Nomura Explains Why He Chose “My Way” for Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin producer Tetsuya Nomura explained the meaning behind the game’s use of the Frank Sinatra song “My Way”. In addition to some background details involving the game’s final scene, Nomura revealed the game’s originally intended title. Furthermore, Nomura discussed plans for the game’s upcoming DLC. [Thanks, Famitsu!]

Editor’s Note: Nomura’s comments on the song “My Way” may offer spoilers for the game.

In an interview with Famitsu, Nomura revealed that he had been listening to the song before production of the game had started, and that it was an important aspect of the game. Nomura described the lyrics of “My Way” as a perfect match to Jack Garland’s story and the game’s final scene. While the producer had considered using a cover of “My Way”, Nomura personally believed that he would not have used the song had it not been Frank Sinatra’s original version.

Despite starting at the beginning of production, the approval process for using the song reportedly took “a very long time”. At one point, Nomura was worried that the team would not be able to use the song and had to come up with an alternative.

Similarly, Nomura had actually come up with the game’s final scene before Stranger of Paradise had even been conceptualized. Nomura went as far as to say that it “wasn’t an exaggeration that Final Fantasy Origin was created specifically for that scene.” The producer also revealed that the game was initially supposed to be titled “Stranger of Paradise“. It was later changed to include the Final Fantasy title so that people would better recognize its connection to FFI.

On the topic of DLC, Nomura revealed that one of the DLC stories will include missions involving the Warrior of Light that appears in the ending scene. The DLC will also add new weapons to the game. Specifically, for the DIFFERENT FUTURES DLC, Nomura points out that the title includes the letters DFF and NT, a possible nod to Dissidia Final Fantasy NT. However, Nomura also states that no one will be able to predict the mission’s final boss.

Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is available on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. If you’re interested in learning more about the game, check out our review.