Jack fighting multiple enemies
Posted By Wynn Johnson Posted On

Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin – A Brutal Yet Familiar Journey

The Final Fantasy franchise has always been synonymous with innovation and experimentation, continually evolving its gameplay throughout its numerous iterations. Square Enix, already at the pinnacle of JRPG development with the traditional turn-based Dragon Quest series, has consistently pushed the boundaries with Final Fantasy, transitioning from ATB (Active Time Battle) to CTB (Count Time Battle) and finally to full-action combat. Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin represents another bold step, blending the beloved Final Fantasy universe with the challenging Soulslike formula popularized by Dark Souls. But does this risky venture succeed?

A Symphony of Combat and Customization

Developed by Team Ninja, the studio behind the demanding Ninja Gaiden and Nioh series, Stranger of Paradise leverages their expertise in creating intense action experiences. Combined with the rich legacy of Final Fantasy, including its iconic spells, abilities, and job system, the game delivers a thrilling combat system that remains true to the spirit of the franchise.

Jack fighting multiple enemiesJack fighting multiple enemies

The fast-paced combat is reminiscent of Ninja Gaiden, demanding quick reflexes and strategic thinking. Dodging, parrying, and blocking are essential, but Stranger of Paradise introduces a unique mechanic called “Soul Shield.” This allows Jack, the protagonist, to absorb enemy attacks and convert them into MP, vital for spells and skills. However, using Soul Shield depletes the Break Gauge, making it a risky yet rewarding maneuver.

Demonstrating Soul ShieldDemonstrating Soul Shield

Soul Shield also allows Jack to learn enemy abilities, further enriching the combat experience. This mechanic adds depth and fluidity to the battles, encouraging players to understand enemy attack patterns and timings. The game offers a range of difficulty options, from Story mode for casual players to Chaos difficulty for seasoned Soulslike veterans seeking an extreme challenge.

Jack fighting a bossJack fighting a boss

Complementing the combat is Final Fantasy’s signature job system. With 28 jobs divided into Basic, Advanced, and Expert categories, players can experiment with different playstyles. Each job offers unique weapons, abilities, and skills, allowing for extensive customization. Jack can switch between two jobs during combat, offering unparalleled flexibility and adaptability.

Jack and his companionsJack and his companions

A Nostalgic Pilgrimage Through Final Fantasy History

The game’s mission-based structure, similar to Nioh, takes Jack through iconic locations from Final Fantasy I, such as Mount Gulg and the Chaos Shrine. Each mission features levels inspired by other Final Fantasy titles, incorporating unique mechanics and musical cues from the respective games. This creates a nostalgic journey for long-time fans, offering a thrilling theme park experience filled with familiar sights and sounds.

Fighting in a Final Fantasy inspired levelFighting in a Final Fantasy inspired level

Jack using magicJack using magic

Narrative Shortcomings and Repetitive Enemies

While the combat shines, the narrative falls short. The fragmented storytelling, due to the mission-based structure, fails to deliver a compelling plot. Despite a late-game twist, the overall story feels underdeveloped and lacks emotional resonance. Jack’s companions, while integral to the gameplay, remain largely unexplored, leaving little impact on the player.

A cutscene from the gameA cutscene from the game

Another drawback is the lack of enemy variety. While boss battles offer unique challenges, the regular enemies become repetitive throughout the game. This diminishes the sense of discovery and makes later missions feel less engaging.

Jack facing a bossJack facing a boss

Conclusion: A Diamond in the Rough

Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is a flawed but fascinating experiment. Its combat is exhilarating, its job system offers incredible depth, and its nostalgic nods to the Final Fantasy franchise are a treat for fans. However, the weak narrative and repetitive enemies hold it back from reaching its full potential. Despite these shortcomings, Stranger of Paradise offers a unique and engaging experience, particularly for those who enjoy challenging action combat. It’s a brutal yet familiar journey, one that will test your skills and reward your perseverance.

Jack and his partyJack and his party

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