Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin [PS5] (2022) critique

“I only know one thing: I want to kill chaos. I need to. It’s not a hope, or a dream. It’s like a hunger, a thirst.” -Jack

To those who had grown up with the Heroes of Light, Onion Knights, and Cecil Harvey, the world of Final Fantasy has grown distant from its most authentic roots. Indeed, Cloud, Squall, and Tidus may even be far from the series’ origins compared to the failed endeavor of Mystic Quest. Over the years, the science-fantasy roots of the series have slowly drifted from each other – resulting in a confusing assault of dividing main entries, experimental spin-offs, and remakes. Often, most have felt that most titles lean too heavily towards science-fiction, such as the case with Final Fantasy VII or XIII 1-3, or fantasy, with Final Fantasy XII and XVI. And, while each game’s systems are often highly functional and perfectly fine, they don’t always appeal to whatever the current “modern gaming” expectation might be. This is likely the result of each entry’s lengthy plotting process, with games such as XVI being developed as far back as 2015 and not released until 2023. Similarly, Final Fantasy XV had begun its life as part of the Fabula Nova Crystallis project (which happens to be an extension of Final Fantasy XIII‘s themes) – only to somehow seep through the cracks and become a mainline title with little similarities to what was initially proposed. So, in many cases, each of Square Enix’s Final Fantasy titles happens to be highly divisive at the time of release only to often be re-evaluated down the road – for better, or worse.

Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origins is one of Square Enix’s more ambitious side-entries into the Final Fantasy catalog. Simultaneously a reimagining and companion piece to the original 1987 game, it furthers the company’s ARPG ambitions – only, this time, they’ve enlisted Koei Tecmo’s Team Ninja (Ninja Gaiden, Nioh, Dead or Alive, etc…) to once again craft the experience. Those familiar with the Dissidia sub-series will doubtlessly recognize familiar eccentricities – such as unconventional storytelling and an emphasis on combat. However, those games were essentially fighting games with their own original stories. Has Team Ninja taken the series to strange new heights with this ‘soft-reboot’, or is it simply another forgettable game in the wider Final Fantasy universe?

The 8-bit Review

Visuals: 8/10

Stranger of Paradise‘s visuals receive a solid 8/10, showcasing meticulous attention to detail like other Final Fantasy games. Jack and his teammates may initially seem plain, but their constantly changing equipment keeps things interesting. The game features a vast array of equipment pieces, both original and nods to previous Final Fantasy classes. However, NPCs lack fluid motion and appear doll-like, lacking the polish seen in older games. Enemy design shines with renditions of classic characters, unique abilities, and captivating death animations, although this attention to detail is not reflected in human character development. Missions, often based on Final Fantasy areas, vary in quality, with basic layouts and lack of interactivity. The late-game stages’ design choices, such as a mix of ancient ruins and modern furniture, can be confusing and lack meaningful context for the story.

 Audio: 6/10

Stranger of Paradise lacks a standout sound, featuring a decent but somewhat mediocre soundtrack composed by various Final Fantasy regulars. While the tracks occasionally evoke nostalgia, they often get overshadowed by the gameplay. The music feels generic, resembling typical orchestral tracks found in modern RPGs, lacking a distinctive identity despite the talented composers involved. However, the inclusion of Frank Sinatra’s “I Did It My Way” in the game is puzzling, as it appears briefly and without context, implying a strange crossover between the game’s universe and the real world.

Narrative: 3/10

Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is an unconventional game that plays with the expectations of players by reimagining the original Final Fantasy. The story, written by Kazushige Nojima, takes a bizarre and experimental approach, not reminiscent of his work in Final Fantasy VII and other titles. The three main characters, Jack, Ash, and Jed, feel out of place in this world, and the absence of a fourth Warrior of Light creates a sense of unease. Unfortunately, the game falters in its introduction, with poorly executed writing and a lack of character development. However, for those willing to push through, there are intriguing revelations about the history and themes of the original Final Fantasy, presenting it as either the origin or an alternate universe. Despite the potential, the narrative often feels confusing, immature, and fails to explore the deeper implications it introduces. In the end, Stranger of Paradise‘s storytelling is regarded as one of Square-Enix’s weakest in their Final Fantasy series.

 Gameplay: 7/10

Stranger of Paradise‘s gameplay, developed by Team Ninja, draws inspiration from Nioh and Dark Souls. It features a gear system reminiscent of Nioh, with players constantly acquiring loot of different rarities. The game offers user-friendly mechanics, with telegraphed enemy attacks and stance-breaking options. The job system allows players to equip two interchangeable classes, unlocking new abilities and weapons. The gear system provides a vast amount of equipment, but optimization and upgrading options help manage the inventory. Grinding is optional, but players can increase equipment levels and obtain additional resources if desired.

 Online: 5/10

You can play through most of Stranger of Paradise in multiplayer, aside from a handful of opening and closing story missions. Thankfully, there is no multiplayer-exclusive content, and the game feels tailored towards a single-player experience. It’s nice to have, for those who have a friend interested in pursuing some of the end-game content, but for the most part, it feels included strictly because other souls-types included it. Indeed, I wouldn’t see anyone picking up a PlayStation Plus subscription just to play this with their friends. Not because it’s bad, but because it’s completely unnecessary.

 Replayability: 7/10

While the main storyline has a handful of unlockable side-missions, the real meat of Stranger of Paradise lies in its end-game content. Upon completion, the game unlocks Chaos mode which allows players to earn Anima Crystals in order to increase the level of missions in order to collect powerful gear. Atop this, completing certain missions allows for mastery levels, which can allow all jobs to reach Lvl. 99 (rather than the initial Lvl. 30 cap). Through this mode, most of the game’s most interesting equipment can be obtained – as well as character customization through stats. This makes Strange of Paradise more playable on a second playthrough than the first, though it also allows some cracks in the equipment system to show; mainly, the ability to play higher-level missions to grind out high-level gear in order to return to lower-level missions for unlocks.

Though the story is awful, the gameplay can keep the right person invested for 20-40 hours easily (the story itself being around 20 of those hours). If a friend joins, this number could be much higher – while completionists might find themselves reaching the hundred-hour mark if they decide to max out everything in the game.

Uniqueness: 7/10

 Personal: 6/10

Stranger of Paradise set out to alienate to establish its themes of ‘strangers’ in a new world and establish revelations that make one question the entirety of the original 1987 game. Sadly, it may have done this far too well. Kazushige Nojima’s writing here definitely veers towards his more recent esoteric musings, rather than the epic narratives he was once known for. While there is certainly a lot to be enjoyed when it comes to gameplay, especially if one is a fan of loot collection – Final Fantasy is often known for its stories. Stranger of Paradise is a nonsensical fever dream right until the credits roll.

Aggregate Score: 6.1

Kei-Nova can often be found writing music, playing guitar, or creating videos about science-fiction and mecha on Youtube. His primary obsessions are hoarding JRPGs and collecting vinyl releases by underground metal bands.