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. Zer0TheHer0
    Jan 7, 2023
    0
    Game is good until you get to endgame. If you want access to the DLCs it forces you to play and farm at the hardest difficulty which is WAY overtuned. Completely unfair and unfun battles. I am a big fan of souls games and completed all of them up to at least NG+++, every one of them. I have no problems with punishing gameplay. But SoP is bad on tuning difficulty and forcing you to play atGame is good until you get to endgame. If you want access to the DLCs it forces you to play and farm at the hardest difficulty which is WAY overtuned. Completely unfair and unfun battles. I am a big fan of souls games and completed all of them up to at least NG+++, every one of them. I have no problems with punishing gameplay. But SoP is bad on tuning difficulty and forcing you to play at higher diff for the DLCs is just plain disrespectful.… Expand
  9. DarkwingSchmuck
    Mar 16, 2022
    6
    Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is as bizarre of a game as its title suggests. On one hand, this is a more than competent Souls-like with a solid battle system as well as a unique and very fun take on the classic Final Fantasy Job System. Stranger of Paradise plays more like Team Ninja's very own Nioh, though it suffers a bit from weaker level and enemy design. Thankfully,Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is as bizarre of a game as its title suggests. On one hand, this is a more than competent Souls-like with a solid battle system as well as a unique and very fun take on the classic Final Fantasy Job System. Stranger of Paradise plays more like Team Ninja's very own Nioh, though it suffers a bit from weaker level and enemy design. Thankfully, there is a co-op mode, and while it feels a bit tacked on, playing with a friend does help mask some of the game's flaws.

    However, on the other hand, the story is complete and utter nonsense. Stranger of Paradise features dreadful writing, poor voice acting, and a cast of the most unlikable and dull one-dimensional characters seen in a very long time. The game is also so sincere about what it is, to the point where its complete lack of self-awareness actually manages to cross the line into "so-bad-it's-good" territory.    … Expand
  10. arthasmenethil8
    Mar 18, 2022
    6
    The game is far, far from being a masterpiece (I don't get the 9s and 10s) but it's also not garbage, quite far from it as well. It's decent action RPG with some similarities with NIOH and NIOH 2 (those games are trash imho). The action is fun, the story is simple as it can get, the Job system is a neat idea and the multiplayer is kinda fun. Honestly, I would recommend the purchase of thisThe game is far, far from being a masterpiece (I don't get the 9s and 10s) but it's also not garbage, quite far from it as well. It's decent action RPG with some similarities with NIOH and NIOH 2 (those games are trash imho). The action is fun, the story is simple as it can get, the Job system is a neat idea and the multiplayer is kinda fun. Honestly, I would recommend the purchase of this game on discount because what it offers at full price it's not worth it (30ish hours of play time in total).… Expand
  11. Graphic-Outrage
    Mar 27, 2022
    6
    I believe this is a slightly above average game. If this didn't have "final fantasy" in the name no one would care about this game. The combat and dual job system is its saving grace. It's repetitive and grindy just for the purpose of constantly upgrading your gear. There is no story here. The main character Jack is an absolute Chad and is probably the least likeable main character of anyI believe this is a slightly above average game. If this didn't have "final fantasy" in the name no one would care about this game. The combat and dual job system is its saving grace. It's repetitive and grindy just for the purpose of constantly upgrading your gear. There is no story here. The main character Jack is an absolute Chad and is probably the least likeable main character of any final fantasy I've ever played. No open world, just mission select screens. Random "talk" options for NPCs that literally have no purpose or add to the game. They dropped the ball with this game, but like I said the combat is pretty fun. Not worth 60$ wait for a sale… Expand
  12. Down_Cast
    Mar 18, 2022
    5
    It’s a very mediocre game. The story and dialogue is strange. Lots of cutscenes and “funny” talking moments. Haven’t completed it yet l, I think about half way through, and I have no idea what the story is about. I recommend staying away with this one.
  13. sethdean0
    Mar 20, 2022
    5
    Well this game is a disappointment. It can be fun at times but is extremely repetitive and bland. The graphics look bad as well. It's like a worse version of Nioh. The controls are way to convoluted. It's a chore to take down big groups of enemies. Not because of they're difficulty but because of the controls
  14. Remiulv
    Mar 19, 2022
    9
    Super fun! Its Nioh Final Fantasy! Super fun to level up and unlock the jobs. Very forgiving too.
  15. Harlock
    Mar 18, 2022
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Disappointing: The game has a very interesting proposal, but the way the story is developed is terrible.
    She is purposely confusing, but the way the plot progresses is very weak, characters zero charisma.
    Graphics are mediocre even running in high resolution mode.
    Texts full of smudges and serrations, performance mode makes the game even more horrible.

    The gameplay, variety of jobs is very good, but the missions are all boring, corridor, area with monsters, corridor, another area with monsters.
    Loot is horrible, but boss fights are pretty cool.
    It has a good co-op mode, which makes it extremely fun, as its allies have terrible AI.

