A rising tide of concerns among gamers highlights issues with female character portrayal in Final Fantasy XVI. Many fans express disappointment over the lack of genuine development, stating it negatively impacts the overall game experience.
Players had high hopes for the new female characters, but the reality fell short of expectations. Key characters like Benedikta and Annabella, who seemed poised for significant roles, received little narrative closure. Benedikta, introduced as an intriguing character with a potential redemption arc, was killed off early. Annabella's setup as a villain fizzles out when the narrative shifts focus to Ultima, leaving players feeling short-changed.