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Final Fantasy action spinoff reportedly in the works from Team Ninja

By Joseph Yaden Updated March 7, 2022

Square Enix is reportedly partnering with Nioh developer Team Ninja to create a new Final Fantasy action game. The project is said to be called Final Fantasy Origin and is being developed by the members of Team Ninja that created the Dissidia Final Fantasy NT fighting game.

According to a report from Fanbyte, Final Fantasy Origin will be exclusive to the PlayStation 5 and PC, and will be officially revealed at E3 2021 during Square Enix’s showcase. It’s unclear when the game will be released, but rumors indicate that an alpha for Final Fantasy Origin is planned to launch this summer. The demo, reportedly called Stranger in Paradise, is in line with what Square Enix has done for Final Fantasy games in the past — as demos often launch ahead of games in the series. The leaked information showcases a logo for the game as well, giving further credence to its existence.

Rumors about Final Fantasy Origin first appeared on Reddit and ResetEra, and were corroborated by Fanbyte. The publication states that Final Fantasy Origin will play like a more approachable version of Nioh or the Souls games, with action at the forefront.

Team Ninja is known for developing fighting and action games such as the Dead or Alive series, as well as Ninja Gaiden. The studio picked up steam following the release of Nioh in 2017, Fire Emblem Warriors later that same year, and Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order in 2019.

Final Fantasy Origin has not yet officially been revealed, so fans should be cautious with expectations going into E3. But given Team Ninja’s history with Final Fantasy, as well as its relationship with Square Enix, it’s certainly possible this game will come to fruition.

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Joseph Yaden is a freelance journalist who covers Nintendo, shooters, and horror games. He mostly covers game guides for…

Gaming

All Chronolith locations and rewards in Final Fantasy 16

A chronolith trial pillar glowing in the sunlight.

Every Final Fantasy game changes up the battle system in one way or another. Final Fantasy 16 isn't the first to have real-time, action-focused combat, but is by far the most polished and refined one. The story is by no means secondary, but for the first time players are able to really express themselves through the various combos and abilities you can pull off. Square Enix recognized this and included special combat trails called Chronolith Trials. These are somewhat similar to the special missions you can find in games like Devil May Cry 5 where you are faced with a unique challenge for a reward. As tough as these challenges are to beat, finding them is also a bit of a chore. Hop on your Chocobo and follow our lead to find all the Chronolith locations in Final Fantasy 16.
What are Chronolith Trials?

Chronolith Trials are unique combat trails that put you into an arena that spawns waves of enemies. There will always be three rooms that each spawn three waves of enemies, plus a boss at the end. You're on a timer, and can only use a designated Eikon with predetermined abilities. By pulling off Battle Techniques, including Precision Dodge and Ability Finishes, you can extend your time. If you're quick enough to beat all the enemies without running out of time, you'll earn a special accessory as a reward. There are seven in total, and completing them all will also unlock the final Wall of Memory item you need to complete that collection.
All Chronolith Trial locations
Phoenix
In Greensheaves in Rosaria, fast travel to Martha's Rest and exit to the north. Follow the path east and you will find it just before the path leading to Rhiannon's Ride.

Gaming

The best Final Fantasy games, ranked from best to worst

Final Fantasy X

While the role-playing game (RPG) has become a catch-all genre, now encompassing an almost silly range of games that don't share much in common, there was one video game franchise in the 1980s that was the quintessential RPG. Yes, we're talking about Final Fantasy from Square Enix.

The fantasy Japanese RPGs debuted on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1987, but they became cultural touchstones in the '90s as Super Nintendo games. From there, the series made an incredibly successful jump to 3D on the PlayStation 1 before the mainline series started to take more risks, including the elimination of turn-based battles and massively multiplayer online game (MMO) entries, and the latest game, Final Fantasy XVI, becoming a full-on character-action game.

Gaming

Final Fantasy 16 Renown explained: what is Renown and how to earn it

Final Fantasy 16's cover showcasing its protagonist infront of two demon summons.

Every JRPG, and even games with RPG elements, likes to introduce new systems into the mix for you to learn and interact with. Most of the mechanics in Final Fantasy 16 will be familiar, like sidequests, upgrading gear, and unlocking abilities. However, later on, the game will introduce you to the Renown system once you take control of the Cursebreakers. This occurs once you reach the main hub of the game called Cid's Hideaway after going through the main story until you reach A Chance Encounter. While you might be feeling content ignoring this new mechanic and just pushing on with the main story, there are plenty of reasons to learn it. Here's a simple explanation of how the Renown system works in Final Fantasy 16.
What is Renown and how to earn it

Without spoiling much, after Clive takes on a certain mantle and is in charge of Cid's Hideaway, the Renown system will automatically be put into effect. This is meant to represent how much inspiration and support Clive has earned from the people of Valisthea in his cause and fight against the Blight. You can see how much Renown you currently have by visiting the Patron's Whisper and talking to Desiree.