Square Enix has revealed their latest spin-off title – Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin. As the name hints at, this new game is set in the world of the original Final Fantasy – and appears to involve characters trying to kill Chaos, the main villain of FF1.
Stranger of Paradise FF Origin is coming from Square Enix in partnership with Tecmo Koei and Team Ninja, who the FF publisher previously partnered with on Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT. It seems likely that there will be at least some staff cross-over with the game.
The reveal trailer, embedded above, does include some hints as to some of the staff involved. Tetsuya Nomura is on board as the concept & creative producer, as well as providing character design. The story and scenario is from long-time Final Fantasy scribe Kazushige Nojima. The game will be directed by Daisuke Inoue and produced by Jin Fujiwara.
Stranger of Paradise follows the story of three characters: protaqgonist Jack and his friends Ash and Jed. The trio head to the Chaos Shrine, a major location from FF1, claiming to be the Warriors of Light that a propechy seemingly said would destroy chaos. Of course, FF fans know that the real Warriors of Light is the party you play as in FF1.
“The initial concept for Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin came up around the time following the release of Dissidia 012[duodecim],” said Tetsuya Nomura, the creative producer on the new game.
“I was thinking to myself about making my next game into one that featured action elements in which locations are conquered, rather than the kind with battles against characters. Some time passed without anything coming of it, but separately I was also thinking to myself about another plan for a new series of Final Fantasy titles revolving around “the story of an angry man”. Even more time passed, at which point I received a request for a new plan, so I combined these two ideas to come up with this.”
“While it is Final Fantasy, it feels different—but there’s no doubt that the blood of FF runs through its veins. We’ve undertaken the challenge of finding this difficult middle ground for this mature and stylish title. We need a little time until we’re able to complete it, and while the battle system is a bloody one, it does link to the story, so I hope you’ll use this opportunity to give it a try.”
“I’m truly happy to be involved with a new Final Fantasy, and a title connected to its origin at that,” said Fumihiko Yasuda, Head of Team Ninja. “Using the feedback that the players provide after playing the trial version, all of us at Team Ninja will work to make this a title that meets the expectations of not only action game fans, but also Final Fantasy series fans around the world!”
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Functionally, Stranger of Paradise appears to be most comparable to a Souls style action RPG, with heavy, deliberate combat. Team Ninja has experience in this area thanks to their work on Nioh – though of course this game has Final Fantasy touches like party members and magic.
The game is coming to PS5, Xbox, and PC. On PS5, a playable demo will release later today. Players who download the trial version of FF Origin will be asked to participate in a survey to give feedback, similar to what Tecmo Koei did several times with Nioh and its sequel. The survey will be open until June 30th, and can be completed from inside the demo application on PS5.
Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin Media
Here’s Square Enix’s description of the game:
STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN™ is a new action RPG by SQUARE ENIX® in collaboration with Team NINJA from KOEI TECMO GAMES, that brings a bold, new vision to the FINAL FANTASY® series.
Burning with the strong resolve to defeat Chaos and the memories of their struggle buried deep in their hearts Jack and his allies, Ash and Jed, throw open the gates to the Chaos Shrine. Yet doubts remain – are they truly the Warriors of Light the prophecy foretold? Step into a world of dark fantasy and revel in the exhilarating, action-packed battles!
And remarks from the developers:
Tetsuya Nomura – Creative Producer
The initial concept for STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN came up around the time
following the release of DISSIDIA 012[duodecim] FINAL FANTASY. I was thinking to myself about making my next game into one that featured action elements in which locations are conquered, rather than the kind with battles against characters.
Some time passed without anything coming of it, but separately I was also thinking to myself about another plan for a new series of FINAL FANTASY titles revolving around “the story of an angry man”. Even more time passed, at which point I received a request for a new plan, so I combined these two ideas to come up with this.
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While it is FINAL FANTASY, it feels different—but there’s no doubt that the blood of FINAL FANTASY runs through its veins.
