Over the years, as gaming grew, so did the need for the game to perform. This does not mean commercially, but performing critically. Reviews play a critical role in how new gamers perceive a certain game or a franchise. As a result, when a lot of people review a game, it is thought to be a balanced review, right? This was not the case for Final Fantasy 16.
Amidst the controversy of Final Fantasy 16 being a PlayStation exclusive, people review bombed the title on Metacritic.
Final Fantasy 16 review bombed because it is an exclusive
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What review bombings means is that a lot of people put their own reviews for the game. Now this might include people who did not even play the game. This is thought to be the primary reason why Final Fantasy 16 received negative reviews from users. After looking at the issue deeper, there is speculation the game’s status as a PlayStation limited-exclusive is the primary reason why people negatively. As there was news of Sony supposedly paying to keep the game from releasing on Xbox Series X/S consoles, many were left outraged.
Unfortunately as long as console wars exist this will too, im a multi platform gamer, people just need to go back to enjoying games and not figthing one another
— toxickiller50 (@toxickiller50) June 24, 2023
This reason, however, is thought to be one of the many behind the review bomb. Fans of earlier installments in the franchise were not too happy with the way combat is in the new game. Instead of a turn-based combat system, developers chose to work with a live-action combat system that caters to a wider player base. Additionally, some fans were unhappy about the different features of the game.
READ MORE: Phil Spencer Revealed Sony Paid to Ensure Final Fantasy 16 Skips Xbox Consoles
People on Twitter voiced their opinions on the matter, with some people supporting the PlayStation exclusive theory. Others, however, did not buy into it, saying it may just come down to people’s preferences.
Maybe people don’t like it?
— Shrouded Gaming (@Shrouded_Gaming) June 24, 2023
One user felt these reviews did not affect what they felt about the game. Similarly, a lot of users felt this review bomb does not change their stance. If the game suits their needs and gives them a good experience, these negative reviews should not mean anything.
I still don’t understand the fuss about this.
Let them review bomb it till their fingers fall off.
Not gonna change my mind in my opinion.
— VII (@The_VII_KWT) June 24, 2023
Despite these reviews, Final Fantasy 16 is doing well with critics. Professional critics highly rated the game, even going as far as putting it alongside Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom, in contention for the Game of The Year title.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What are your thoughts on Final Fantasy 16’s review bomb? What do you think of the game? Let us know in the comments below!
WATCH THIS STORY: Super Mario Bros. Wonder Is Probably Bringing Back a Widely Despised Character