Octopath Traveler 0’s Break in Format is Playing With Fire

by

At the latest Nintendo Partner Showcase, Square Enix made a significant impact, unveiling not just one, but two fresh titles showcasing the HD-2D art style. One of these was an isometric RPG with real-time combat titled “The Adventures of Elliot: The Millenium Tales“, and the other was a new addition to the “Octopath Traveler” series named “Octopath Traveler 0“. Out of these two upcoming projects, it was “Octopath Traveler 0” that garnered the most interest from the gaming community, as it appeared to be quite distinct from its predecessors in the series.

In simpler terms, “Octopath Traveler 0” is a prequel to the original “Octopath Traveler” game, as hinted by its title. Unlike “Octopath Traveler 2”, which is set in a distinct region called Solistia, “Octopath Traveler 0” and the first game are both set in the medieval fantasy-inspired world of Orsterra. The story revolves around an unnamed protagonist (known as the Ringbearer) residing in Wishvale, a town that experiences an annual festival called the Day of Reverence. However, during this celebration, Wishvale is attacked by enemies and set ablaze. The unique aspects of “Octopath Traveler 0” are revealed through its gameplay mechanics as it unfolds this premise.

Octopath Traveler 0 Strays Away From the Series’ Established Formula

Octopath Traveler 0 Has a Customizable Protagonist and a Distinct Party System

In the game Octopath Traveler 0, players can personalize their character, known as the Ringbearer, from the very start. They can select the Ringbearer’s appearance, actions, voice, and preferred dish during character creation, a new feature introduced in this installment. This customization option sets Octopath Traveler 0 apart from its predecessors in the series. Unlike previous mainline entries that each featured eight distinct protagonists, all with fixed appearances, stories, and names, the protagonist’s tales in Octopath Traveler 0 are not directly interconnected. This means players can explore the stories in any order they choose.

It’s surprising that the change to a single-protagonist system in “Octopath Traveler 0” was made, as the title itself suggests eight characters. However, while the main format may have changed, the octo-theme is still present in the game. As players advance through “Octopath Traveler 0”, they can meet more than 30 allies who can join their party. Notably, a party in this game can consist of up to eight characters, unlike earlier versions like “Octopath Traveler 1” and “2”, which allowed for a maximum of four characters at any given time.

The eight-member team structure in Octopath Traveler 0 was inspired by the mobile game version released in 2020, known as Octopath Traveler: Champions of The Continent.

Although Octopath Traveler 0 is Unique, Future Octopath Games Should Stick to What Made the Series Unique to Begin With

As a devoted fan, I find the concept of a personalized protagonist and party system in Octopath Traveler 0 intriguing, but it’s hard not to feel a twinge of disappointment upon realizing that this change might dilute what made the original Octopath series truly remarkable. The allure of the mainline Octopath games lay in their unique, anthology-style approach, which set them apart from many other JRPGs on the market. So, while I appreciate the focus on character customization in Octopath Traveler 0, it’s a bit disheartening to see the removal of this distinctive element from the series’ formula.

If the prequel game, “Octopath Traveler 0,” achieves significant success, Square Enix might consider developing a fresh main series installment for the “Octopath” franchise at some point in the future. Regardless of the quality of “Octopath Traveler 0,” it would be delightful if they returned to the original formula in their subsequent release. Hypothetically titled “Octopath Traveler 3,” or whatever it might end up being called, should feature eight distinct characters each with their own narrative arcs instead of a customizable character lacking a well-defined personality.

Read More

2025-08-05 20:27