THAT'S A LOTTA PATHS!!! 

PINNED COMMENT FOR YOU Many thanks to Square Enix for sponsoring this video! Octopath Traveler II is out now on Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, and Windows! Hit this link to learn more: bit.ly/Arlo_OctopathTravelerII

Arlo is like: "This character, oh I love this character." "This character, he is one of my favorites." "This character, this is my main."

This game really makes you FEEL like Dunkey is going to hate it. 10/10 IGN

This hd 2d thing is really exciting to me. Mainly, I would love to see a Pokémon game following this style. That would be the absolute dream, particularly as a way to sidestep the switch's hardware limitations.

The presentation of Octopath was one of the most impressive things I've seen in the JRPG genre and I'm glad the sequel looks like it focuses on polishing it's already strong parts. Man seeing the visuals, presentation, storytelling and combat of this game compared to my month long playthrough of Pokemon is actually night and day.

One thing Arlo did not mention is the music. I've not yet played Octopath 2 (it's downloaded and ready to go for this evening) but the music in the first Octopath is incredible. I've no doubt the sequel's OST will be fantastic as well.

I started Octopath Traveler with Tressa, and I started Octopath Travler 2 with Partitio. No regrets I love them both.

I know Octopath Traveler gets a lot of gripes about a lot of things. What I don't see a lot of people appreciating is how the game repurposes and recontextualizes very old JRPG tropes. The goal of Octopath Traveler, in my understanding, wasn't really to be an overlapping network of stories, like we saw with Final Fantasy 6, but to be eight different stories told in the manner of an anthology which connected very satisfyingly at the end. It's a book with eight characters and the story chapters only move ahead when you do, and when you finish all of the stories you see how it all ties together. The only difference is it slightly plays on the Live A Live structure. It's the story of eight protagonists, not eight friends. Their traveling companions just happen to be protagonists you've spent a lot of time with, and for the sake of simplicity your imagination fills in the gaps. At least, it did in my case. Meanwhile, it has eight very different kinds of stories, from a wide variety of subgenres of children's storytelling. It had the best tournament arc in one of its chapters, perfectly and thematically tied to what the character was going through. It had a very very dark place with the dancer story, Even though it messed that up as it goes towards the end. Still, it unwraps itself in very different ways depending on who you start with. I chose Cyrus and it was a hoot to play through his campaign first and see where the whole thing was going. It would have been a very different experience to start with Tressa, for example---It's really amazing to me to see how different the story feels depending on who you start with, just because of how the way stories are unlocked and told and recontextualized based on the player's choice. I understand that people are frustrated that there's no such thing as overlap and interaction in the usual way. Maybe for a bigger release that would be possible---or a much smaller one. I understand why it would be difficult to track the four or five different places each of eight different characters might be developed in at the various different points of the story. Their relationships wouldn't quite grow and it would come off a little hollow, like the battle text which varies depending who's in your party in an old Super Nintendo RPG. I see that as marginal gains compared to what the game is actually trying to do, and which it succeeds at doing in such a focused and elegant way.

I really like the apothecary this time around. The changes they made to concoct make it so much more usable, and it feels good to go all out with it without using up the ingredients thanks to their latent power.

My big issue with the first game was the fact that you had those 8 character with their own story... But those 8 story never really mix with each other and the group feel like 8 people playing their own little single player story. At least this new one seems to have double character chapter where they actually interact

I’ve played the game for seven hours now, and didn’t even know that there are chapters where two characters team up; just makes me want to play it more. What I like most is that the game feels so much more alive than the first one: the day / night funcion makes npc’s move and gives you different paths to explore, the npc’s gather around taverns and drink together etc.. The only thing I’m worried about is the difficulty, as the first game seemed quite easy when you knew what you were doing.

This game is INCREDIBLE! the demo itself was so good, but the real game? holy shit

The absolute best addition I’m finding is the ability to put battles at 2x speed. The first Octopath was never sluggish by any means and I wasn’t bothered by how long things took but it’s one of those things where once you experience it, the game just feels so much nicer and smoother. I’m never going back to 1x speed, the 2x life is far too sweet.

Congrats to Arlo on the Square Enix sponsor! And for a game I've been so wildly excited for as well! The original Octopath is my absolute favorite game mechanically, I'm thrilled that it seems to have been fleshed out even further here!

I love HD-2D graphics. It’s like it’s those shadow box displays.

