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We’ve seen Square Enix set all sorts of trends with its games, from introducing sorts of JRPG and turn-based staples to really being the companyto cement job systems as a fixture. We’ve seen it happen repeatedly, and the Octopath Traveler series is one of the more influential ones in recent years. With the Switch 2 versions and the GOG release now available, not to mention the 10 year anniversary of the original game within sight, it feels we should be acknowledging how it’s influenced the gaming landscape over the last few years.
First, as a quick refresher, both Octopath Traveler and its follow-ups’ trademark is the fact these are the stories of multiple characters. In the two mainline entries, we follow eight heroes on their own stories. Each has their own job tied to them, bring back that Square Enix class system staple. The original game didn’t offer overlap between characters and stories really, but we did see it in the sequel. A prequel later appeared, first as the mobile game Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent and later as the offline console and PC self-contained adaptation Octopath Traveler 0.
Now, the most obvious influence is the artistic direction. With Octopath Traveler, Square Enix established its new HD-2D artistic direction. This involves a 3D world, but with HD, 2D sprites for elements like the characters and enemies. Square Enix and Acquire first established the direction with the original game, then refined it with the sequel. Since then, we’ve seen the company bring it to other staple series like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, as well as use it with other original IP like The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales.
Likewise, we’ve seen other companies attempt to mimic that same approach. The Swordman Studio’s Wandering Sword straight up adopts the exact same sort of style. Cassette Beasts is a notable indie that also offers its own take on that art direction. There’s a bit of its ideas seen in Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. And we’ll likely see even more given RPG Maker U2U will include a Perspective 2D HD-2D approach.
However, I’d say the other elements of the Octopath Traveler series are just as pivotal and influential. We just might not realize it since they are concepts that already appeared, but these games happen to be very good at. The split story is one. All of the lead characters in each entry get a full narrative arc. None of them feel like the “main” character. There’s equal treatment and attention paid to all. They’re prioritized in a way that facilitates their growth as characters and our investment as players in the story.
Likewise, Octopath Traveler as a whole feels like it gives Square Enix’s teams a way to play around with the idea of JRPG job systems with class quality of life adjustments. Tying them to certain characters is interesting, sure, but the license system that allows for secondary jobs for multiclassing is even more inspired. Especially with the advanced classes such as Armsmaster, Inventor, Sorcerer, or Warmaster.
The Octopath Traveler series turned out to be so influential, with the HD-2D direction only being part of that. With the Switch 2 releases and 10th anniversary in 2028 on the horizon, it’s amazing to look over the time since these games released and how Square Enix and other developers reacted to them and their success. I just wish we saw the job system and large cast proving as influence as the aesthetics.
Octopath Traveler is on the Switch, Switch 2, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and PC, and Octopath Traveler 2 is on the Switch, Switch 2, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.
