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[Raven117]

This game...flat out...is the Final Fantasy I always thought I was playing when I was playing Final Fantasy IV/VI as a kid (like...the vibe of it). I absolutely love it.

I can see why some people say "but its not muh Final Fantasy" to them, all I have to say is shut up. Final Fantasy has never been ONE of anything. Its always allowed wide creativity to its designers to do what they want. I don't even know what those people want. Was their first FFX? (because, to me...this led to FFXIII which in combination was a low point in the series). What is the mythical place where there are the best FFs and where they want to go back to? I'm just baffled at the criticism. Its one thing to simply not like a game or its direction, sure. But to say you don't like it because you wanted something else...just seems weird.

This was a bold move from YoshiP (who understands more about FF than any other person at square at the moment) that took a big step towards what FF may look like in the future.

Also, is this the first documented F-bomb in a Final Fantasy?

 

[Zheph]

Typical defense force bullshit

The rpg aspects havent always been 'quite simple'. Try playing them first maybe?

Also, I dont see anyone not 'accepting people having a blast'

For fans of the older FF games this game marks the death as we know it of a series we loved. Not everyone wants toned down linear action games.

I have play all FF games many times you can think of any I have play it. Not a new fan here sorry

 

[Raven117]

SOP has more thoughtful combat

Totally different. That was done by Team Ninja, so of course its different with a very different focus.

 

[Freeman76]

This game...flat out...is the Final Fantasy I always thought I was playing when I was playing Final Fantasy IV/VI as a kid (like...the vibe of it). I absolutely love it.

I can see why some people say "but its not muh Final Fantasy" to them, all I have to say is shut up. Final Fantasy has never been ONE of anything. Its always allowed wide creativity to its designers to do what they want. I don't even know what those people want. Was their first FFX? (because, to me...this led to FFXIII which in combination was a low point in the series). What is the mythical place where there are the best FFs and where they want to go back to? I'm just baffled at the criticism. Its one thing to simply not like a game or its direction, sure. But to say you don't like it because you wanted something else...just seems weird.

This was a bold move from YoshiP (who understands more about FF than any other person at square at the moment) that took a big step towards what FF may look like in the future.

Also, is this the first documented F-bomb in a Final Fantasy?

So people who have a different view on a videogame to you should just 'shut up'.

Class

 

[Mossybrew]

I don't feel powerful. I feel exhausted after battles.

Yeah. Even the basic enemies are pretty spongy. Fights just take a bit too long IMO.

I get some of the complaints about the game. It feels way more like a modern action game like GoW than a real RPG. It feels like the edges have all been sanded smooth. But I'm digging the vibe and the story, and I'm sure combat will get more interesting as I gain more powers.

 

[fart town usa]

Totally different. That was done by Team Ninja, so of course its different with a very different focus.

And XVI had the DMC combat dude and help from Platinum.

That's kind of the point. People are acting like this game is more than what it is based on bullet points but the game doesn't actually back it up. People are being disingenuous. I think the game is fun, I'm enjoying myself but as an actual game, it's nothing impressive. The GOTY talk seems insane to me.

I'll leave it at though. I've got my opinions out there. All I wanted was for others to see a vastly different view of the game from what others are saying.

All this RPG talk is just gonna get people to feel like they wasted their money. It's a linear cinematic action game. Nothing wrong with that but people should at least be aware of what they're getting themselves into when they click purchase. I don't regret my purchase but I can see others feeling like they waster $70.

 

[Raven117]

For fans of the older FF games this game marks the death as we know it of a series we loved. Not everyone wants toned down linear action games.

Oh please dude. Get off this sanctimonious B.S. There are lots of older fans (myself included, who as a young kid took his hard won birthday cash to toys r us to pull the slip from the wall to go to the gate and receive FIRST Final Fantasy... where he then proceeded to sit with his Nintendo Power guide in front of a small CRT to play), who love this.

I can understand just not wanting a linear action game (which it isn't exactly GoW...it really does straddle the ARPG line really well), but it doesn't make it "not final fantasy" it just makes it a game you don't like.

Also...with the whole "RPG" mechanics. FF (and really most JRPGs) were always "light" versions of stuff like D&D, Wizadry, etc.

 

[Auto_aim1]

Yeah. Even the basic enemies are pretty spongy. Fights just take a bit too long IMO.

I get some of the complaints about the game. It feels way more like a modern action game like GoW than a real RPG. It feels like the edges have all been sanded smooth. But I'm digging the vibe and the story, and I'm sure combat will get more interesting as I gain more powers.

Story keeps me going. It's like a TV show

 

[Raven117]

So people who have a different view on a videogame to you should just 'shut up'.

Class

Eye roll. It was hyperbole.

 

[Freeman76]

And XVI had the DMC combat dude and help from Platinum.

That's kind of the point. People are acting like this game is more than what it is based on bullet points but the game doesn't actually back it up. People are being disingenuous. I think the game is fun, I'm enjoying myself but as an actual game, it's nothing impressive. The GOTY talk seems insane to me.

I'll leave it at though. I've got my opinions out there. All I wanted was for others to see a vastly different view of the game from what others are saying.

All this RPG talk is just gonna get people to feel like they wasted their money. It's a linear cinematic action game. Nothing wrong with that but people should at least be aware of what they're getting themselves into when they click purchase. I don't regret my purchase but I can see others feeling like they waster $70.

100%, especially when its an RPG series through and through. Its like Fifa releasing as American Football but still classing it as football lol

 

[Lokaum D+]

Typical defense force bullshit

The rpg aspects havent always been 'quite simple'. Try playing them first maybe?

Also, I dont see anyone not 'accepting people having a blast'

For fans of the older FF games this game marks the death as we know it of a series we loved. Not everyone wants toned down linear action games.

I m a long time fan o the series, for me 16 marks the rebirth that final fantasy games so much needed, for the last TWO decades we only had forgetable FF games, this one take me back to 6 and 9, not everyone wants a static boring turn based game, there is a product for ppl that are stuck in the past, its called Dragon Quest.

 

[Raven117]

And XVI had the DMC combat dude and help from Platinum.

That's kind of the point. People are acting like this game is more than what it is based on bullet points but the game doesn't actually back it up. People are being disingenuous. I think the game is fun, I'm enjoying myself but as an actual game, it's nothing impressive. The GOTY talk seems insane to me.

Help is different from totally different team. Its not hitting a chord with you. Thats cool.

To me...the overall vibe and story is enough to put it GOTY conversation. I like the action (Way more than DMC). If the vibe and story aren't tickling your funny bone...then I can see why you aren't too keen on it.

 

[Mossybrew]

I wish I didn't have to waste a trinket slot to make the dog do stuff on his own. Managing him manually seems like it would be a real distraction.

 

[Zheph]

If anything you guys seems to discover FF after playing maybe one or two in the last two decades

 

[ProtoByte]

Guess I get to take a victory lap about the combat.

 

[F0rneus]

The mechanics are lacking. Stranger of Paradise is the better game, tbh.

Not even any resource management. If you die you come back with full potions and high potions either at the start of a normal fight or at a recent checkpoint of a boss fight. So just use them and ignore incoming damage, then if you die just respawn back at full resources. Ridiculous.

As long as we can all agree that it's better than XV, everybody wins.

 

[Raven117]

Hmm, skillup did not like it

His opening line confirms a bit of what I'm suspecting. If FFX (I know he says he likes VIII, and he is dead on about FFXIV), is where you are basing your love of FF...then this game is very much not that. Since I always liked the FFIV/FFVI/FFXII/FFXIV style, then this is more in line in vibe with those. Just a theory.

 

[fart town usa]

Help is different from totally different team. Its not hitting a chord with you. Thats cool.