After quite a few disappointing games in the past year or so, I'm so glad that Octopath 2 came out as good as it did. It could've just been a cashgrab, but instead they took what worked in the original and added onto it. It also reminded me that you can still have good characters and story in a video game. Thank you Octopath 2 for filling this nagging void in my heart.

I feel like I haven’t played a fun RPG since Bugfables, and just like Bugfables…you convinced me to give Octopath Traveler 2 a shot. Thanks Arlo! :D Probably going to go with Agnea first. I’m all for the happy cozy vibes and she really reminds me of Lunar Legend :].

One of the biggest problems I had with the original Octopath Traveler was that everyone had this really cool and fun backstory, but for the most part nothing really interconnected and everyone just felt like you were going through the paces of doing their own story rather than building a story from all of them together. Very curious to know if this game actually has the characters interacting with each others stories more and has them build a narrative together?

The first game was some of my first experiences with good uses of haptic feedback in a game. The satisfying drop of coins in your hand when you went to the shops was a standout. I'll be playing the sequel on PS5 and I hope it does the same things with the controller.

Glad to see that Square is supporting you! Love your content!

I'm really curious to know what kind of games Arlo declines to review

I pre-ordered it, and I've been loving it so far. My first character was Osvald, and he gets a nice ability that increases the exp you earn in battle. After that, I grabbed Patito and Agnea, which was accidentally the best decision I could have made. Since Patito gets an ability for more money and Agnea gets an ability to increase the amount of JP you get and my most recent character is Temenos... I just wanted a healer character. He's ok, I just like my other 3 characters more. They work really well together.

I’m so glad you liked it I wasn’t sure if I was going to pick it up but you’ve fully convinced me!

Glad you will be playing! Hope you enjoy the full game!

Arlo reviewing something is why I exist. It’s the best thing to happen in my day when it pops up. Edit: This was an exaggeration and a joke.

I love hearing how much you like the hunter character. I started with H'aanit in the first Octopath and I really like the monster capture feature as well!

OCTOPATH is a 10/10. They also have a pretty good mobile game (it is gacha but they give out loads of free currency that it’s not too bad). The story is really in depth and fully voice acted, which is amazing for a free mobile game

Just got the first Octopaty Traveler in today. Gonna start it the weekend. I picked Primrose as my starting point in the demo last weekend and I loved the intro to her story. Can’t wait to play.

I feel ya on how much potential game play there is. There are tons of items to be had in many varying ways, as well.

Charging my pro controller and watching this video before i boot up the game. LOVED the first one...cant wait ...unsure who I wanna start with yet but this video def helped. Thank you arlo !

Me seeing so many paths thinking is Arlo into ttrpgs now and making a joke about pathfinder?

I really ENJOY your channel Arlo!

this game is amazing on 78 hours finished all stories and counting

I think all the characters are Arlo’s favorite characters

It looks amazing ! thanks for the video

You know a game is good when you sit and play it for 10 hours on launch day

I so love those characters. I am so invested in their stories. The three I look the most forward to are the stories of Oswald, Temenos and Hikari. But the best things about the game are the musics. Absolutely gorgeous. This is the best OST of a video game I ever heard (yeah, even better than the Zelda ones).

Super excited to check this out! I’m playing a lot of RPGs right now but I’m definitely checking it out this year

I played the first game fully, beating everyones story as well as the final boss and had abt 100 hours on the game, and since the 2nd one has come out, I've already got 40 hours on the game and just.. Compared to 1, Octopath 2 makes 1 look like a DEMO I am NOT kidding, they improve on SO much it's stupid, almost everything everyone complained that was wrong with the 1st game, was insanely improved on the second PLEASE get this game you WILL NOT regret it, and if you can afford it, I'd definitely even recommend the collectors edition box

For those who don't mind some mechanics SPOILERS: The secondary jobs are available at a higher level than before, so you actually get to spend more time with the base kit which is really nice. In the 1st one you get most jobs right away really easily and get really powerful kits really early such as two clerics for elemental reflect

the game is amazing looking. I'm gonna watch this after I play more to avoid seeing areas I haven't yet been. thanks Arlo.

I love these characters so much holy shit I can't wait to meet them all. I started with Temenos because he looked chill and smug in his lil intro picture. I started with Alfyn in the first game, because I wanted to start with a healer type and then pick up a more battle-ready partner for my second character. I didn't exactly intend on it, but I loved the duality of Alfyn and Therion in the first game, so when I got to OP 2 and started with Temmy, I made a beeline for Throné because they seemed like a fun pair lol. Super excited for more!

