480°

Final Fantasy 16 demo is a hit with fans: "This is truly the next generation of Final Fantasy"

Final Fantasy 16's demo has only just gone live, but reactions are already breathlessly praising it.

Read Full Story >>
gamesradar.com
gold_drake731d ago

i cant get enough of it, its soo good

Jin_Sakai730d ago (Edited 730d ago )

Demo is great and the visuals are amazing! I played in performance mode and the frame rate is all over the place unfortunately.

nommers730d ago

Combat is pretty consistently high FPS and close to 60 for me so far

GamingSinceForever730d ago

Strange because I had zero issues.

RupeeHoarder730d ago

Only dips I saw were during the final battle

repsahj730d ago

I don't have issues with performance, but the graphics mode needs to improve the framerate or add another mode for 40fps/120hz.

Tacoboto730d ago

Framerate was a bit jittery on performance mode but it did feel smoother during fights than traversing, from when I had it on. We'll see the numbers when DF gets to it.

The Quality Mode felt great though. It looks stunning, it's incredibly stable and the input lag didn't feel any worse by it. It was my preferred way to play.

Overall, wow this was one hell of a demo. Pre-order well deserved, can't wait for the 22nd!

Jin_Sakai730d ago (Edited 730d ago )

@GamingSinceForever

“Strange because I had zero issues.

The framerate is all over the place in performance mode. Even drops to the 30fps mark during busy scenes.

https://youtu.be/4QqJNTZfyZ...

Flawlessmic730d ago

I don't understand, how anyone could've played what I just played and the first thing that comes to your mind is fps lol

Do you people even like games

Jin_Sakai730d ago

“I don't understand, how anyone could've played what I just played and the first thing that comes to your mind is fps lol“

Read what I said before I mention the fps.

“Demo is great and the visuals are amazing”

Sonic1881730d ago

Hopefully they patch it up right before launch

730d ago
DaMist730d ago

No issues here, VRR tv maybe that helped

WhiteHawk729d ago

The downvotes are hilarious, the FPS was bloody awful.

Anyone who can’t see how bad the performance is just can’t see it.

+ Show (9) more repliesLast reply 729d ago
Sonic1881730d ago

Eikonic challenge is incredible! Just playing the demo gave me GOTY vibes. Never got bored playing it!

darkrider731d ago

It's amazing. What a final fantasy. What a game. Really like the evolution

repsahj730d ago

I don't mind the change as long as they did it right like what they did here.

Snookies12730d ago (Edited 730d ago )

Had to cave and just watch the demo on YouTube. Good god, the attention to detail is immaculate! It's these small things I'm noticing. Like the way the game takes it's time on scenes and you can see what characters are feeling based on their expressions. The smallest of changes in their lips going from a smile to a slight frown for a split-second. The way their eyes shift around looking like they are thinking something but not saying it aloud. In particular with the Jill and Joshua moments. Combine that all with top-notch voice acting and it's just surreal in a way. It's stunning...

I can't recall the last time something like this was so well done in a game. The lip syncing is so on point too thanks to them prioritizing English dubbing. I actually feel like I'm witnessing a movie or a work of art rather than a game story... I've been an incredibly strong advocate for this game since it's first announcement. Now, I think this may just have the potential to be my favorite Final Fantasy if it continues this level of quality and care throughout.

Flawlessmic731d ago

Woooooo, can't wait to download it the moment I get home !!!

RpgSama730d ago

You are in for a treat!! Just finished the demo, my excitement and anticipation are through the roof.

Flawlessmic730d ago

Bruhhhh, read below :):)

I'm so fucking stoked this is everything I hoped it would be, to think the demo is just a warm up!!!

Flawlessmic730d ago (Edited 730d ago )

Finally played and finished the demo!!

Ladies and gentleman, say hello to game of the fucking year!!!!!!

I mean I never had a doubt but wow, this exceeded my super high expectations.

It's is the perfect storm of every single thing working in combination, top notch visuals, characters you love and hate already, brillant combat which we have only experienced the tip of the ice berg.

The story, the themes, the tone just wowwwww.

It only took a 3hr demo to surpass my 90 or so hrs with totk.

Can't see starfield or spiderman changing my mind later on in the year but we will find out.

But man this feels like a game that was made just for me!!!

This isn't the final fantasy people wanted but I'll be dammed if it isn't the one we deserved.

Please let this game sell like gangbusters!!!!
And to think majority of all the promo stuff showed was basically just the start of the game.

Yoshi p and his team have delivered.

repsahj730d ago (Edited 730d ago )

Don't worry, I feel the same way. This is the reason they release the demo almost 2 weeks before launch, they are very confident fans will love it. And this is the first time I was so impressed by playing a demo.

sparky77730d ago

Hopefully it sticks the landing SE needs a win.

SullysCigar730d ago

What an odd take. Who doesn't need a win? Who needs a loss, for that matter? Lol

Game is beautiful and has definitely whet my appetite.

KwietStorm_BLM730d ago

Where have they been failing lately?

CrimsonWing69730d ago (Edited 730d ago )

I mean didn’t they just switch CEO’s due to poor performance/sales?

https://nationworldnews.com...

