In a month filled with big game launches, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin needs a special X-factor to stand out from all the competition. According to reviews, this more action-packed take on the Final Fantasy universe does do just that, but for possibly all the wrong reasons.

　　Developed by Ninja Gaiden and Nioh studio Team Ninja, the game's Souls-inspired combat and flexible Job system make it fun to explore, said some reviewers, but it's held by a few other chaotic gameplay elements.

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　　Now Playing: STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN | Demo out now for console

　　"Stranger of Paradise is mostly a more focused version of Final Fantasy that shows some different directions for the series from its traditional games, even if those directions take it down paths that are sometimes a bit... stranger," critic Phil Hornshaw said in his Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin review.

　　Despite those lingering issues, most reviewers agree that Stranger of Paradise's flaws are what makes it feel special and transforms the game into a rough diamond that consists of compelling action and nostalgic nods to the past.

　　For a wider look at the critical reaction to Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, check out more reviews below, or check GameSpot sister site Metacritic for more impressions.

　　Game: Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy OriginPlatforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PCDeveloper: Team NinjaRelease Date: March 15Price: $60 See at Amazon

　　

GameSpot -- 7/10

"While it might be confusing and memey, disjointed and weird, Stranger of Paradise is also a lot of fun. It's full of cool combat with a wide variety of options, and a job system that lets you customize your playstyle or just try out what feels like 30 different ones. Its challenge makes every fight a battle of skill, while also giving you the tools to feel like a ludicrously powerful Final Fantasy badass." -- Phil Hornshaw [Full review]

　　

Destructoid -- 85/100

"It's a Team Ninja action game first, and an oddball isekai story second. It's also one of the weirdest games I've reviewed in a while because it speaks to me in a lot of ways, but it wears its flaws on its sleeve." -- Chris Carter [Full review]

　　

IGN -- 8/10

"Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin's story doesn't come together until the final hours, but when it does it pairs nicely with a solid and engaging action combat system and a strong dose of FF nostalgia." -- Jada Griffin [Full review]

　　Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

　　

Game Informer -- 7/10

"Stranger of Paradise is the strangest Final Fantasy game yet, bounding wildly between awful and fantastic. If you can tolerate Jack (and that's a big ask), the excellently crafted combat is worth a look. You may be coming to this game for the story and Final Fantasy experience, but it's all about combat and little else." -- Andrew Reiner [Full review]

　　

Siliconera -- 7/10

"It is unfortunately held back by lackluster presentation of what could be an interesting story and the accumulation of the general lack of quality of life issues. It just feels like such a step back from Nioh 2, which is almost impossible to ignore. Especially since you would think a lot of these systems would be carried into Stranger of Paradise." -- Kazuma Hashimoto [Full review]

　　

VG247 -- 3/5

"Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is a B-movie game. It's loud, dumb, and full of fun. You have to ignore a lot – a lot – of issues if you want to extract the joy from its chaotic heart, but once you commit, toy around with the weapons, penetrate its poorly-explained mechanics and forgive Jack for his one-dimensional personality, you're left with a game that's part Devil May Cry, part Nioh, and part Face/Off. And let's be honest, who doesn't want to play that?" -- Dom Peppiatt [Full review]

　　

Games Radar -- 2.5/5

"There's a half-decent time to be had bashing your way around Stranger of Paradise's dungeons, but routine level design, rough edges and messy narrative delivery stop the experience evolving into a compelling adventure. Despite its efforts to create ordered systems, chaos has the final word." -- Jon Bailes [Full review]

　　The products discussed here were independently chosen by our editors. GameSpot may get a share of the revenue if you buy anything featured on our site.

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