“We can’t let other studios beat us to this kind of game.” Square Enix embraces the JRPG revival with confidence, promising big surprises. The creators of Octopath Traveler 0 have confirmed its impressive length and revealed major gameplay changes.

Since its reveal, Octopath Traveler 0 has stirred up both excitement and debate — especially due to its lack of a Spanish localization — yet there are plenty of reasons to keep an eye on Square Enix’s next big RPG. The game serves as an evolution of Champions of the Continent, the mobile entry in the series, while integrating lessons learned from the first two games. It expands upon their combat, narrative, and tone — and even adds a city-building mechanic reminiscent of Level-5’s beloved Dark Cloud.

“The true heart of Octopath Traveler is your own story, and rebuilding your town is at the center of that journey. The villain destroys your home at the beginning, and you must restore it as your refuge.” These are the words of Hirohito Suzuki, the game’s producer. Players will frequently return home to rebuild their base, adding a sense of continuity and personal growth. Unlike previous entries featuring eight interwoven tales, Octopath Traveler 0 focuses on a single, customizable hero — a major change that reshapes the experience for both veterans and newcomers.

“The story is inspired by Champions of the Continent, but this time it’s clearly your story. There’s a defined protagonist, though your party members still play crucial roles.” Suzuki hinted that their arcs would carry significant weight but stopped short of revealing spoilers.

Tactical Evolution and Freedom in Combat

The turn-based system remains at the core, but now features eight active combatants whose positions — front or back row — directly affect outcomes. Yazuhiro Kidera, director of Champions of the Continent, explained: “We wanted to make combat more tactical, expanding the BP system and giving players a stronger sense of control. Since this is your story, only the protagonist can switch classes, while you determine how to develop your party’s skills.”

The goal is to deliver deeper strategy and more customization without sacrificing the series’ trademark speed and accessibility. According to Suzuki, Octopath Traveler 0 offers over 100 hours of content, including post-story chapters and numerous side quests — even without spending much time on town-building. It’s both a massive RPG and a personal journey that redefines the series’ scope.

Visually, Square Enix continues to refine its signature HD-2D aesthetic, though Suzuki admits change is needed: “Evolving this art style is challenging. Balancing 2D and HD is complex, but we’re learning how to adapt it to the tone of each game. Expect big advances soon — we can’t let other studios get ahead of us.”

Ultimately, Octopath Traveler 0 feels like the bold reinvention the series needs. By trading some of its familiar formulas for innovation and depth, it reimagines what a JRPG can be. On December 4, Nintendo players will embark on a new beginning — one that could redefine the legacy of Octopath Traveler.

Source: 3djuegos