Square Enix has made a name for itself in the JRPG sphere, and Octopath Traveler 2 will be another in a long list of role-playing games from the developer. After the success of the first game, fans are hoping Octopath Traveler 2 can live up to its predecessor while still bringing some improvements to the franchise formula with a unique take on the character-driven setup. Square Enix has a lot of experience in this area, but it could look to Bravely Default 2, another of its published titles, to help shape Octopath Traveler 2.
The first Octopath Traveler was well-received and has already launched a prequel mobile game. Now close to launching its second mainline entry, hopes for Octopath Traveler 2 are high, particularly from gamers that enjoy JRPGs that have the pedigree of a large studio but the feel of a smaller indie title. Octopath Traveler struck a good balance between the two, and while the game had many merits, it also had some areas it could improve. Octopath Traveler 2 is the series' chance to build on what came before, and looking to games like 2021's Bravely Default 2 could put the newer title in good standing.
A Fresh Story For Octopath Traveler 2
Octopath Traveler 2 may have a similar structure to the first game, but it will feature eight new characters, a new story, and a fresh setting. Like Bravely Default 2, which set its sequel in the same world but on a completely different continent, Octopath Traveler 2 is providing fans with something familiar, while at the same time not excluding new gamers who might not have played the earlier titles in each series. That being said, some players felt that Bravely Default 2's story could feel formulaic and that it didn't dive deep enough into the characters and their backgrounds.
Octopath Traveler 2 needs to make sure it avoids the same criticisms that Bravely Default 2 faced with its shallow plots, even if the latter game did make this up with engaging gameplay. Octopath Traveler 2 centers on its characters and their stories, and if this isn't compelling enough, it will be hard for gamers to want to put in the time or invest properly in the narratives. The first game already had a few issues in this space, as some felt that Octopath Traveler suffered from repetitiveness and that some female characters contained troubling tropes.
Bravely Default 2's Complex But Compelling Gameplay
The narrative is critical for a JRPG, especially in a game like Octopath Traveler 2 which relies on its eight main characters to carry players through the world. However, a simple story can be augmented by fantastic gameplay, and this can be enough to convince players to stick around. Some fans might think Bravely Default 2 didn't do enough with its narrative, but its interesting combat, great Job system, and rewarding boss battles helped to elevate the game as a whole. This is something Octopath Traveler 2 can use as well, but it should combine this with a thrilling narrative to achieve the best results.
There are a few elements of Octopath Traveler's overall gameplay that fans are hoping to see improvements in for the sequel, like Octopath Traveler 2's dungeon design, the randomness of its encounters, and the connectivity between the eight different strands of the story. It seems like Octopath Traveler 2 is already introducing some exciting new aspects, but Bravely Default 2's shortcomings and successes could serve as a useful blueprint to ensure the game is a hit.
Octopath Traveler 2 launches February 24, 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, and Switch.