    Your AI-controlled allies are horrible, doing absolutely nothing.
    This game can be fun, yes, but for the price offered, it's not worth it, expect a good promotion.    … Expand
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. RolandOG
    Mar 16, 2022
    2
    For the first few minutes I was really excited, because the combat was impressive. However, the more I played the more I realized this is not a AAA title and it seriously lacks content and story. This is not a Final Fantasy game. It’s a “rougelite” designed to rip you off by replacing content with difficulty that slows your progression. There’s no world to explore, just level stages youFor the first few minutes I was really excited, because the combat was impressive. However, the more I played the more I realized this is not a AAA title and it seriously lacks content and story. This is not a Final Fantasy game. It’s a “rougelite” designed to rip you off by replacing content with difficulty that slows your progression. There’s no world to explore, just level stages you iterate through. You “talk” to NPCs through MENU OPTIONS from a map in-between stages. This is cheaply made and sold at the same price as an actual AAA game. It should be $29.99 at most. DO NOT ruin Final Fantasy by turning it into another Nioh / Dark Souls / Returnal rip off. Don’t be fooled– the increased “challenge” is only so they don’t need to add more content for you to progress to. I should have known better when I saw it was Team Ninja.… Expand
  19. rajones51
    Mar 17, 2022
    4
    Grind fest of a game. End game is thre exact same missions rehashed at a higher difficulty that makes the enemies an hp sponge. I don't understand the point in grinding out 170 levels worth of gear as ther cap is 300 and you finish thre game at roughly 120-130. The end game missions are locked behind an annoying mechanism where you'll have to farm hundreds of crystals. Game is worth itGrind fest of a game. End game is thre exact same missions rehashed at a higher difficulty that makes the enemies an hp sponge. I don't understand the point in grinding out 170 levels worth of gear as ther cap is 300 and you finish thre game at roughly 120-130. The end game missions are locked behind an annoying mechanism where you'll have to farm hundreds of crystals. Game is worth it for $20, huge disappointment from SE.… Expand
  20. Arturos
    Mar 16, 2022
    5
    it does not play very well on ps5.. i only have 35-40 fps, i am disappointed unlike the xbox version which has 40-58FPS!
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. bersi84
    Mar 20, 2022
    7
    To me this game is a 7.5 but considering the whole package I decided to go with the 7. The combat system is amazing I have to say although for a single playthrough there are way too many jobs. If you want to uncover and test all of them you will have not only do all the sidecontent but farm also quite a bit. The engine is obviously made for last-generation games. The HDR/non-HDRTo me this game is a 7.5 but considering the whole package I decided to go with the 7. The combat system is amazing I have to say although for a single playthrough there are way too many jobs. If you want to uncover and test all of them you will have not only do all the sidecontent but farm also quite a bit. The engine is obviously made for last-generation games. The HDR/non-HDR implementation is not really good, there are obvious lightning issues in certain areas rendering the picture too bright or nearly pitch black. Also there is a lot if AA flickering, loading times are not bad but not good either on a PS5. Overall the graphics are mostly good and enjoyable but some places have horrible quality drops.

    The story itself is a like it or hate it. If you enjoy trash horror movies you might know what I mean with that. Afterall the story was okay-ish but it lacks and SQENIX could try to enhance their story telling a little bit after recycling their franchises over and over again. After 22hrs the main story most of the side content and some grinding was done. Mostly I played on ACTION difficulty but some areas spike insanely hard.

    I would recommend the game on a decent sale for around 40-50bucks but not more because it lacks obvious parts as a gaming package. I still enjoyed my time and the combat a lot.    … Expand
  24. radlikemydad
    Mar 19, 2022
    7
    It’s good. It’s not great, but it’s good. It’s fun. It’s wacky as hell. I’d probably wait for a sale though.
  25. CallumB369
    Mar 17, 2022
    8
    Resolution could be polished a bit better, but overall a good and fun game, definitely recommend!
  26. Junior_Santos
    Mar 22, 2022
    0
    Lixo de jogo! No modo Qualidade é cheio de serrilhados, texturas de baixa qualidade, e frame rate baixíssimo e instável. No modo Desempenho fica com aspecto visual de jogo de Playstation 2 e o frame rate caí do mesmo jeito que no Qualidade! Square Enix e Koei Tecmo pode dar as mãos e ir para o inferno juntas!
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. ff9alex
    Mar 29, 2022
    6
    there are a ot of bad things to say and some good, i will begin with the bad Im usually not that judging of a game graphics but damn this looks bad, Final fantasy 13 came out 13 years ago and its looks way better than this.

    Putting that aside the Corny dialogues and bad script the awful taste of the director its looks tacky one moment when you beat a boss and then jack says **** and    there are a ot of bad things to say and some good, i will begin with the bad Im usually not that judging of a game graphics but damn this looks bad, Final fantasy 13 came out 13 years ago and its looks way better than this.

    Putting that aside the Corny dialogues and bad script the awful taste of the director its looks tacky one moment when you beat a boss and then jack says **** and puts some rock cheesy music you now the guy that did this has zero taste.

    the character design, the scenarios, its not like they dont have the artist or talent to make it this look ok its more like a design choice at moments i have non seen someone with such a bad taste in a while please dont let this director direct anything else, put him do something else.

    The music its meh, the characters are very unlikely and sometimes even annoying to withstand.

    Now on the positve the gameplay its so fun, the battles and the job system its look like they got a good idea for a gameplay they made a demo and someone say if we add more stuff we could sell this and thats what happened, everything bad i just said before its true but for some reason the gameplay its fun enough to make you tolerate the other bad stuff that are in this game and there is a lot of bad stuff.

    most scenarios looks empty, still and with repetitive props and objects, the boss fights are good, this game needed more love care, budget and a better director, this is not worth the full price my advice wait till it drops significally then play it.    … Expand
  30. 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
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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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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