Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin Demo Available Ahead of Launch

Early Access Starts Soon for Those who Pre-Order

In what might be one of the funniest examples of a game leaning into 2000s era edgy design philosophies, STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN has a new demo available on PlayStation and Xbox consoles. Like many of Square Enix’s recent demos, progress made in this new demo carries over into the full release. New jobs not featured in previous demos and multiplayer of up to three players are available in this demo. 

Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin is an action game with flavors of Nioh with familiar events and battles with iconic Final Fantasy entities such as Garland, Chaos, and more. The third demo is available now on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, and Xbox One. Early access to the full game is available starting March 15th for anyone who pre-ordered the Digital Standard or Digital Deluxe releases of the game on Xbox or Playstation. Those who pre-ordered on PC can start playing on March 17th. Lastly, the game launches on all platforms on March 18th. 

Stranger of Paradise has all the hallmarks of an unforgettable experience for Final Fantasy fans, at least in an entertainment light. In playing previous demos, I found the combat to be fairly engaging with loads of flair in the various action sequences and attacks. Creatures and spells all are familiar for fans of the franchise so I look forward to crossing swords with a Tonberry or staring down a mighty Behemoth. Final Fantasy is an appealing framework that can be used for all sorts of stories and experiences and I am excited to see how Team NINJA of Nioh and Ninja Gaiden fame used this universe as a part of their collaboration with Square Enix.

That said, the cutscenes and pacing of the dialogue that I have seen so far include baffling nonsense and moments that had me laughing aloud from the sheer absurdity of it all. Ever since I saw the antagonist interrupt a character, whip out a phone, and start playing a metalcore song as he walked away, I knew that this game wasn’t going to be the melodramatic opera that’s often associated with Final Fantasy. Stranger of Paradise will probably fall more into the self-aware humor of something like Devil May Cry and I sincerely hope that tone was intentional.  

Regardless of the story’s quality, the gameplay seems solid and this game might be a great way to spend a few weekends with friends. Relative interest in Final Fantasy might be needed to truly enjoy it but having a readily available demo means it’s easy enough to try out. I for one, as a Final Fantasy fan, look forward to stepping into this edgy action game.  

More information about Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin can be found on the official website. Featured image courtesy of Square Enix press assets.