Final Fantasy XVI - Easy Allies Review
Ойындар
Final Fantasy XVI boldly dares to defy series norms and forge a new path forward, resulting in the most satisfying single-player Final Fantasy in nearly two decades.
Written by Michael Damiani
Video Edited by Don Casanova
Reviewed on PlayStation 5
Available on PlayStation 5
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Пікірлер: 555
Best review I’ve seen on this game and honestly nothing beats a Jones narration.
@shecklesmack9563
Жыл бұрын
GameTrailers nostalgia ☺️
@youtubesucks1821
Жыл бұрын
It was just a boring list of things. Wasn't much of a review
@Fr33climb
Жыл бұрын
@@youtubesucks1821 Just a vague negative comment. Wasn’t much of a criticism.
@youtubesucks1821
Жыл бұрын
@@Fr33climb A review should tell you if a game is fun and give you a sense of whether you, personally, would enjoy it or hate it. This review did none of that, it's a bad review. The above paragraph is the same thing as my original comment only in more words. Your inferior brain will accept the above paragraph while still considering my original comment "not much of a criticism". Nothing about the original comment was negative, I was literally describing the video. And it wasn't vague either. I said it's just "a list of things" and was "boring". That is exactly what it was, blame the video for that criticism, not me. You're just another braindead fanboy, not much of a response.
@amazing2157channel
Жыл бұрын
They are the best about not spoiling unnecessary story information and covering every other facet of the game. Plus, you know when they review it they actually finished it.
Haven't even finished the video and have to comment on how wonderful the "active time lore" system sounds. It sounds so obvious and simple but seemingly nobody (including me) ever thought about it. I was nervous about how much lore and characters would be in this game that would be too hard for an adult with a full time job to appreciate because I will forget everything every time I get back to playing.
@blackrat1228
Жыл бұрын
Sounds like the logical next step from games that have in game codexs /glossaries. Came in very handy during my half year playthrough of tactics ogre reborn, but I still had to go back and findthe info to begin with. This takes that extra step out.
@Sakisasvictorianmask
10 ай бұрын
I'm still shocked how many people celebrate this system. It's a glorified in-game wiki and an excuse to put a lot of interesting information into a very unexciting dictionary format, rather than putting it into the actual dialogue or cutscenes. It could be a practical addition, but really boils down to a very lazy storytelling tool. Imagine if two of the middle seasons of Game of Thrones had been cut out and instead you had to read up on all the plot on wikipedia....
I might be late here, but the guy who did this review, used to be the guy who did the Game Trailers reviews on their website right? He was one of the best, extremely professional.
@coolrocksounds
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, voice as smooth as silk, Brandon Jones the game trailers guy.
@dabaronious
Жыл бұрын
Yep! Michael Damiani wrote the review but Brandon Jones still does the VO for most (if not all?) of EZ Allies reviews
@omegagilgamesh
Жыл бұрын
Yep, after Gametrailers got shut down by their latest owners (who infamously laid off 70% of the staff literally the day after acquisition,) many of the top people from there went on to make EZ Allies.
@battlep0t
Жыл бұрын
Yeah this channel is a lot of former GameTrailers people who formed their own company after it got shut down.
Good to hear that this game doesnt make the same mistakes 15 did, at least is a complete story this time around.
@zashimi1345
Жыл бұрын
Yes, that sudden speedy pace after getting on the boat and just the abrupt change in plot was insane.
@taterboob
Жыл бұрын
It felt like to incomplete games bolted together, with neither being all that compelling. It’s the first FF since I started following the series at VI that I couldn’t be bothered to finish.
@fugamantew
Жыл бұрын
15 is the cringiest
@MikeRedead333
Жыл бұрын
@@fugamantew agree, also, it has way too much filler.
@battlep0t
Жыл бұрын
Yeah 15 was the weirdest paced game ever, just like skipping over the entire plot of Kingsglaive in a short cutscene near the start, then the story was pretty good up until and including Altissia and then once that chapter ends and get on that train it just feels like they're rushing to finish it.
Nice to see a nonremake single player FF be amazing again. Business Unit and Yoshi aren’t playing around!