Absolutely loving this game! I started with Osvald cause his story was the most interesting to me, and I wanted to start with someone other than a Warrior like I did in the first one.

I finished the demo now. I also started as Ochette and then did the intro for Castti. The game so far is wonderful.

I am happy you like Octopath II. Octopath Traveler is my favourite jRPG of all time and one of my favourite games. 31 hours in the second one, I feel it starts significantly better than the first one. If it ramps as well, I am going to cry tears of joy for the next month.

Ochoette is definitely my favorite character, the ex skills she learns is OP(no spoilers) along with Hikari and Partitio as a dancer 🔥

It’s so hard settling on a main party of 4 bc all the characters are so great. Even some I did not have expectations for, I ended up really invested and engaged (e.g. partitio). Gah it’s a happy struggle.

"Look at the owl! I got the owl" lol, so Arlo sounded so bashful

Ive only played the sequel for about 3 hours (have about 200 on the og) and omg its such a big improvement, especially the story, also the combat improvements make me so happy they rlly out did themselves (also you've convinced me to make a team around Castti my one problem with the apothecary in the old game was the materials it took and now i can make big boy bombs for free)

After playing pherona drifts I finally know where you got that awesome music track from

I just want to mention one of my favorite parts of this game and the first one. You don't need to use the joystick. This should not be a positive, but with joycon drift the way it is I can play these games in hand held without ever having to wory about joycon drift.

Please, oh please Square Enix give us an accessory(from the beginning) that allows us to backtrack or explore for chests without random encounters. Trust us as the players to know when we need to grind. People who love blind RE can have them and those of us that it’s a deal breaker can still love and appreciate your amazing game. I want to play all 8 paths and not just hope I can get through one without setting it down in frustration.

This series is amazing!

Temenos is basically just Sherlock Holmes as a priest. All he's missing is a coke habit.

Last time I was this early to a video, Arlo was still a sock puppet

Really like what they've done with the towns in this one. Each one is extremely expansive. The day/night system really adds a lot to each of them.

Thanks for this. You've made me much more interested.

I haven't bought Octopath II yet, but I already love this new cast of characters more than the previous game. Everyone feels like they have their own identities from who we've had before. Comparing Agena to Primrose and Osvald to Cyrus, respectively, is like comparing a horror movie to an episode of Sesame Street.

So many improvements over the first!

Been waiting for this one!

I'm 20 hours into this game and JUST learned you can boost other attacks other than the basic ones... Lol

This is a total gem of a game :)

I'm so excited for this! As soon as I finish the first Octopath Traveler, I'm 30 hours in and not even halfway through haha. I've had an on-and-off relationship with it for years now due to notable flaws such as the lack of interaction between characters. The sequel looks like it improves on those flaws in every way, which is awesome. Arlo's enthusiasm only makes it better.

I adored the first, I'm playing Triangle Strategy now, but I can't wait to get to this one. I'm 100% sure that the guy at my local videogame store won't even let me talk and just FINALLY give me the game. Can't wait. Loved the peek to to the characters!

im 80+ hours in the 1st game and just reached 1st traveler chapter 4, this game is long af, though i do everything like side quests, optional dungeons, loot everything, explore everything, steal everyone, challenge everyone, buy limited equipments that cant be stolen from npcs, etc3. for inner ring i already done everything there, for middle ring only forest of no return level 48 with 263k hp boss that i havent done yet cause too dangerous. havent get advance jobs yet. its a really really long game. for normal people im not sure if they can finish both games.

Because of this video, I'm so getting this game! I loved the first one but this looks even more engaging some how!

Not sure why but the boat travel reminds me of the boats in donkey Kong country

Yes, this is all I need for the next month aswell

I started Ocotpath II today, with the apothicary as my main and then I did the first chapter for the merchant. Really wonderful stories s ofar, I'm absolutely immersed and motivated by their backstories. There are a bunch of quality of life improvements which really make this an improvement over the first title. I bought Xenoblade Chronicles III at the same time and I'm really unsure when I'll get around to it, I think I'll have a lot of fun with Octopath 2.

