They need to get out of their cave like Asmongold and try many different things, it's not the end of the world.
-
Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.
[Sales Disaster] Apparently, FFXVI has only sold 3.5 million units since its release.
- Thread starter Oberstein
- Start date
Fbh
Gold Member
Square also still seems stuck with this dated mindset that the key to success is to make games as accessible as possible.
While games like Elden Ring, Baldur's Gate 3, KCD2, Path of Exile and even fucking Zelda are finding great success by offering deeper mechanics, less hand holding and a good amount of challenge, Square still thinks their mainline FFs need to be designed so a 5 years old toddler and a 70 years old grampa who has never played a game before are able to play it
XVI in particular is just ridiculous in this regard. Every single element of the game has been streamlined and simplified to the extreme. It's a game that forced you to basically play on easy mode on your first playthrough and yet they add multiple options to make it even easier and simpler and not a single option to make it more challenging.
It's like a 7/10 action game merged with a 2/10 RPG.
It's hated for exactly what it is.
There's a decent 15-20 hours linear action game in there somewhere. You just need to play trough 20-30 hours of absolute mediocrity to see it
While games like Elden Ring, Baldur's Gate 3, KCD2, Path of Exile and even fucking Zelda are finding great success by offering deeper mechanics, less hand holding and a good amount of challenge, Square still thinks their mainline FFs need to be designed so a 5 years old toddler and a 70 years old grampa who has never played a game before are able to play it
XVI in particular is just ridiculous in this regard. Every single element of the game has been streamlined and simplified to the extreme. It's a game that forced you to basically play on easy mode on your first playthrough and yet they add multiple options to make it even easier and simpler and not a single option to make it more challenging.
It's like a 7/10 action game merged with a 2/10 RPG.
It's hated for exactly what it is.
There's a decent 15-20 hours linear action game in there somewhere. You just need to play trough 20-30 hours of absolute mediocrity to see it
ResurrectedContrarian
Suffers with mild autism
Agreed, I'm probably the biggest GoT hater on this site. Something about that damn dragon show just captures everything I hate in popular media today, from the violence-is-edgy to racy incest bait to omg battling queens slay... so glad I rarely hear anything of it anymore.
My advice to FF franchise would be: watch GoT again, with a notebook, write down everything it does narratively and otherwise... and then do the exact opposite.
Last edited:
DonkeyPunchJr
World’s Biggest Weeb
lol I don’t even get this accusation. The people bashing XVI were Final Fantasy fans (and people who played the kickass demo) who bought it on PS5 at launch and were disappointed.Wait, I don’t recognize you guys nor Evilore in Avowed thread shilling for it? Why isJames Sawyer Ford making imaginary accusations again with Xbox as the enemy?
Do you dream ofadamsapple at night James?
Not butthurt Hellblade 2 fanboys lmao
Buggy Loop
Member
That’s what I recall too
So not very encouraging to pick this up on PC after the demo buzz made an almost 180 degrees after peoples played it.
There’s
Mister Wolf
on PC that appreciated it but, did the impression last until end of game?I was not in a rush to buy it day 1 to say the least. I remember Evilore’s very harsh comments on it.
Clear
CliffyB's Cock Holster
PC gamers nearly always get a discount one way or another, and not just in terms of RRP, but also typically getting DLC and additions to the original console release released in the interim between console and PC launch.
Honestly I think its kinda stupid given how ridiculously high-maintainance PC gamers are! In terms of work they really ought to pay more than console owners, due to the need to cover all the options (and problems) unique to the platform in its many forms...
But it is what it is !
Its a very big market so there's opportunity to be had even if it is at commodity prices.
adamsapple
Or is it just one of Phil's balls in my throat?
What do any of those 3 games have to do with people talking about FF16 in an FF16 thread? Why is your default always to become an asinine console warrior at any given opportunity?
Do you dream of
In my restless dreams I see that apple, you promised to take me there again, but you never did.
- James Mary Ford
Last edited:
I don't think anyone said that. It was obviously Sony fans would praise this game for being exclusive but didn't end up buying it in droves, the game was FOTM at best and got overshadowed by BG3 that year.