Also, yea… have we forgotten about Forspoken?

I feel like sometimes when I come in here I’m in some alternate reality.

Pyrofire95730d ago

@crimsonwing69. I read the article and it feels poorly written. I'm struggling to make out what they're saying about who and what intentions were and are. Maybe it's just my little smooth brain but I think it could have been better. I'd like to know more about this new CEO, he seemed charming at the opening of the FFXVI pre-launch event.

CrimsonWing69729d ago (Edited 729d ago )

@Pyrofire95

Maybe this will help refresh your memory:

https://www.gameshub.com/ne...

"The reasons for Matsuda’s departure were not detailed by Square Enix in its initial announcement, although there is some speculation that his role in pursuing NFTs and blockchain technologies, and his role in overseeing ‘disappointing’ failures like Marvel’s Avengers, as contributing to this shakeup."

Avengers, Babylon's Fall, Forspoken, the many AA games like Valyrie Elysium, Star Ocean, etc. didn't sell well.

I mean... please enlighten me on the games they have been selling crazy gangbusters on. My understanding is Final Fantasy VII Remake started off strong, but plateaued way quicker than they expected:

https://www.rpgsite.net/new...

"Net sales declined YoY in the HD Games sub-segment, partly because the release of major titles a year earlier had created a challenging YoY hurdle, but also because many of the new small and mid-sized titles we launched this year did not perform as well as we had expected."

Do you remember their massive hit Outriders? You sort of see my point here.

Also, I know everyone is caught up with the new CEO's speech about loving FF as a kid, but did we all of a sudden forget about this:

https://gamerant.com/square...

So, yea, a real gamer doubling down on NFTs and Blockchain Gaming. This dude's a business man before a "true gamer" and people are so easily swayed by one amazing game (I won't lie) and a sweet little story, that now all of a sudden this is the best Publisher that hasn't been struggling or coming up with ways to milk their consumers.

I'm literally just looking around at everyone scratching my head at literally sh*t that was said a few months ago that had everyone's panties in a bunch about Square Enix.

Hilarious.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 729d ago
ironmonkey730d ago

Their doing fine what needs a win is third place your praying to. Keep those candles burning.

shammgod730d ago

Octopath traveler 2 says hi

Flawlessmic730d ago

Well if you had a playstation to play It you would know, theres no doubt, ff16 is a lock!!!

Yoshi p and his team have absolutely delivered!!!
That demo is better than most full priced AAA games.

MrNinosan730d ago

They had 1 bad release out of 20+ last 12 months.
And that "bad release" wasn't even a bad game, but destroyed by fans who never played it or had any intentions of playing it.

SE doesn't need a win, but this is clearly one anyways.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 729d ago
LordoftheCritics730d ago

So much epicness packed into a demo.

LiViNgLeGaCY729d ago

It really was incredible. Something pretty substantial will have to come along to remove this from being my GOTY. Yes, that's JUST from the demo.

Show all comments (89)
200°

Final Fantasy XVI Maintains 60 FPS on Xbox Series X via FSR, but With Lower Resolution Than PS5

Final Fantasy XVI runs at a lower resolution on Xbox Series X compared to PS5, maintaining stable 60 FPS but with visual compromises.

Read Full Story >>
twistedvoxel.com
raWfodog21h ago(Edited 21h ago)

"While the PS5 version maintains superior resolution and visual fidelity, it cannot consistently deliver the same frame rate stability, especially in its Performance mode. Even the more powerful PS5 Pro struggles to keep frame rates within its VRR window when the action intensifies.

For players who prioritize performance above visual quality, the Xbox Series X version may offer appeal due to its stable frame rate. However, those seeking the best graphical presentation may find the lower resolution and various graphical compromises on Xbox a drawback. Digital Foundry concluded that while the port is serviceable in its current form, several issues, such as broken foliage rendering and contrast imbalance, remain in need of technical refinement."

----

As someone who prefers better framerate over visuals, it seems the X has the edge over PS5 in that department. But it apparently comes at the cost of more degraded visuals than one would imagine in this case. Perhaps it has not been fully optimized for the X yet, as the article also pointed out that this port perhaps derived from the PC version rather than the PS5 version. We'll see what the future brings (if anyone cares lol).

Obscure_Observer20h ago

I´ll take performance over graphics, thanks.

raWfodog19h ago(Edited 19h ago)

That's always my preference as well. More importantly, I prefer a smoother, stable framerate more than simply hitting higher framerates. But I do like it to look pretty as well lol.

Lamusiqa19h ago

That's usually my preference. But at 720p in 2025 with a 4K TV? Yikes.

CrashMania14h ago

I wonder if you had the same energy with Hellblade 2.

PhillyDonJawn13h ago

Yeah im not really a graphics 304. I feel like graphics has hit its peak and prioritizing graphics over gameplay has made games less enjoyable.

andy8512h ago

I took performance mode on the PS5, genuinely didnt look bad even at a low resolution

Snookies129h ago

@andy85 - Yeah, the performance mode was definitely the way to go. I guess with everything going on in battles, I never noticed the lower dynamic resolution kicking in. I was kind of stunned to hear how much the resolution drops when in battles.

