Final Fantasy XVI is rated 'Mighty' after being reviewed by 59 critics, with an overall average score of 90. It's ranked in the top 1% of games and recommended by 96% of critics.
I definitely have some concerns after the demo, but it isn't going to stop me from playing a new FF. No expectations for where it will rank for me in the series as a whole, but it is pretty likely I will at least enjoy it. I think there has only been two FF games I have ever not enjoyed.
IX and XIV.
IX had good elements, but I just actively disliked the entire cast of characters. I totally get why people can like it though. but it is really hard for me to get over the fact that there wasn't a single playable characte rI liked.
XIV I should love, I like MMOs and FF both (and I really liked XI), but there were a few design choices that really held it back for me. I could go into a whole essay on my issues with it if you really care. Honestly I don't even hate XIV, just don't actively like it really.
Not really. I didn't hate him as much as some characters coughZidanecough but I didn't find him endearing like a lot of people did.
I am working my way through all the FFs and will give IX a fair shot when I replay it, my opinion may have changed. I don't think I have played it since it first released.