Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

 PlayStation 5
User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 457 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 299 out of 457
  2. Mixed: 58 out of 457
  3. Negative: 100 out of 457
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  1. Minus_Infinity
    Mar 16, 2022
    10
    final fantasy rocks, and this game is no different. long live final fantasy
  2. ryimhof94
    Apr 7, 2022
    10
    Very good! Would love to see more Final Fantasy entries like this! Haven't enjoyed an FF title this much in years
  3. GDwyvern
    Apr 2, 2022
    10
    As a big fan of Nioh I really dig the gameplay of this game. Combat is fast and fluid, and the job system keeps everything fresh. Story is quite confusing at first but by the end of the game I loved it.
  4. SonyBroWhirrrr
    Apr 7, 2022
    9
    I cannot help but cachinnate (in my deep, basslike voice, mind you) at these FF peasants who got filtered by the first FF game that has actual gameplay. Go "play" your interactive movies and leave the slaying of Chaos to the real strangers of this beautiful paradise.
  5. Naedeslus
    Jan 23, 2023
    8
    +Great combat that is well-paced, fast-paced, fun, and challenging.
    +Dialog is ‘so bad it's good’ It’s an unintentional satirical script most of the time that surprisingly wraps up very well at the end and has a great end twist. The last act is fantastic.
    + Loads of customization and great drop-in/out co-op. + Soundtrack is very good. - Battle theme is a bit overwhelming. As stated    +Great combat that is well-paced, fast-paced, fun, and challenging.
    +Dialog is ‘so bad it's good’ It’s an unintentional satirical script most of the time that surprisingly wraps up very well at the end and has a great end twist. The last act is fantastic.
    + Loads of customization and great drop-in/out co-op.
    + Soundtrack is very good.

    - Battle theme is a bit overwhelming. As stated in the pros, the soundtrack is good but it can be problematic if you can’t really hear most of it on your first playthrough.
    - Graphics are very dated, feels like a PS3 game.
    - Some levels can be a bit confusing. Could use a map.

    Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is one of my favorite spinoffs to come out of the series. It will not be for everyone but this is one I find myself coming back to multiple times. There is a certain charm with the tone that I absolutely love, and if you can not take it seriously and shut your brain off and even embrace the non-intentional satirical tone, it gets better and the story does actually work very well by the end.

    The combat is very good and has a good loot system with plenty of customization. The game does feel very dated, but if you don’t mind its shortcomings, you’ll probably love it as much as I do. It’s not perfect, but for the current price of 30 USD, if you’ve been sleeping on it, but like Final Fantasy and Team Ninja’s other games, give it a try. You'll probably like it.    … Expand
  6. ASSASSIN_TRISTA
    Apr 4, 2022
    8
    CHAOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. I CAN SMELL CHAOS. pretty fun game the combat was really entertaining and the story was very aware which was funny at times. does get a bit weird near the end but fun all the same. 8/10 fun throwback good prequel thing. I can still smell chaossssssss
  7. saltyengineer
    May 13, 2022
    8
    Its definitely not a 1/10 like many of the reviews that were written by players that failed to watch a single gameplay trailer.

    Its not the best final fantasy out there and I would have given it a 7 normally ,but the step they took adding in elements from different game genres was a great move and if refined I think it can produce a really fun ARPG set of FF games. I don't think they    Its definitely not a 1/10 like many of the reviews that were written by players that failed to watch a single gameplay trailer.

    Its not the best final fantasy out there and I would have given it a 7 normally ,but the step they took adding in elements from different game genres was a great move and if refined I think it can produce a really fun ARPG set of FF games. I don't think they should adopt this formula for all their games but it can definitely be refined for non-canon FF games.

    Pros:
    +Job system is amazing and something I've missed dearly from FF classics.
    +Combat is fun and interactive, lots of experimenting is possible and fights feel fresh.
    +Difficulty options

    Cons:
    - Story is weak (but to be fair it is based off FF1 which did not have a great story either)
    - Character design is bland, looks like a set of boy band rejects.
    - Script is tacky and feels rushed, like they just wanted them to finish cutscenes as fast as possible.
    -No exploration, super linear and zones feel repetitive
    -Difficulty options are nice but the hard difficulty is clunky and still needs to be refined.

