i saw people saying: “you should skip the first one to play OT2” but the magic of the first one makes the second one that much better. there’s so many nods to the first game in 2 (including big things) that i wouldn’t appreciate as much if i didn’t play 1. seeing Balogar and Winnehild (as Hild) mentioned through Agnea’s skill, inquiring a guy who is saying what was on the mural at the end of cyrus’ chapter 4 only to find a certain tome in his house, and even seeing the names Mikk and Makk in a boss fight. while at the moment i 100% think 2 is better than 1, there’s a certain comfort in 1 that i enjoy
honestly there is a different appeal between the two the second game holds a much better narrative, but the first game's world is so much more open and free; the second game has a lot of points that are blocked by story or level in order to have a more captivating narrative this is neither a good or bad thing, but it's definitely a big difference between the two games also octopath 1 has an award for beating the game with a single traveler, while the second one does not (i can attest through personal experience - throne's final boss is a pain in the ass solo), which tells me the game is designed less for interesting challenge runs than the first game is, but time will tell on that front
@@thegreatgario3478 what run in OT one is able to be done solo? as far as i know, even speedruns recruit at least 3 characters (i would guess Tressa, but Esmeralda's Five Strikes attack means Tressa has has to take 5 hits, which uhhh... good luck lol)
@@questrequested9171 every character can be finished without recruiting any other character; it's difficult but doable, especially when secondary classes are taken into account every boss can be defeated with every single character without secondary jobs except for Darius; Cyrus and Alfyn have no means to stop his 25% party removal without items or access to daggers you can look up SULLLA on his personal website for octopath solo run throughs where he finishes every character's chapter with a single party member (killing off the rest of the party), if you want to see how (i've personally done this with Primrose, Therion, and H'aanit) it's a pretty mechanically rich game that allows for that sort of gameplay, if you're patient with it
Hey I have a quick question. I already bought 2 but have never played the first one but I don’t want to wait too long to start the second one. Is there a way you’d recommend that I could get the most out of 2? Like is there a video you’d recommend on YT that has the cut scenes or a good rundown of the story and anything I’d want or need to know before I start the 2nd one? I’ll eventually get to the first one someday, I just have a long backlog of games but I’m so excited to play this one! Thanks so much!
@@SwedePotato314 Fortunately there is no story connection between the first and second game outside of vague references, much like a Final Fantasy game and it's sequels. You can play the games in either order and get the most out of them. :)
@@ella_komiya I love Partitio too, I just think Tressa is THE iconic Octopath character. Partitio is a huge gameplay upgrade and has a more unique theme, but the fact Tressa looks like a recolored merchant and has the greatest character theme in video games makes her top him for me. Basically, Partitio is actually better, I'm just bias.
@@stovenven tressa all the way. Both merchants are about hope but something about tressa and young girl exploring the world for the first time is so good
Love them both, but ngl, having Tressa as a a main Protagonist is amazing because of her ability to just FIND MONEY. That said... Everything Partitio says to Agnea makes my heart squeal.
@@stovenven I like this. Tressa was my main character, and I prefer the skillsets of others. But Man when I think Octopath shes the FIRST character that comes to my mind
I loved it mostly for how it's story was handled. Most RPGs put the whole "Save the World" plot at the focus with the individual stories on the side along the way. Meanwhile, Octopath Traveler puts those individuals to the main focus of the story, with the whole "Save the World" plot that connects them in the background through side quests.
I honestly love that. After finishing a story, the world won't turn great. People are still poor or greedy, monsters still roam around and the othet traveler stories are probabably not beaten yet. It gives it a sort of realism and makes it less over the top.
Oh god miguel… the one boss that made my „I don‘t actively *build* my party, I level“ ass go and actually check the shops for equipment because I was too frustrated… still felt with more patience I could have defeated him tho! XD
I do like how they added cross path quests in 2 so there is more interaction with the party members and when a character does well in combat other party members praise or when injured bad they express concern.
@@aleximose1302 Only halfway. The improvements with characters speaking to each other, while nice, don't exactly occur in story contexts and thus characters, in their own story cutscenes, will not be accompanied by the other 7 fellow travelers.
IMO, I am okay with their own distinct story now (with replayable travel banter but hope they voice-over in next one) hope we have more class, an instant change party and instant banter for unactive member (no need to end chapter to see it all) and maybe a bit smaller but more frequently cross-quest.
