For Higher and for Worse, Stranger of Paradise Followers May Like Misplaced Soul Apart

Now that it has been out for a couple of week, opinions on Misplaced Soul Apart are starting to settle right into a firmer kind. Its launch was dealt with in a questionable method, to make certain—Lost Soul Aside was not made out there to reviewers forward of launch, for example—and this sparked some pointless animosity and skepticism. However with a bit extra time, one can think about a world the place Misplaced Soul Apart is seen for precisely what it’s: a serviceable, fashionable, and finally flawed character-action sport.

This is not the worst factor on this planet. Trendy expectations dictate that each sport, large or small, must be some form of masterpiece, however there’s nonetheless loads of room for a moderate hit like Lost Soul Aside. Hopefully, the sport would not undergo an excessive amount of from its relative mediocrity, particularly in a 12 months as full of sizzling releases as 2025. This case brings to thoughts one other flashy and contentious motion sport from only a few years in the past, Stranger of Paradise: Remaining Fantasy Origin, a mission that was principally swept below the rug within the years following its launch. And whereas Stranger of Paradise is meaningfully distinct from Misplaced Soul Apart, it isn’t too laborious to see the parallels between them.

Misplaced Soul Apart Might Be a Cosy Match for Stranger of Paradise Followers

Misplaced Soul Apart Has Stranger of Paradise’s Awkward Attraction

Some of the notable components of Misplaced Soul Apart is its endearing lack of coolness: its characters are stilted and bland, its costume design is hideous and outdated, and triumphant moments are sometimes extra tacky than empowering. It would lack a sure component of favor, falling in need of related motion video games like Bayonetta and Devil May Cry, however this is not for lack of attempting. Actually, Misplaced Soul Apart seemingly desires to be “cool,” in a way, and that is the primary main similarity it shares with Stranger of Paradise.

Jack and his party in Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin (2)

Launched in 2022, Stranger of Paradise is a reimagining of the primary entry in the Final Fantasy series, following the stoic warrior Jack, who has about as a lot character as a sheet of drywall. Jack’s defining attribute is his unflinching need to destroy Chaos, the sport’s fundamental antagonist, and his brusque, brooding angle informs all of his interactions with different characters. There was seemingly an intention to make Jack one thing of a stereotypical badass, however he comes throughout as principally boring and unoriginal, a stock-standard male motion hero with treasured little depth. This lack of charisma, mockingly sufficient, has its personal kind of campy enchantment, nevertheless it’s not the one factor that Stranger of Paradise has in widespread with Misplaced Soul Apart.

Like Stranger of Paradise, Misplaced Soul Apart Is Saved by Nice Fight Design

On a extra unambiguously optimistic entrance, Misplaced Soul Apart and Stranger of Paradise both have excellent combat. For its half, Stranger of Paradise is way more methodical and soulsian in sure respects, whereas nonetheless borrowing from the character-action style. Alternatively, Misplaced Soul Apart is a dyed-in-the-wool character-action sport, with little to no soulslike affect. All the identical, they’re each flashy, fashionable, and multifaceted.

Lost Soul Aside‘s weapon system can also be just like Stranger of Paradise‘s Jobs, every class offering gamers with a singular moveset and development path.

Stranger of Paradise and Lost Soul Aside are both slick, corny motion video games with loads of love poured into their fight design, however one might discover deeper similarities nonetheless. Their visuals, for example, are fairly related, particularly by way of character outfits and enemy design, and so they each put a premium on their soundtrack. Misplaced Soul Apart will hopefully go away a longer-lasting mark than Stranger of Paradise, although.