To me...the overall vibe and story is enough to put it GOTY conversation. I like the action (Way more than DMC). If the vibe and story aren't tickling your funny bone...then I can see why you aren't too keen on it.

Dude, Team Ninja compared to DMC combat and Platinum, they are all doing the same thing with slight variations. If SOP has better combat, then clearly XVI was eased up on purpose.

It's not that the story and vibe aren't tickling my funny bone, they're perfectly fine. It's people acting like this is some ground breaking experience. You'd have to be living under a rock the past 20 years to think the gameplay in this game is anything special. It's all stuff we've seen before churned into lowest common denominator mass-appeal. I don't say that as a negative but that's 100% what the game is.

 

[Dynasty8]

The mechanics are lacking. Stranger of Paradise is the better game, tbh.

Not even any resource management. If you die you come back with full potions and high potions either at the start of a normal fight or at a recent checkpoint of a boss fight. So just use them and ignore incoming damage, then if you die just respawn back at full resources. Ridiculous.

The "difficulty" did throw me off...pretty annoyed how easy it is so far. When games don't have any consequences upon dying...that's a problem. Doesn't feel engaging as it should.

They're ONLY catering to the journalists with easy modes and adding additional easy mode "rings" to automatically dodge, heal, etc... There's so many ways to make the game easier and easier than it already is, but no way of increasing the difficulty to actually make it fun for me. Why do I have to beat the game first to unlock hard mode to make the game at least provide some challenge..it ruins the first playthrough. I am literally plowing through everything and not even upgrading my equipment.

 

[Beastclaw Raider]

The mechanics are lacking. Stranger of Paradise is the better game, tbh.

Not even any resource management. If you die you come back with full potions and high potions either at the start of a normal fight or at a recent checkpoint of a boss fight. So just use them and ignore incoming damage, then if you die just respawn back at full resources. Ridiculous.

But you're also limited in potions, no longer can you just stack 99 of them so no, it's not ridiculous

 

[Luipadre]

WTF we love 30fps now.

When the performance mode is dogshit, yeah we do, since there are no other choices

 

[MagiusNecros]

That's the problem with Yoshi P and FFXIV being reflected here in XVI. He only can go between stupid easy and stupid hard.

The decision to force players to play EASY MODE for 50 hours to actually be challenged on Hard Mode maybe just sounds like a either a turn off or artificial way to pad out the game.

 

[Luipadre]

im at around 30% according to the PS UI. Im liking it, but the performance mode is garbage and the motion blur in quality mode makes my eyes bleed. You cant see shit in combat, because its just a blurry mess. I wanna keep playing, but i might wait for the motion blur patch. Who knows when it comes tho... Kind sad that this game performance this badly in performance mode even tho its only on 1 platform with the help of sony

 

[Dynasty8]

But you're also limited in potions, no longer can you just stack 99 of them so no, it's not ridiculous

It is ridiculous. You don't even have to try.

4 potions, 3 high potions are MORE than enough. Not to mention you respawn at a "checkpoint" with max potions where the boss doesn't even have full health.

 

[Sub_Level]

Cid in this game

 

[Sub_Level]

That's the problem with Yoshi P and FFXIV being reflected here in XVI. He only can go between stupid easy and stupid hard.

The decision to force players to play EASY MODE for 50 hours to actually be challenged on Hard Mode maybe just sounds like a either a turn off or artificial way to pad out the game.

I agree the game is way too easy thats a levgit criticism I have with the game. But there’s a reason Hard is locked behind NG, and thats because its actually this game’s version of NG+. The enemies on Hard mode are specifically leveled up to be confronted by a postgame NG player. They even prematurely hardlock the level cap in Normal mode and raise it higher on Hard. I dont agree with this way of doing hard mode but thats why you have to beat it first.

 

[decisions]

Performance mode is still the better experience because of the style of combat in this game. I also still find much of the game jaw-dropping visually even in performance mode, so Quality is just not worth it.