@TheOneAndOnlyLUUUU
Жыл бұрын
Yoshi P and the squad are the only ones keeping square afloat on their titan sized shoulders.
@MrSPW93
Жыл бұрын
If you can look past the obvious shortcomings of 15 theres an incredible game in the Royal Version
@CarurossTheSecond218
Жыл бұрын
@@MrSPW93 honestly couldn’t stand the combat. Too automatic if that makes sense. Maybe Royal improved that part idk. FF7R was amazing
@MrSPW93
Жыл бұрын
@@CarurossTheSecond218 7R was something else. Rebirth expanding combat will be something special. I don't think Royals updated combat would change your mind but its definitely more fun than OG. Ability to switch to the other party members is great
@zacatkinson3926
Жыл бұрын
@@MrSPW93 xv was amazing
Jesus guys, everything in this review proved that your reviews should be the industry standard. It was that good!
It feels surreal to actually have an FF not disappoint, it brings me such a joy I can’t describe.
@BakanoJutsu
Жыл бұрын
Sure most of the big ones ended after the PS2 era... But XIV is great. VII Remake is great. XIII was a misfire on story but the combat was great. Didn't touch the sequels. XVI coming out strong is exciting for sure though.
@ChichiNaka
Жыл бұрын
nice to see someone admit it
@Ayoul
Жыл бұрын
@@BakanoJutsu And like 15 is divisive, but it's still got things to love in there.
@seanleblanc8784
Жыл бұрын
This game looks great, but the small text is a deal breaker for me. So many games have minuscule text and it's frustrating to have to strain my eyes. Infuriating.
@SteinarrBattlefist
Жыл бұрын
@@AyoulI love the overall story of ffxv, but hate the fact that it was chopped up into individual packages. Had it all been in a single game it very well could have been one of the definitive entries, up there with the likes of 6, 7, and 10.
Damn, this game is yet another banger this year in a year STACKED with them. This year might turn out bettter than 2018 and others. What a time to be a gamer. We're eating good this year.
@jesse1086
Жыл бұрын
Zelda Hogwarts diablo street fighter final fantasy lies of P starfield mortal Kombat Alan Wake spiderman WE EATIN LIKE DIANE KEATON
@bondbarrybonds5774
Жыл бұрын
@@jesse1086RE4 Remake…and dark horse contender Redfall 😂
@harsharip
Жыл бұрын
I am sure this will win game of the year awards that is managed by Geof
@JazGalaxy
Жыл бұрын
For me nothing comes close to 1991 and the launch of the Super Nintendo. Super Mario world, FZero, pilotwings, Castlevania 4, sim city, actraiser, legendary game after legendary game that i still play regularly today
@NickHunter
Жыл бұрын
hifi rush, dredge, armored core 6
The most consistent criticism I'm hearing about the game is framerate and early-game sidequest. But other than that, it's an overall amazing game. Well worth the wait.
@GrahamChapman
Жыл бұрын
Also, framerate problems are a common day 1 issue. Those issues are almost always fixed in future patches.
@subparticle8995
Жыл бұрын
If you play on performance mode you don't really get that issue in most areas except for places with complex geometry like Rosaria or Dalimil
@Miradis
7 ай бұрын
@@GrahamChapmanare they fixed now?
12:23 I would strongly disagree with "wondrous world full of exploration", the weakest point imo is exploration and side quests, but nice review
@kar12894
11 ай бұрын
how is it a nice review, they lied lol
CBU3 showing once again why they have made one of the best FF stories to date
Awesome review as always!! Love how quick you guys posted it!
The demo already made me care about Sir Tyler and Sir Wade. The characters so good!
Ff16 coming in strong and hot. Great review!
Love the "the wire" references on that trophy
I hope we will see Ben Starr at the FFXVI Spoiler Mode 🤞
Legit the only review that matters to me and that I've been waiting for especially after watching you guys play the demo with Ben. Not surprised to hear it's a modern masterpiece that's really only slightly hindered by its performance because I had more fun with the 2 hour demo alone than most full length games I've played this year.
FINALLY a great mainline final fantasy. The demo was absolutely amazing.
@mac1bc
9 ай бұрын
The full game was alright. Better on the 2nd playthrough when you understand more what the story is about.