I just wish the PC port had been good... I was getting 100 FPS in some areas, and under 30 in others no matter how I configured settings. Sad that Square-Enix has such an awful reputation for their PC ports.

gold_drake6h ago

it depends.
720p on my 75 inch tv aint pretty at all lol

but this is hardly a hardware issue but a square enix issue.
the games pretty but there isnt a whole lot going on in general in the game, outside of battles

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 6h ago
Elda9h ago

Nothing worse than looking at & playing a nice looking game with good graphics but the visuals are blurry.

badz1493h ago

12TF for 720p 60fps in 2025...WOW!

50°

LOGOS: The World of Final Fantasy XVI and The Art of FF XVI: Echoes of the Rising Tide Announced

Square Enix has announced two new books which expand the lore and world of Final Fantasy XVI.

Read Full Story >>
nettosgameroom.com
240°

FINAL FANTASY XVI - Available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox PC today | Xbox Games Showcase 2025

The legacy of the crystals has shaped our history for long enough.

3d ago Replies(1)
Kurisu3d ago

Great news for fans of Final Fantasy on Xbox.

raWfodog3d ago

I’m sure Xbox gamers are also looking forward to FFVII Remake dropping this fall/winter, probably more so than FFXVI.

Kurisu3d ago

I didn't realise that had been announced as well!

Scissorman3d ago

But will it sell well? Let's see if everyone that was bemoaning this title as a PS5 exclusive now has the balls to back it up and purchase this game on Xbox. This game sold over 3 million copies in three days on PS5 alone. Let's see how many Xbox players will show up.

Elda3d ago

I'm curious to know if only XB Series owners will buy the game as well.

tay87013d ago (Edited 3d ago )

They are not gonna buy them.

3d ago
2d ago
Christopher3d ago

Why do we even ask this when the facts will speak for themself in the future? Let's just be happy the game is more available to more gamers. We can discuss the sales of the game when they actually happen.

Terry_B2d ago

^^ this. Good third party games should be available on as many platforms as possible.

SPEAKxTHExTRUTH3d ago

Why do you care so much about how well this game sells on Xbox? What do you gain by learning how well it sells? Maybe you should focus more on why the game STILL runs like crap on PS5…

tay87013d ago

Runs like a dream on ps5 pro. Man the s is gonna struggle big time.

Traecy3d ago

Why do you care why some people care if it sells on XB or not? What do you gain by trying to call them out for wanting to know that info. The pot calling the kettle black.

kpgs2d ago

"Maybe you should focus more on why the game STILL runs like crap on PS5…"
Isn't that on the devs to fix?
And if it can't run well on PS5, isn't Xbox in trouble too?

SPEAKxTHExTRUTH2d ago

@KPGS couldn’t the same be said about him worrying about sales? Shouldn’t stock holders be the one worried about that not consumers?

@tay8701 unless you’re playing a completely different version of FF16 than everyone else it still runs like crap on PS5 and on Pro so I’m not sure what dreams you be having…

At Traecy Oh you’re one of those guys i see. Ok I’ll play along, why are you worried about me be worried about someone being worried about sales? See what I did there…

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 2d ago
3d ago
3d ago
Petebloodyonion3d ago

It's not about selling, it's about mending bridges.
Honestly, a huge chunk of ppl owning an Xbox do own a PlayStation console, something that Phil Spencer alluded to before the release of the Series X with why releasing a Series S console.
https://www.gamedeveloper.c...

And true Final Fantasy fans probably bought a PS5 when they announced only on PS5.
So don't expect a lot of sales for these games.

Pickledpepper9h ago

I was a true final fantasy fan up until the game turned to a hack n slash. Turn base was much better and gave the game more depth and challenge

thesoftware7303d ago

So, and old game that was later called "not really a FF" game and many concluded that has annoying gameplay issues(no real elemental structure)which everyone know about..and you expect it to seel super well.

They hype has been gone for this game, and the fact that there are so many other newer stellar RPG currently available.

Extermin8or3_3d ago

Thry don't buy games hardly at all anymore. It won't sell well. Will likely leave square Enix scratching their heads and thinking "oh shit, maybe taking money and dev assistance from Sony for it to be exclusive is the better financial move after all"

Workshyskiver3d ago

It won't really be a true reflection of what marketshare the Xbox platform would have of the game if it had released day and date. I would have been a day one buyer but its been out for so long I've since bought it on my PC and I can't imagine I am alone in that.

On the game itself I thought it was extremely disappointing and such a dull game outside of the big boss moments. Had a potentially great story and I just don't think they delivered on its potential.

FF7 remake is another one that whilst I liked and I loved reunion, cutting out a lot of the waffle they introduced and having those two games as one entry would have been better. Chadley is a horrible addition to those games.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 9h ago
Hereandthere3d ago

Bought for 55.16, have to support blockbuster games like this.

Levii_923d ago

I’m replaying this game right now on Ps5 and while i like it a bit better this time (cause i knew what to expect) some of the choices made in this game gameplay and traversal wise are still mind-numbingly baffling to me.

Show all comments (32)