What they should add immediately is

- post-FX toggles
- 40fps mode
- Ability to set different graphics modes for in/out of combat, and have them switch automatically

Also this game is amazing so far.

 

[Lokaum D+]

I wish I didn't have to waste a trinket slot to make the dog do stuff on his own. Managing him manually seems like it would be a real distraction.

Thats how early combat looks like if u engage with it

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

Try to use Dogo at the end of the combo, look how he glows red when u do it right

 

[Raven117]

Dude, Team Ninja compared to DMC combat and Platinum, they are all doing the same thing with slight variations. If SOP has better combat, then clearly XVI was eased up on purpose.

It's not that the story and vibe aren't tickling my funny bone, they're perfectly fine. It's people acting like this is some ground breaking experience. You'd have to be living under a rock the past 20 years to think the gameplay in this game is anything special. It's all stuff we've seen before churned into lowest common denominator mass-appeal. I don't say that as a negative but that's 100% what the game is.

SOP had a MUCH different focus. To pretend otherwise is silly. SOP was Nioh with a different coat of paint. Very different approaches to combat.

Oh, the every present "ground breaking experience" argument. Always right at the tips of tongues for folks who don't like a game. (I say the same thing about BotW/TotK...the truth is...most games aren't...they are iterative as a whole pushing the medium forward). I don't think anyone is saying it is ground breaking. You are right, its a solid action game that isn't "ground breaking." But it is a heck of a lot of fun to play for me. (and I don't care for Action games very much...especially DMC and GoW).

In the end, it all comes down to player preference. And whatever you view this game as....100% doesn't matter (same with my opinion). If lots of folks are out there enjoying it for what it is. Then its a hit.

And...by and large...it seems most people are enjoying this version alot. That's all that matters.

 

[Koenigssee]

Damn, I start feeling the length and the same XIV fatigue. Bro the why fetch quests.

 

[GHG]

I'm not sure what you're implying with the top sentence.

This style of game wasn't invented by them nor is it only liked by people on that particular platform.

It's an action game with a skill tree. Nothing wrong with that. If eased up action mechanics and spectacle constitute a mind blowing experience in 2023. Have at it, this is the game for you. I think the game is fun and the environments are stunning but I still say that the hyperbole is approaching parody at this point. It's a PS3 style game with better graphics.

For me personally mainline final fantasy have always been a bit like comfort food, so yeh it has pretty much been what I was looking for so far. I'm just enjoying the spectacle.

The mechanics are lacking. Stranger of Paradise is the better game, tbh.

This I agree with (if only from a combat mechanic/skill tree perspective). Horribly overlooked game.

 

[MagiusNecros]

I agree the game is way too easy thats a levgit criticism I have with the game. But there’s a reason Hard is locked behind NG, and thats because its actually this game’s version of NG+. The enemies on Hard mode are specifically leveled up to be confronted by a postgame NG player. They even prematurely hardlock the level cap in Normal mode and raise it higher on Hard. I dont agree with this way of doing hard mode but thats why you have to beat it first.

It's Yoshi P taking the MMO stance. Enjoy the story while learning how to play his game and then in NG+ use what you learned as you play the real game. Big investment to get to the point where you play the game as it was intended.

Do I think people will play Hard mode? Yeah. But I also think there will be a group of people that aren't going to care enough to play through it all again with tougher enemies and different enemy placements.

Really reminds me of again his design philosophy in XIV with Trial/Raid boss fights having a Extreme and Savage version and you have to play the easy mode version first to unlock the harder mode.

When he makes games he really needs to have a middle ground to bridge that gap and I don't think that is a lesson he will ever learn.

 

[GHG]

Playing XVI actually has me really interested in SOP.

I saw some other comment saying that SOP has more thoughtful combat and better dungeons. I plan on checking it out at some point.

Stop playing this, play SOP. From what you've said I think you'll like that game much better.

 

[MagiusNecros]

Stop playing this, play SOP. From what you've said I think you'll like that game much better.

