One of 2023’s most highly anticipated games Final Fantasy XVI is set to release on June 22, 2023 for the PlayStation 5. However, one day prior to its launch, the first critic scores have arrived for the newest entry in the acclaimed fantasy RPG series that began all the way back in 1987. Let’s take a look at the critical consensus surrounding Final Fantasy XVI, and see where the latest title rates in the franchise’s storied history.
Final Fantasy XVI Metascore
As of this writing, Final Fantasy XVI has attained critical acclaim with an 88 Metascore on PS5. This rating places the latest game 21st in the history of the PS5, in a statistical tie with notable gaming experiences, such as The Last of Us Part I, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, It Takes Two, Deathloop, and Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate.
Furthermore, in a highly competitive year of gaming, Final Fantasy XVI has cemented itself on the edge of the “game of the year” conversation, ranking 21st among the highest-rated titles of 2023, slightly trailing other contenders such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Metroid Prime Remastered, Resident Evil 4, Street Fighter 6, Diablo IV, Dead Space, and Hi-Fi Rush, along with many others close behind.
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Final Fantasy XVI’s Rating vs. Past Final Fantasy Games
While an 88 is an impressive, undeniably high score in a series with some of the most critically acclaimed games ever made, Final Fantasy XVI surprisingly rates among the middle/back half of the franchise’s mainline titles. In terms of critical consensus, the newest Final Fantasy entry ranks tenth place all-time in the mainline series, trailing Final Fantasy IX (94), Final Fantasy X (92), Final Fantasy XII (92), Final Fantasy VII (92), Final Fantasy VI (92), Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker, Shadowbringers, and Stormblood (92, 91 & 89 respectively), Final Fantasy VIII (90), Final Fantasy IV (89), and Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade (89).
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Interested in more Final Fantasy XVI? Check out Prima’s official review.
