Octopath Traveler II Reviews
Though a lack of character integration in core narratives does keep this title from masterpiece status, Octopath Traveler 2 is better than the original in every possible way. Improved combat, unforgettable characters, excellent narrative structure, gorgeous visuals, and a legendary soundtrack make this one of the best Square Enix titles in years. For fans of JRPGs, Octopath Traveler 2 is worth the price of admission and then some.
The developers proved they listened to their fans by including more travel banter and all-new companion sidequests, giving them believable reasons as to why they would be traveling with each other. All the new features enhanced an already great concept, making Octopath Traveler II a true masterpiece of a RPG.
The second part of the franchise adds small but essential elements that improve the recipe of Octopath Traveler, creating a sequel that invites all fans of the genre to add it to their collection.
Review in Greek | Read full review
Octopath Traveler 2's changes manage to uphold what made the first game enjoyable, while adding some new bells and whistles to make it feel like a step forward.
Despite not being innovative in gameplay and leaving points to be improved in the HD2D style, as well as having a story that could be more organic and interesting, Octopath Traveler II has a lot of content, generally good protagonists, a beautiful and varied OST and a dynamic, versatile and accessible gameplay , with the care to respond partially or totally to the main criticisms of the first Octopath Traveler. This title is highly recommended for fans of classic style JRPGs from the 16-bit era and those who enjoyed any other Team Asano games.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Octopath Traveler 2 is a JRPG unlike anything I have played in recent years. Its combat system feels so fresh compared to the original considering the latest powers and EX abilities. The focus on character interactions, as well as their respective voice cast, allowed me to fall in love with every character from the main cast. As well as leaving me stunned by the calculated risks taken in the finale of the game that deliver emotionally impactful moments. The sites of Solistia and the freedom I had to explore with the soundtrack accompanying me left a lasting impact on me. Octopath Traveler 2 is an absolutely fantastic time from start to finish even when reaching the 70-hour mark. You do not want to miss it. As I believe it is the best in the class of Square Enix’s 2D-HD games so far.
I had high expectations for Octopath Traveler II, and yet it somehow managed to meet basically all of them. It certainly doesn't deviate much from Octopath Traveler I's formula and thus will probably not convince detractors of that game, but they managed to improve upon every aspect of it while also making a beautiful self-contained experience that doesn't require any knowledge of said predecessor to be enjoyed. The battle system is expertly designed and incredibly fun, the characters and their stories are wonderful, and the presentation is top notch – there's really not much more I can ask for in a JRPG. So if you like that genre even a little bit, this game is one of the easiest recommendations I can give.
Octopath Traveler 2 not only iterated or refined, but it also made the Octopath Traveler series a highly anticipated series in my eyes.
masterclass in narrative convergence, the eight-fold seemingly disparate paths of Octopath Traveler II come together to form a tightly plotted and engaging whole. Though its gameplay is not ground-breaking, its battles are fun and rewarding and manage to cut out much of the grind of its predecessor, making it an essential JRPG experience.
Octopath Traveler II doesn't reinvent the wheel to stay relevant. Instead, it dives deeper into what made the first game so much fun. It doesn't hold up quite as well as the original, but it's still an excellent JRPG to play!
Octopath Traveler II’s ultimate triumph may be the tightness of its design and how it wards off repetition. It presents itself with the confidence and experience of a deluxe guided tour, marking all the key spots for you to visit but also encouraging you to wander off the beaten path. It’s utterly engrossing without ever feeling overwhelming—the bite-sized narrative chunks help in that regard—and every system feels fine-tuned for maximal enjoyment. And with so many different experiences in one package, it’s a great game to get lost in eight times over.
For the most part, Octopath Traveler II plays it safe but the end result is still engaging and compelling.
Octopath Traveler 2 is wonderful, from the choices it gives you right at the start, to the stories it tells, the ways they’re presented, and the mechanics that drive them. This is Square Enix at their RPG making best, the types of games they were renowned for years past and are at the very core of their DNA. One of the most enjoyable, refreshing retro-modernistic adventures I have ever had the pleasure of playing and one RPG fans simply must add to their collection.
Octopath Traveler 2 is one of the best JRPGs ever made. It continues to deliver on what made the original so good while improving on its weaknesses. Its only true flaw is that the new Crossed Paths stories are treated as a side act rather than the main selling point. Despite this shortcoming, when all is said and done Octopath Traveler 2 will be remembered as an all-time great.
Octopath Traveler 2 shows that Square Enix and Acquire have managed to evolve over the intended plans for the former. It's not a revolution, it's a splendid evolution that results in a new golden page for the company. It is a JRPG for all who grew up with the classics of the era of 90, but also a magnificent starting point for those who want to discover the genre. The aesthetic is perfect and has contributed immensely to its charm, as well as the characters, also the combat system boasts quality, although simple is challenging, while the soundtrack is a stunning company for more than 80 hours of content that you do not want to stop discovering. There are few games of this range and our mission is to carve them.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
There is a profound sense that the developers learned a lot of lessons from the criticisms of Octopath Traveler. This sequel addresses every single one of them and at the same time, they got so much more creative with the characters and writing. Octopath Traveler II may not reinvent the wheel, but it is one of the best and most reliable wheels around.
There’s little doubt that turn-based RPG fans will find incredible satisfaction from the title, and those who enjoy expansive lore and deep, customizable job systems will fall head-over-heels in love.
Octopath Traveler 2 is 40+ hours JRPGing well-spent that will keep you engrossed in the genre for the whole year, amplified by its HD-2D art style and its amazing music from composer Yasunori Nishiki.
Octopath Traveler II is a true RPG gem. Its robust cast of characters delivers engaging storylines set in a picturesque and diverse world, while Its gameplay is full of freedom and possibilities.
Despite its flaws, Octopath Traveler II is a unique experience that modernizes and flexes the concepts of JRPGs of yore. The game combines several good ideas into one remarkable adventure, despite taking little risks.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review