Octopath Traveler 2 is a new turn-based, old-school JRPG from Square Enix that takes inspiration from classic titles like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger. It features eight heroes whose paths intersect within this unique blend of nostalgic pixel art graphics with HD-2D visuals.
Due to the original game’s success, fans have asked Microsoft whether it will come out for Xbox. Luckily, Microsoft is making efforts to make that a reality.
Gameplay
Octopath Traveler 2 is a turn-based RPG featuring eight playable characters with stories you can experience at your leisure. There are multiple gameplay mechanics at your disposal, such as Break and Boost, to take advantage of enemies’ weaknesses and upgrades for traveler abilities as you play.
Octopath Traveler 2 has received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike, earning it an impressive score of 87 on Metacritic. Furthermore, Square Enix reported worldwide shipments and downloads have exceeded one million units sold/downloaded worldwide since its release. Square Enix released several screenshots and release date trailers, offering players a closer look at Octopath Traveler 2’s visuals as part of its marketing.
Microsoft and Square Enix announced during a special broadcast at the Tokyo Game Show that Octopath Traveler 2 will launch on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC via Steam in early 2024. No release window was given; however, it appears likely since many JRPGs have been added to Xbox Game Pass recently.
Octopath Traveler made its debut as an exclusive Nintendo Switch title when it debuted in 2018, but was later made available for PS4, PC, Stadia and Xbox platforms as well as Game Pass in late 2018. Although its exact reasons remain unknown, Square Enix seems more selective about assigning Xbox exclusivity than it once did.
If you’re curious to give Octopath Traveler 2 a try, SethDanielRichard on YouTube provides an excellent way of getting acquainted without spending the total price for it. His gameplay video previews what awaits players when purchasing Octopath Traveler 2.
Characters
Octopath Traveler was an instantaneous success, garnering praise and sales with its retro pixel art style that combined nostalgia with contemporary gameplay. Following suit with this success was Octopath Traveler 2, released this February on PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and featuring its HD-2D graphics to new generations of gamers while continuing the legacy of its predecessor.
The game features eight playable characters, each with a distinctive story and background that unfolds across a dynamic world that shifts in tone depending on whether it is day or night. These include Ochette from Toto’haha; Castti Florenz, an Apothecary from Harborlands port town; Throne Anguis, a Thief from Brightland exciting city; Osvald V Vanstein, a Scholar imprisoned in Winterlands; Partitio Yellowil Merchant from Wildlands vast wastelands; Agnea Bristarni Dancer from verdant Leaflands; and Temenos Mistral Cleric from mountainous Crestlands – just some of these eight characters’ stories!
Each character in Path Actions possesses its own set of Path Actions that alter gameplay in distinct ways. Ochette, as a Hunter, uses powerful melee attacks and Provokes NPCs into fighting her monsters during the day and Bribing them at night. Her Apothecary job further allows her to fulfill numerous functions: healing ailments with concoctions while using magical attacks against elemental weaknesses.
Square Enix may not have officially made an Xbox release announcement yet, but it seems reasonable that Octopath Traveler 2 could eventually make its way onto the Microsoft Game Pass subscription service. Square has historically supported Game Pass by including many of its significant games in the past.
Each region will present unique stories for the player to follow as they explore. Not only will each town, village, and environment differ according to the time of day or night, but so will its appearance and interactions with NPCs change as you move through each region – creating an element of surprise as they explore.
Storyline
Octopath Traveler 2, the award-winning JRPG released in 2018, features an entirely new cast of eight heroes with distinct personalities and careers; Agnea is a dancer seeking fame and fortune, while Partitio works to eradicate poverty through business ventures. All eight stories intertwine into an overarching narrative representing a significant improvement over its predecessor game; plus, the developers have enhanced the gameplay by including more jobs, improving combat flexibility, and creating an environment that encourages exploration.
On February 24, The Kingdom Come: Deliverance will be released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 (via Steam), and Nintendo Switch, along with an Art Book, Soundtrack, and Miniature Bust of All Eight Characters Collector’s Edition priced at $180. A free demo version of the game can also be accessed for play-through purposes; save data will transfer over when purchasing full access.
Square Enix has yet to confirm if its new game, Octopath Traveler II, will be released on Xbox platforms; however, this seems likely. The original Octopath Traveler launched as a Nintendo Switch exclusive before eventually reaching PC, Stadia, and Xbox platforms; therefore, it is reasonable to assume Octopath Traveler II would follow a similar trajectory, though it could take up to a year or so until Microsoft’s console sees this title.
Square Enix has also unveiled a Steelbook Edition of their new game for PS4 and PS5. The Steelbook contains physical copies of the game and art books, soundtracks, and miniature busts of all eight heroes; it will be sold at Best Buy and other retailers for $320.
Despite its steep price tag, the Steelbook Edition remains an attractive option for franchise fans. Offering exceptional value and an eye-catching design that will please collectors alike. Not to mention it makes a fantastic present! Available now through Amazon and Square Enix’s official website for pre-ordering only.
Final Words
Octopath Traveler II stands out in an age where remakes and retro-inspired projects attempt to recreate what classic games felt like by surpassing their predecessor in nearly every way and showing that turn-based RPGs still have plenty of life left in them. A true triumph that spans generational lines to appeal to both old and new fans alike.
Characters in this sequel are well-developed and believable, while storylines feel less episodic than in its predecessor. The world-building is more ambitious; although still dealing with some familiar archetypes, it expands upon them in interesting new directions. Combat is still engaging, but no innovation was introduced – an example that turn-based battles can still be fun!
One of the most noticeable changes is to the continent map, which has been expanded and revamped. Each area contains more secrets to uncover – dungeons, secret jobs, and abandoned villages are waiting to be explored – making Orsterra more alive and immersive than ever. Furthermore, Square Enix added even more detail into Orsterra’s world, creating an aesthetically pleasing spectacle!
Octopath Traveler launched as a Switch exclusive in 2018 before expanding onto PC, Stadia, and Xbox platforms. While Xbox Game Pass won’t receive it this time, Microsoft may decide to include it eventually when making a sequel available on that service.
The original Octopath Traveler was an award-nominated success. Now, its sequel is expected to follow suit and likely reach similar heights of success; there have even been whispers it could outsell its predecessor in sales figures.
