Final Fantasy 16 - Phenomenal, My Current Game of the Year

[@GodOfAI_]

Just finished the game, it’s absolutely phenomenal. The most intense, epic and emotional connection I felt to a game in recent years. Game of the year for me

[@TheJarlath9]

For me too man i was hooked

[@robertm7917]

Just finished the Demo on PC with graphics cranked to max. Haven't liked a FF game this much since 7/8. Holy shit, the Demo had me hooked. The story, the gameplay, character development was all great. Can't wait to play tomo when it drops

[@jedwalker4543]

The feature that allows you to recant the story is AWESOME. I can’t tell you how many times I have to go days, weeks, or months away from a game and then when I go back, I don’t remember hardly anything

[@samrandall9641]

This game was something I never thought I wanted until I did the demo, that was one of the greatest demos I've ever played

[@LelaShaw]

For me too! I never played a final fantasy game but when I played the demo I was immediately hooked!

[@Turtlemilk]

Game looks dumb af

[@manolividakis6847]

Same here. I have never played a FF and tried the demo on a whim and was sold right away

[@vincenthychow1119]

I have been a long term fan of FF series and have been loving it since FF4. FF5 and FF6 have been my most favourite games for a long time. FF7 is a bit different, but everything after FF9 disappoints me. I bought FF15 many years ago and DNF. I tried again last year and was struggling to finish. I didn't even enjoy FF7R much. I reluctantly bought this one but am now very glad that I did. This is a huge surprise. I believe that this is the game SE was intending to make in FF15 and FF7R but somehow they failed. But FF16 is just different. The combat is so fun, so satisfying that I have never expected. I am glad to see that my childhood favourite series is coming back to the standard, and can shine once more.

[@IvanRubin]

@@Turtlemilkbait

[@mindsetofpoker9463]

I saw your demo play though and couldn’t bear it any more. Snap bought a PS5. PS2 was my last console. Final fantasy games were so important to me growing up. It’s so great to see this game getting the such amazing reviews!

[@morreezy6135]

You're going to be blown away. Even the controller immerses you in the game

[@duffysullivan2794]

If Sony bundles FFXVI with the PS5, that would be a system seller for me! I'm sitting here with the PS4 Pro.

[@Alex-vp1tv]

​@@duffysullivan2794they did. There is a bundle. 😎

[@gotworc]

Damn you've missed a lot of great games on the ps3 and ps4 then

[@Rain-ro4qn]

As a PC gamer I've own only 2 consoles in my life a PS2 and a switch. Never did I imagine that I'll buy a new console just because of a new game which I know will come to pc later. I did not even buy any game with the Ps5, 16 will be first game I play on it.

[@aliscripture9334]

I played the demo a few days ago and wow… I’m already very emotionally invested in the story! The graphics look great and the combat is so fun

[@joemurray]

Appreciate it being spoiler free, cannot wait to dive into this game. Always loved Final Fantasy

[@johnnyflannigan136]

FF 12 was the last really good one.. 15 was ok but this one looks like it will be much better

[@bigcurly3881]

Was looking for this comment. The story is so good I’m terrified of spoilers

[@bigcurly3881]

@@johnnyflannigan136lightning returns needs some credit it was gas

[@makemelaughyouants]

The feeling of epicness as I go through the game and story is just so wonderful.

[@FightinCowboy]

Question for y'all, my Adobe was being crap so I had to render this using HVEC, was there any noticeable graphical difference from other videos?

[@wesleymaduro5592]

Hevc (or h265) is a better codec. Less file size, same or better quality retention than h264.

[@larssonderskov]

Looks fine to me Cowboy 👌🏻

[@tchula8265]

It looks good to me, no issues.

[@griiffinnn]

Looks good here, had no issues

[@FoxGoddess]

Was fine for the most part, though there was a weird little glitch on the scene when talking to the old lady where for like a second or two the bottom half of the video became pixelated, upper half was fine, but bottom half was not. Only lasted a second or two though.

