Octopath Traveler

Octopath Traveler was released during the summer of 2018 for the Nintendo Switch and Summer of 2019 for Windows. I started playing Octopath Traveler in December 2019 and cleared the final boss, Galdera, in April 2023.

Yes, over three years for completion! From the moment I started the game with Ophelia in the small snow-covered town of Flamesgrace, I knew I was in for an relaxing, charming JRPG experience; one to be savored slowly.

Personality

The game's general personality sits between retro and modern, lighthearted and mature. It's seemingly aimed at folks who grew up with the classics, but who have also played their share of modern RPG titles. Characters, NPCs and enemies have a two-dimensional, 16-bit feeling to them, lending a nod to tradition. The 3D world, in contrast, is adorned with attractive environmental effects such as snowflakes, glittering sand and mist-shrouded dungeons. The excellent soundtrack also varies between intimate, orchestral, and pulsing electric styles.

Combat

The battle system relies heavily on a "break" mechanic in which enemy weak points must be systematically exploited before meaningful amounts of damage can be done. After unlocking the advanced classes, combat becomes deeper, and thus more enjoyable. Difficulty increases dramatically during boss encounters, almost frustratingly so, forcing you to develop and work a strategy to bring them down.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack is easily one of the best I've heard in years; one of the few that I enjoy after putting the game down. Each character has a musical motif, characterized by an instrument. The waltzing violin of Primrose, the Dancer, the melancholic piano of H'aanit, the Hunter, and the whimsical accordion of Tressa, the Merchant, to name a few. They're all great and tied together skillfully into other tracks. The voice acting is also well-done.

Criticisms

As far as criticisms, some character stories, and villains, feel conventional. You won't find the writing taking too many chances here. Pacing drags occasionally during the game's middle-chapters, but the climax of each character's story arc is an exciting experience without exception. The game also suffers from a feeling of disconnectedness between the characters. Even with "banter" dialogue between your party appearing from time to time, it just doesn't add much.

Verdict

Octopath Traveler is a personal favorite from recent memory. If you are a player of a certain age and personality, it's a must-play.