Square Enix announced Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin during E3 2021; it is an upcoming Soulslike game that appears to be set in the world of the original Final Fantasy. Rumors about a Final Fantasy Soulslike appeared last month, claiming that it was being developed by Team Ninja.
The Final Fantasy series has undergone a renaissance over the past few years, with the overwhelmingly positive reception to Shadowbringers, the incredible nostalgia wave that surrounded FF7 Remake, and the anticipation for the upcoming FF16. It was revealed during Square Enix Presents Summer Showcase that another Final Fantasy game is coming next year.
Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin is an action RPG about three adventurers trying to open the gates of the Chaos Shrine. Stranger of Paradise is a collaboration between Square Enix and Team Ninja. The two companies had previously worked on Dissidia Final Fantasy NT and Dissidia Final Fantasy: Opera Omnia. The three main characters are called Ash, Jed, and Jack. They believe themselves to be the fabled Warriors of Light, and they are battling Garland, who is one of the main foes of the original Final Fantasy. These facts, coupled with the name, suggest that Stranger of Paradise is a prequel to the original Final Fantasy. A trailer for the game has been uploaded to the official Square Enix YouTube channel.
Stranger of Paradise has a combat system that is similar to that of the Dark Souls series. It's also notably darker and more violent than most of the Final Fantasy games up to this point. The game will use abilities based on the jobs from the other Final Fantasy games, like the Black Mage and the Dragoon. The game is set to be released next year, but PS5 owners won't have to wait that long. A demo of the game, called Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin Trial Version is available now on PS5. The Trial Version will be available from June 13-24. The people who play the game are invited to take part in a survey, which will be available from June 13-30.
The Final Fantasy series has made a gradual shift from turn-based games to action RPG titles. FF7 Remake might be the biggest example of this. Stranger of Paradise looks like it could be the darkest Final Fantasy game yet, and a side game that follows the gameplay style laid out by FromSoftware has the potential to be an amazing addition to the series.
Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin will be released for PC, PS4. PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S in 2022.
Source: Square Enix/YouTube