When Octopath Traveler 2 launched, it garnered immediate acclaim, with many declaring it superior to its predecessor, Octopath Traveler. However, despite the widespread praise, Octopath Traveler 2 isn’t without its imperfections, and some players still have valid criticisms.
Both JRPGs have flaws and strengths. Octopath Traveler 2 is a standalone experience, so playing the first game isn’t necessary to understand the story. However, experiencing Octopath Traveler might enhance appreciation for the sequel’s improvements.
Octopath Traveler: A Stiffer Challenge
While some appreciate the sequel’s more accessible gameplay, others might find the balance off-kilter. The introduction of latent power in Octopath Traveler 2 simplifies combat encounters.
This ease can diminish the sense of challenge until you’re caught off guard. Octopath Traveler‘s simpler mechanics demand mastery and strategic thinking rather than brute force. Hard-fought victories often prove the most rewarding. Even though Octopath Traveler 2‘s combat requires some mechanical knowledge, the first game offers a steeper learning curve.
Octopath Traveler 2: A More Interactive World
One notable difference between the two games is the ability to enter buildings in the sequel.
Instead of merely interacting with doors, players can explore taverns, inns, and shops. Furthermore, travelers occasionally exchange banter after interacting with NPCs during side quests and main quests.
This interactivity adds depth to the world. Characters and players feel more immersed, rather than detached from the environment. Octopath Traveler 2‘s world feels alive, reacting to player actions, unlike the more static world of the first game.
Octopath Traveler: Take Your Time and Explore
The slower pace of the first game, while potentially tedious for some, encourages players to invest time and truly savor the experience.
Instead of rushing through the world, Octopath Traveler encourages exploration. This deliberate pace allows players to observe details and uncover hidden secrets and Easter eggs. Players can appreciate the music and design, fully immersing themselves in Osterra.
Octopath Traveler 2: Enhanced Storytelling
While both games utilize the eight-story format, Octopath Traveler 2 executes it more effectively. Although character stories can sometimes feel disconnected, and not every narrative is exceptional, the sequel surpasses the first game in storytelling. Travel Banter is now easily accessible and can be revisited in the journal.
The Crossed Paths stories foster a sense of shared adventure, which was lacking in the first game. While individual stories may initially seem unrelated, the final chapter and journal scraps provide a cohesive understanding. This recontextualizes the entire story, offering a fresh perspective.
Octopath Traveler: The Challenge of Advanced Jobs
Despite Octopath Traveler 2‘s improvements, one aspect could have been borrowed from the first game: Advanced Jobs.
Both games feature the same number of secondary jobs, but Octopath Traveler requires players to defeat associated bosses to access each advanced job. In Octopath Traveler 2, this is only required for the Conjurer.
These boss fights were fun and challenging. It would have been great to see this mechanic, along with the unique Advanced Jobs, return in the sequel. Instead, acquiring Advanced Jobs in Octopath Traveler 2 feels more like a fetch quest than a true accomplishment.
Octopath Traveler 2: The Dynamic Day and Night Cycle
The new day and night mechanic is a significant addition. Switching between day and night enhances the game’s atmosphere.
Stronger monsters appear at night, making grinding easier than in the first game. Combining this with the day and night path actions adds nuance to each character, reflecting their personalities and skills. Temenos exemplifies this, with his dual roles as a cleric and inquisitor, his curiosity and skepticism shaping his actions.
Verdict: Octopath Traveler 2 is the Superior Game
It’s difficult to find aspects where the first game surpasses the second. Square Enix addressed player grievances from the first Octopath Traveler and made significant improvements. The sequel excels where the first game faltered. Octopath Traveler 2 isn’t flawless.
Integration of travelers into each other’s stories could be improved, and more dialogue between travelers would be welcome. The dialogue itself can sometimes feel disjointed.
However, Octopath Traveler 2 represents a substantial improvement over the first game in almost every aspect, making it the better overall experience.