    I gave it an 8 because I did not treat it like a triple A release, it is a side release that was 100% rushed. However, they should have priced the product accordingly.

    If you like FF. you should play this game but not for 60$.    … Expand
  8. Remiulv
    Mar 19, 2022
    9
    Super fun! Its Nioh Final Fantasy! Super fun to level up and unlock the jobs. Very forgiving too.
  9. Lambda-Kun
    Mar 16, 2022
    9
    A fantastic romp through the history of final fantasy with the perfectly paced gameplay Team Ninja is oh so good at, not quite Nioh in a FF coat of paint, but enough of its own thing to stand on its two feet. The story is campy, at times accidentaly hilarious, yet delivers an interesting narrative, performance is a bit shoddy.
  10. Kadoz
    Mar 17, 2022
    8
    Very good Combat System, you can play with 2 classes (like a Tank&DD, Heal&DD, Etc.)

    Its really nice and makes fun, and the mobs are not to strong (playing with ACTION Mode)

    Perfomance mode is good too.

    BUT 8/10 because:

    - graphic is Not the best (Its ok)
    - idc about Story but Its no the best
  11. Davvee
    Mar 17, 2022
    8
    Stranger of Paradise is a fun action game set in the world of FF1 using locations from previous FF games as levels, fun combat, story that while akward at places is interesting enough to push you to go forward. It's rough around the edges, but it has a heart and at the centre of it is main character of the game Jack. He's funny and a chad. While he might come off as nothing more then angryStranger of Paradise is a fun action game set in the world of FF1 using locations from previous FF games as levels, fun combat, story that while akward at places is interesting enough to push you to go forward. It's rough around the edges, but it has a heart and at the centre of it is main character of the game Jack. He's funny and a chad. While he might come off as nothing more then angry dude in his 30s wanting to kill Chaos his actually heart of the game. This game knows what it is and doesn't try to be more then that. If your OK with a fun, campy, action game with multyple jobs from FF even though it's not AAA then make sure to check it out. It's not for everyone, but there is a audience for this type of games.… Expand
  12. Zenosf
    Mar 17, 2022
    8
    Terminei o jogo, gostei da história e do gameplay que é bastante divertido, a história não é muito profunda, mas é uma ótima releitura do FF clássico. Gostei bastante das DG, pela referência aos demais jogos da série, as gears (sets) estão bem bonitas. O ponto forte do jogo é o gameplay, principalmente se for jogado no modo multiplayer. Pena que o jogo não veio localizado para o português,Terminei o jogo, gostei da história e do gameplay que é bastante divertido, a história não é muito profunda, mas é uma ótima releitura do FF clássico. Gostei bastante das DG, pela referência aos demais jogos da série, as gears (sets) estão bem bonitas. O ponto forte do jogo é o gameplay, principalmente se for jogado no modo multiplayer. Pena que o jogo não veio localizado para o português, como é isso é um ponto extremamente negativo para mim.… Expand
  13. CallumB369
    Mar 17, 2022
    8
    Resolution could be polished a bit better, but overall a good and fun game, definitely recommend!
  14. kerihobo
    Mar 30, 2022
    10
    This game is tonnes of fun! Really cool battle-system, a full range of unique jobs to play as, interesting ways to approach combat, cool places to explore, cool monsters, and the story is quite nice too.
  15. Clintvindet
    Mar 20, 2022
    8
    Personally I like it, I never expected it to be a "real" Final Fantasy game, it is more of an experiment than anything, it is not perfect, it absolutely have some flaws, but it is not as bad as some people say, take it for what it is and you will moat likely have a good time
  16. GameReviewerES
    Mar 22, 2022
    8
    Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is a title with many lights and shadows, although it is so highly addictive that you can enjoy it for hours without even realizing it, becoming a game that you want to complete from start to finish in one sitting. It stands out enormously in its excellent hack n' slash combat with which each confrontation is a fun challenge with any of the classesStranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is a title with many lights and shadows, although it is so highly addictive that you can enjoy it for hours without even realizing it, becoming a game that you want to complete from start to finish in one sitting. It stands out enormously in its excellent hack n' slash combat with which each confrontation is a fun challenge with any of the classes or equipment, but it falters in a graphic section that does not quite live up to the generation. The duration of the missions is so well balanced that it always invites you to complete one more. Its entry price should be lower.… Expand
  17. Xanthos
    Mar 26, 2022
    8
    As someone who's not a huge fan of the soulslike genre, I found this game to be rather enjoyable.