@zacatkinson3926
8 ай бұрын
13 and 15 were fine
Great review Damiani! I really REALLY can't wait to play this
Great review! So happy we still get the Jones VO, miss that hunk.
As a 31 year old playing games , this brought me back to being a kid shouting at screen and gett8ng amazed. Real game of the year!
Wish I had a PS5 for this, but it will likely be some months, if not a year before I can grab this (unless it drops on PC sooner). Either way, this is the most hyped I've been for a FF since the 90's.
@sayukireload
Жыл бұрын
I used to want to wait PC ver but I could not resist it 😂
@omegagilgamesh
Жыл бұрын
Good luck. While I have a PS5 and pre-ordered the collector's edition of XVI, I hope the PS5 exclusivity deal doesn't last too long; I don't like it when people who can't afford all the latest consoles don't get to play a great game.
Tears of the Kingdom runs at 20 FPS and no one bats an eye. FF16 spikes between 30-60 only in certain areas of the game and it gets dinged for it.
@Nyla_emotes
Жыл бұрын
not to talk about storytelling, voice actors and so...
@RaifSeverence
Жыл бұрын
Becuas3 everyone automatically defaults to grading on a curve for Switch games.
Just finished this game about an hour ago. Spectacular. I loved it.
I've been in love with his voice talking about final fantasy since forever.
Glad FF is back. Whatever happens it is my GOTY😊
@vergilops2439
Жыл бұрын
Me too
This is great! Hot off the press 🔥 FF is back in stately fashion 🎮
Holy shit, GOTY 2023 is stacked! What a year!
Amazing review as always
Phenomenal review as expected from the team. ThanQ ❤ Quick Question : where is Mr. Ben Moore? Been a while since his last review!
@EasyAllies
Жыл бұрын
Ben left Easy Allies about a year ago. His wife got a job back home, and they had to rush to move back before her start date. -Bloodworth
@hishamhassan6426
Жыл бұрын
@@EasyAllies WoW!!! I never knew that!!! I will definitely miss him a whole lot! if it’s not too much to ask, Show him this message for me : “I’ve always admired your outstanding and remarkable literature, it helped to improve my Fluency in English more than you can imagine. Wish you nothing but the best Mr. Ben on your future endeavors.” And ThanQ Mr. Bloodworth for your time
@MegaMagicalMegan
Жыл бұрын
@@hishamhassan6426 from what I’ve heard in their streams they haven’t really had contact with Ben since he left and only occasionally see him logging into steam or something, he’s focused on settling into his new life
@kar12894
11 ай бұрын
@@EasyAllies hey guys, is Jones actually an AI now? he sounds off. you can admit it
4:00 "worlds and locations feel alive and with a handcrafted touch"
Amazing work getting this out at the embargo time!!!
Revisiting this review after beating the game. I agree with the review. The combat is some of my favorite of all time, and i found the overall story, world, main missions, and bosses to all be consistently amazing. To me its one of my favorite games of all time with some issues that are more design/pacing related that hold it back from some more polished 10/10s. I love this game and so far its my goty. It has some negatives, but they are outweighed by an unforgettable campaign and engaging combat. The performance mode is definitely lacking, and i would have been okay with any visual cuts necessary to maintain better frame rate like sony’s first party offerings (and even Ff7R). Side content doesn’t always have good rewards so casuals will not know which they should prioritize. The in game cutscenes can be jarring. Exploration can feel slow with unnecessary caps on movement speed and animations for mounting/dismounting chocobo. Game would have better without chests in general as any good accessory is mostly gated to main missions which could be spoils, and you can consistently craft best upgrades with mats from quests/hunts anyway. That said can’t recommend this game enough to anyone on the fence. Especially final fantasy/god of war/devil may cry fans.
I remember when people thought there was was only one tiny hub and no additional towns in the game 😆Boy were we dead wrong.
Amazing Review!!
Active time lore itself should push this into at a 9.5
@Nyla_emotes
Жыл бұрын
Agreed! And the possibility to fight previous enemies at any time if you missed items or if you just want to train.