[@WhoLoc]

This has become my favorite Final Fantasy game. The story and gameplay are so good , I can’t get enough of the game

[@T1mWarr3n]

This game is giving "EIKON-ic" a whole new meaning. Love the new word, and of course thanks for the review and can't wait to dive in!

[@dreamer6737]

Played FF for 25 years, and XVI is now one of my favorites. Epic game.

[@negativepinktv423]

Such a huge fan of your content Cowboy. Ty for making quality stuff for all of us to enjoy 😊

[@jw7256]

Thanks for the graphics mode req. I usually switch to performance mode and never look back! I def will try both now.

[@ivorsmith177]

Picking up my preorder tomorrow and I'm very excited. Thanks for the review dude. Awesome work.

[@skouter]

Most fantastical thing i encountered in the game so far is Torgal being a person of interest. Amazing game!!

[@SpAceDrragon]

I immediately preordered after I beat the demo , I can’t wait to jump in this game tomorrow 🔥

[@SuperBrentendo89]

Jumping is what you’re most looking forward to in this game?! Kidding 😅

[@xDripz_]

Im new to final fantasy idk i just don’t get the hype 🥲 im genuinely trying to like the game

[@SuperBrentendo89]

@@xDripz_ do you enjoy these kinds of stories and settings and cutscenes in games?

[@xDripz_]

@@SuperBrentendo89yeah and i rly enjoy games like elden ring

[@SuperBrentendo89]

@@xDripz_ gotcha. Same here. But I enjoy FF in a different sort of way. FF is basically what really got me into video games though back in the PS1 days.

[@MrChadLedford]

First preorder for me since Ragnarok. I wouldn't have done it if not for the demo. Smart move.

[@carloscardona9255]

Been a huge fan of fighting cowboy for so many years. You sir completely solf this game to me. Ima have to download this week for sure

[@cloudbloom]

I can barely afford it but I'm finally going to get a ps5 because of this game it looks amazing. It would be cool to see an updated review after you complete the game, I heard the final parts of the game are crazy good and emotionally resonate

[@4K-Gaming-India]

I have started playing this game yesterday And it’s already become My all time Favourite game its on the top i love it i dont want it to end love love love for final fantasy 16

[@boblambo8195]

I have just booked tomorrow off work because I am so hyped for this game now!!

[@Slipvayne1]

Finally got my copy, and I've put around 15 hours in, and the game completely continues to surprise me. Spot on cowboy! I dont mind turn based, and I agree it was a big cornerstone of FF, but nothing wrong with change, especially if done for the better. This game constantly gives me the FF feel, and I love the old small nostalgia hits of the older games and just little odd and in things they done and added here an there. Attention to detail, story, combat, gameplay, graphics, it's all there and amazing. I could go on and on. Truly amazing game, cant wait to watch your lets play Cowboy!

[@ericwilliams7945]

When 16 got announced I was still pretty new to the series and still am lol but I was so excited I had to pre order it. Now that I’ve played the demo my god i can’t wait to dive in later tonight with a joint in hand

[@Lonewolf1987]

Factual

[@ronaldpavlinich137]

Great review, best I’ve seen yet. Very thorough. I’m so glad YoshiP and the team put together a banger like this, it’s such a curveball in the series and I think it’ll take even the most skeptical by surprise. I took tomorrow off of work just to veg out and play this all day, and I can’t wait. Good work Cowboy.

[@otaconhe2622]

Glad you're loving it I feel like you have a lot of the same tastes I'm into so feels good to get some confirmation that the feelings this demo gave me seem to persist and expand upon throughout the entire game. I'm definitely hyped for this one it's been awhile since a Final Fantasy game has gripped me by my heart strings. I'm just excited to get into it!

[@johnwilliams8700]

This game is absolutely incredible!!!!!! This game will be up for game of year!