My main gripe with Octopath 2 is they took away a majority of the sparkly effects on snow and sand, and water. Not sure why they took it off. It was so unique. I went into the snow lands a few days ago eager to see the sparkly snow, but it didn’t have that effect anymore. It’s just a hint of glitter. But other than that, seeing this video makes me really see the improvements! I love it.
I think it’s more of a thematic change. The winterlands in OT2 serves as a harsher, more somber version of the frostlands from the first game. The music reflects this as well. It’s fitting for Osvald’s chapter 1.
I was a broke college student when this game released. I pirated it, played, finished Primrose's story and I just stopped. It felt so wrong to play this illegally. After 3 years, I bought this game (and my first switch) using my first pay and finished it.
So much of what you said in your closing thoughts on this game resonated with me. I’d kinda fallen out of love with gaming at the time as well, picked up Octopath because it felt so reminiscent of the games I loved most as a kid. And then couldn’t put it down until I beat it. But not just beat it… seen as much of it as I could. Great review!
He's so powerful, and having Tressa in your party makes him broken. Boost Cyrus, and then use boosted Donate BP to donate Tressa's BP to Cyrus so he can attack boosted again. Repeat every couple of turns. I think I had less problems with bosses than other people did (based on the comments here). I started the game with Ophelia, then got Cyrus, then Tressa, and I feel I got lucky with that progression. I ended up using those three throughout the whole game with the fourth slot being a rotating slot for the current story.
Speaking of Omar, i tried bewildering grace three times on him to try to get more exp. I ended up healing him to full health everytime and never got the extra xp buff. 💀
This game is so special for me too, I cried when you explained how you not interested in gaming anymore and I felt that but this game saved me, thank you.
This game, as imperfect as it is, still offers an incredible and worthwhile experience! The sense of freedom to go wherever you want, fight whoever or whatever you want, or experience any story in any order that you want is unlike a lot of games. The design of Octopath Traveler makes it feel like I'm on my own, personalized adventure! It's similar to a Pokemon anime adventure. You might have a particular goal you're striving for but on the way, you may pick up this character or continue that character's story. Hell, perhaps do a side quest or go check out this dungeon and loot everything in it. This game - this series - has such a nice pick up and go flow that it feels like a genuine adventure. I'm always running into something along my path and just... do it. I even enjoy majority of the character stories, as simple and cliche as they are. The characters - especially our eight travelers - are pretty likable alongside their side characters. There's heart in these stories, even though most of the time they aren't reinventing the wheel. I loved Olberic's re-discovery to pick back up his sword, Therion learning to trust people again, Tressa growing up a little and figuring how she'll set her mark on the world, etc. Most of them are engaging in their own way and the variety in tone and story concepts is astounding! I love that this series never sticks to one thing! What's even better, it makes me appreciate the improvements in Octopath Traveler 2! The storylines are more interesting, character interactions are a little bit better, the game looks even more beautiful than ever, the music still slaps. All this while keeping the spirit - improving on said spirit - set up by the first game. This series has a lot of potential to be beautiful. In fact, I say it already is...
All games are imperfect, do we really need to say that. Ironically, we tend to mostly talk about how a game isn’t perfect when it comes to Japanese games, and not so much with western games.
The surprise on my face after I finished watching the video and went to hit the like button and saw that you only had under 70 subs. the level of video quality for this small channel is INSANE. If I didnt know any better I would’ve guessed the video came form a channel that had atleast 100k subs. You got yourself a new subscriber. I would subscribe 100 times if I could. Looking forward to a potential new video talking about Octopath’s sequel in the future (:
Your ending speech of this video resonated with me.... perhaps it was me growing kinda old now that it seems gaming so much was a waste of time.... but yet this game managed to spark back my interest of completing a game fully.... which not many games managed to do that for me these days
What I liked about this game is it just offers you a lot of freedom. Freedom in how you want to use the path actions, the variety of the path actions, the job system and battle system I think is very polished. Personally I didn't mind that the stories were simple and stand alone because I got that impression from the trailer so I got what I expected. The final dungeon and boss was a really nice surprise though. But if you for example want to risk your life in an area too high for your level just to book it to a town and convince some extremely buff grandpa to join your party? Go for it. Want to gamble on an 8% chance of stealing a weapon that will make you the Hulk for a while? Also go for it. The alchemist is the strongest version of alchemy I've seen in any game though. It's actually an ultra busted class. For people who want a singular story I kind of wonder if there's a way for them to keep the same structure but actually have stuff woven together well.