Last edited:
Clear
CliffyB's Cock Holster
Errr... because they were also major releases that were somewhat divisive in terms of reception ?
Also, don't play dumb - that you went straight for "console warrior" perspective makes you just as open to the same critique.
adamsapple
Or is it just one of Phil's balls in my throat?
Cool, if you see me bring multiple unrelated games in a console game topic of your preference, feel free to call me out
Until then, you don't need to bat a defense for someone who has a habit of bringing in Xbox games whenever anyone is being critical of PS games.
Last edited:
Mister Wolf
Member
That’s what I recall too
So not very encouraging to pick this up on PC after the demo buzz made an almost 180 degrees after peoples played it.
There’s
I was not in a rush to buy it day 1 to say the least. I remember Evilore’s very harsh comments on it.
I had a good time with it. The DLC's made it overstay it's welcome a little. They are unnecessary to play. I liked Clive as a main character and the story was cool.
BennyBlanco
aka IMurRIVAL69
It’s Tolkien for redditors
Madflavor
Member
GoT Season 1-4 was peak television and storytelling, and I won’t hear otherwise.
Clear
CliffyB's Cock Holster
Cool, if you see me bring multiple unrelated games in a console game topic of your preference, feel free to call me out
Until then, you don't need to bat a defense for someone who has a habit of bringing in Xbox games whenever anyone is being critical of PS games.
My point was still sound though; I didn't accuse you of anything just pointed out that people who are particularly sensitive to "console warring" tend to be guilty of it themselves - Their defensiveness elicits the reaction,
And you can't even go 100% on the platform warrior angle in this instance when all 3 of those games he mentioned were released day and date on PC too. I mean its known that FFXVI shifted 3 mil odd units on PS5, which isn't at all bad given an install-base of a around 60m. You can make the argument that it underperformed, but it was hardly Concord
Last thing, whatever you think his motivations were I think you can definitely *DEFINITELY* make an argument for Avowed, Starfield and Hellblade 2 being somewhat comparable in the sense that they arrived with a decent amount of hype, only for the reception to cool off pretty harshly as word spread about them as complete experiences. To the extent that like FFXVI, people are talking about them as if they were terrible, but all have staunch fans and plenty of people that appear to enjoy them in spite of their alleged shortcomings.
This declining mindshare is pretty obviously going to impact sales going forward, and therefore is quite on-point for this thread topic, no?
Kacho
Gold Member
It helps if the game is good and not missing basic features like ultrawide support.
DonkeyPunchJr
World’s Biggest Weeb
Oh come on, it’s obvious that JSF was insinuating the hate was coming from MS/Xbox fans. You’re the one playing dumb here.
adamsapple
Or is it just one of Phil's balls in my throat?
Hows the state of the PC version now? I know it launched somewhat borked.
Minsc
Gold Member
you people are miserable fucks.
This is one of most impressive ps5 games. The spectacle, the amazing graphics, really cool combat.
The only downside is some poor pacing in the middle of the game.
I finished this game in 50 hours and every evening, I was bawking my eyes at new fight.
Just polished and pure extasy.
Stop with this "not ff, not turn based". It's a great game. Unclench your asses.
40 screenshots in demo folder, 300 screenshots in full game folder. What an experience!
People saying this game is shit are idiots. You don't have to like THIS STYLE OF GAME but what it, it's amazing.
From amazing graphics, music, action, spectacle, characters. Fuck hell yes. This might be the best looking and most accomplished ps5 game.
This is why I play video games. To experience THIS.
Screens do look nice, but that just puts it on par with Spirits Within. And Spirits Within was only ~100 minutes of boredom, not ~2,400+ so it wins.
Kacho
Gold Member
It’s totally fine. They removed the DRM recently too.
DonkeyPunchJr
World’s Biggest Weeb
You could just see the opinions declining. First page was excitement and each subsequent page was a little more negative than the one before as people got further into it.That’s what I recall too
So not very encouraging to pick this up on PC after the demo buzz made an almost 180 degrees after peoples played it.