[@PurpleZero11]

You're a great youtuber cowboy. Don't ever feel like you have to rush a review and put it out before you even finish a game. You don't need to be one of the first up, we wouldve waited and watched your video regardless.

[@Zplays21]

I’m so ready for this game!

[@reidpyn]

Loving the game so far! I’m about 20 hours in and the game just keeps getting better. Will you be doing a 100% platinum play-through series?

[@astartespete]

Love to hear it, played the demo over the weekend and went off to pre-order it afterwards. Can't wait to get started on it.

[@mf_stuff]

This game i did know it will be great just from the trailer When i played the demo i know i was right But when i play the full game i can say without any doubt game of the year for me 🎉❤

[@KeepSkatin209]

After watching your review I downloaded the demo and played through it. Immediately after finishing the demo I bought the full game, so far just through the demo it has been so good. Coming from someone who thought 15 was just ok.

[@sylnz97]

gonna get a ps5 and this game tomorrow and I'm so hyped for it god damn

[@thedancingpipestuffer]

I'm really loving my time in FF16 as well, the combat is really similar to devil may cry 5. It honestly feels like dmc combat in a witcher 3 world, which is great. Cowboy didn't show this but you can pause a cutscene and open a page that only shows the wiki items shown or mentioned in said cutscene, so if something is mentioned you don't know what it is or means, pause and you'll have info on it.

[@makdrumz]

I'm getting my hands on it today!!! First final fantasy game I ll be playing...Demo was just awesome!

[@iTzMako777]

Man I'm so glad your so trustworthy with reviews. No spoilers, and nothing from late game, I appreciate that man. I have heard all I need to, cant wait to play. Thanks for the hard work my man.

[@TheVDaddyo]

Most excited I’ve *ever* seen CB reviewing a game. Time for me to finally upgrade to PS5. Never played a FF game before, but count me in now. 😎🔥

[@franka4312]

23:02 Cowboy's two favorite things to do in his free time right now. 😂

[@MichelRosabal-cu9el]

I’m so glad it’s goin to be a great journey with this game at LAUNCH 🔥🔥🔥

[@Dartanyoogles]

You were referencing expolorable towns and villages around the 20 minute mark, and I've read multiple reviews saying that there aren't any explorable towns or villages outside of the Hideaway. Are they wrong??

[@aninfinitemindofmusicandreams]

I've taken my sweet time with the demo to really get to grips with the advanced mechanics of the combat and make my playstyle more flashy and technical. Longtime DMC player here and character action games are probably my favorite genre besides action adventures and ARPGs. I already knew I was gonna like the game a lot after the demo and preordered it but seeing all these glowing reviews really has me excited for when I get to finally jump into the full game in a few hours. The game's fully downloaded on my system, just gotta wait a little more. Great review!

[@KeepitABuck50]

It's so goodvso far!! I'm 10 hours in and on the edge of my seat!!!

[@runnerpsu]

I'm 75. I play and enjoy mostly shooter gamers. @FightinCowboy you helped me with Elden Ring. I've never played any of this series but I tried this demo and finished it. Is the remainder of the game more difficult? In you opinion, since I completed the demo will I be able to complete the full game. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and please keep these excellent videos coming.

[@FightinCowboy]

This is very different from ER. It's the type of game you play for the story

[@runnerpsu]

@@FightinCowboy thanks! Is it like Hogwarts or God of War Ragnork? Enjoyed both of them

[@FightinCowboy]

Neither tbh

[@OD91MJ]

This game is amazing. I only have the demo time and like 2 more hours. I know this is going to be an amazing journey. After replaying some of the FF I love it. It is the best one of the franchise easily.

