Octopath Traveler 2 was announced at the September 2022 Nintendo Direct, and has fans speculating about what new features will set it apart from the first Octopath Traveler. The trailer showcases the eight new party members that players will be getting to know, what classes they will be, and how these characters interact with NPCs using job actions outside of combat. However, fans have pointed out that these characters share the same classes as those in the first game.
One of the best parts of the first Octopath Traveler game was its job system, reminiscent of the Final Fantasy series. Every character starts with a job that determines what gear types they can equip, what Skills they can learn, and what passive support skills they have access to. Later in the game, players get access to multiclass into different jobs, allowing characters to use job abilities from multiple classes. The different combinations of classes and secret classes are what give the game its variety and allow players to experiment, so the sequel should make sure to carry on this tradition.
Octopath Traveler 2 Needs Different Classes to Stand Out
Since the new party members in Octopath Traveler 2 share the default jobs of characters from the first game, there is some worry among fans that there will not be a big change. The trailer shows off how out-of-combat job actions change depending on the time of day, but that does not affect how they will play in combat. If all the default jobs are the same in the sequel, it is going to be more difficult for returning players to justify the investment given a lack of variety would make for a largely similar experience.
This is why it is important for Octopath Traveler 2 to expand on the number of secret jobs. If the same default jobs are returning, it could be assumed that the same secret jobs are too. These jobs were seen toward the end of the game and didn't get much play as a result. If these are the only secret jobs in the game, there would not be much for players to discover if they are coming back for the sequel.
Secret classes could be unlocked all throughout the game. Octopath Traveler should take some inspiration from job systems in games like Final Fantasy Tactics. The secret jobs from the first Octopath Traveler game can stay, though more should be added at the endgame and earlier in the adventure. By having new jobs that can be unlocked as the player progresses, it gives them something to look forward to.
These new jobs do not have to be on the same level as secret jobs in the first game. The secret jobs of Octopath Traveler were meant for endgame content, granting a feeling of mastery with late-game abilities. In addition to jobs that make the player feel powerful, new secret jobs should make the player feel like they are learning entirely new skills. To do this, Octopath Traveler 2 should borrow some fantasy class archetypes that have not yet been utilized like the monk, knight, and druid.
Titles like Bravely Default 2 have shown how modern games can improve job systems. Octopath Traveler already had one of the best modern implementations, and Octopath Traveler 2 has the opportunity to build upon its existing system. As it stands now, players are only aware of the default jobs, and there is no information about any additional classes. If the game does include additional classes, it will make for a much stronger improvement over the first game.
Octopath Traveler 2 releases on February 24 on PC, PS4, PS5, and Switch.
