IGN FF16 review is almost like a critique of FF14's own issues

[R041]

That's weird. I've been watching content creators intentionally ignore the main story to do the side quests/hunts because many of them have beneficial rewards like a permanent increase to potion potency and new recipes for better gear (not to mention some of the materials to make that gear). Those side quests have become a priority when they appear.

Sounds like you went into the game with an intention to find reasons to hate it because of your feelings about XIV and so you're missing out.

Also wondering if you've already beat it on hard mode or if you're judging it solely on normal mode, which is intended to make the full story accessible to all audiences.

Nah, those side-quests with substance that you're talking about are a dime a dozen. It ain't like that. Almost all of them are Gil Bug, 20 Crafting Mats of garbage. Are you playing this game? No? Then don't act like you know what you're talking about. https://www.powerpyx.com/final-fanta...-quests-guide/


Reward: 5 XP, 1 Meteorite, 1 Gil Bug
Reward: 5 XP, 500 Gil, 10 Wyrrite
Reward: 18 XP, 10 Valley Madder, 20 Sharp Fang, 30 Bloody Hide
Reward: 20 XP, 100 AP, 1 Gil Bug
Reward: 18 XP, 10 Sharp Fang, 5 Bloody Hide
Reward: 20 XP, 100 AP, 10 Magicked Ash, 1 Meteorite
Reward: 18 XP, 1000 Gil, 10 Wyrrite, 10 Magicked Ash
Reward: 20 XP, 1000 Gil, 10 Wyrrite, 1 Meteorite
Reward: 20 XP, 20 Wyrrite, 10 Sharp Fang
Reward: 20 XP, 30 Wyrrite, 30 Sharp Fang, 1 Meteorite
Reward: 15 XP, 1 Gil Bug
Reward: 15 XP, 10 Sharp Fang, 1 Black Blood
Reward: 20 XP, 10 Wyrrite, 5 Steelsilk
Reward: 18 XP, 1000 Gil, 20 Steelsik, 20 Bloody Hide
Reward: 20 XP, 1100 Gil, 1 Meteorite
Reward: 18 XP, 1000 Gil, 25 Magicked Ash
Reward: 20 XP, 150 AP, 30 Magicked Ash
Reward: 18 XP, 20 Magicked Ash

Guess what I can spend all that gil on? Nothing, because it doesn't matter. I already have 100k from MSQ, and I never need to craft because I always somehow have the best gear after finishing story.

THERE IS NO HARD MODE UNTIL YOU BEAT THE GAME. It's Easy Mode, Easy Mode with Easy Rings, and Easiest Mode, Easiest Mode with Easy Rings.

Also, Content Creators always intentionally drag everything out, it's not about doing things of substance. It's about taking as much time as they can with everything so they can make as much money as they can from viewers. It's almost like we all have first hand experience with this in XIV. Jfc don't be so gullible.

It's extremely clear you don't know what you're talking about - Anyone that's played XVI can immediately understand what I'm saying about the balance of quests, monsters, gil, crafting, materials. Even talking in this thread acting like you know what you're talking about, only having watched the game makes you just a contrarian. I can give praise, but these issues are pretty glaring to most players that actually play the game for longer than 2 hours.

[Jojoya]

THERE IS NO HARD MODE UNTIL YOU BEAT THE GAME. It's Easy Mode, Easy Mode with Easy Rings, and Easiest Mode, Easiest Mode with Easy Rings.

I'm aware that completing the game on normal mode first is required to unlock hard mode. Thanks for clarifying that you haven't been able to beat the game yet even on easy mode yet. Got it. You're not in a position to judge just how hard the game can be then, are you?

You're right, I don't have a PS5 so I can't play the game. I'm limited to watching others who are playing it and sharing those playthroughs online. They have the things they like. They have things they don't like and they're honest about them. But overall, they're really enjoying the game and they are doing those side quests because they are getting rewards they feel worthwhile, even that gil you say is useless because there are things they want to buy and collect such as the orchestrion rolls. They're also looking forward to going through the content on hard mode once they've got it unlocked.

Strange how my friends who are playing the game are enjoying without complaint as well. I can't watch them as they play since they don't stream, though.

I'm not being gullible. Games are for relaxation and entertainment. They don't have to be difficult to be enjoyable. So sorry that game companies are trying to sell their games to a wide audience and so they include multiple difficulties to give everyone something to enjoy. So sorry your ego can't handle playing the same game as those who aren't looking for a difficult challenge.

Try getting back to us once you've completed the game on hard mode and then start complaining about how baby easy the game is. Or better yet, walk away from CBU3 games altogether since it's clear you've already made up your mind that you are not going to like any game it produces.

[TheDecay]

I'm aware that completing the game on normal mode first is required to unlock hard mode. Thanks for clarifying that you haven't been able to beat the game yet even on easy mode yet. Got it. You're not in a position to judge just how hard the game can be then, are you?

You're right, I don't have a PS5 so I can't play the game. I'm limited to watching others who are playing it and sharing those playthroughs online. They have the things they like. They have things they don't like and they're honest about them. But overall, they're really enjoying the game and they are doing those side quests because they are getting rewards they feel worthwhile, even that gil you say is useless because there are things they want to buy and collect such as the orchestrion rolls. They're also looking forward to going through the content on hard mode once they've got it unlocked.

