Steam drops free download for one of 2023's biggest RPGs

PC users can currently try out one of 2023’s biggest RPGs for free right now, courtesy of a brand new demo that’s landed on Steam.

I’m talking about Square Enix’s Final Fantasy XVI.

While Ben Starr’s performance as Clive Rosfield garnered the acclaim it deserved, the game itself perhaps flew under the radar during awards season despite its rave reviews.

Then again, we all know how packed 2023 was.

Baldur’s Gate 3, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder … It was a stacked year.

With that in mind, if Final Fantasy XVI passed you by, now may be the perfect time to check it out.

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Final Fantasy XVI’s free demo is now available on Steam ahead of the game’s launch on the platform on 17 September.

All save data from the demo will be carried over in the full version should you pick up the game.

“After completing the opening section of the story, players can enjoy Final Fantasy XVI’s amazing action gameplay in the ‘Eikonic Challenge’ mode made specially for this demo,” reads the demo’s description.

In our review of Final Fantasy XVI, we said, “Final Fantasy XVI is truly an epic adventure. It has a fantastical story, over-the-top character performances, a sublime soundtrack, epic boss battles and it looks gorgeous to boot. Seriously, what’s there not to love about this game?”

“It doesn't matter if you’re a veteran of the series or a newcomer like me, Final Fantasy XVI is one of 2023’s most brilliantly extravagant adventures and a sure-fire contender for Game of the Year.”

As a reminder, Final Fantasy XVI is already available on PlayStation 5.

If you’ve not checked it out on that platform either, the game’s demo remains available in the PlayStation Store.

Simply search Final Fantasy XVI on the PlayStation Store and the demo should appear.