Octopath Traveler 0: Is This RPG Worth Playing? Review

Our Octopath Traveler 0 review explores the latest installment in Square Enix's RPG series, examining its unique features and comparing it to previous titles. This review will help you decide if it's a worthy addition to your gaming library.

Octopath Traveler 0 introduces significant changes from the original games, drawing inspiration from the mobile title, Champions of the Continent. One notable addition is the ability to create a custom protagonist and rebuild your own town, Wishvale, which was destroyed by the game's antagonists.

These changes bring both advantages and disadvantages to this new iteration of the Octopath Traveler series. So, does it live up to the legacy?

Octopath Traveler 0's Story: A Mixed Experience

The story in Octopath Traveler 0 takes a different approach due to the introduction of a custom protagonist. Instead of focusing on eight pre-determined characters, the narrative centers primarily on your created character. This shift in alters the overall storytelling experience.

At the beginning of the game, the villains Tytos, Herminia, and Auguste destroy Wishvale, a small town near Emberglow, Valore, and Theatropolis. Your custom character is one of the few survivors, and you embark on a journey with your childhood friend, Stia, to rebuild Wishvale and seek revenge against those responsible.

While the story connects more directly with the protagonist compared to the mobile game, it can feel repetitive for those who have already played Champions of the Continent. For new players, however, the main campaign may offer a more enjoyable experience.

The story arc, however, may feel weaker than the narratives presented in the first two games. Replacing established characters with a custom protagonist has its drawbacks. The protagonist often lacks personality and depth, making it difficult to connect with them. This on the protagonist also means less attention is given to the other playable characters in your party.

While each character has an introductory story mission, their development feels less extensive compared to previous games. Players may appreciate their designs or gameplay abilities more than their narrative contributions. One of the highlights of the story is rebuilding Wishvale, a feature not found in Champions of the Continent.

However, most of the characters you invite to live in Wishvale never really develop beyond their initial introduction. Generic NPCs populate the town but don't offer much narrative engagement. Overall, the story in Octopath Traveler 0 is fun but less compelling than the intertwined narratives of the first two games, serving more as a backdrop for the combat.

Does the combat make up for the story's shortcomings?

Combat System in Octopath Traveler 0

One of the standout features carried over from Champions of the Continent is the expanded party size. Instead of the traditional eight characters with teams of four, Octopath Traveler 0 offers a roster of over 30 playable characters in parties of eight. Only four units can be actively used per round, but you have eight different options at your disposal.

This system works with front and back row mechanics, where characters in the front row actively fight, while those in the back row don't. Characters from the back row can swap in with their corresponding line, adding a layer of strategy to combat. Managing BP (Boost Points) and SP (Skill Points) becomes more nuanced.

The size of the roster opens up various gameplay possibilities. Recruiting and experimenting with different team compositions is enjoyable, even if the narrative rewards aren't as substantial as in previous entries.

Building a Home in Wishvale

Rebuilding Wishvale is intertwined with your progress through the campaign. Installing new structures and advancing the storyline in the life-sim module depends on levels, which require you to play through the campaign. This integration is a clever way to encourage players to engage with the core gameplay.

However, this can sometimes feel dragged out. Focusing on main story arcs and side quests can make Wishvale's development feel slow. For example, installing a Ranch might lead to hours without a compelling reason to return to Wishvale. This aspect, which was intended to be a pillar of the game, often feels like an afterthought.

The balance between the main story and the life-sim mode isn't perfect. The generic NPCs as residents further detract from Wishvale feeling like a true home. This diminishes the potential for a narratively developed story of Wishvale and its inhabitants.

Octopath Traveler 0, despite its flaws, offers a fun experience. While repeating missions from Champions of the Continent can be tedious, and the lack of deep stories is disappointing, the combat system and HD-2D design are enjoyable. It's recommended to play Octopath Traveler and Octopath Traveler 2 first.

If you're comfortable with a lighter version of the series that doesn't offer deep stories and repeats content from the mobile title, albeit without the gacha mechanics, you'll likely find something to appreciate in Octopath Traveler 0. The engaging combat and nostalgic HD-2D graphics make it a worthwhile experience for RPG fans.