STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN

Play as Jack, joined by a band of companions, on a quest to restore light to the crystals and pursue the force known as Chaos. The campaign unfolds through a map of missions set in varied locations, including stages that recall places from other Final Fantasy games.

Combat centers on fast melee and magic attacks, with options to guard, dodge, or use Soul Shield to absorb attacks and steal certain enemy abilities. Break down an enemy’s gauge to leave it vulnerable to a finishing move, and switch between two equipped jobs during a fight.

Jobs offer different weapons, skills, and combat approaches, and leveling them unlocks further options. Weapons and armor drop throughout missions and can be combined with job bonuses to shape builds. Choose a difficulty, take on side and postgame missions, or play many missions in co-op.

Players who enjoy the game often single out its fast, flexible combat and the fun of switching jobs, testing weapons, and tuning builds. Some also warm to its initially odd, humorous story as it develops, and appreciate the Final Fantasy callbacks. Co-op and additional challenges after the campaign are further draws for some reviewers, though others find the late-game grind or mission repetition wearing.