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Final Fantasy action spinoff reportedly in the works from Team Ninja

By Joseph Yaden Published 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.

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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…

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Midway through 1997’s Final Fantasy VII, Cloud Strife walks up a small staircase and finds his companion, Aerith, kneeling on a small platform. She’s locked in prayer as holy-looking light streaks in through the windows around her. That serene moment gives way to a shocking tragedy. Aerith looks at Cloud and calmly smiles before the camera pans above her head. A black shadow bursts out of the light above her; it’s the villainous Sephiroth, massive sword in tow. Before Cloud can process what’s happening, Sephiroth plunges his sword through Aerith’s back, killing her.

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Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: all piano sheet music locations and rewards

Cloud playing the piano in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

While there's no shortage of ways to distract yourself while playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, one of the most unexpected minigames is the surprisingly deep piano system. In most of the major hub towns you encounter across the expansive world, Cloud can find a piano to sit down at and tickle the keys. You're free to play any song you want in free play, but you can turn this system into a full-on rhythm game, almost like Guitar Hero, by collecting sheet music of some of the game's most iconic tracks. There's even an NPC near each piano who will reward you if you get a high enough rank on each song. Cloud may not be the most expressive in his words, but he can sure play the piano with heart. Here is where you can find all the sheet music and what rewards await if you can master them.
Where to find all sheet music

Sheet music, thankfully, isn't hidden away in chests or has to be purchased for crazy amounts of Gil, but a few do have some hidden requirements. Each new composition is found on a piano in the world and is free to snag once you sit down. Even if you don't feel like playing right then and there, make sure you always at least grab the music to add to your collection so you don't have to backtrack later and get it. There are eight in total to find, and some will only come later in the story, but none are missable once you open up fast travel back to previous areas. This is the natural order you can collect them.
On Our Way
Our first piece of music can be picked up once you hit Chapter 4. During this section, go to the Crow's Nest town in the Junon region, which you can only enter by doing the "When Words Won't Do" side quest. Once you complete this quest and can freely enter the town, hit up the bar and grab this tune.
Tifa's Theme
After a rather exciting cruise to Costa del Sol in Chapter 6, you can add this piece to your collection by making a quick stop at the fancy Royal Crown Hotel.
Barret's Theme
Not much further into the game in Chapter 7 you will visit Barret's old hometown of Corel. The Rock Bottom Bar is waiting with his song.
Cinco de Chocobo
Chapter 9 takes you through the town of Gongaga. Even a town way out in the forest has a piano, which means yet another song to snag.
Two Legs? Nothin' to it
One chapter later, in Chapter 10, you need to do a little exploring in Cosmo Canyon to find your way to the piano, but the icon on your map won't lead you astray.
Aerith's Theme
Perhaps the most iconic song in the entire game, if not the franchise, is hidden behind a completely optional side quest. Once you reach Chapter 11, return to Nibelheim and do the "White-Haired Angel" side quest. It may seem totally irrelevant, but the quest ends with you playing and collecting this song.
Let the Battles Begin!
Once you prove your skills and get an A rank or better on all prior songs, you will get this new one as a reward from the NPC Dorian next to all pianos.
One-Winged Angel
We're not sure if fighting Sephiroth or getting this song is harder. If you want to play this terrifying arrangement, you need to donate all 88 Treasure Trove items to Johnny. This more or less requires you to 100% the entire game
All song rewards
For every song you A rank, Dorian will give you a prize when you talk to him. Here's everything you can get: