Octopath Traveller’s Nintendo Switch release date is just a few days away, as even more review scores start to drop.
Featuring a stunning 16-bit art style, Octopath Traveller is a brand new role-playing game from the makers of Bravely Default.
The first review was extremely positive, with Octopath Traveller earning an impressive 36/40 in Japanese publication Famitsu.
The game features eight different protagonists, each of whom has a unique ‘Path Action’. This allows characters to interact with NPCs and enemies in a distinct way.
The warrior can challenge other characters to a duel, for example, which is useful for exposing villains and forcing people out of the way.
The dancer character, meanwhile, can lure enemies into traps, or making missing persons follow her back.
The game also features an innovative new battle system, which is turn-based with a twist.
Boost points, for example, can be spent to boost attacks and abilities during battle.
Are these innovations enough to boost the Octopath Traveller review scores? Check out our round-up below to find out…
IGN – 9.3/10: “Octopath Traveler is a JRPG dream come true. Both its battle system and aesthetic pay loving tribute to the Super NES era while moving the formula forward in exciting and novel ways. This isn’t merely a modern retread of past classics, but a phenomenal homage with genuinely fresh ideas in a fantastically charming wrapper of old-school meets new.
“While the eight different character stories could’ve used a little more connection between them, I’m looking forward to going back to complete them all, explore the many side areas, battle optional bosses, and unlock the final job classes.”
Gamespot – 8/10: “Despite the lackluster stories that pull you through the world, Octopath thrives on its character progression and the temptations of high-level challenges and rewards. The promise of new jobs, exciting boss fights, and powerful gear will inspire you to poke around every corner, and there are no shortage of discoveries to strive for.
“And all the while, you’re treated to one of the most interesting and effective re-imaginings of a retro aesthetic around. Octopath will likely be a divisive game due to its fractured storytelling, but it’s one worth playing despite its lesser qualities. Its high points are simply too good to ignore.”
Metro – 8/10: “It’s often difficult to find a place for the more abstract gameplay of the 16-bit era in the modern gaming world but this pitches its tent with almost perfect accuracy.
“So much so that we’d recommend it whether you’re a fan of the old games or if you’ve never played a Japanese role-player in your life. Which just goes to show that sometimes nostalgia can be a positive force after all.”
Videogamer – 8/10: “What Square Enix’s charming offering has shown me is that there may be thirty JRPGs released every year, but there are very few that bend and shape ideas the way this one does. It may have flaws, but the heart of this one is bursting with delights if you invest the time.
“Octopath Traveler may have flaws, including a very odd frame-pacing issue that occurs randomly, often jarringly, but what road in life do you travel that is perfect?”
God is a Geek – 8.5/10: “Octopath Traveler has brought to mind some of my fondest memories of games like Final Fantasy V, Final Fantasy X, Bravely Default, and even a bit of what I played of Romancing SaGa 2.
“I don’t mention those names lightly and while this is a fantastic JRPG in its own right, it continues to resonate more and more with me as I see how some aspects of my favourite games have been sprinkled in to this game that feels like a love letter to the 16-bit JRPG era but built for the modern era.
“Octopath Traveler is not only an essential RPG but it is a fantastic reason to buy a Switch if you’ve been craving a meaty JRPG with one of the best soundtracks in gaming and a superb battle system.”
Nintendo Life – 9/10: “Octopath Traveler is a special RPG, the kind of game that keeps an eye on the past while walking bravely into the future. Indeed, we’d even go so far as to say this is the best RPG you can find on the Switch to date, all elements of this game link together perfectly to make for a harmonious and immersing experience that you’ll find difficult to put down.
“We’d recommend Octopath Traveler to both fans and newcomers of RPGs; the game does a fantastic job of straddling that line of accessibility and depth, satisfying both camps with its dizzying amount of content. Classic-inspired gameplay, an orchestrated soundtrack, and a unique approach to storytelling make this a game that you won’t want to miss. This is an absolute must buy.”
Not everybody is impressed, however. Kotaku describes it as a “botched JRPG experiment”.
“Octopath Traveler is a beautiful game with one of the best soundtracks I’ve heard. The combat system rocks and will hopefully be used in more Square Enix games to come,” reads the Kotaku review.
“There are plenty of good ideas in here. But the game is too grindy, too repetitive, too full of structural problems to be viewed as much more than another botched JRPG experiment.”