[@josephojoh2321]

It is going to be a hell of a journey, thanks in advance for sharing this with us cowboy

[@notme-vg5bd]

Imagine that... a game that makes you WANT to play - instead of wanting to quit after slogging through it for an hour (diablo 4)

[@ajflink]

I loved every moment of this game. The gameplay, story, and visuals are amazing to a ridiculous degree. Ironically, my only issue is that there are some minor performance drops when NOT in combat. Also, there are moments where the transition between gameplay and cutscene are seemless and EVERYTHING is in-engine. This also shows what a powerhouse the PS5 is; however, that feels like footnote. Square Enix definitely brought together an A+ team.

[@jmsanderson]

I loved ffxv so interested to give this a go! TotK so far is my goty, more contenders for it the better! Thanks for the review CB

[@matt9eruk]

I wonder if the side quest that shocked Cowboy was the one that shook me out of side quest boredom. That side quest really had “teeth”

[@professormurdoc1359]

Just bought this halfway through your review. Thanks for this. Downloading now

[@VentusLionheart]

For me, FFXVI is a return to form for FF. The primary appeal of FF to me was the incredible story centered gameplay, which we absolutely got with FFXVI. I haven't been this invested in single player mainline FF storyline since FFX. Unlike a lot of the older FF fans, I always found FF combat to be the weakest part of FF. I thought FF7R was peak FF combat and where the franchise was heading until I played XVI. This is peak FF combat. The main appeal of an FF game to me was always the story, the characters, and the environment, and this game delivers! This is a return to form for FF for the modern times. VI - X was easily the golden age of FF, and we might be looking at another golden age of FF for the modern times starting with XVI.

[@Bahamut998]

Finally someone who takes time to learn the combat system and actually showcases some sick moves!

[@DesireAdd]

I finished the game today and I'm hooked. The last time I can remember such an intense gaming experience was with FF VII. My only criticism would be that I can't always see what's going on in combat due to too many effects happening at once. And I hadn't planned to buy the game but after your review I decided to do it and I don't regret it at all.

[@dawnbrown1358]

The music to FF7 was glorious. Glad to hear it is for FF16 as well. It adds a lot to the gameplay

[@socialdistancing1289]

I wish i could play this but i'm pc exclusive so i will binge all of it please consider us and upload a lot

[@HiCZoK]

Amazing game. After finishing Rebirth this year, I've gained even more appreciation to 16. And the way it looks on oled with hdr? dear god. And I know the best mode is 30fps but it's actually quite responsive

[@phualeon1941]

Damn , 10/10 from cowboy. This is a must play. Too bad I don't have Ps5. Please come to PC soon.

[@christopherlewis6915]

Based off what they said. Its going to take them a while to port it to pc. But it will go there

[@robdurfee6861]

@@christopherlewis6915yea from what I’ve heard from the devs, it will be around 2 years for them to port it to PC

[@notbambang]

@@robdurfee6861 damn where you heard that? its 6 month ps5 exclusive and i just hope they just port it next year

[@MattyBudzzz]

​@christopherlewis6915 and when it does get to PC it will most likely suffer from a bad port. For whatever reason, eastern developers (Japan, China, Korea) seem to really not provide good PC ports.

[@sephirian688]

I’m going to play it, I’m going to platinum it, I may even give it a shot at the super masochistic difficulty (forgot what they called it). That being said, it’s gonna be hard for this game to take GOTY away from TOTK for me. Simply and purely because of how versatile TOTK is in its approach. Though I can’t say that definitely until I beat 16 of course lol

[@supertrace666]

as good as 16 is, I really appreciate the freedom and raw gameplay available in TOTK vs the heavy story handheld focus of ff16. feels more like an interactive movie than a game imo

[@tooamazing1642]

Thanks for your time reviewing the game.

[@thebox385]

Other reviews, good or bad, don't matter to me anymore. Seems like all I needed to know was your opinion and I now feel 100% sure and confident of what my impression is of this game. Thank you, FightinCowboy! (been a fan of your Soulsborne content since God knows when yet I think I only commented just now) Bought my copy several hours ago. I'm about to start now.