One of the only two channels whose reviews I trust. Now I'm gonna pre-order
@allan9336
Жыл бұрын
what's the other one?
@game1121
Жыл бұрын
ACG maybe?
@vishnualcyone9170
Жыл бұрын
Skillup? Acg? Sacred Symbols?
@SaHOG
Жыл бұрын
Definitely not IGN or GameSpot
@gngn2891
Жыл бұрын
@@SaHOG Actually, IGN's FF16 review was written by Mitchell Saltzman - friend of the channel.
I'm getting lots of Tales of Arise vibes playing the game, and Clive also reminds me of Alphen.
Great review and performance issues well highlighted. Any news on patches from the developers?
Great review, was fun to watch and listen to.
"The most satisfying single player FF in nearly two decades." Just what I like.😋
Always love your review guys🔥🔥🔥
Between FF7Remake and FF16, I'm glad Final Fantasy is finally back among the leaders in gaming again.
@GrahamChapman
Жыл бұрын
The years following the Square Soft and Enix merger were a mess to be sure, with internal power struggles and company politics messing up a lot of games. Wada was a disaster. The less I say about Yosuke Matsuda the better. But things are finally kinda starting to look up.
Thanks for the review Damiani
Really been one hell of a year for video games
0:45, well, that all but confirms what I suspected happens at the end of the battle we see before the flashback sequence.
Great review, keep up the good work guys. All your Final Fantasy content makes this the only review I needed
Sheeesh. I can’t wait to start playing tonight!
This year's GoY discussions will be 🔥
I didn't even make it to the end of the review yet and I think Damiani just sold me a PS5. I really haven't been paying attention to this game despite being a long time FF fan but I think I need to play this.
Good work, Easy Allies. A trustworthy review as always
@kar12894
11 ай бұрын
literally paid off with this one.
I love the game so much. The only thing I cannot stand is the borderline intolerable motion blur. I tried turning up my sensitivity because the default is so low and I about threw up from motion sickness. I hope they patch it soon.
@kamihikouki1010
Жыл бұрын
It took me ten hours to finally get used to motion blur, and so can you until they're updated.
@s1ightlypanda
Жыл бұрын
@@kamihikouki1010 not everyone is you sweetheart.
Lets goo FF I knew this game wasn't going to disappoint!
Great review!
Mainline FF is back baby!! Loved the game, but I do hope pure action combat isn’t the sole future for the series
Great review picking up a PS5 now.
The only thing I wasn't sure about from the demo was the combat (everything else was excellent), the switch to action focused doesn't bother me at all it's just it didn't feel that deep. Granted it's only the first two hours of the game which is basically a tutorial and just teaching you the mechanics. But given the Devil May Cry combat director is involved, I hope it opens up a bit more.
You're almost always right with your reviews. So im sold.
@kar12894
11 ай бұрын
you just got punked
So the only negative to the game is the performance and not being a stable 60 fps? That's over all pretty good to hear. I wonder if it will be a 10/10 for me. I hope it's a huge seller but with how stacked this year has been and people's wallets already hurt, I've been worried it may not sell as amazing as it should.
Great to hear Finchy from the Office
@billionaeris1183
Жыл бұрын
He's come a long way and has a great voice, crazy to think he was around 30 years old in the office guy has such a deep voice and looked older haha, UK Office is GOAT
Really looking forward to playing this
Salivating over the DLC bosses already🤤
I knew from day 1 when this game was announced it would be amazing. Reason? Yoshi P and CBU3. So much passion for FF ❤
Thanks for the review!
11:38 Smash World of Light begins
Damn Yoshi-p the savior of final fantasy series, he did it twice.
I hope the story of this game teaches the other Sqaure Enix teams on FF projects how its done.
they were smart to release a demo - I didn't care for this game before, but I immediately pre-ordered the game after playing the demo - it's that good
@zashimi1345
Жыл бұрын
Same, absolutely was just "oh OK, a mature FF sure go for it, meh" FFXV made me a little skeptical. Oof that demo though. Granted, prplogue was funny due to all the country names and other keywords with no idea what's what but that combat and the effects, Music and voice acting not being that bad sold me
@Kuranghi
Жыл бұрын
@@zashimi1345 You can press the touchpad during any cutscene (and gameplay too maybe, not sure) and it gives you short descriptions of all parties, characters and places in that cutscene/chapter.
@omegagilgamesh
Жыл бұрын
I wonder if the decision to release the demo was influenced by the pre-order numbers being so low compared to previous FF titles, even when accounting for the low ownership rate of PS5's, that the SE brass were reportedly "slightly panicked." I can almost guarantee those numbers shot up after the demo.
@b20vteg
Жыл бұрын
@@omegagilgamesh most likely yeah, cuz I'm sure a lot of people felt how I felt - oh, a generic medieval FF game *yawn*
@EasyAllies
Жыл бұрын
The demo has been planned for quite some time. In fact, I don't think they could have put one out so quickly if it were a reaction. -Bloodworth
2 questions I'd be grateful if you answered 1.Do you have any choices, and does the story branch at all? 2.Are there any truly surprising twists?
@qualle4830
Жыл бұрын
1. No branching choices. At least in the Main Quest. 2. I would say there weremsome suprises… though i personally didnt find them bery. good
@subparticle8995
Жыл бұрын
1. No the story is linearly character driven, would be cool to have choices considering the complex nature of the game world politics, but the ending doesn't dissapoint. Plus no Final Fantasy gives you choices it's always a premade story. 2. There are a few interesting twists that you wouldn't expect , nothing mind blowing but cool.
Is the voice actor for Cid same for Lorath Nahr
My issue with the performance is the motion blur... gives me a headache at times.
Dude my heart hurts im so ready for this
Im ready 😢
What did they dock a point for?
Is this the same voice behind the gametrailers reviews?
Its kind of interesting that Square is so dead set against turn based combat when Atlas feels confident it can resurect a ps2 game faithfully with just a few tweaks.
Reviewer clearly played the game in performance mode (or at least captured this in that mode), and all combat looks smooth AF. You can even tell when the game is off combat and immediately the FPS drops. Definitely gonna be my mode of choice for that smooth combat. Also yes, I don't need them telling me they played in perf mode, I can see 60 fps immediately. As can you lol.
Can't wait :)
Hope they review Trails into Reverie if they can review other long Jrpgs.
I'll still wait for a sale. Back when GT was still around, the review of XIII was also similarly glowing.
Just preordered. Between the demo and these reviews, I know I’m gonna love this game.
@gngn2891
Жыл бұрын
Just ordered a PS5, preordered the game and japanese limited edition gamepad + PS5 covers 😁
Here we gooooo
Your chocobo is still alive from the demo!! YES!
Great review
You have a really great voice for reviews and you earned s subscriber. Also you're gonna give IGN run for their money 😀 Good job keep it up and see you in the next review.
GOD IM SO HYPED ASS WILL BE PLANTED ON COUCH ALL WEEKEND!!!!
Just for some Performance issues a 9/10 Why not 9,5 or 10
@kouji0031
Жыл бұрын
Only zelda games allowed to have that issue
@amirfarsiabi9343
Жыл бұрын
@@kouji0031🙂
@zarpspawn3508
Жыл бұрын
I totally expected lesser scores for zelda because they have the same openworld layout for parts but they gave it a 10. Franerate issues which are gonna be patched day 1 is a 9 which is surprising coming from Ez allies. 😅
@amirfarsiabi9343
Жыл бұрын
@@zarpspawn3508 yes you’re so right
@fourtwo5619
Жыл бұрын
Idk why your guys are complaining about a 9. It's a fantastic score.
This year have been a year of nostalgia. With titles like Resident Evil, Legend of Zelda, Street Fighter, and Final Fantasy bringing their best for 2023.
@extra4542
Жыл бұрын
The Japanese devs are carrying this year so hard. They all brought their A-game with their legendary long-standing franchises
Let’s go!🎉
The demo feels like Asura's Wrath in the best way possible. Can't wait to try the rest of the game tomorrow 😴
Just beat the game. Yeah, it's the best Final Fantasy in many years, goes head to head vs Final Fantasy X, and makes FF15 look like the trash it was all along. It's not perfect but it's definitely an incredible story
@kar12894
11 ай бұрын
story is one of its weakest points not sure what u animephiles are smoking
@xVmbra
11 ай бұрын
@@kar12894 Sure pal, I don't know who those ''you animephiles'' are that you're talking to, but I know it's not me so I'm pretty sure I'm not the one that has to stop smoking whatever you have in your system. Don't try to strawman me. You have to be on something pretty strong to say that the story in FF16 is one of the weakest elements in the game lol, good luck in life.
