With thanks to the folks at Square Enix we’ve been taking a look at their HD-2D RPG, Octopath Traveller II. Here as ever we’re bringing you a full Octopath Traveller II review in both written and video form! Alongside it, find our usual common-sense parent’s guide and accessibility assessment. Octopath Traveller II released on PC, PS4, PS5 and Nintendo Switch. We’re playing it on Switch here, and haven’t noticed any notable differences between docked and mobile play.
The Basics – What is Octopath Traveller II About?
Octopath Traveller II is a new outing for Square Enix, five years after the launch of the original Octopath Traveller in 2018. In true Square Enix style, while it’s a sequel this one brings an entirely new story, with new protagonists and a new world to play in. The world of Solistia brings a slightly more modern take on the fantasy genre, leaving behind the mediaeval world from the first title.
Much like its predecessor, you’ll choose a primary traveller at the beginning of the game, who will remain in your party until you reach their final chapter. You’ll be joined by another seven characters throughout your journey (unless you’re a complete shut in) meeting them by accident or by design as you travel through Solistia.
Octopath Traveller II brings back the feel of retro RPG titles, mixing beautiful pixel-art visuals with HD effects and particles. This includes the return of a job system with echoes of old-school Final Fantasy. Each character brings a unique story, setting out into the world to achieve their own personal goals.
Using physical and magical attacks and items in combat you’ll look to break enemies and boost your own attacks as you move along these stories. Octopath Traveller II brings back the things which made the first title great, but also manages to build on these with new features.
What’s new in Octopath Traveller II?
There are a number of new elements here which have really helped to make the game stand out in its own right.
While I adore the returning break and boost system, this is now supplemented by a limit-break style power unique to each traveller. This provides one high-power ability which is earned through battle, which can be used to support your team or hurt your enemy. Latent Powers are a new addition to the combat system, with each tailored to the individual traveller. Earned by taking damage in combat, Latent Powers are an important weapon in your arsenal.
There’s also the new day and night cycle. Much like its predecessor, each traveller has their own unique path actions. Now, however, these will change depending on whether it’s day or night time. With the power to switch between day and night at will, you’ll have to use this to your advantage to solve some basic challenges in each of the towns along your way.
Secondary jobs are here as well, allowing you to give travellers new abilities and stats, as well as a new costume.
There are also more choices in game. This includes choices to bring travellers into your party, paths to follow within individual story arcs, and companions you’ll take along the way. Added to this smaller items like the ability to travel by boat to make use of Solistia’s waterways, and it’s clear that Square Enix aren’t just trying to rinse and repeat.
Is Octopath Traveller II Safe for Children?
Rating: 3 / 5: Some Concern.
Octopath Traveller is rated by PEGI at 12 and above and by the ESRB as T for Teen. This includes fantasy violence, mild language, suggestive themes and use of alcohol and tobacco. There are some areas of concern here for younger gamers. Language is relatively mild but does use some which we wouldn’t like to hear our Micro-Bandits saying. Fantasy Violence isn’t a huge issue within battles, with each of the enemies disappearing into the wind rather than any serious blood or gore.
Our concerns lie primarily within sexual content. Within one story early on players will have to steal the clothes of a Brothel Girl. In addition, there are other innuendos and scenes such as guards trying to persuade a female character to engage in sexual activity. It’s certainly one which might open up some awkward conversations and while it’s not horrendous we’re rating it as “some concern”
Is Octopath Traveller II Accessible?
Rating: 4 / 5: Low Barrier.
There’s a lot of reading involved here, as you’d likely expect, but the strict turn-based nature of the title means that it’s pretty laid back. Saving your game must be done at specific save points, but we’ve found these to be fairly regular throughout the world making it relatively easy to pick up and put down.
There are tool tips available for pretty much everything making it easy to find your way around. There’s also not much in the way of grind, and we’ve found characters to be levelling up easily, but this might just be because the battles are so enjoyable. Overall, Octopath Traveller II is picking up an accessibility rating of Low Barrier, mostly due to the amount of reading involved.
The Run Down – Our Five-Point Rating for Octopath Traveller II
Gameplay – 5: The gameplay in Octopath really manages to build on what made the first title great. The new day night cycle and path actions, and choices within the characters’ story arc is really good. I cannot stress enough how much I love the returning Break and Boost battle system, but Latent Powers bring a whole new aspect to combat. The gameplay embraces Square Enix’s rich history of fantasy RPGs while adding unique features to make it stand among them in its own right.
Visuals – 5: If you thought the visuals from the first Octopath couldn’t be bettered, prepare to be wrong. The HD-2D visuals here are stunning, and whether you are walking through the world or engaged in combat, Octopath II again looks back at the older generation of fantasy RPGs while bringing it right up to date. The blend of pixel art and new effects is quite literally jaw dropping.
Audio – 5: The Soundtrack for Octopath Traveller II is absolutely fantastic. Mixed together with a dramatic score, effects are also very well crafted. On top of this the quality and scale of voice acted roles (which include every conversation we’ve had) is incredible.
Narrative – 5:Each traveller comes with their own story. No matter who you begin with, you’ll get to choose to replay the first chapter for all travellers when you meet them, or by selecting it within a tavern afterwards. Each character’s story feels unique, and brings a weaving narrative. New to the series is Shared Paths, where travellers will work together within short story segments.
Replay – 4: With eight individual character stories to follow and a heap of side quests in each area, there’s a lot to sink your teeth into with Octopath Traveller II. While we might leave it a little while before jumping back in to an entirely new game, there is significant play time available here within just one play through. When you do jump back in, the incredible visuals and engaging combat system make it a joy to do.
The Verdict – Is Octopath Traveller II Worth It?
Pixel Bandits Traveller Level for Octopath Traveller II is 10/10
. This is the first full 10/10 we’ve given this year and Octopath Traveller II definitely deserves it. With upgraded visuals, incredible sound, excellent returning features and more unique elements building on its predecessor, this one really stands out.So much so that we’ve not been able to fit everything we loved into this short video, so please do check out the extended written review at pixelbandits.org
Octopath Traveller II really shows the pedigree of Square Enix. The title brings echoes of retro Final Fantasy, SaGa and Bravely Default. More importantly, it takes the foundations laid by the first Octopath and builds on these to provide a title which excels in nearly every area. If you’re a fan of old school RPG titles then you absolutely must get your hands on Octopath Traveller II as soon as possible.
As ever, to provide this review and common-sense parent’s guide, we received one free copy of Octopath Traveller II from the folks at Square Enix.
