Their “main” plot arcs can, technically (though not practically – you need assistance for combat and the like) be completed by themselves. Each of the eight protagonists is the true focus of their own little story. Such is the case with Octopath Traveler II. Octopath Traveler, meanwhile, is a true example of an ensemble cast, and to quote the legendary filmmaker, Spike Lee, here “I tend to favour films that have multiple plot and storylines, multiple characters and ensemble pieces.” These narrative experiences are different, with each individual character and storyline contributing a more concise story in isolation, but the patchwork quality of a good ensemble project, and the dynamics that it creates between plotlines and characters, make for a much more vivid experience. Even party-based games, like most of the Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Trails, Tales or Atelier titles, generally have a focal point that the party coalesces around. Most JRPGs have a single “main” protagonist. It means that, in every way, Octopath Traveler II is a complete realisation of the ambition of the first. The refinements they have brought to the sequel are incredible. The good news is that the developers listened to criticisms about how those stories were told in the original. Related reading: Read our review of the original Octopath Traveler here.

It is, therefore, a very different game in the way that is most relevant to it. Octopath Traveler II has eight entirely different characters. Octopath Traveler was a narrative-driven game that focused on the stories of eight distinct characters.

“It’s too much like the first.” Except it’s not. “It’s more of the same!” You just know that this is going to be the main comment (and complaint) about Octopath Traveler II.

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