The goal and hope of any game is, once it manages to get a sequel, that its next iteration builds on what people liked, appreciates the things it did well, and tweaks everything. which doesn’t seem quite right. the original octopath traveler it’s a lovely game, but it often feels experimental in its execution and implementation. With octopathic traveler 2The Square Enix and Acquire series and their characters can blossom and branch off in new, much-loved directions.
Like its predecessor and as its title suggests, octopath travelers 2 tells the story of eight different characters, each undertaking important journeys. Some of them feel like coming-of-age tales, with ballerina Agnea wanting to see the world and young huntress Ochette taking on her role as stalwart protector. The story of amnesiac apothecary Castti or curious cleric Temenos, each searching for the truth, can feel like more traditional JRPG tales. We also have darker stories of people betrayed, abused and seeking freedom with the scholar Osvald and the thief Throne. Essentially, every base is not just covered, but pretty well covered.
While octopath travelerThe stories and characters were great, it feels like there’s even more definition and depth to the cast of the sequel. We still get very mixed experiences, with lighter characters like Agnea and Partitio existing alongside the darker stories that tell the paths of Osvald and Throne. I felt like I got to know these people better, sympathized with them more, and wanted to support them in a way that I didn’t with some of the original actors. The narrative is such that they can seem more relatable and compelling. Not to mention, some may find it easier to connect with this entry’s hunter, Ochette, than the original’s H’aanit due to dialogue decisions.
Since there are different routes, octopathic traveler 2 he treats his stories in an original way. You start with a character and go through the first stage of their story. Then the next chapters appear on different continents on the world map. You can then follow the rest of your path directly or choose to stop at other people’s current locations to add them to your party of playable characters, revisit their early chapters, and have the option to view their stories as well. There’s plenty of freedom, with things clearly laid out and taverns allowing you to easily swap allies or choose which story to attend. Similarly, the game is very specific about whether or not you would be ready for the next area or series of events, with warnings informing you of a suggested level.
As we follow eight unique individuals with different roles, it also means that they have their own path actions to use outside of battle during day and night, as well as latent special talents and powers in battles at turn-based gameplay. The nature of these abilities tends to fall into certain categories. Castti, Hikari, Osvald, and Temenos can get information from people in several ways, with Inquire, Bribe, Scrutinize, and Coerce available, respectively. You can also bring someone along, either to use them in battle or to complete a side quest, with Agnea’s Allure, Ochette’s Befriend, Partitio’s Hire, and Temenos’ Guide all working the same way. They’re organized in such a way that no matter who you have in your party, you should have access to the same types of abilities and be able to research things like character, item, lore, location, or ability access. in different ways. . This may mean having to change the time of day to access these abilities, but it can be done with the click of a button to change which path actions you can use, as well as spawning certain enemies or NPCs.
As for the battle, these actions can help people feel useful. These are somewhat traditional turn-based battles. There is a bit of a brave omission nature, in the sense that you can “increase” the strength of an attack or the number of hits, if you have enough charge. Your objective is to defeat the enemies by targeting their weaknesses, in order to prevent them from taking turns and inflicting more damage on them. Depending on the main job and the secondary job of the character, different types of skills will be available. (For example, a secondary job of cleric or scholar will allow the use of magic.) Some people may prove more useful than others, due to latent power similar to boundary breaking which involves stronger than normal attacks. For example, Throne allows him to double his action, while Temenos finds it easier to break through enemy shield points, even though he wouldn’t normally be weak against that type of attack. All of this makes people feel like they have weight, although you can add that secondary class to them and you would need it for specific situations.
It’s also a relief to see more interactions between octopathic traveler 2Characters who recognize that they know each other and could help each other with their special abilities. It doesn’t always offer the same experience as a more traditional JRPG. We don’t see people every step of the way getting involved in other people’s lives. Yes, you can be prompted to press a button and witness a brief interaction between two people when they are at the same party and in the same location. Some connections also appear. However, the inclusion of the new Crossed Paths stories is a very welcome addition. I especially liked the ones involving Temenos and Throne and Agnea and Hikari.
But what really surprised me octopathic traveler 2 that’s how much richer the sequel is. It’s a lavish game with unexpected attention to camera angles, lighting, and music. It’s incredibly cinematic and dynamic. Even just strolling the roads as you move from space to space sends people into the foreground and background, moving in all sorts of distinct ways. The art is flawless. There are times when using light during the day can nearly eliminate some sprites, but it’s still remarkable to see the depth, dimension, and detail that emerges as you explore houses, travel the world, and encounter creatures. enemies. .
octopathic traveler 2 It starts with the promise of adventures and journeys that show how characters grow and shape the world, taking you through a luxurious world as you help each individual and make Solistia a better place along the way. There is a lot of potential here, and everyone can choose how to approach it. Most importantly, it’s accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the stories told by Square Enix and Acquire.
octopathic traveler 2 will be available on Switch, PS4, PS5 and PC on February 24, 2023. A demo is available.