There’s
I was not in a rush to buy it day 1 to say the least. I remember Evilore’s very harsh comments on it.
IIRC
Fbh
was one of the latecomers and you could just see his optimism fading away lol
Jigsaah
Gold Member
I'm quite far into this game. It just feels so....sluggish. Running around the Hideaway is sleep-inducing. The npcs are so dull. It makes sense because you can see Yoshi P's influence all over this game. That combat is just not done well. It take forever for you to feel powerful. Gear matters but there's so little of it. Weapon, ring, belt...bracers?
It's too easy to figure out the best gear. DPS output number go up = BiS. Defense number go up = BiS. There is barely any customization for different playstyles.
I hate that you can only equip two of the abilities for each Eikon. There's rarely a situation where you wouldn't want the Eikon's ultimate ability...so if that's a given, your basically equipping one ability per Eikon if you want to max out your burst damage once a monster is staggered.
The gameplay is as trivial as your loadout. It's more button variety than FFXV but the combat is horrible. The enemies are far too easy, the bosses are a joke especially if you play mouse and keyboard. I mean not every game has to be really difficult but come on, give me something. I beat one of the S tier bounties when I was 11 levels below it. Something isn't right about that.
It's just not a great game honestly. Even the story is so-so. Starts out great...then just...fizzles out as you go along. 3.5 million is about par for the course. Die Hard FF Fans might give it a pass. I'm just not there myself.
It's too easy to figure out the best gear. DPS output number go up = BiS. Defense number go up = BiS. There is barely any customization for different playstyles.
I hate that you can only equip two of the abilities for each Eikon. There's rarely a situation where you wouldn't want the Eikon's ultimate ability...so if that's a given, your basically equipping one ability per Eikon if you want to max out your burst damage once a monster is staggered.
The gameplay is as trivial as your loadout. It's more button variety than FFXV but the combat is horrible. The enemies are far too easy, the bosses are a joke especially if you play mouse and keyboard. I mean not every game has to be really difficult but come on, give me something. I beat one of the S tier bounties when I was 11 levels below it. Something isn't right about that.
It's just not a great game honestly. Even the story is so-so. Starts out great...then just...fizzles out as you go along. 3.5 million is about par for the course. Die Hard FF Fans might give it a pass. I'm just not there myself.
Bernardougf
Member
Well as it should since its only final fantasy in name ... bullshit idea
Just played FF6 for the first time.. amazing how this pixel game from a thousand years ago is lightyears better than current dogshit FF games... remake included
Just played FF6 for the first time.. amazing how this pixel game from a thousand years ago is lightyears better than current dogshit FF games... remake included
not suprising. the game looked generic . the real ff16 which was the igni plhilopshy demo that looked like a good idea was turned into flop forspoken. square wanted 2 hits instead of 1 and now they got 2 flops .lmao should have ben less greedy and left ff116 as igni philosphy. hopefuly next time around they have a better idea for a ff
fart town usa
Member
I still don't think I said anything outlandish or unreasonable. If people like the game, genuinely happy for them. But I don't know how you can straight-face act like it's anything more than mediocre as fuuuuu**k. It's just so big, dumb, and boring. I'm shocked too at people saying they finished it in 50 hours, etc. I wish that was me! I was plowing through it while doing every single thing I could possibly do in the game. I'm pretty sure I was at 68 hours when I tapped out. I just couldn't do it anymore. I remember being in a desert town tracking down some NPCs so another NPC could crack open a bottle of vintage wine....
"What the hell am I doing with my life...."
Haven't touched it since.
DonkeyPunchJr
World’s Biggest Weeb
I literally fell asleep 4-5 times while playing, I finally dropped it around the 70% mark. (Disclaimer: I was trying to cut back on caffeine at the time so that sure didn’t help).I still don't think I said anything outlandish or unreasonable. If people like the game, genuinely happy for them. But I don't know how you can straight-face act like it's anything more than mediocre as fuuuuu**k. It's just so big, dumb, and boring. I'm shocked too at people saying they finished it in 50 hours, etc. I wish that was me! I was plowing through it while doing every single thing I could possibly do in the game. I'm pretty sure I was at 68 hours when I tapped out. I just couldn't do it anymore. I remember being in a desert town tracking down some NPCs so another NPC could crack open a bottle of vintage wine....
