Launched back in 2023, Final Fantasy XVI has captivated players worldwide with its breathtaking visuals, gripping storyline, and immersive gameplay. Square Enix’s latest entry into the beloved franchise sets new standards for action RPGs, and the developers have ensured the game runs smoothly on PCs. But what if I told you that there’s a way to get even better performance?
Well, AMD claims that its GPUs, combined with FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 3, can significantly enhance performance, for all sorts of gaming setups. Obviously, I got curious about these claims and wanted to test this out for myself, so I decided to put it to the test on my system. Spoiler alert: the results are nothing short of astounding.
Table of Contents
Game Settings and Features
Before diving into the performance analysis, let’s explore the game’s extensive graphics settings. Not every hardware configuration can run Final Fantasy XVI at the highest settings, but the developers have provided an impressive range of options to fine-tune the visual experience to your liking.
PC players can customise various graphical settings, including texture quality, shadow resolution, anti-aliasing, ambient occlusion, and post-processing effects. These options allow users to optimize the game for their hardware, whether aiming for high frame rates or ultra-detailed visuals. Additionally, the game offers several pre-set modes such as Low, Medium, High, and Ultra to simplify the process for players who may not want to tinker with individual settings.
As is the case with modern gaming, AI-based upscaling is one of the most sought-after features. I say feature because we’ve gotten to a point where it’s actually a feature and no longer a gimmick. And in that context, there is AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 3. This technology not only boosts performance but also provides a variety of upscaling options. Players can choose from Auto, Native AA, Quality, Balance, Performance, or Ultra Performance settings, depending on their priorities. Whether you want razor-sharp graphics or prefer to maximize frame rates, these tools make it easy to customize the experience.
Performance Analysis
When it comes to raw performance, Final Fantasy XVI is already well-optimised for PC, but enabling AMD FSR 3 takes things to the next level. My test unit was an Intel Core i9-13900K processor coupled with 32GB of 7200MT/s Kingston FURY RAM. The highlight, though, was the AMD Radeon 7900XT GPU, with a whopping 20GB of GDDR6 VRAM. That’s a high-end GPU, so of course I wasn’t going to be playing at 1080p, and I decided to push the card to its limits.
With an AMD GPU, the improvements were immediately noticeable. Running the game in 4K with Ultra settings, the frames per second (FPS) skyrocketed to almost double. In instances of multiple light sources, the average FPS went from a measly 45 FPS to a far more appealing 79 FPS. In some instances, the game was even able to push itself from a low of 54 FPS to a whopping high of 114 FPS.
This boost in performance is largely thanks to AMD’s advanced upscaling technology, which provides smoother gameplay without compromising on visual fidelity. Even in the most graphically intense areas of the game, the frame rates remained stable, ensuring a consistently fluid experience. For instance, even when gaming in 1440p resolution, the game’s performance jumped from 84 FPS to an impressive 129 FPS.
What’s more, is that on AMD GPUs there’s also the option for FSR 3 Frame Generation. As the name suggests, this feature uses AI-driven algorithms to generate additional frames, significantly enhancing the perceived smoothness of gameplay. The way it works is by interpolating or adding frames between actually rendered frames, allowing for a more fluid experience without drastically increasing the load on the GPU.
During my testing, Frame Generation worked seamlessly, providing a noticeable improvement in responsiveness and visual smoothness. Combined with the already stellar performance boosts from FSR 3, this feature ensures the game runs like a dream on compatible AMD GPUs.
Gaming Experience
Visuals are one thing, but they are always secondary when gaming. At its core, a game, especially an RPG, needs to have a good storyline with excellent action, and that’s exactly what Final Fantasy XVI delivers. The fast-paced action sequences feel incredibly responsive, allowing for precise inputs and a truly immersive combat experience.The storyline, packed with twists and intense battles, is further elevated by the stunning graphics. Whether it’s exploring lush open fields or engaging in epic boss fights, the visual clarity and smooth performance enhance every moment. It’s clear that great graphics and performance are integral to making the world of Final Fantasy XVI come alive. I will admit that I’ve already finished the game once, but during this re-run with the AMD GPU onboard, the experience was definitely much better.
Verdict
Final Fantasy XVI on PC is a masterpiece that’s well-optimised out of the box and checks all the boxes that make it an excellent RPG title. The game’s engaging story, thrilling combat, and seamless gameplay make it a standout entry in the franchise. Its rich graphics and detailed environments further enhance the narrative, drawing players into its world. That being said, while it runs well on most capable gaming devices, AMD GPUs do have a clear advantage by delivering massive performance boosts and excellent visual fidelity. If you’re looking for a seamless gaming experience with customizable settings, gaming on an AMD GPU is something that I can easily recommend.Editor’s Rating: 9 / 10
Pros:
- Gripping storyline with memorable characters.
- Stunning visuals and detailed environments.
- Seamless performance boosts with AMD FSR 3.
- Extensive graphics customisation options.
Cons:
- Requires high-end hardware for ultra settings
- Diverging from the original Final Fantasy formula in some ways
