Released in the summer of 2018, Octopath Traveler received strong praise from critics and JRPG fans alike for its beautiful use of HD-2D visuals, engaging turn-based combat, and a brilliant story surrounding eight different heroes that players can control throughout the campaign. Having sold millions of copies and won several awards, it's no surprise that a sequel is now upon us nearly five years later.
Set in the world of Solistia, fans and newcomers to Octopath Traveler 2 will play eight brand new characters whose fates play much larger roles than they could have imagined.But after slaying the final boss and wrapping up each character's arc, there are other great games like Octopath Traveler 2 that are worth playing, from cult classics to major instalments in other iconic franchises.
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Games like Octopath Traveler 2
- Live A Live
- Bravely Default 2
- Triangle Strategy
- Dragon Quest XI
- Chrono Trigger
Live A Live
Originally released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1994, Live A Live was recently remade with the same HD-2D aesthetic that Octopath Traveler used, and was made available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. Taking place across multiple time periods, several heroes take on Odio, a demonic god who must be thwarted by these historical, present, and futuristic protagonists.
It may not have been remembered as much as the Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest series, but Live A Live is absolutely worth picking up for those who missed out on the original release. With fun turn-based combat and an engrossing story that features some great characters, it's another brilliant reason why the Nintendo Switch seems to be the best place for JRPG titles.
Bravely Default 2
Those who owned the Nintendo 3DS would have undoubtedly heard of Bravely Default, a then brand-new IP for the RPG genre that saw a band of unlikely heroes fighting against monsters and the forces of evil. Its success on the handheld didn't go unnoticed, as a sequel was finally developed and released exclusively for the Switch before being ported to PC. This gave newcomers a great reason to jump into the series that they missed out on from the previous console generation, as they were introduced to a new cast of characters in a brand new world.
Taking advantage of the hardware, the game's artistic storybook worlds, chibi-style character designs, and breathtaking magical attacks made this stand out from the crowd that fans of any Octopath Traveler games might appreciate if they're looking for more fantastical worlds to explore. Furthermore, the series' unique job system might be enough to intrigue anyone who has yet to pick up any of the Bravely Default games and see why it has its dedicated fanbase.
Triangle Strategy
In another attempt to expand its portfolio with a new IP, Square Enix collaborated with Artdink to create Triangle Strategy, with the same producer behind Octopath Traveler, Tomoya Asano, leading the project. Focusing on a more linear story surrounding a central character, Serenoa Wolffort, the player must guide him through a conflict raging across the landscape, as dwindling resources have unexpectedly fuelled a great war.
Seeing how Asano used the same 2D-HD visuals from his previous game makes this one feel like a modern take on games like Final Fantasy Tactics, as the player must move through a turn-based grid system for battles. The fusion of these elements, as well as a decision-based mechanic that greatly impacts the slow-burning narrative, will make this one a no-brainer for those that may have missed out on the game and are looking for something that feels familiar and fresh simultaneously.
Dragon Quest XI
Most of the entries on this list have mostly been centred around Switch and PC games, but with this one, nearly anyone can pick up and play. It is absolutely worth doing so, as this entry in the long-running and celebrated Dragon Quest series is regarded as one of the best. The campaign tells the story of a young man known as The Luminary, who tries to uncover his true parentage, only to discover alongside his colourful and charismatic comrades he recruits during his journey that he plays a much larger role within his magical and dangerous world.
While there have been several 3D Dragon Quest games over the years, this one is by far the most visually spectacular, taking advantage of today's 4K resolution that makes each battle and dramatic story revelation truly stand out. But those lucky enough to own the Definitive Edition of the game can switch to sprite-based visuals and experience it in a whole new way. Those who love old or new JRPGs shouldn't miss out on this specific edition of the game, as it so seamlessly blends what people love about the retro and modern hits of the genre into one great package.
Chrono Trigger
Regarded by many as not just one of the greatest Square Enix games on the SNES, but one of the best JRPGs of all time, Chrono Trigger is one that no fan of the genre should skip. Originally released in 1995, it saw the combined talents of Hironobu Sakaguchi and Yuji Horii, the creators behind Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, to make a game unlike any other at the time.
Telling a complex time-travel story that saw many warriors across different eras uniting to defeat a dangerous force, it's one that has remained timeless for implementing the side quests, character moments, and combat to the central time travelling mechanic. Anyone who loves 16-bit games should not miss out on this one, even if not everyone can get their hands on it. Let's hope that Square Enix will someday give this the same 2D-HD remaster that they so lovingly gave Live A Live to introduce to a new generation of gamers.
That's it for our look at the best games like Octopath Traveler 2! For even more game recommendations, check out the best free MMORPGs out there.