"What the hell am I doing with my life...."
Haven't touched it since.
Funniest part for me was one scene where one guy (I think the pretty looking gay guy) was speaking in front of a group and provoking hushed whispers of disbelief in the audience. But you could hear that it was just a couple guys making murmuring noises and not actually saying things. It sounded so fucking dumb it made me laugh out loud, hope I can find it.
ResurrectedContrarian
Suffers with mild autism
why do people play like this? I don't get it.I was plowing through it while doing every single thing I could possibly do in the game. I'm pretty sure I was at 68 hours when I tapped out. I just couldn't do it anymore. I remember being in a desert town tracking down some NPCs so another NPC could crack open a bottle of vintage wine....
"What the hell am I doing with my life...."
Haven't touched it since.
I mean, the fault is mainly on the games for having such pointless nonsense tasks (FFXVI sounds awful, haven't played it), but given how incredibly pointless all stupid RPG sidetasks are these days... I don't get why anyone feels a compulsion to do them. Why would you help that guy with the stupid wine, why?!
With FFVII Remake, for instance, I realized I just didn't care about stupid tasks from the very first open-ish area, and never paused for a moment to do them anymore.
It's kind of liberating actually to start playing where you act like a real person in the world who doesn't have time to waste, intentionally ignoring what every damn NPC says and laughing at them.
NPC: if you can find me some more of these whatever items that I need for my blah balh...
Me with controller: lol get wrecked, not a chance lady
Bumblebeetuna
Member
And if it launched on PC and Xbox alongside PS5 we all know he wouldn’t have made a big deal about it.
OT, these numbers seem too low if it was really at 3M shipped a week after launch or whatever.
Lionel Richie
Member
That's my initial reaction as well, but you have to at least WONDER what the fuck they are missing with XVI and Rebirth kind of bombing. Maybe chasing that Snoy cinematic walk 'em up crowd wasn't a huge idea afterall.
James Sawyer Ford
Member
Im playing two great games right now that did just that and will be picking up some games in April that released on only pc and Xbox first
But ok buddy, keep that projection going
March Climber
Member
This makes me sad. On the first playthrough I truly enjoyed the first half of the game and it was filled with great moments, in story, writing, lore, design, and combat encounters. The camerawork alone was great:
Then adding the lore of the eikons as well as the political intrigue on top of that was like a chef's kiss. It is truly a shame how sloppily padded the pacing was in the second half, including how the plot disregarded the intrigue and instead kind of slided into typical FF dealings with a boring big bad. It made me feel what FF 12 fans probably felt (as I have yet to play that game for hearing that it suffers through a similar, but different problem)
I still hope that one day a dedicated fan creates an FF16 abridged mod and fixes the second half's pacing, for a small spike in steam sales. It would be 100% better with a simple tweak in pacing and cuts to filler, to make it 40-60 hours instead of what we got.
Then adding the lore of the eikons as well as the political intrigue on top of that was like a chef's kiss. It is truly a shame how sloppily padded the pacing was in the second half, including how the plot disregarded the intrigue and instead kind of slided into typical FF dealings with a boring big bad. It made me feel what FF 12 fans probably felt (as I have yet to play that game for hearing that it suffers through a similar, but different problem)
I still hope that one day a dedicated fan creates an FF16 abridged mod and fixes the second half's pacing, for a small spike in steam sales. It would be 100% better with a simple tweak in pacing and cuts to filler, to make it 40-60 hours instead of what we got.
Last edited:
Myths
Member
Just got finished telling myself how amazing it is jumping into FF6 every time (I mean generally any FF 6 and below). There’s something addictive about how simplistic the games were yet do offer interesting structures to the overall level and progression. How can you not love the snowy opening and caves of FF6?
