A Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origins Sequel Has a Perfect Premise

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A Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origins Sequel Has a Perfect Premise

Key Takeaways

  • Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin defied expectations, offering a captivating story and solid action RPG gameplay.
  • This game reimagined the original Final Fantasy narrative, sparking interest in exploring other underdeveloped Final Fantasy stories.
  • Future Stranger of Paradise games could delve into the narratives of Final Fantasy 2 and Final Fantasy 8, offering fresh perspectives.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of gaming under my belt and a particular affinity for the Final Fantasy series, I must say that Square Enix’s Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin was a breath of fresh air. Despite its initial missteps and the unrealistic expectations set by its Soulslike moniker, it managed to deliver an engaging story and solid action RPG gameplay.

It’s clear that Square Enix’s game, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, didn’t receive the chance it might have deserved due to certain circumstances. Labeling it as a “Soulslike” within the Final Fantasy series likely set high expectations that were challenging to meet, and the initial trailer, demo, and memes about “CHAOS!” seemed to further fuel criticism in a way that made the game appear doomed for failure. However, beneath some debatable dialogue and style choices, Stranger of Paradise turned out to be a skillfully crafted action RPG with an engaging Final Fantasy narrative, raising questions about how future games in the series could expand upon other Final Fantasy stories.

By reimagining one of the most barebones stories within the Final Fantasy series from a fresh angle, Stranger of Paradise uncovers some intriguing links and insights into the tale of the original game. However, it’s worth noting that there are numerous other titles in the Final Fantasy franchise whose narratives could benefit from further examination and a shift in perspective. If the Stranger of Paradise series expands, it may offer additional insights into neglected stories within the Final Fantasy universe. Among them, Final Fantasy 2 and Final Fantasy 8 stand out as prime candidates for a more in-depth exploration.

Final Fantasy 2’s Star Wars-Themed Narrative Deserves a Second Look

Despite setting many foundational aspects for the “Final Fantasy” series in future installments, “Final Fantasy 2” remains the less favored game within the franchise, primarily due to its intricate and sometimes perplexing progression systems that prioritize freedom over ease of use. However, it’s worth noting that objectively, the narrative of “Final Fantasy 2” surpasses the original game significantly, and its weaknesses in gameplay mechanics make it a compelling choice for an action RPG remake like “Stranger of Paradise,” which could revitalize both elements.

The narrative of Final Fantasy 2 revolves around a group of rebels battling an oppressive regime, which shares many parallels with Star Wars. For a potential Stranger of Paradise sequel, exploring the history of the conflict between the Palamecian Empire and the Wild Rose Rebellion could provide rich storytelling opportunities. Moreover, the main party’s adaptable character classes and abilities align well with the Job System in Stranger of Paradise. If this sequel were to directly follow up on the first game’s remake of the original Final Fantasy, it would be an added bonus.

Final Fantasy 8’s Time Travel Story Lends Itself Perfectly to a Stranger of Paradise Follow-Up

Among the games in the Final Fantasy series that are often misinterpreted is the divisive Final Fantasy 8. Despite Square’s daring decision to follow up the phenomenal success of Final Fantasy 7 with the mechanically intricate Final Fantasy 8, its commercial success was not compromised. However, fan perception towards the title has somewhat lessened over the years. Given the slim chances of an official Final Fantasy 8 remake, a more feasible alternative could be to create a spin-off in the style of Stranger of Paradise.

The narrative of Final Fantasy 8 shares similarities with the original Final Fantasy, as both revolve around a team of protagonists aiming to thwart a self-fulfilling prophecy using time travel. Additionally, the game offers several scenes where players take control of deuteragonist Laguna and his companions, providing an ideal foundation for a prequel game that ties into the main plot’s events. Ultimecia, though underutilized in the series, is one of its most intriguing antagonists, and a sequel like Stranger of Paradise could offer her a well-deserved resurgence in the limelight.

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2024-08-27 18:04