- Engaging and deep story with high praise
- Innovative strategic combat system stands out
- Exceptional soundtrack enhances immersion
- Frequent crashes and performance issues reported
- Extreme linearity limits exploration opportunities
- Poor PC port optimization frustrates players
Emotions
Players experience frequent crashes, poor optimization, and performance issues (e.g., stuttering, FPS drops, and game-breaking bugs), which disrupt gameplay and require replaying sections. The combat system is criticized for being repetitive, grindy, and overly complex, with mechanics like the break-gauge system and forced pauses adding to the tedium.
The game fails to meet expectations due to shallow storytelling, weak character development, and excessive linearity, which limits exploration and interactivity. Poor execution of the PC port, including unplayable performance and reliance on community fixes, further diminishes the experience.
Players appreciate the game's story, character development, and combat depth, particularly after overcoming initial pacing issues or technical hurdles. Mods and fixes often improve the experience, making the game enjoyable despite its flaws, especially on platforms like Steam Deck.
The game is praised for its innovative combat system, visuals, soundtrack, and willingness to take risks with narrative and mechanics. Players highlight the Crystarium system, character designs, and emotional depth, particularly in later chapters.
Long-time fans of the *Final Fantasy* series reflect on their personal history with the game, comparing it to past experiences and revisiting it after years. The game evokes fond memories of childhood or earlier gaming eras, even if the modern experience falls short.
- Sample precision
- Helpful reviews
- 63%
- Unhelpful reviews
- 37%
- Protest reviews
- 0%
- 62%Helpful reviews with positive sentiment
- 38%Helpful reviews with negative sentiment
- Positive points
- 883
- Negative points
- 903
- Gameplay points
- 650
- Perf. points
- 236
- Rec. points
- 146
- Misc points
- 28
| Point | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
Engaging and deep story
| The game's narrative, character development, and worldbuilding are consistently praised for being rich, emotional, and engaging. Players highlight the evolution of character relationships and the story's depth, which improves significantly as the game progresses. | 97% |
Innovative and strategic combat system
| The Paradigm Shift and role-based combat system are frequently cited as unique, deep, and rewarding. Players appreciate the strategic depth, dynamic battles, and the ability to customize party roles, which keeps combat engaging and fresh. | 78% |
Exceptional soundtrack
| The game's music, including battle themes and emotional tracks, is widely celebrated as one of the best in the Final Fantasy series. Players highlight how the soundtrack enhances the game's tone and emotional impact. | 73% |
Stunning visuals and cinematics
| The game's visuals, art design, and cinematics are praised for their beauty and quality, even years after release. Players note that the graphics hold up well and contribute to an immersive experience, with high-quality CGI cutscenes enhancing the storytelling. | 66% |
Lightning as a standout protagonist
| Lightning is frequently highlighted as a well-designed and compelling protagonist. Players appreciate her characterization, development, and the strength of her narrative arc. | 65% |
Enjoyable despite initial flaws
| While the game has divisive elements, many players find it enjoyable and worth completing. The overall experience is seen as solid, with strong moments that outweigh its shortcomings. | 35% |