There is no shortage of turn-based RPGs for fans to get into, whether they are one of the many indie games paying homage to the genre or a classic series that still runs strong. Square Enix has many RPGs in its library that all experiment with how turn-based RPGs can work. One Square Enix series that stays true to classic RPG traditions is its Octopath Traveler series. Out of all the games that Square Enix has published in recent years, Octopath Traveler is one series that might cater to fans of traditional turn-based RPGs the most.
Octopath Traveler has proven that using classic elements of traditional JRPGs can still lead to success in the modern era of games. The visual style is reminiscent of classic RPGs for the Super Nintendo and the game has a likable ensemble of characters. The mobile game, Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent, also showed that it can be adapted well to mobile devices. With a second game on the horizon, the series stands as one of Square Enix's lead turn-based RPGs.
Final Fantasy Evolves While Octopath Traveler Embraces Tradition
Throughout the years, Square Enix has delivered countless classic JRPGs to fans around the world. One of its flagship series over the years has been Final Fantasy, a pioneer for turn-based RPGs. However, Final Fantasy has moved away from standard turn-based gameplay for the past few mainline entries in the series. Entries like Final Fantasy 15 and the Final Fantasy 7 Remake started to dabble with an action-RPG style, and Final Fantasy 16 appears to be entirely focused on action. It's a series that constantly experiments with different ways to play and keeps similar themes, although it sometimes has fans wanting more turn-based gameplay.
It is clear that the Octopath Traveler takes a lot of inspiration from the Final Fantasy series. Square Enix's HD-2D visual style aims to emulate the look of old RPGs. When comparing the sprites of Octopath Traveler and Final Fantasy 6, they look like they could fit in each other's games easily. In addition to the appearance of the game, Octopath Traveler uses a job system and style of combat similar to some Final Fantasy games. While Final Fantasy continues to experiment, Octopath Traveler stands as a series for fans that may not prefer the direction Final Fantasy is going into.
Octopath Traveler Updates Classic RPG Traditions
Octopath Traveler wears its inspirations on its sleeve by taking what other classic RPGs have done and putting its own unique spin on them. For example, Octopath Traveler makes more use of resistances and weaknesses of enemies than the RPGs it takes inspiration from. Classic RPG enemies would have strengths and weaknesses to certain damage types, though most games of the time would not tell the player directly. Octopath Traveler offers up this information, which helps players build a solid strategy for a given enemy. This is in line with the kind of gameplay from a series like Shin Megami Tensei, where the weaknesses of enemies are exploited to deliver huge damage.
Octopath Traveler's gorgeous visuals also step ahead of classic RPGs. This is due to the game being part of Square Enix's HD-2D series of games. The series features sprites reminiscent of 16-bit titles and pairs them with 3D environments that mimic the look and feel of classic, hand-drawn backdrops while allowing for smooth camera moves and advanced lighting and atmospheric effects. This aesthetic evokes nostalgia for the older RPGs while making the most of modern design tools. The success of the HD-2D series of games has even made fans request more remakes, like Live A Live, which was brought up to date in this HD-2D style.
Octopath Traveler leads the charge for Square Enix's HD-2D series of games, which gives classic RPGs new life on modern hardware. Square Enix even has an HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest 3 on the way, making its library of titles more substantial. Given that Octopath Traveler was the first of many titles to use this style, it accomplished its goal of preserving old RPG traditions for the modern age.
Octopath Traveler 2 launches February 24, 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, and Switch.