Square Enix took a bold leap with the HD-2D visual style introduced in Octopath Traveler, and thanks to that success we’ve seen many classic JRPGs brought back to life with modern flair. After a sequel and a mobile spin-off, Octopath Traveler 0 arrives as a prequel to the original game while also reimagining Champions of the Continent. This new title removes nearly all the negative elements of the mobile version including the gacha system and preserves only its strengths.
The story begins with the creation of our own hero, who lives in the village of Wishvale. This peaceful home is destroyed by three ruthless villains, leaving players with a mission to survive, recruit allies, rebuild the village, and ultimately take revenge. While the narrative may seem simple at first, it quickly evolves into a dark and twisted journey. The villains are so cruel and sadistic that players will genuinely grow to hate them, fueling the desire to forge ahead. Without a doubt, the plot stands as one of the strongest in the entire franchise.
Gameplay remains loyal to its roots: turn-based battles, a class system, and the return of the “break” mechanic to maximize damage. Creating a custom character allows for learning multiple classes simultaneously, encouraging experimentation without limitations. Other recruitable characters have fixed classes, each with personal story missions and side quests that enrich the world. With over 30 playable characters, managing the roster can become overwhelming, but the returning dual-line formation system allows up to eight characters in combat, enabling dynamic and strategic party switching.
Visually, Unreal Engine 5 pushes the HD-2D style to a new level of fidelity: enhanced lighting, improved shadows, and 3D environments that work beautifully alongside the realistic pixel-art aesthetic. Enemy designs are impressive and show no noticeable animation recycling, raising the game’s production value significantly.
If there’s one debatable element, it’s the Wishvale rebuilding system. It starts off limited but becomes more complex as the game progresses. It serves as your main base, hosting your recruited characters and resource gathering tasks. For some players, this might be the weakest part of the experience, but it remains entirely optional and doesn’t hinder narrative progression.
Octopath Traveler 0 is without question the most complete entry in the series: polished gameplay, breathtaking visuals, and a gripping story from start to finish. It may not be perfect, but it proves that JRPGs still have a strong place in the market and that a concept originating from mobile gaming can evolve into a premium and unforgettable console experience.
Final Score: 5/5
