Test – Octopath Traveler 2: an excellent RPG finally available to everyone

Released exclusively on Switch a little over a year ago, Octopath Traveler is finally entitled to a release on Xbox and PlayStation consoles. For those who missed it, it is without a shadow of a doubt one of the best JRPGs of the decade, no less!

Building on the success of the first episode, which still sold more than 3 million copies worldwide, Square-Enix has finally decided to expand the availability of the second opus, which until now was only available on Switch and PC. The title is therefore arriving on PS5, Xbox Series and in the Gamepass catalog, more than a year after its release on Switch. As with a Final Fantasy, it is not necessary to know the first episode to immerse yourself in this second game, because the characters and the universe are entirely distinct, but the concept remains the same.

The plot takes place in the world of Solistia, a place divided into two large continents separated by the sea. The concept of the first Octopath Traveler is taken up here, we follow the stories of eight different characters from the four corners of this world. We can choose to play as Hikari, the second prince of the kingdom of Kù; Agnéa, the dancer aspiring to become a star; Partitio, the merchant wishing to explore the world; Osvald, a scholar falsely accused of the murder of his wife and daughter who sets out on a quest for revenge; Temenos, a priest involved in a dark affair linked to the Church; Throné, a thief member of a criminal clan seeking freedom; Ochette, a hunter whose native island is threatened by a mysterious calamity; and Castti, an amnesiac apothecary traveling to regain her memories.

The first character chosen acts as the protagonist, while the others can be recruited by searching for them in their village. Once the first character’s prologue is completed, the game leaves us free to choose our direction, allowing us to explore the world quite freely and recruit the different characters in the desired order. Octopath Traveler 2 still guides us by indicating a recommended level for each area, but this is often the only restriction on our exploration. Once a character is recruited, the map tells us where the rest of their story is.

Thanks to this concept, the game offers great freedom by allowing you to achieve the different objectives in the desired order. We follow the story of each character, some being more interesting than others. The proposal is original and allows a different approach to the genre. The plots, however, are always very independent from each other, and only the character concerned is highlighted during these moments. This defect, already present in the first game, is slightly reduced here thanks to some optional interactions that can be triggered as well as chapters linking two characters in the group. Although some effort was made on this, the result is not entirely convincing, but it does help to make the group members feel like a real team.

As in other JRPGs, combat takes place turn-based. Much like the first game, Octopath Traveler borrows some ideas from Bravely Default’s combat system. Our characters accumulate Exaltation Points, which we can then spend to multiply the power of our actions during this turn. This second opus also uses the “rift” system which destabilizes enemies when they are attacked a certain number of times with the weapons or elements to which they are vulnerable. Exploiting this system allows us to refill our energy reserve, which, once full, can trigger devastating action. Although each character has their role in combat, the rest of the game allows a certain flexibility to be brought to the system, thus offering more freedom.

The system is complete and pleasant to play, even if the numerous random battles are not always very captivating. It is especially when facing the bosses that the fights reveal their full potential. Apart from the clashes, we explore different areas where exploration is well rewarded with objects or improvements for our characters. It is possible to visit many cities and interact with their inhabitants. Each of our characters has two specific actions that they can perform with non-player characters. For example, Partitio the merchant can buy items from them, while Hikari can cross swords and learn new techniques.

Overall, there is not much to criticize about this sequel, which outclasses its predecessor in every way. At most we can criticize him for not showing much originality. Octopath Traveler 2 is a very classic sequel that doesn’t bring much new features. Just like in the first opus, the game’s eight stories are not always exciting or very well written, but it will be necessary to follow them to see the end of the game… This port does not benefit from any addition of content or real graphics upgrade compared to the previous version. That being said, its HD-2D style suits it perfectly – a mix of pixel art and 3D visual effects – and there will really be few people who aren’t hooked by the magnificent artistic direction of the title.

Conclusion

A year after the Switch, it’s the turn of the PlayStation and Xbox consoles to welcome Octopath Traveler 2, a sequel to Acquire’s excellent JRPG, which further perfects the recipe, without really surprising us. The title keeps the same formula as its predecessor with turn-based combat, a unique graphic style and a narrative centered on eight different characters. If its storyline will not excite all players, Octopath Traveler 2 nonetheless remains one of the best JRPGs of the decade and an essential title for all fans of the genre.

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