One of the most intriguing games of 2022 is just a few months away, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. With Final Fantasy fans not sure what to make of the dark, brooding, and accidentally funny new take on the series, Square Enix decided to shed some light on the game.
Today, Square Enix has released new screenshots for Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. Accompanying those screenshots are a little bit of backstory and context behind the story, characters and new combat mechanics.
Story
The story of FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN focuses on Jack and his fight to return light to the crystals of Cornelia – a land overrun by darkness. Will restoring the crystals’ light usher in peace or a new form of darkness… or perhaps something else entirely?
The King of Cornelia reveals the Prophecy of Lukahn to Jack and his friends, in which the Warriors of Light are mentioned. He believes the four of them could be those fabled warriors and places fresh hopes on them to banish the darkness that clouds the crystals.
In this image, we see Sarah playing the lute, while she observes the comings and goings outside. Her sister Mia listens on enthralled. Incidentally, the song Sarah’s playing is the FINAL FANTASY prelude!
After crossing the northern bridge to Pravoka, Jack and his companions encounter this intimidating chap: Captain Bikke.
Locations
After crossing over the northern bridge to the continent, you will find the port town of Pravoka. The people of the town are looking for crystals with aid from the king of Cornelia.
After making your way through the caves, you’ll encounter a pirate ship moored in the Pravoka Seagrot.
Characters
Captain Bikke is a pirate captain who rules the town of Pravoka in place of a governor.
Unfortunately for him, with the oceans now wreathed in darkness, the piracy business has all but dried up. The ships that he would normally target – and the treasures they carry – no longer venture out.
In battle he swings a two-handed axe with wild abandon.
The ruler of Cornelia sees something special in Jack’s burning desire to stop Chaos and pins all his hopes on him.
Queen Jayne is the mother of princesses Sarah and Mia. Calm and grounded, she always puts her daughters and the people of Cornelia first.
Just like her older sister Sarah, Mia has a strong concern for the citizens of Cornelia. At times, she’s even been known to confront ministers.
A shrewd man who tirelessly seeks someone who matches the prophecies of Lukahn. He decides to record the journeys of Jack and his comrades for posterity.
Combat
Finally, the last screenshots and details shared on Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin has to do with combat. Now, most of those tips and overviews have been covered in our Beta impressions. To read more on how the new combat is, click here and here. Otherwise, enjoy the new combat screenshots below:
These screenshots and descriptions do provide some new clarity on the overall enigma that is Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. I’m hoping a new trailer will help us understand it more, but I’m certain that no amount of trailer nor screenshots nor descriptions will ultimately prepare us for the ride that’s in store next year.
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin launches March 18, 2022 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC via Epic Games Store.
Anyone who pre-orders the Digital Standard and Digital Deluxe Editions of Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin will receive 72-hour early access to the full game (24-hour early access for PC version), as well as the Braveheart weapon and Lustrous Shield, and early-purchase bonus: the Rebellion weapon. Pre-orders are available now.