Oh man SoP is so much fun and you have a variety of playstyles to do stuff. And it still feels very Final Fantasy. Different weapon types and magic types that you can specialize in or mix and match and has a stellar job system.

 

[Roxkis_ii]

You know what, I do hope they remove auto filling your potions on death, or make it a toggle. It does kinda remove any tension in battles from mistakes. I also hope they remove mid battle check points. (maybe in hard mode?). I have enough fun that I don't mind replaying the whole battle if I lose.


But even with those nitpicks, I'm at work shacking like an addict waiting for my next play session.

 

[ManaByte]

 

[Isa]

I get the complaints and the likes. For me its definitely not what I want out of FF. It is very much a character action game, an accessible one at that seemingly meant for as much mass market appeal. I think people's complaints about the perceived excessive story is due to the pacing of gameplay and cutscenes. In older games yes the story beats are lengthy as well, but here the gameplay is much faster and then we're presented with a high dose of story again which can feel uneven or even off putting for those who aren't in the mood or prefer more gameplay. For me its been entertaining and mostly enjoyable, it can be pretty and the music is great.

For me the game design very much reminds me of the Diofield Chronicles. Do a segment then return to base to buy or upgrade gear and repeat, along with a world map borrowed from said game. For me the exploration just isn't rewarding at all which is a shame, and the exp and such seem like fluff. Sadly its among the only FF games my girl won't play because she can't do action games very well but she loves turn based games or simple 2d affairs with no need to control a camera. She is watching me play though, and is asking why there are no status effects and such. For me personally its the God of War game I wanted out of 2018 and Ragnarok lol. It is still a good game but not my GotY. To me it just cements why my old love for FF(my first was in '88 or '89) has fallen by the wayside while other games have impressed me far more with a much more limited budget and team size. Other action rpgs have much more rewarding exploration as well while delivering more depth in combat which is a shame. I don't hate this mind, but its purely serviceable in my opinion. Square was definitely targeting the largest common denominator with this release.

 

[fart town usa]

SOP had a MUCH different focus. To pretend otherwise is silly. SOP was Nioh with a different coat of paint. Very different approaches to combat.

Oh, the every present "ground breaking experience" argument. Always right at the tips of tongues for folks who don't like a game. (I say the same thing about BotW/TotK...the truth is...most games aren't...they are iterative as a whole pushing the medium forward). I don't think anyone is saying it is ground breaking. You are right, its a solid action game that isn't "ground breaking." But it is a heck of a lot of fun to play for me. (and I don't care for Action games very much...especially DMC and GoW).

In the end, it all comes down to player preference. And whatever you view this game as....100% doesn't matter (same with my opinion). If lots of folks are out there enjoying it for what it is. Then its a hit.

And...by and large...it seems most people are enjoying this version alot. That's all that matters.

To be fair, I only bring up the "ground breaking experience" because that's what people are leading others to believe the game is.

If this game was being discussed in a realistic way, I'd have no reason to post. It's because the actual game and the praise are so disconnected, it inspired me to get back on Gaf and share my opinion and be part of the launch window conversation.

I'll say it again, I don't think the game is bad whatsoever. I'm having fun with it but it's purely cinematic mindless action. Some people don't want a game like that and should be aware that that's what the game is. It's not an RPG in the slightest and people acting like it is are being disingenuous at best.

 

[touchfuzzy]

I'm having a pretty good time with it, a little cutscene heavy but the overall presentation level (graphics, music, voice acting, direction) is so off the charts good it's hard not to be impressed. I've also fought more giant monsters in the first 3 hours than I did in all of God of War Ragnarok.

Looking for it to open up a little bit more and let me play more than 10 mins without a cutscene, and to unlock some more moves for combat, I'm starting to just use the same move over and over. Leagues ahead of XV quality-wise though.

Also not sure whose idea it was to even have direct control over the dog be an option. I noped out of that so fast and just put the bangle on so he acts by himself. Sucks to take up an accessory slot for the whole game.

