Role-playing games have long been in vogue, and the gaming category is showing no signs of waning in strength just yet, with multiple powerhouse developers set to flood the market with new RPGs in 2023. Square Enix, the developer widely known for its Final Fantasy series, has quite a few new releases this year - including Octopath Traveler 2. The sequel to the highly rated Octopath Traveler will retain most of the classes featured in its predecessor, although Square Enix is introducing several new characters with fresh enthralling backstories. One of these new playable characters is Partitio Yellowil, who plays the role of the Merchant in Octopath Traveler 2, replacing Tressa Colzione.
Square Enix had explored and abandoned the JRPG category in the late 90s, but the developer returned to the scene in 2018 with the production of the first Octopath Traveler game, opening a door of new possibilities for the development giant. JRPGs have been gaining traction over the last few years in the gaming community, with developer rivals Atlus asserting its dominance in the category with its immensely successful Persona and Shin Megami Tensei franchises. As the days go by, Square Enix's decision to revisit the JRPG category looks more and more justified.
Former Merchant Tressa and Incoming Partitio Share Similar Stories
Tressa Colzione, the Merchant in the first Octopath Traveler, had a relatable backstory of uncertainty in what she wanted out of life. The daughter of two merchants who owned a trading shop, her career path was pretty much determined by default, spending a large chunk of her formative years working for her parents. Eventually, in the game's first chapter, Tressa has a life-changing event, gaining possession of a notebook containing records of her continent. The notebook's contents convince her to see the world for herself, leaving her parents behind to pursue her dreams.
Partitio Yellowil, the character set to replace Tressa's role as the Merchant in Octopath Traveler 2, has a slightly different spin to his background. Partitio's tale begins in a once-prosperous town in the Wildlands, now a shadow of its former glory, and Partitio saw the good times and the bad firsthand. The Merchant decides to embark on a journey, promising to return to his home when he achieves his lofty dream of attaining a fortune. Partitio and Tressa have different motivations for leaving home, with Tressa seeking personal exploration and Partitio driven by money, but they share a daring desire to pursue their ambitions wholeheartedly.
The Merchant Class is Very Resourceful
Octopath Traveler fans associate the Merchant Class with a variety of skills centered around money. Like every other character in Octopath Traveler 2, Partitio has two Path actions; Purchase and Hire. He can purchase items from NPCs during the day and Hire others at night. The Hire ability - called Hired Help in the prequel - allows players to recruit helpers from any Class of their choosing to assist in battles. In addition to these abilities, Merchants are the only Class in the Octopath Traveler franchise capable of learning Wind magic naturally. They use weapons like Polearms and Bows in battle and can boost the BP of their allies with a special ability called Donate BP.
The balance between Merchants' offensive and defensive skillsets made the Class a force to reckon with in the first Octopath Traveler game, and by all accounts, the trend should continue in Octopath Traveler 2. Of particular interest to gamers will be the Hire ability, as with enough money in-game, players should assemble a formidable team for battles. Square Enix may have changed the face of the Merchant class, but Partitio comes equipped with enough tools to attract players to his character.
Octopath Traveler 2 launches February 24, 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, and Switch.