We’ve undertaken the challenge of finding this difficult middle ground for this mature and stylish title.We need a little time until we’re able to complete it, and while the battle system is a bloody one, it doeslinks to the story, so I hope you’ll use this opportunity to give it a try.
Kazushige Nojima – Story and Scenario
“It’s not a hope or a dream. It’s like a hunger. A thirst.”
When I wrote this line, I felt like the story had been brought to life.
What drives them to want to defeat Chaos as much as they do? What, then, are their hopes and dreams?
It was in this moment that what used to be fragments and pieces of story came together in a powerful way.
The story that I wrote—in what seemed like a single breath after penning that line—is STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN. I think it turned out to be quite a memorable story that accompanies a game which prominently features brutal imagery.
Please enjoy!
Jin Fujiwara – Producer (SQUARE ENIX)
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True to its label as “a bold new vision,” this title is full of new undertakings that draw a clear distinction between it and previous FINAL FANTASY series titles. I can’t divulge too many details at this stage, but we prepared a glimpse of these ambitions within the trial version, including the title’s direction and overall image, so please enjoy.
I believe that the feedback we receive from all of you around the world is very important as we improve upon the title even further. Please send us your thoughts through the trial version survey or through social media.
I’m already looking forward to the day I’ll be able to play this title with you.
Daisuke Inoue – Director (SQUARE ENIX)
This is a title that has been developed with the goal of bringing something new to sit alongside the many FINAL FANTASY titles in the series. I think it could be considered a side story in terms of how it is positioned.
There may be some people who were disappointed that this announcement was not a new, numbered title in the series, but this game contains ambitions within that even a mainline title may not have been able to achieve.
Grounded and challenging action created by Team NINJA.
Our protagonist, sprayed with blood as he literally rips apart, throws, and pulverizing his enemies. The way he looks is almost as if—
Well, we have prepared this trial version with hopes of having players experience this new flavor that the title brings with it, even if just a little bit. As we are still in development, I think there may be some areas that are not perfect and may be that way for a while to come, but I hope you’ll enjoy the trial version regardless.
Additionally, please let us know your thoughts on the game, whether it be positives or negative that you noticed—we will make great use of this feedback as we continue development.
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Fumihiko Yasuda – Head of Team NINJA, Producer (KOEI TECMO GAMES)
Playing FINAL FANTASY IV 30 years ago is what made me aspire towards a career in the gaming industry, so I always hoped that someday I could be involved in the FINAL FANTASY series. When Team NINJA was working on DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY, I was in charge of a different section, which meant that every night I filled my pillow with tears. I’m truly happy to be involved with a new FINAL FANTASY, and a title connected to its ORIGIN at that.
Using the feedback that the players provide after playing the trial version, all of us at Team NINJA will work to make this a title that meets the expectations of not only action game fans, but also FINAL FANTASY series fans around the world!
Hiroya Usuda – Director (KOEI TECMO GAMES)
I grew up playing FINAL FANTASY since I was very young, so it is a great honor to have the opportunity to be involved with this title. Furthermore, I’m truly excited that Team NINJA is able to deliver the first fullon action game in the FINAL FANTASY series to the world.
In this trial version, we’ve made specific demo-oriented adjustments so that players of all styles will be able to enjoy it—we have incorporated elements such as multiple jobs and weapon types, adjustable difficulty levels, and great replayability. Please let us know your thoughts and feedback once you have given it a try!
Nobumichi Kumabe – Director (KOEI TECMO GAMES)
I’m glad we were able to announce this new FINAL FANTASY game—an action game in which Jack, a Warrior of Light(?), lays waste to monsters while being bathed in the spray of their blood. I’m a huge fan of the FINAL FANTASY series myself, so I’m going to work hard towards release so that this blood-stained Jack can become a hero!
This is a title developed with the characteristic Team NINJA level of difficulty in mind, but once you start getting the hang of it, you’ll be able to defeat enemies in an exhilarating and satisfying way. I hope you will replay the trial version many times and try out the various weapons and abilities available.
The difficulty level can be changed as well, so one recommendation I have is to start playing on an easier difficulty and gradually raise it higher for a challenge!
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