Strange how my friends who are playing the game are enjoying without complaint as well. I can't watch them as they play since they don't stream, though.

I'm not being gullible. Games are for relaxation and entertainment. They don't have to be difficult to be enjoyable. So sorry that game companies are trying to sell their games to a wide audience and so they include multiple difficulties to give everyone something to enjoy. So sorry your ego can't handle playing the same game as those who aren't looking for a difficult challenge.

Try getting back to us once you've completed the game on hard mode and then start complaining about how baby easy the game is. Or better yet, walk away from CBU3 games altogether since it's clear you've already made up your mind that you are not going to like any game it produces.

In other words, you would much rather everyone dissatisfied with the game to simply leave so that any avenue for feedback to the developers becomes an echo chamber - sometimes even filled with people who never played the game defending CBU3 on their behalf. What a hateful, small-minded comment.

[Shinkuno]

You're right, I don't have a PS5 so I can't play the game.

"I didnt even play the game but let me shill for my favourite company!"

[R041]

I'm aware that completing the game on normal mode first is required to unlock hard mode. Thanks for clarifying that you haven't been able to beat the game yet even on easy mode yet. Got it. You're not in a position to judge just how hard the game can be then, are you?

You're right, I don't have a PS5 so I can't play the game. I'm limited to watching others who are playing it and sharing those playthroughs online. They have the things they like. They have things they don't like and they're honest about them. But overall, they're really enjoying the game and they are doing those side quests because they are getting rewards they feel worthwhile, even that gil you say is useless because there are things they want to buy and collect such as the orchestrion rolls. They're also looking forward to going through the content on hard mode once they've got it unlocked.

Strange how my friends who are playing the game are enjoying without complaint as well. I can't watch them as they play since they don't stream, though.

Try getting back to us once you've completed the game on hard mode and then start complaining about how baby easy the game is. Or better yet, walk away from CBU3 games altogether since it's clear you've already made up your mind that you are not going to like any game it produces.

You just want to argue with me for sake of argument - Unfortunately I don't really consider your opinions from watching Streamers valid because you don't have first hand experience with the game. After 30 hours of PLAYING, I imagine someone would have an OK understanding and can make a judgement on a game. That's about 20 hours past tutorial for FF standards. 10 hours for XIII. lol

It's not that XVI is an absolutely horrible piece of shit, if you think I'm saying that, then you're misunderstanding and aren't paying attention. It has so many cool systems that each of them just need to be pushed slightly forward to make a fucking masterpiece. It's like Variant Dungeon - It's so close to being amazing, but it's pretty clear the design is super micro managed and something or someone cut costs just to get the systems out. Story focused, but content diminished.

After 30 hours, I've killed a pretty wide variety of shit, I've done most side quests, I have most equipment. It was only AFTER I even finished story stuff that I went back to do these side-quests, because they weren't even worth doing unless you wanted more story from a mannequin shaking their hands.

You're contradicting yourself saying you watch people saying they have things they like/don't like, but also tell me how your friends have no complaints? Okay.
You have 2nd hand experience from watching someone else, and you're also assuming you know everything they're thinking about the game. I'm telling you from first hand experience how I'm finding XVI as an FF + DMC player.
You don't know the feeling of running to a glowy drop in the distance only to be met with 2gil. Over and over and over. It makes your heart sink. It teaches you to stop wanting to do that thing.

And now you need me to beat the game, in order for me to find the pacing of the game and story good? I don't understand - Are you reading what I'm saying? Most story events that occur, like 30 minutes of buildup, usually end in 2 seconds where I AoE everyone in a melted puddle.

Also all of the RPG elements, I can sit here and argue that they're bad, which they.. Kinda are, they're super sub-par, but if you just removed them from the game entirely, I probably wouldn't have been as frustrated.

"Gil is worth it because Orchestrion Rolls" bro this isn't an MMO.. Those should have been challenges, not gil sinks.

You are gullible, because you told me you watch Streamers do all the side-quests because they're apparently worth it. 90% of the time they're not. You try doing those side-quests with no rewards and tell me if you don't fall asleep. lol

These aren't uncommon complaints either. After playing a ton, I decided to start reading some player reviews. Not Journalists. Not Streamers. Players. It's pretty obvious my problems aren't niche, and that's not because Final Fantasy. It's because game design.

Anyway - I'm positive 'Final Fantasy Mode' will have better pacing, it's just unfortunate I have to beat the game first to experience a decently paced story + game combination, when they gave us an easier mode, AND easy rings, making it seem like the Normal mode would be even somewhat challenging.

