When the localization director is given the freedom to make changes so that conversations flow naturally in English, and then the Japanese is adjusted to accommodate the English changes, it is no longer a Japanese script. The English takes priority. What you now have is a hybrid with favoritism for the English because it’s the producer and director’s intent. It’s artistic intent. That matters to me.

You can say you prefer the Japanese voice acting and that’s cool. But I’d probably leave it at that.

 

[Flabagast]

any more first impressions on the internet by any chance ?

 

[Fabieter]

Is it, though?

When the localization director is given the freedom to make changes so that conversations flow naturally in English, and then the Japanese is adjusted to accommodate the English changes, it is no longer a Japanese script. The English takes priority. What you now have is a hybrid with favoritism for the English because it’s the producer and director’s intent. It’s artistic intent. That matters to me.

You can say you prefer the Japanese voice acting and that’s cool. But I’d probably leave it at that.

I don't care that they changed the script, but why wouldnt they go for japanese lip sync

 

[Lokaum D+]

I mainly talk critics. Cod is also overhated but sells insanly every single year.

Do you think zelda or pokemon is overhated?

yes i do, mainly pokemon that in the last 20 years has practically not changed the formulaat all, any other game would have suffered terrible criticism cause of this, Zelda on another hand despite being very good, sells a lot for the nostalgic factor alone, not that they are not quality games, far from it, but I I don't think they are all master pieces as most people imply, but that's just my opinion.

unlike FF these two games always get high praises despite all their flaws, whatever they may be, thats y i dont think FF games are overhated or have a nostalgic factor build in it.

 

[Teslerum]

I don't care that they changed the script, but why wouldnt they go for japanese lip sync

Time and money. Same reason you usually don't get actual English lip sync.
The characters were performed by English actors and the data is based on them.

Not cheap.

 

[Meicyn]

I don't care that they changed the script, but why wouldnt they go for japanese lip sync

Cost.

Naoki Yoshida is masterclass at efficiency. He’s much like Christopher Nolan, he is pretty good at timelines and minimizing waste.

If the juice isn’t worth the squeeze, he won’t commit resources to it.

 

[Fabieter]

yes i do, mainly pokemon that in the last 20 years has practically not changed the formulaat all, any other game would have suffered terrible criticism cause of this, Zelda on another hand despite being very good, sells a lot for the nostalgic factor alone, not that they are not quality games, far from it, but I I don't think they are all master pieces as most people imply, but that's just my opinion.

unlike FF these two games always get high praises despite all their flaws, whatever they may be.

FF always gets shit for what it once was and no longer is. Its super annoying and probably the only franchise with that problem. XVI won't be any different.

Cost.

Naoki Yoshida is masterclass at efficiency. He’s much like Christopher Nolan, he is pretty good at timelines and minimizing waste.

If the juice isn’t worth the squeeze, he won’t commit resources to it.

What a shame. The japanese VA is a league above the English VA. I dont know how to play when my copy arrives.

 

[Go_Ly_Dow]

Cost.

Naoki Yoshida is masterclass at efficiency. He’s much like Christopher Nolan, he is pretty good at timelines and minimizing waste.

If the juice isn’t worth the squeeze, he won’t commit resources to it.

Would agree, every scene from the 1st trailer in 2020 has made it into the final release. Which is the exact opposite of FFXV, where seemingly hours of cutscenes, characters, story moments etc.. shown in trailers didn't make it into the shipped product.

 

[mortal]

Because it looks anime as fuck? From the direction to the characters, to the writing? Yes it’s inspired by medieval fantasy, sure, but it’s very clearly a Japanese game and story written and developed by Japanese.

If you going to claim that one "destroys" the other, I have to assume you're fluent enough to make that judgment, in which case fair enough.
Otherwise, I'd have a hard time believing you actually be able to discern whether it's a better performance or not.

Not sure why the development staff themselves being Japanese would be relevant, considering that the creative process for XVI prioritized English.

 

[Fabieter]

If you going to claim that one "destroys" the other, I have to assume you're fluent enough to make that judgment, in which case fair enough.
Otherwise, I'd have a hard time believing you actually be able to discern whether it's a better performance or not.

Not sure why the development staff themselves being Japanese would be relevant, considering that the creative process for XVI prioritized English.

It isnt about actually being "fluent" in japanese. It's about japanese actors are more emotional and better suited in most cases.

 

[Gudji]

Day 1 patch is out. Wonder how much better the performance is.

You already have the game?

 

[Luipadre]

You already have the game?

No

 

[Danjin44]

Would agree, every scene from the 1st trailer in 2020 has made it into the final release. Which is the exact opposite of FFXV, where seemingly hours of cutscenes, characters, story moments etc.. shown in trailers didn't make it into the shipped product.

 

[Coulomb_Barrier]

What are u talking ? Its not like FF games dont get 90+ on MC.

FF9: 94
FF7: 92
FFX: 92
FFVI: 92
FFXII: 92
FFXIV: 92
FFVIII: 90

FFXVI could get over 95 without any problem and i think a 90± is guaranteed

Don't think 90 MC is a lock, but it does look and play like a 90+ from the demo.

I think if it does get 90 MC and does 8m+ sales, this will be the direction the mainline series goes in, at least in terms of tone (and REMakes delivering more traditional FF).

I'm all for the darker themes, violence, profanities and sex etc. Makes a refreshing change for FF. Biggest upgrade is the combat though, which seems more than great enough to be reason to play it alone.

 

[rofif]

This stuff is so fucking good and nostalgic.
The game we got is great but barely looks like 13vs

 

[squarealex]

It's fking hurts...


The game was originally will be planned as a trilogy

 

[Danjin44]

This stuff is so fucking good and nostalgic.
The game we got is great but barely looks like 13vs

Even if you enjoyed XV, you have to admit the development for this game was absolute mess.