Octopath Traveler II
Fantastic role-playing game for adventure fans.
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Octopath Traveler II
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Octopath Traveler II is a fantasy role-playing game (RPG) for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC. Gameplay centers heavily around combat. Each of the main protagonists specializes in a unique weapon, skill, and fighting style (such as swords or magic attacks). There's blood but no gore, plus there are non-playable scenes with blood, too. The game also has some sexually suggestive dialogue at times, images of consuming alcohol (excessively), and smoking. Additionally, there's some light profanity, such as "bastard" in the dialogue.
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What’s It About?
OCTOPATH TRAVELER II takes place in Solistia, a sprawling and dangerous land made up of an eastern and western continent divided by sea, and a world caught between past and future. In the Steampunk-inspired adventure, players first choose one of eight protagonists ("travelers"), each with their own backstory, personality, skills, and primary weapon -- and set out to accomplish their goals, whether it's in finance, entertainment, spiritual enlightenment, or higher education (or in some cases, for revenge and retribution). There's some crossover between story lines, but they're mostly independent of one another. Much of the gameplay centers around turn-based combat, where up to four party members can fight together against enemies big and small, using might and/or magic, and perhaps summoning help from additional forces, too. The goal is to defeat enemies, level up your abilities and items, help others in the world with side missions, explore the lands, and accomplish your story arc over the five chapters (per protagonist). As with its predecessors, the game's unique "HD-2D" graphics fuse retro and pixelated characters with 3D CG (computer-generated) imagery, including a depth of field (bokeh) effect and dynamic camerawork.
Is It Any Good?
This is a highly polished and engaging single-player role-playing game (RPG). While a deeper connection between the eight different protagonists and stories in Octopath Traveler II would make the experience even more rewarding, the gratifying combat, deep variety in tasks and locations, and charming graphics all add up to a fun fantasy romp. It adds some new battle/party dynamics and moves (and new jobs, by enlisting help from guilds), a few extra animations, and tons of side quests to complement the main story arcs. There's considerable meat here, between each of the eight protagonists -- with five chapters each, ranging from an aspiring dancer to a savvy hunter. Once each plot is completed, you can play as another traveler or head to the tavern to play through even more as your favorite character. There always seems like something to do and level up in, which is critical to any good RPG.
As to be expected, players will likely enjoy stepping into the shoes of some characters over others -- but there are no duds. Again, "shared stories/crossed paths" attempt to connect some of these characters and storylines, but it could've been better. Aside from taking on missions and following along with your mini-map to talk with specific people or travel to assigned locations, you'll bribe NPCs for info (or steal from them), open chests for items, master your fighting techniques (including a new Latent Power gauge that slowly fills up and you can use offensively when full), and explore several waterways, towns and dungeons. The unique visual style that combines 2D and 3D and the catchy music (including orchestrated tracks and catchy battle tunes) all add to this highly enjoyable and long game. Overall, Octopath Traveler II offers a lot of bang for the buck. Its varied characters and missions and competent battle mechanic contribute heavily to its value proposition. Especially for RPG fans, Octopath Traveler II is worth your time, money, and energy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about mature content in games. Does Octopath Traveler II need to include as much innuendo and dialogue that implies nonconsensual sex? How old should someone be to play this game? Is the recommended minimum age of 13 old enough?
What's appealing about the retro visuals of Octopath Traveler II? Would this game be more impressive if the visuals were more realistic? Does the story seem better with a classic look and feel?
Game Details
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows
- Pricing structure: Paid ($59.99)
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release date: February 24, 2023
- Genre: Role-Playing
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More, Adventures, Friendship, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- ESRB rating: T for Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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Final Fantasy VII
Classic adventure enhanced for newcomers and on-the-go play.
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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Vast adventure with some combat rewards logical thinking.
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Octopath Traveler
Deep, challenging tale will keep you playing for hours.
For kids who love role-playing games
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