Just beat it. Loved every second of it. It was one of the most positive and uplifting experiences I have had playing an RPG in a long long time. Right up there with both Ni No Kuni titles. Hikari was my main (excellent in combat), but Partitio was EASILY my favorite. And yet...Temenos was my spirit animal. If you play it and you like these games, you will have a great time. Also...that final boss....well, prepare. A LOT.

Love the vid, appreciate how the characters all have the same classes and abilities as the first game's characters PLUS their own night abilities. I wonder if Ochette has the same hunter skills as H'annit because the bow abilities were CRAZY good compared to the Pokemon mini-game.

Octopath has a special place in my heart.

I hope you enjoy it Arlo! Octopath Traveler 1 was one of my top 5 favorite games of all time, and the sequel seems like it's going to be even better! Hopefully you'll go back and play OT1 eventually too.

Good job Square Enix on getting Arlo to talk about this game. I'm sold, getting it ASAP

If you manage to finish the game or mostly finish it, I'd love a follow up video on your thoughts! I just started it (finished three first chapter) and I'm wondering if the stories will be engaging enough to keep me going

“DISCOBALLLONGLEGS” -Arlo, 2023

I just realized... Arlo sounds like Partitio some times HAHA.

Crunchy battles.. yeah that is spot on. The combat in these two games feels so satisfying. Gonna have to wait out on a sale but own the first one played it to death:)

I played the full 3 hours in the demo and grabbed 5 of the 8 characters. Osvald and Ochette are my favorites. I can't wait to pick up my copy tomorrow

Yas Arlo I’m so happy you checked this game out. I loved the first one!

THATS ALOT OF PATHS! Thatll be 4bucks BABY! YOU WANT FRIES WITH THAT!?

This baby can fit so many paths

Fine fine - you convinced me! I’ll get the game!

After playing the demo, I chose Agnea as my starter. I chose her because her story is the most neutral. No blood feuds, no mystery, no greater purpose. Just "I wanna dance!" I scooped up all the western continent players, and plan to do their quests first. I wish they made it so all 8 could be in your party at once.

Glad you got to play it, Arlo!

Throne from the Industrial city of clockbank 4:11

I just played 4 of the first chapters yet but i also think this is super good.

Pretty good. The characters are interesting over all. I wanted to know if all characters level up like in DQ XI or just the four active party members

Arlo got one thing wrong about Temenos, in that he's not just a cleric, but the church's inquisitor. But him being morally kinda gray and a bit unorthodox, 100% correct.

Congrats on this sponsorship deal!!!

I loved the first Octopath. The visuals, the combat, the soundtrack, the exploration. It’s all just on point. I really enjoyed the demo for 2 (especially on PS5 where it looks even better). It definitely seems to recapture a lot of what was good about the first one. I do hope it can fix my few problems with the first. Specifically, it can be a bit too grindy (especially near the end). And the characters and stories were a mixed bag (some were great, some were pretty blah). It was a little too early to tell from the demo alone if it fixes either of these (though I should probably replay the demo with other characters to find out). But I definitely might check out this game soon.

I was not gonna play this one because ive played the first one, but now you've pulled me in arlo. Its now on my list after Metroid prime and atomic hearts

I wasn’t gonna get this one until Arlo hyped me up. I just hope the characters are more intertwined this time around

Really want Square to put a comment from Arlo on the physical copy of the game: "You get a boat now! Who doesn't like boats?!" -Arlo

I absolutely have fallen in love with all the characters but my favorite path is hikari...he's a beast

My preorder for this got delayed, was supposed to arrive the 25th but not I have no ETA for it on my tracking

Love you Arlo!!!

I've played the first one and it was amazing a 9/10 only held back by the characters seem alittle separate at time but in octopath 2 the characters are alot more interconnected and it's straight up better than the first one in every way, I'd say it's one of my favourite JRPGS of all time a 10/10

Thank you Arlo, your opinion influenced me the most to buy this game. I've played the first chapter of this saga, and I loved it, but, because I'm obsessed on completing games (or, at least, most of them), I also hated myself for playing the very hard final boss of the game. That's why I was not really sure about playing the second chapter...until I watched your review. It reminded me of how good this kind of games was: gameplay, music, art style, but, most importantly, the story(*stories). So...I've picked Partitio, and I've already completed his first chapter... in less than an hour of gameplay. Thank you, Arlo

DOES IT HAVE A SPEED UP FUNCTION? had to give up on the first one as the battles dragged