As I said, it’s not as much the battle system as it is the worldbuilding, scenario planning, and level design (or lack thereof) that’s the issue than anything else these days. It’s not as interactive and immersive when much of the game is streamlined, on-rails/paved with little problem-solving involved. The player is largely removed from having to engage in ways forcing you to commit to memory elements you encountered before…
Last edited:
fart town usa
Member
I mostly just wanted to make an effort to see everything. This was right at launch too, I wanted to be able to keep up with the OT discussion.
I checked my FFXVI save a little while ago and I was wrong on 68 hours like I mentioned above, I put 48 hours into it and judging by the trophy data, I'd wager I had 15-20 hours remaining for a complete playthrough.
semiconscious
Member
back to the ps1 era, what final fantasy offered was spectacle. elaborate CGI cut scenes. paired up with the dependable story-telling & familiar combat, it made for a winning combo...
but, now? the story-telling's not quite so dependable, the combat not quite so familiar, & just about all video games contain loads of more easily developed spectacle. the series no longer offers something unique...
Last edited:
Minsc
Gold Member
This makes me sad. On the first playthrough I truly enjoyed the first half of the game and it was filled with great moments, in story, writing, lore, design, and combat encounters. The camerawork alone was great:
Then adding the lore of the eikons as well as the political intrigue on top of that was like a chef's kiss. It is truly a shame how sloppily padded the pacing was in the second half, including how the plot disregarded the intrigue and instead kind of slided into typical FF dealings with a boring big bad. It made me feel what FF 12 fans probably felt (as I have yet to play that game for hearing that it suffers through a similar, but different problem)
I still hope that one day a dedicated fan creates an FF16 abridged mod and fixes the second half's pacing, for a small spike in steam sales. It would be 100% better with a simple tweak in pacing and cuts to filler, to make it 40-60 hours instead of what we got.
Most of the "crazy" amazing scenes are subpar when compared to something like Chainsaw Man or Cyberpunk Edgerunners or a half dozen other anime and the character are way more bland. Even crap like MHA or Bleach probably has 100x the personality of XVI.
Bernardougf
Member
Just going to disagree about the fighting system ... since 12 (included) they decided to progressively get away from the turn-based formula that got all their success and since then they have been progressively shittier ... so the pattern is clear for me... dont know what happened but FFX sold about 20 million copies I think .. its not like the game was not a success but they kept fucking with the formula and moving far and far away what made FF great... and never looked back.. even this shitty FF7 remake, that some fans giz all over, god knows why, is their way of saying "naaa our new way is better" .. so honestly? Fuck them.
Last edited:
James Sawyer Ford
Member
Ehhh, hell no….the epic scenes eclipse any of that
March Climber
Member
I too, would hope that a visual medium designed around looking as good as possible, would visually outperform a game from a medium which is usually designed around playing as fun as possible.
Minsc
Gold Member
There's really nothing fun in a QTE, personally. Long drawn out fights are a lot more boring to me than a simple effective, one-hit-kill type fit that properly demonstrates power. And for all it's M rating, it doesn't hold a candle to the train scene at the end of Season 1 Invincible, where you see and an entire train full of civilians killed, gore and all in a few split seconds, stuff just doesn't hit in XVI for me like other media. Even the FFVI Sabin train suplex is more interesting than the Eikon fights, it happens, you don't expect it, and it's done in a couple seconds.
Mortisfacio
Member
I'll never play it because 15 was so bad. That coupled with negativity around it like weak characters, linearity, shallow RPG systems, combat system is repetitive, terrible side quests and lifeless world I just couldn't and won't touch it. Skill Up trashed it and that was enough for me. "Pacing was diabolically bad". "It is 75% cutscenes - that is not an exaggeration". Nope.
Last edited:
Bernardougf
Member
When they sent me collecting some fucking colored frogs.. I Noped Out ... great fighting system though.. hold X for "everything" .. awsome
Last edited:
March Climber
Member
I too, agree that some aspects of FF16 are dragged out, as I've stated in my original post that it really needs an abridged version for better impact.
Similar threads
- Locked