OCTOPATH TRAVELER II

Developer: Square Enix
Release: Feb 24th 2023
Platforms:
RPG
Addictive
Strategic
Beautiful
Grinding
Fragmented
OCTOPATH TRAVELER II Poster

" Beautiful RPG with strategic combat and multiple protagonists but fragmented narrative and slow pacing "

OCTOPATH TRAVELER II Review

Octopath Traveler II is widely praised as a significant improvement over its predecessor, delivering a rich, immersive JRPG experience with eight distinct protagonists and parallel storylines. Players appreciate the game's HD-2D art style, strategic turn-based combat with innovative mechanics like the Boost and Break system, and a captivating soundtrack by Yasunori Nishiki. The world-building is detailed and atmospheric, with day-night cycles affecting gameplay and encouraging exploration. The narrative depth is enhanced by "Crossed Paths" side stories, which foster stronger connections between characters.

While the game offers a satisfying challenge and rewarding progression, some players find the storylines somewhat fragmented and characters occasionally shallow. Grinding and repetitive battles can detract from pacing, and difficulty spikes in late-game content may frustrate newcomers. Despite these drawbacks, Octopath Traveler II is celebrated as a love letter to classic JRPGs, blending nostalgia with modern design to create a memorable and emotionally resonant adventure.

Highlights

Players highly praise the game's stunning HD-2D graphics and beautiful, nostalgic art direction. The combat system is lauded for its strategic depth, especially the Break and Boost mechanics, and the addition of Latent Powers adds fresh tactical layers. The soundtrack receives consistent acclaim for its quality and mood-setting. The eight unique protagonists with their own storylines and the improved interactivity between characters through "Crossed Paths" enhance narrative engagement. Exploration is rewarding with a vibrant world and dynamic day-night cycle, enriching gameplay variety and immersion.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the fragmented narrative structure, with some players feeling the eight storylines lack cohesion and emotional depth. The story and character development are sometimes described as shallow or predictable, with minimal moral complexity. Grinding for levels and resources can become tedious, especially given the need to prepare for challenging late-game bosses. Some players find the combat repetitive over time, and difficulty spikes may alienate less experienced JRPG fans. The world, while visually rich, can feel hollow due to limited environmental interactions beyond chests and statues.

Pros

  • Beautiful HD-2D graphics create a nostalgic yet fresh visual experience.
  • Strategic combat with Break, Boost, and Latent Power systems adds depth.
  • Eight unique protagonists offer varied and engaging storylines.
  • Excellent soundtrack enhances immersion and emotional tone.
  • Crossed Paths side stories improve character interaction and cohesion.
  • Nonlinear progression allows player choice in tackling chapters.
  • Vibrant world with day-night cycles enriches exploration dynamics.

Cons

  • Narrative feels fragmented with disconnected storylines at times.
  • Character development and story depth can be shallow or predictable.
  • Grinding can be tedious and time-consuming, especially late-game.
  • Difficulty spikes may frustrate newcomers or casual players.
  • Repetitive battles reduce engagement over extended play sessions.
  • Limited environmental interaction makes the world feel hollow.
  • Forced party composition restricts flexibility during story progression.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

This game is a brand-new entry in the OCTOPATH TRAVELER series, the first installment of which was initially released in 2018 and sold over 3 million copies worldwide.

Release Date Feb 24th 2023
Publisher Square Enix
Developer Square Enix, ACQUIRE Corp.
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (3,919)
95% Positive 5% Negative