[@crisiscoreffv2]

The demo blew my mind, shit was crazy

[@MrTakeYoBitsh]

I keep hearing this, is the demo still available?

[@crisiscoreffv2]

@@MrTakeYoBitsh Yup, it's still there, and the full game is even more mind blowing than the demo, incredible stuff I swear

[@MrTakeYoBitsh]

@@crisiscoreffv2 I'm going to check it out, thanks for responding man.

[@MrTakeYoBitsh]

Looks like a certified masterpiece, wish my PC could run games like this.

[@elsieoneill6181]

This game made me tear up twice. The last time I did that for a game was when Cait Sith sacrifices his first body for the black materia.

[@JoeyDCharts]

FF16 is amazing. The best story, writing, characters in ANY triple A game of the past 10 years. On top of having some of the most badass combat in any game ever. Only game competing with it for GOTY for me is Pizza Tower.

[@Shendapy]

Gonna wait for motion blur settings

[@jerm5466]

GOATed combat and boss fights

[@TayMusak]

Thank you for the review brother. Thanks for shouting out the music, and thanks for being honest about the ISSUES WITH FETCH QUESTS!!! The one and only reason I'll never advocate for FF7RM

[@LovelessFascination]

I haven’t played a Final Fantasy since FF12, but you’ve convinced me to give this one a shot

[@AdyBooth]

Dude!... For me its the best one.. get zodiac age

[@wurlbfree1981]

This game wasn't on my radar the demo blew me away I instantly pre-ordered the gameplay really blew me away.

[@samflood5631]

I played Final Fantasy 16 for my PS5 from a Target after a long days work. I played the entire prologue in my apartment and spent half of my summer playing the whole thing. My favorite characters are Clive, Cid and Dion. Characters like Jill, Benedicta, Barnabas Hugo are ok but they could have been better in terms of writing and potential. The story was good during the prologue, but when Ultima came around, it sort of fell apart. Although that interdimensional rift was a fun level the explore and judging by soundtrack of that place, this could have been the final dungeon of the game. The gameplay is addictive and the magic system is fun too although I can’t help but feel that it’s a bit similar to the magic system of Legend of Dragoon in terms of elements such as Fire, Wind/Nature, Lightning, Earth, Water/Ice, Light and Darkness. I would give this game a 7 out of 10.

[@mobizkitz]

I have been avoiding all videos and leaks just for the no spoiler so I get that shock and awe I may have to download the demo.

[@sator_project]

Clever title, as all GOTY picks are subject to change once Pikmin 4 drops

[@oldbittercraig3513]

Been blind to this aside from the nontroversy about the setting. Been a fan since FF 2 back in the SNES days, Finished 2, 3, 7, 8, 7R and hate-finished 15. Got irrevocably lost in 9 and no clear where to go/what to do. FF X just didn't click. This is the most excited I've been for a FF game since 8, coming off the high of the OG 7 based upon the mix of bombastic Rob from Playstation Access combined with your review.

[@andrupribadi5989]

If Cowboy said game of the year, it really means something

[@jordancrichton2589]

You honestly got me back into gaming with these reviews. 🎉

[@Gerbyq]

Thanks Cowboy.. really looking forward to booting this up this weekend

[@120382brian]

You did a great job explaing the game. I just got the lightning and im so into ff16 its the best game i think ive ever played. I mean i love whicher 3 but honestly it had a ton of bugs and other faults. Ff16 really is a perfect game. Absolutely have been loving this game. If it isnt the best game then its definetly the 2nd best. And it blows elden ring out of the water point blank.

[@Kolket1389]

Damn, can't wait to play it in a few weeks

[@Kolket1389]

@@gporr7004 Who said that I would be playing it day one?

