Update 2 06/15/2021: Shortly after saying a fix was incoming, Square Enix has confirmed that the Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin PS5 demo has received a new 1.03 patch that makes the game playable.
IGN has confirmed that the application now works after the update. Square Enix says those who already downloaded the demo will have to update, but fresh downloads will work immediately. The company apologised for the issues.
If you have already downloaded the #StrangerofParadise #FinalFantasy Origin Trial Version, the issue will be resolved by applying the update.
— STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN (@fforigin) June 15, 2021
For those newly downloading the Trial Version, you will be able to play it as-is upon download. We apologise to have kept you waiting.
Update 06/15/2021: Square Enix says it has found the cause of ongoing issues with the Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin demo, and "it should be fixed soon".
In a tweet on the game's official account, Square Enix confirmed that a fix was incoming, but didn't explain the reasoning for the issue, which has been ongoing since shortly after the game was announced on Sunday.
We are aware that users are still experiencing issues with the Trial Version of #StrangerofParadise #FinalFantasy Origin. We have found the cause of the issue and it should be fixed soon. We will keep you updated.
— STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN (@fforigin) June 15, 2021
Update: Reports are emerging that the Stranger of Paradise demo is corrupted. IGN attempted to download the demo on PS5 and found that it indeed did not work.
We have contacted Square Enix regarding a potential fix. We will update the story with more information as we have it.
We're aware of issues being experienced while trying to download and play #StrangerOfParadise #FinalFantasy Origin Trial Version.
— STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN (@fforigin) June 13, 2021
We're working to resolve this issue and will tweet an update as soon as we can, we appreciate your patience.
Square Enix has revealed Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, coming 2022 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, and PC. The game has a limited-time demo on PS5 right now.
Revealed during the Square Enix Presents at E3 2021 and developed by Ninja Gaiden and Nioh studio Team Ninja, there is a PS5 exclusive demo available to play today, which you can download now. The demo will only be available until June 24, 2021 7:59 pm PT, though.
The gameplay trailer showed off some souls-like action with the main characters seeking to "kill chaos". A very outlandish goal, if ever there was one. The YouTube trailer description reveals that this main character is called Jack, and his allies are Ash and Jed. The trio throw open the gates to the Chaos Shrine with the plan to defeat Chaos. A prophecy suggests that they could be the Warriors of the Light.
In a press release, Final Fantasy veteran Tetsuya Nomura, the game's Creative Producer, said “While it is Final Fantasy, it feels different—but there's no doubt that the blood of Final Fantasy runs through its veins. We've undertaken the challenge of finding this difficult middle ground for this mature and stylish title. We need a little time until we're able to complete it, and while the battle system is a bloody one, it does link to the story, so I hope you'll use this opportunity to give it a try.”
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin leaked last month, with reports suggesting that the game could adopt a 'soulslike' approach in the style of Nioh. It marks the fourth new Final Fantasy game in development, alongside Final Fantasy 16, Final Fantasy Remake 7 Part 2, and Final Fantasy 14's Endwalker expansion.
Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer.