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Octopath Traveler, released in the summer of 2018, was a surprise hit for Square Enix. Its unique “2D-HD” graphics blended classic and modern elements, offering a nostalgic yet innovative experience. Five years later, Square Enix has released Octopath Traveler II, boasting improved gameplay, enhanced visuals, and a new cast of characters. Does Octopath Traveler II live up to its predecessor’s legacy and deliver on its promised improvements? Let’s delve into this captivating JRPG and discover what awaits.

Eight Travelers, Eight Intertwined Destinies

Octopath Traveler II introduces eight distinct characters, each with their own compelling backstory, motivations, and individual storylines. You begin by choosing a starting character and embarking on their Chapter I. From there, you’re free to explore the world and recruit the remaining seven travelers, experiencing their narratives in any order you choose. Each story is multi-chaptered, with branching paths that allow for player choice and diverse narrative experiences.

alt: Octopath Traveler II characters

While summarizing eight complex narratives in a single review is challenging, each story is well-crafted and engaging. The pacing is generally well-maintained, with captivating plot twists that will keep you hooked for hours. The freedom to experience the stories in any order, after completing the initial chapter, adds to the game’s replayability and allows for personalized exploration.

alt: Octopath Traveler II gameplay screenshot

The “Crossed Path” system, a welcome addition based on player feedback from the first game, introduces short interludes between two party members when they’re in the same location. These interactions, along with conversations during travel, add depth to the characters’ relationships and make the party feel more like a cohesive unit.

alt: Octopath Traveler II town exploration

Engaging Turn-Based Combat

Octopath Traveler II retains the core mechanics of its predecessor’s acclaimed battle system while adding new features to enhance the strategic depth. Identifying enemy weaknesses is crucial for effective combat. Each enemy has a list of weaknesses and a “shield” value. Exploiting these weaknesses reduces the shield; when it reaches zero, the enemy is “Broken,” losing their current and next turn and becoming vulnerable to all attacks.

alt: Octopath Traveler II Crossed Path

alt: Octopath Traveler II battle screenshot

The “Boost Point” (BP) system adds another layer of strategy. Each turn, characters gain one BP, which can be used to enhance attacks or abilities. Deciding when to use BP is critical, especially for interrupting powerful enemy attacks or maximizing damage during a Break.

alt: Octopath Traveler II Boost Points

“Latent Power” is a new mechanic, similar to Limit Breaks in other JRPGs. Taking damage or landing critical hits on enemy weaknesses charges the Latent Power gauge. Each character has a unique Latent Power, ranging from transforming single-target attacks into AoE to fully restoring BP.

alt: Octopath Traveler II Latent Power

The combination of these mechanics creates a deeply satisfying and engaging combat system that rewards strategic thinking and adaptability. You must anticipate enemy actions, react to unexpected situations, and utilize BP and Latent Powers effectively to emerge victorious.

alt: Octopath Traveler II battle scene

A Vibrant World Beckons

Octopath Traveler II’s “2D-HD” art style is truly stunning. The detailed environments are brought to life with beautiful lighting, weather effects, and animations. From bustling cities to serene forests and vast deserts, the world is a visual feast that encourages exploration.

alt: Octopath Traveler II job classes

“Path Actions” return, allowing characters to interact with NPCs in unique ways. These actions vary depending on the character and the time of day, offering opportunities to learn new skills, acquire items, or influence the story in subtle ways.

alt: Octopath Traveler II world exploration

alt: Octopath Traveler II environment screenshot

A Soundtrack for the Ages

The music of Octopath Traveler II, composed by Yasunori Nishiki, is a highlight. The diverse soundtrack perfectly complements the game’s various environments, characters, and moods. High-quality voice acting for key story moments further enhances the narrative experience.

alt: Octopath Traveler II scenic view

alt: Octopath Traveler II in-game music

Room for Improvement

While Octopath Traveler II excels in many areas, there’s still room for improvement. The connection between the eight individual storylines, while improved from the first game with a shared final boss and ending sequence, still feels somewhat disjointed.

alt: Octopath Traveler II potential downside

Another minor drawback is the repetitive use of enemy models. Many enemies are simply reskinned versions of earlier ones, which can feel a bit uninspired.

alt: Octopath Traveler II enemy variety

Conclusion

Despite these minor shortcomings, Octopath Traveler II is a must-play for JRPG fans. Its engaging combat, stunning visuals, captivating stories, and memorable soundtrack create a truly remarkable experience. While the narrative connections could be stronger and the enemy variety more diverse, these issues don’t detract significantly from the overall enjoyment. Octopath Traveler II builds upon the strengths of its predecessor and delivers a worthy successor that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.