[@Kolket1389]

@@gporr7004 I'm relaxed

[@lamarasamuel]

get that bag

[@FightinCowboy]

Lmao yeah bro they totally paid me off to review the best Final Fantasy in years

[@SilverBld]

Well It's safe to say this game will break my heart lol And I haven't played the demo I want to experience the game in it's full glory I rarely get excited for a Final Fantasy game but this one just different

[@reggiemoore755]

Same I haven't geeked out over a game in years

[@zikarisg9025]

Really happy so many people love this and while story and combat are both fantastic, it is not really an RPG any longer. While there are enough activities to do, they are very templated. It is not meaty enough gameplay wise. FF7 Remake was a better attempt of modernizing Final Fantasy, man Stranger of Paradise did a better job of introducing action combat that still was based on Final Fantasy RPG systems. I wonder if people will look at this a game a bit more critical after an initial honeymoon period. Still enjoying greatly what is there, but at the same time missing a lot of stuff I wish where there on top of it.

[@zikarisg9025]

@@ltlsWhatltIs That is a semantics discussion, that wuld theoretically fit on any pssible games. Overwatch is an Role Playing game, so is Devil May Cry, so is Spider-Man...

[@jacks1678]

Never knew I needed a DMC RPG until I played the demo. Insta-preordered. Can't wait to play!

[@Glotaku]

Thank you for making a calm video

[@zachcroft]

I SAW A HEART ICON BY TORGAL. YOU CAN PET THE PUPPY. I'm happy now.

[@ianorchard7178]

I just wanna know if the best boy Torgal makes it.. literally the only spoiler I want to know so I can prepare if he doesn't, and be releaved if he does

[@burnersforhim]

cowboy you never was a fanboy you never was fake dog i love this channel

[@FerrariKing]

I will admit this does look like game of the year. I look forward to watching you play. FFXV was my first.

[@aaronhall2414]

U think this will get game of the yr over Diablo 4?

[@ascended313]

@@aaronhall2414 For sure, even disregarding the game’s quality. FF is way bigger. Although Zelda will probably win it.

[@soumakbasumallik2399]

Already pre-ordered this...Gonna be epic...However won't win GOTY I think...Have to see...

[@nathanthompson742]

Tears of the kingdom will take it this year. Although FF16 will probably win some awards

[@CrazyxEnigma]

​@@aaronhall2414I don't think D4 has a chance in one of the heaviest hitting years in some time.

[@charlieteneyck6797]

Great video! You answered so many questions. Thank you!

[@Roe777]

Great review, I've played every FF and this is the best single player one since X. The story reminds me of FF Tactics and Game of Thrones, plus the action combat feels great if you're a fan of DMC and God of War.

[@cvspergaming]

This game was AMAZING

[@Narcotixprime]

My fav game oat

[@shabladooo]

no lie, 45 minutes in and GD am i fired up… just wow!

[@gamerchords4526]

I had such low expectations going into the demo and was amazed by how phenomenal everything was! The voice acting, music, gameplay, graphics and story were all simply fire 🔥 Can’t wait for it to drop at the end of today!!

[@redseve]

dang free respecs should be more common, and you hit the nail on the head, even in elden ring, I'd consider it fairly easier and cheap, but I've run into occasions where I want to change my build and need to go kill the bear guy in limgrave.

[@chasegaetze4507]

Here we go! I can't freaking wait

[@Dartanyoogles]

I'm happy to hear you giving the game so much deserved praise! Skillup gave it a very negative review, and tons of people in his comment sections are celebrating the fact that he thinks it is bad, and say that they will never play it. It's massively unfortunate. I hope the game sells well!

[@js-ro5jk]

Been waiting 3 years, excited to jump in

[@kittykedama7643]

Cowboy being the only reviewer so far to mention ps5 overheating issue(albeit briefly)

[@mattwells747]

Beyond hyped and downloading now. I was irresponsible and didn’t take off work for the rest of the week unfortunately.

[@바보Queen]

i can't get over the combat system.. its simple but so dam satisfying, the mix and matching of the eikons is so fun, without being bogged down by stats and heavy rpg crap.. and no mixed turn based stuff like ff7 remake