Octopath Traveler II Gets More Details, Images
Following the recent announcement of Octopath Traveler II, Square Enix released more details and images for the game. The new update includes information about two of its eight protagonists and their stories, as well as additional gameplay details.
Octopath Traveler II tells a new story set in the new world of Solistia. Like its predecessor, the game follows the intertwined stories of eight protagonists, each with their own class: Hikari (Warrior), Agnea (Dancer), Partitio (Merchant), Osvald (Scholar), Throné (Thief), Temenos (Cleric), Ochette (Hunter), and Castti (Apothecary). Players select one of the protagonists to start their journey, eventually crossing paths with the other heroes and recruiting them to the party, after which they can play through the new recruits’ stories.
Octopath Traveler II introduces new “Crossed Paths” stories, which tell joint stories for two of the protagonists. The game also introduces day and night elements, with townspeople being in different places or reacting differently depending on the time of day. In addition, each protagonist now has multiple unique Path Actions with which they can interact with NPCs.
The update provides more details on the stories of Hikari Ku and Agnea Bristarni. Hikari is a warrior from the desert region of Hinoeuma in southwestern Solistia, and the younger prince of the nation of Ku. The nation is constantly at war and Hikari worries for the common people caught up in the fighting, looking to bring peace to the land. Other important characters in Hikari’s tale include General Mugen, Hikari’s older half-brother; Ritsu, a lowborn warrior and Hikari’s training partner and friendly rival; Rai Mei, lord of a clan that swears fealty to Ku and who fights alongside Hikari; and Kazan, a famous tactician who has led Ku to many victories but likes drinking and gambling.
Hikari’s first Path Action is Challenge, which lets him fight other opponents in a duel, provided he is at a high enough level. By challenging others to duels, Hikari can learn new battle skills from them, letting him have access to a greater potential range of elemental skills than other party members. His second action is Bribe, where he will pay someone for information.
Agnea is a tavern dancer from a region called the Leaflands of western Solistia. It is home to plentiful forests and related industries such as agriculture and paper manufacturing, though is prone to having disputes along its southern borders. She is following in her mother’s footsteps and dreams of being a star. Other major character in her story include her younger sister Pala, who supports Agnea’s dreams; and Dolcinaea, a famous dancer who takes pride in her efforts and appears conceited but has a kind heart.
Agnea’s first Path Action is Allure, which lets her bring other characters along with her. These characters can be summoned in battle to act as support with various effects. Her second action is Entreat, which lets her obtain items from other characters provided she is at a high enough level. In combat, she is able to use her dancing to aid the party in multiple different ways.
Octopath Traveler II features the return of the Break & Boost battle system. By attacking an enemy’s weakness, players can reduce their Shield Points down to zero, putting them in a Break state. Such enemies are temporarily unable to act, giving players the opportunity to take advantage. Meanwhile, players obtain Boost Points each turn, and can use them to augment their actions. Up to three Boost Points can be held at once and can be used both offensively and defensively.
The game also includes a new Latent Power system. The new gauge fills as players take damage or Break foes. Each party member has a unique ability that is activated by using the Latent Power gauge. For example, Hikari’s Shadow’s Hold gives him access to special skills, while Agnea’s All Together Now lets her extend her skill reach to everyone.
Octopath Traveler II is being developed for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch and is set to release on February 24, 2023. It will be available physically and digitally, including as a $179.99 physical Collector’s Edition. The Collector’s Edition is available to pre-order from Square Enix’s online store.
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