    The combat and boss fights felt good, the job changing definitely added to the combat and allowed some customization and planning for how you would approach situations. The cutscenes at the beginning were a little odd but as the game went on, they grew on me and frankly, I appreciate that    As someone who's not a huge fan of the soulslike genre, I found this game to be rather enjoyable.

    The combat and boss fights felt good, the job changing definitely added to the combat and allowed some customization and planning for how you would approach situations.

    The cutscenes at the beginning were a little odd but as the game went on, they grew on me and frankly, I appreciate that Square decided to add some backstory to Final Fantasy 1.    … Expand
  18. GuitarJester
    Mar 18, 2022
    9
    Stranger of Paradise does what it was intended to do very well. Some people are unhappy that it's not a standard JRPG. It was never meant to be. The game doesn't take itself serious. The combat is a lot of fun. The job variations are fantastic. And being able to play the entire game with friends is a blast. It has some minor technical issues. But the game is simply a lot of fun.
  19. Bigguy3000
    Mar 18, 2022
    10
    It's pretty epic I gotta say, it's got the same silliness and charm that metal gear rising has and also its just final fantasy nioh which is cool
  20. Generalement
    Mar 18, 2022
    10
    Une quête Intérieure.

    Encore une fois, Team Ninja aura su démontrer l'efficacité de ses talents. Combat plus simplistes que la série Nioh et ayant moins de facteurs statistiques permettant a ceux qui n'auraient jamais connu l'opus Nioh d'y avoir une introduction. Mecanique différente mais tout autant prime. Offrant possibilité de chaque classe d'avoir des attributs spécifiques. L'histoire    Une quête Intérieure.

    Encore une fois, Team Ninja aura su démontrer l'efficacité de ses talents. Combat plus simplistes que la série Nioh et ayant moins de facteurs statistiques permettant a ceux qui n'auraient jamais connu l'opus Nioh d'y avoir une introduction. Mecanique différente mais tout autant prime. Offrant possibilité de chaque classe d'avoir des attributs spécifiques. L'histoire est une quête en soi à la recherche de l'origine du chaos, de la souffrance qui entraîne la souffrance. Dans une voie où le protangoniste cherche à s'émancipé de lui-même, d'un cycle perpétuels pris entre les ténèbres et la lumière.

    L'histoire dans la simplicité nous apporte à se recueillir intérieurement et prendre conscience de nous-mêmes. Nos pensées ainsi que nous émotions sont des facultés qui embellit ou détruit le monde. Une réinitialisation aurait été un gâchis car cela aurait amené le prontagoniste à retourner de nouveau sans souvenirs dans une dimension comme dans un autre à la recherche de ce qu'il ne peut trouver qu'en lui-même.

    Si les gens étanches leurs soif sur cette simplicité, le monde connaîtrait un meilleur sort.

    Félicitations TeamNinja pour votre implication.

    Un succès de la série qui sera mitigé entre ceux recherchent sans cesse la fantasmagorie et ceux la lumière, tel que présenté    … Expand
  21. Vincetheshadow
    Mar 27, 2022
    9
    First off I just want to say the combat in this game is really fun. The class system was a joy to mess around with. I did not have a dull moment with the combat system of this game. This is definitely not a perfect game. The story was okay definitely not its strong point. I did not run into any issue so the game performed well. The graphics is not what you would expect from "Next Gen" andFirst off I just want to say the combat in this game is really fun. The class system was a joy to mess around with. I did not have a dull moment with the combat system of this game. This is definitely not a perfect game. The story was okay definitely not its strong point. I did not run into any issue so the game performed well. The graphics is not what you would expect from "Next Gen" and the "PS5" but it is not the worst PS5 game I have seen so I will give it a pass. If this game is ever on sale in the future it is definitely worth picking it up. The dialogue in this game is a meme but it definitely made this game more enjoyable.… Expand
  22. Yetanotherone
    Mar 18, 2022
    10
    A niche cult classic PS2 game - somehow released in 2022.