@kar12894
11 ай бұрын
@@xVmbra did you hear strawman somewhere else when you made a weak argument and then just started using it? the story is a game of thrones/spartacus ripoff with anime cringe tropes thrown in, if you think it's good then you didnt read or watch shit, just played video games which nowadays have the most disposable story medium. Poor sod
@xVmbra
11 ай бұрын
@@kar12894 blaaaa bla bla, stop projecting or pretending to know what I know or what I watch, I think you're bored or have issues to keep trying to argue with someone on a freaking YT comment like that. The story having tropes or inspiration of other things is literally 99% of other games or movies, that is no argument and: no one cares. Point is: The story of this game is one of the strongest assets of the game and not the other way around, it is a FACT that you will see in every review or commentary from someone that has played it. Except for you of course, and it seems to hurts you so bad that someone likes the story of this game that you need to argue on the internet about it like a teenage edgelord. Keep trying to disrespect me, it totally makes you look cool.
@nightfears3005
10 ай бұрын
FFXV had a good antagonist for its game, pity it became a slice of life fast.
How this game is getting lower scores than TOTK is beyond me.
@Nyla_emotes
Жыл бұрын
It seems that creating a whole new game from scratch, having incredible cutscenes, all characters and NPC with voice actors and an AMAZING story are things that count less than frame rate LUL (still loved the review but not the final score)
@hododod246
Жыл бұрын
Well totk is one of the greatest game of all time. On the other hand this is a good video game. So that is why totk is getting higher score.
@Nyla_emotes
Жыл бұрын
@@hododod246 don't get me wrong, I loved ToTK but (personal opinion) I would not speak of "one of the greatest games of all times". The new mechanics were super cool as well as the extent of the open world. But the story is faaaar from being perfect (despite being better than before), the graphics and the system they use could be much better performing and the voice acting/cutscenes are almost non-existing.
@Stanzbey69
Жыл бұрын
@@hododod246how is it one of the greatest games of all time when half of it is recycled + the combat is still very subpar. It’s a great open world game but honestly it’s not better than elden ring or botw
@PaperLantern8
Жыл бұрын
@@Nyla_emotes I know people have to constantly say this, but you should really stop caring about scores, especially if you’re fine with the content of the review itself as you say you are. Not only are game opinions and experiences subjective, but scores themselves are totally arbitrary and ultimately meaningless when you start nitpicking a “9.5 vs a 9.0”. Like, some people use different scales or use more of the scale than others, i.e. we might enjoy a game the exact same amount but I give it a 7 and you give it an 8.5 because those numbers mean different things to each of us, and because those numbers don’t actually mean anything at all.
This is a great year to be a gamer
I was hoping for a brad review since combat was my only worry from the demo. Felt a bit shallow in the demo and I know it was mainly tutorial stuff but it doesn't seem to get much more complex.
@TheLynx30
Жыл бұрын
Same for me. Apparently it doesn't evolve that much. It will get stale quick for me, for sure.
@gregoryjoslin3173
Жыл бұрын
Glad I'm not alone in that thought. The bosses were too easy and spongy as well. I was interested in the story so I'm still considering getting the game.
That The Wire reference lol
@NetConsole
Жыл бұрын
timestamp?
Only review I can trust. Although I do miss the breakdown of old (story, gameplay, etc.), it is still the best.
Jones to a game review is what Attenborough is to a documentary: the gold standard.
Can’t wait for this weekend. I’m gonna wait until I can no-life before I start this game.
i think Lost Odyssey on 360 had something like the active time lore.
I'm usually not one to complain about scores but watching this overly positive review and seeing a 9.0 from Damiani and then remembering he gave Ni no kuni 2 a 9.5 makes me thing review scores are completly meaningless😅