I genuinely believe people are having a blast with XVI, I'm mostly being picky. So don't take my word as the game as a whole being horrible. Again I said the story is about a 9/10 for me right now. Combat is getting a little better, but I still instantly kill non-stagger enemies, which is super frustrating when you've played DMC and know how things should go. Mah Combos

[TomsYoungerBro]

Nah, those side-quests with substance that you're talking about are a dime a dozen. It ain't like that. Almost all of them are Gil Bug, 20 Crafting Mats of garbage. Are you playing this game? No? Then don't act like you know what you're talking about. https://www.powerpyx.com/final-fanta...-quests-guide/

Reward: 5 XP, 1 Meteorite, 1 Gil Bug
Reward: 5 XP, 500 Gil, 10 Wyrrite
Reward: 18 XP, 10 Valley Madder, 20 Sharp Fang, 30 Bloody Hide
Reward: 20 XP, 100 AP, 1 Gil Bug
Reward: 18 XP, 10 Sharp Fang, 5 Bloody Hide
Reward: 20 XP, 100 AP, 10 Magicked Ash, 1 Meteorite
Reward: 18 XP, 1000 Gil, 10 Wyrrite, 10 Magicked Ash
Reward: 20 XP, 1000 Gil, 10 Wyrrite, 1 Meteorite
Reward: 20 XP, 20 Wyrrite, 10 Sharp Fang
Reward: 20 XP, 30 Wyrrite, 30 Sharp Fang, 1 Meteorite
Reward: 15 XP, 1 Gil Bug
Reward: 15 XP, 10 Sharp Fang, 1 Black Blood
Reward: 20 XP, 10 Wyrrite, 5 Steelsilk
Reward: 18 XP, 1000 Gil, 20 Steelsik, 20 Bloody Hide
Reward: 20 XP, 1100 Gil, 1 Meteorite
Reward: 18 XP, 1000 Gil, 25 Magicked Ash
Reward: 20 XP, 150 AP, 30 Magicked Ash
Reward: 18 XP, 20 Magicked Ash

I agree with the sidequest issue. 16 does have the equivalent of 14's "Blue" sidequests in that they are quests with meaningful rewards, but the large majority are normal sidequests that give essentially nothing like 14's normal sidequests. 16 I guess does do a little better with them at least giving rep which works towards rewards, but they still are not worth it.

and I never need to craft because I always somehow have the best gear after finishing story.

This is just not true though. The best gear and weapon come from doing specific "Blue" sidequests and gathering correct materials. If you do nothing but MSQ, you will not have the best possible gear in the end.

[R041]

I agree with the sidequest issue. 16 does have the equivalent of 14's "Blue" sidequests in that they are quests with meaningful rewards, but the large majority are normal sidequests that give essentially nothing like 14's normal sidequests. 16 I guess does do a little better with them at least giving rep which works towards rewards, but they still are not worth it.


This is just not true though. The best gear and weapon come from doing specific "Blue" sidequests and gathering correct materials. If you do nothing but MSQ, you will not have the best possible gear in the end.

Yeah I misspoke and wasn't clear - It's not always the BEST. But the problem is you know you're getting something way better if you just do MSQ consistently, and in Normal Mode nothing survives longer than a second so why bother with min-maxing that +5 dmg +5hp. It's kinda like doing FFXIV leveling dungeons. You never really need the gear, you get basically the best gear from just doing MSQ, so stopping to upgrade every chance you get makes no sense, and it's not like you glam armor. Especially when it's all easy anyway. lol

This might be different for 'Final Fantasy Mode', or the mode after. But currently it's not worth the time or effort.

A thrilling story of a world and its inhabitants facing a world ending event with the all too familar bestiary, spellcraft, and gods, FFXVI is certainly just as a Final Fantasy. Now as an rpg, definitely not, there are pretty much just 2 aspects that change the functionality of your character, your Eikon abilities and what you equip for your 3 rings, thats about it... Now does this make FFXVI a bad game, no, far from it is an awesome story driven action game with a very detailed world and lore and a very fun combat system, that can be simple or insanely combo heavy. In the end your personal preference being left out of a game does NOT make the game bad, its just means its likely not a game for you and FFXVI is solidly not going everyones Final Fantasy.

Yeah I by no means would say it's a bad Final Fantasy. I'm just being nitpicky.

My complaints basically boil down to..

The game teaches me to not care about the nuanced systems like crafting / loot / gil / combos.


Combos are interesting, because it's such an integral system in the combat, but is completely overridden by them giving you full Eikon energy on everything every fight you start. It's like starting every fight in Final Fantasy with a free Ifrit Summon that only takes 1 second to cast, and 1 shots all mobs except for the fat one. If they made you work for this energy, and it was expended for every Eikon ability you did, that'd be way better to me personally. Do combos to build up Eikon Energy, then expend 3 bars on 3 abilities. Then combo it out again. You know?

That's just the problem, they put a lot of effort into a lot of things, and it shows. But they diminish themselves as fun and engaging systems so easily by making weird balance decisions.

Whatever team's in charge of 'balance' from an engaging gameplay perspective, needs to just stop please. Let someone else give it a try. The things that are cheap shouldn't be cheap, the things that are expensive shouldn't be expensive, they should be challenges. The things that are drawn out shouldn't be drawn out. I shouldn't get all the cool Eikon gear for free, but the cheap trash armor grinded. Million gil from MSQ, but 100gil from spending an hour in an open zone. Makes no sense. Like I said, it's all flip flopped and whack.