 

[Raven117]

To be fair, I only bring up the "ground breaking experience" because that's what people are leading others to believe the game is.

If this game was being discussed in a realistic way, I'd have no reason to post. It's because the actual game and the praise are so disconnected, it inspired me to get back on Gaf and share my opinion and be part of the launch window conversation.

I'll say it again, I don't think the game is bad whatsoever. I'm having fun with it but it's purely cinematic mindless action. Some people don't want a game like that and should be aware that that's what the game is. It's not an RPG in the slightest and people acting like it is are being disingenuous at best.

Are they? (Not being cute here...I just haven't seen this sort of thing...maybe its out there). And come now. The Launch Window is always more euphoric....Any REAL discussion, occurs later. Right now...its a shiny new FF that takes a bold approach for the series and its a heck of a lot of fun to play packaged in a great story and vibe. And, I do think this matters...Is coming off of Zelda (great game...that emphasis the exact OPPOSITE of FF)...Diablo IV (again, different emphasis), to FF which is positioned to be a much different palate cleanser from Zelda and Diablo as it is cinematic ARPG with a great vibe, story, characters, voice acting, etc. Its just kinda positioned to be well received.

Well, thanks for the PSA.

 

[ManaByte]

Best FF in 20 years. Trolls can suck it.

 

[DownLikeBCPowder]

Welp, Walmart fucked me. Now it's going to arrive even later than Amazon would have.

I guess when I placed the order, they expected next day delivery but only had X amount of stock and I drew the short straw. Should have just gone up there and bought it what a pile of shit, why claim availability and order delivery if you can't do it ? Then almost a week later? Shit sucks man.

Guess I won't be playing for a while so I'm checking out.

 

[fart town usa]

Best FF in 20 years. Trolls can suck it.

Please elaborate. I'm not even gonna reply to it and argue. Genuinely curious to why you think it's the best FF in 20 years.

 

[Raven117]

Best FF in 20 years. Trolls can suck it.

STOP HAVING FUN!

 

[TheKremlinBossMan]

It's just easy. There's nothing wrong with that though. I'm not trying to dump on the game, the hyperbole is just so over the top that anything contradictory is being read as a negative against the game when that's not the case at all, at least for me it isn't.

It's just a user friendly cinematic action game, nothing inherently wrong with that.

How far are you into the game? There is a pretty serious difficulty spike after you get Ramuh's abilities and access to Ambrosia and hunts.

 

[T_LVPL]

Played it all yesterday. Honestly can’t be bothered picking it up again. McDonald‘s is sounding good about now, passes an hour or 2.

very much looking forward to FF7R2 next year. Can only trust the proper FF team to deliver my type of FF really, not the people who make FF12 and 14. Decent little game but, erm, yeah.

 

[fart town usa]

How far are you into the game? There is a pretty serious difficulty spike after you get Ramuh's abilities and access to Ambrosia and hunts.

I'm in the Hall of Ancients or whatever it's called. With pausing here and there, I've probably got close to 15 hours into the game.

 

[Perfo]

Ok maybe I managed to improve things a bit with Gaming Tech's last tips. I'm still playing on HGIG and brightness at 5 but I've redone the PS5 HDR settings by limiting myself to 11 clicks set 1, 11 clicks set 2, all down to zero set 3. On a LG C9 800 nts. It seems - they say - the game has a little bug in reference to how it uses the system HDR and that's why you have to reset it differently from the other games (which usually just want you barely visible/not visible in set 1 and 2). I'll keep you posted.

 

[ManaByte]

Ok how can any FF fan not lose their shit at this?

Spoiler

 

[TheKremlinBossMan]

I'm in the Hall of Ancients or whatever it's called. With pausing here and there, I've probably got close to 15 hours into the game.

I'm 25 hours in, open the hunt board, get Ramuh, and the difficulty level spikes pretty hard.