Despite all our good will, we didn't get hooked on the universe of Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. Probably because the cast is of rare nonsense, Jack, Ash and Jed looking more like boy bands than Warriors of Light supposed to save the kingdom of Cornelia. Each carrying a black crystal, they set off in search of Chaos, a demonic entity whose existence could rest on the wind. A drama for Jack who lives only to face the god of Discord. It is from this permanent frustration that many of the implausible scenes of Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin that never manages to find the right balance arise. Indeed, the stakes are totally out of step with the detachment shown by the protagonists, which clearly does not favor immersion. And we're not even talking about the staging that picks it up when Team Ninja had us entertained with that of Nioh 2. In fact, even if we assume that this parody angle was desired, it's so badly written that it kills the little interest that we could have had in following the journey of the three acolytes. Afterwards, the Japanese studio is best known for its sharp science of gameplay; and in this area, there is not much to reproach Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin which is as explosive as it is ruthless.
Despite all our good will, we didn't get hooked on the universe of Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. Probably because the cast is of rare nonsense, Jack, Ash and Jed looking more like boy bands than Warriors of Light supposed to save the kingdom of Cornelia.
Moreover, if we had to summarize the philosophy of the game, we would tend to say that it is a mix between Nioh and Ninja Gaiden. Instead of the famous posture system (Nioh), Final Fantasy requires, the developers relied on the famous jobs to develop the classes of Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. What's particularly interesting is that Jack has the ability to select two and switch between them on the fly (via Triangle) to pummel enemies. Naturally, it is advisable to know at least the basics of each of them before going into battle. For example, the Gladiator has devastating power but is not one of the most agile characters. If you swear only by mobility, then it is better to bet on the Surineur who, using his two blades, can execute quick attacks while being swift in his dodges. As for the Lancer, it is useful for reaching opponents from a distance. For its part, the Rônin has no equivalent to blow up any guard, while the Pugilist stands out with its nuclear potatoes. We let you discover the rest of the festivities, but know that in addition to these basic classes, others are added as you progress through the class tree. The opportunity to access other characteristics such as those of the Ninja who is able to hurt opponents very badly without necessarily drawing on the MP gauge. Convenient. It is also impossible not to mention the Black Knight who, by sacrificing part of his vital gauge, increases his strength in the same proportions. The exact opposite of the Monk who is good at regenerating his HP bar during fights.
TEARS OF CHAOS
Contrary to what we are used to seeing elsewhere, it is not directly Jack who gains in levels, but the jobs. At each level crossed, we are given class points – only for the one we are using at the moment T – which we can then spend to unlock special skills. These may very well be passive, or else relate to combos. Like Nioh, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin only fully expresses its potential if you agree to spend time in the stats and countless menus with dubious readability. We understand that it may put off the less adventurous, but it would be a shame to miss what constitutes the very essence of the game, especially after having swallowed the moldy punchlines of Jack. The classes really offer the possibility of privileging this or that aspect of the gameplay according to our style. Whether you want to martyrize the breach gauge of creatures, emphasize staggering, promote instant skills, or even multiply piercing attacks, there is necessarily a profile that suits us. In addition, each job can accommodate its own equipment, certain weapons and armor even reinforcing our affinity with this or that class. Result: we obtain additional bonuses, and the XP points collected are attributed not to a single class, but to those concerned. This last point is rather well seen since we do not have to increase the jobs one after the other. In short, a time saver that allows you to find your match without having to eliminate the same enemies a billion times.
If you're wondering: No, Ash and Jed aren't sitting idly by. Jack's two friends don't hesitate to lend him a hand in tense moments. Moreover, since customization is the key word in Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, we can define the members who make up our squad, as well as their class and their equipment. By pressing the directional pad to the right or the left, there is a way to bring them into a state of resonance so that they can fully use their techniques. And they are far from making up the numbers the buggers, since together, they are able to get rid of creatures like grown-ups; in any case, to inflict a good dose of damage on them. They do well against bosses as well, although this time around the power of the hits means they'll often bite the dust. Don't panic, since Jack can revive them using the touchpad. Those who are absolutely looking for similarities with From Software productions will note the presence of Cubes which act as campfires. Pressing the D-Pad down is used to consume a potion, and exploring the surroundings allows you to discover shortcuts – a ladder or a rope, for example. However, do not expect a first-rate level design: that of Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is sorely lacking in inspiration. The game also has the Spiritual Aegis, a kind of counter with super tight timing thanks to which you can both recover MP, but also extend the associated gauge. The benefits of the maneuver do not stop there, since immediately behind, you can follow up on an attack, or even appropriate the enemy's skill for a limited number of uses.
Afterwards, the Japanese studio is best known for its sharp science of gameplay; and in this area, there is not much to reproach Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin which is as explosive as it is ruthless.
When you take the time to study the antagonists and hit the bull's eye, it's exhilarating. Afterwards, it imposes rigor and discipline at all times. Unsheathed with clumsy timing, the Spirit Aegis eats MP out of thin air; hence the need to observe the adversaries well before trying their luck. There are also combos that can be configured and boosted with effects. By freeing itself from the endurance bar, Team Ninja offers with Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin an action game with a bewitching frenzy that would almost make us forget its medieval plastic. Honestly, we wonder if the title is not two generations behind, so technically weak. It flickers everywhere, the textures are tasteless, it's fuzzy at times, aliasing is ubiquitous, and the character modeling is sketchy. As always, fans will turn first to the “Frame rate” mode to take advantage of the 60fps, even if that means struggling with even lower visual quality. Too bad, because in “Resolution” mode, the slowdowns are too much of a headache to inflict this kind of atrocity on yourself. As far as the artistic direction is concerned, it is above all a question of taste: some will appreciate it, others will turn away. In fact, when you take a step back, this is perhaps what stuck best to the universe of the game and its Nanardesque ambitions. Finally, note that Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin offers three difficulty modes. In the event of a hard blow, you can reduce the intensity during the mission, knowing that then you will have to complete it before you can return to the initial level of difficulty.
