Release Year: 2023
System Reviewed On: Nintendo Switch
Reviewer: Matt
Video Review: Watch on YouTube

Octopath Traveler 2 refines nearly every aspect of the original. The turn-based combat system returns, but with added nuance in the way characters chain together their unique abilities. The presentation is still that trademark HD-2D blend of pixel art and dynamic lighting, which somehow feels nostalgic and modern at once.

Each of the eight protagonists feels distinct, both mechanically and narratively. The improved writing and pacing make their stories easier to follow and invest in, especially compared to the disconnected feel of the first game. Exploration rewards curiosity, with hidden paths, secrets, and side quests tucked into nearly every corner of the world.

What stands out most is how confident the game feels. It doesn't rush, it doesn't apologize for being traditional, and yet it finds small ways to push the genre forward. The music remains phenomenal, and the optional boss fights are as challenging as they are rewarding. A few uneven character arcs keep it from perfection, but it’s a rich, polished JRPG worth getting lost in.

Final Score: 9.0 / 10