    Stranger of Paradise has all the hallmarks of a cult classic that is not at all concerned with how well it is perceived by critics. It's unapologetically charismatic, with a 2000s edginess that few dare to display that openly and without several layers of irony. It's not concerned with how artsy or grown up video games are    A niche cult classic PS2 game - somehow released in 2022.

    Stranger of Paradise has all the hallmarks of a cult classic that is not at all concerned with how well it is perceived by critics. It's unapologetically charismatic, with a 2000s edginess that few dare to display that openly and without several layers of irony. It's not concerned with how artsy or grown up video games are supposed to be now, it wants to have fun and kick ass. The gameplay is slick as ceiling wax and just a blast and every scene with main character Jack will be rewatched on Youtube for years to come.

    Yes, it is fairly low budget and had a fairly short development time, but a big budget AAA game could never be as earnest as Stranger of Paradise. This is not a game for everyone. Just as there are were movie goers that complained about cult classics like the 20 minutes of fist fighting in 'They Live' and the non-existent story in 'Commando, there will be people complaining about the areas the game isn't paying much attention to - like visual fidelity or deep and introspective dialogues - but they are missing the point.    … Expand
  23. Fezinator
    Mar 18, 2022
    10
    Absolutely stunning fantastic game as another title for the final fantasy franchise , I highly recommend it great job alot like nioh
  24. metaknightmare
    Mar 17, 2022
    10
    Final Fantasy 1 + Team Ninja + David Lynch = Stranger of Paradise
    a cult classic
  25. fernandoragajel
    Mar 18, 2022
    10
    Lo juego es muy guapo e me encanta mucho causa danõ al chaos, tengo un grupo de only fans e tiene unos hateres qe eston hablando malo del juego. Márcio pereyra e Juan Carbalho son uns hateres e tiene los cojunis mui peqenitos

    CHAOS **** GODEMITÊ
  26. Retsukki
    Mar 17, 2022
    10
    Square Enix aced it with this game
    As edgy and weird as the trailer made the game seem its really amazing
    The sound track is also amazing
    What are you doing reading this review? Go kill Chaos
  27. ReallyBruh
    Mar 18, 2022
    10
    CHAOS!!! CHAOS!!! CHAOS!!! CHAOS!!! CHAOS!!! CHAOS!!! CHAOS!!! I need to kill CHAOS!!!
  28. AgooNoct
    Mar 30, 2022
    10
    Jack's story was incredible; the final 2 hours of this game made me cry a lot. The gameplay is top-notch, and while the game does have performance issues and a clunky beginning, the core concept, narrative and essence of the game really shine through.
    Jack did it his way. I'm going to remember his story for the rest of my life.
  29. Oscarin
    Mar 30, 2022
    9
    A lot of fun and a lot of heart. Not perfect, but a fun romp throughout with great combat. Wish they had built out the world and the characters more and given us more of the story and time spent with the characters. Loved them, but didn't get enough there... Had fun playing though and would definitely reccomend!
  30. Reddragon505
    Mar 16, 2022
    10
    Superb/innovative gameplay, compelling story (that gets better as it goes on, trust me), along with memorable re-inventions of locations from previous final fantasy games. Jack = best main character in FF history
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Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2022
20
#20 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 91 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 91
  2. Mixed: 46 out of 91
  3. Negative: 1 out of 91
  1. RPGamer
    Jul 12, 2022
    70
    Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin attempts to fuse the original’s sensibility into a fast-paced action RPG. For the most part, it is successful with intense action gameplay and beautiful music. Adjustable difficulty options and online co-op make the game accessible to a myriad of gamers without diminishing challenge or sacrificing replayability. It’s somewhat fitting that in this topsy-turvy action spin-off, the only thing that’s truly upside-down is the presentation of the original game’s story. Even as the narrative stumbles, the core gameplay is strong enough to motivate to see this story through to completion, no matter how chaotic.
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  2. Oyungezer
    Jun 26, 2022
    75
    Although the action is extremely enjoyable, game stumbles in other areas. It's a direct purchase for the fans of the series, but others can wait for discounts.
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  3. Het Nieuwsblad
    May 17, 2022
    60
    Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin constantly balances between homage to the series and bombastic kitsch. The new gameplay - it feels more like a soulslike game than your typical action-RPG - is refreshing at times, but not spectacular enough to make the game rise above mediocrity.
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