HD-2D

2023 · JRPG · PC / Steam

Octopath Traveler II addresses nearly every criticism of its predecessor while keeping everything that worked. The eight stories are stronger and more interconnected, the world feels more cohesive, the day-night cycle adds new dimensions to exploration and Path Actions, and the combat system remains one of the best in the turn-based genre. It's still eight separate stories rather than one unified narrative, but the connections between them are meaningful this time. A remarkable improvement that turns a promising foundation into a genuinely excellent JRPG.

2019 · JRPG · PC / Steam

Octopath Traveler pioneered the HD-2D visual style that has since become a genre standard, and its Break and Boost combat system provides some of the most satisfying turn-based battles in modern JRPGs. The eight-character structure offers tremendous freedom in how you approach the game, but the complete lack of interaction between character storylines creates a disconnect that undermines the party concept. The individual stories range from compelling to generic, and grinding between chapters can feel tedious. The presentation and combat carry the game through its narrative inconsistencies.

2020 · JRPG

Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent brings the HD-2D magic and strategic break-and-boost combat to mobile in a single-player package that respects your time better than most gacha games, though the gacha system occasionally gates story content in ways that test your patience.