4:16 never thought of the environment sounds. watching this video just showed how much I loved this game and how much the second game has improved upon the formula of the first!
I found Omar to be hard but not as challenging as a particular bastard *cough* Miguel. But yes, the music absolutely slaps and it really helped motivate me to continue trying even when it seemed impossible.
For me, Octopath was a game that I got as a birthday present after really enjoying the demo, but then I ended up not ever playing it for almost a year as my school workload got heavier and heavier. Eventually, all the other games I would normally play had gotten stale, and I found the cart buried under a mass of wires in a drawer. This game really, truly changed my life for the better, not just in a sense of being a game that was actually fun to play, but it genuinely helped me figure out major parts of who I am as a person today. Because of this game, and specifically because of H'aanit and Primrose, I started writing again, I made tons of friends, and I really gained a much better outlook on life... And now, 4 years and seven HUNDRED hours later, I still keep going back to it while also playing the hell out of the sequel. This series is easily my favourite of any media, not just games, and I really hope it continues to be given love by the team behind it like it deserves
i watched 5 minutes of this game and bought it right after. I then proceeded to watch my brother beat the game before I could because he loved this game way more than I ever thought. Watching it was just as enjoyable as playing it, plus I got to enjoy it with my little brother
This video was fantastic. I was wondering what words could describe the way this game captured my attention in a way that many other titles haven't in the last few years but you nailed it.
The power of OT1 and OT2's soundtrack is empowering. The fact that it can give such deep emotions means the game was deffinatly done right, like the battle system was probably build weak because they wanted to make a game that was basically a visual novel.
I've honestly been hella reluctant to finishing Octopath Traveler. Idk why I just cheerish what it has and I don't wanna just finish the journey yet. And now that OT2 out, man. This game just sends me into a peaceful state of happiness everytime I open it. Eventually I'll actually finish the game when I have the heart to do so :' )
Your ending comment about your passion and excitement coming back made me cry :( I'm glad the game brought that back for you like it did me, Octo-Path wonderful
This is genuinely a beautiful review. This game will be in my top 10 forever, but I can tell you part 2 is even better. I’m going to be sad once it’s all over. Great review my friend!
I can’t believe I was a moron for the longest time when I played it myself. I had an understanding of most things but I was scared of the job system, I thought it was gonna change my primary job and make me start over aside from levels, when I found out that wasn’t the case, I started having so much more fun since I wasn’t locked to just the basic jobs set to the four male characters. Hell, I had coverage of every element and weapon type once I found out, which sorta brings back the classic JRPG feel. The game doesn’t hand you everything on a silver platter, you gotta discover some things for yourself, even if you potentially ignore a tutorial on accident- Once I beat the game’s true final boss, I’m definitely purchasing Octopath 2 and experience the wonder of fresh Octopath all over again (Also underrated channel, take my sub and have a good day)
I know the party might seem absent, but honestly, I was glad for that. It let my imagination take over. It led me to write a fan fiction that people actually enjoy, and is still developing, and growing. I'm actually working on a fan fiction for OT2, as well, and for once, I have an Ace character, and one that is so broken that he'll never love again... I think if the party were more involved, or fleshed out, I never would have thought of doing any of this. The travel banter is so brief, that it gives off a spark... And a spark is all it takes for my tinderbox of a mind to explode. Plus... The only music I need to focus on while writing is the OST.... Love the video tho, I could really feel the love and passion... Plus you finally realizing the animals at the end was VERY cute.
Crazy how no ones talking about how great and high quality this video is, from the timing to the tiny cuts it’s honestly one of the best videos I’ve seen in awhile.
Oh MAN that is hype editing, transitioning from For Treasure to Decisive Battle I, goosebumps every time. I hope you enjoy OT2! I'm in love with it so far
I found this game incredibly difficult in the beginning hours... because I failed to realize that I can boost more than once. And also, my starter was Primrose. So essentially I was getting walled by bats in the tutorial dungeon because of my low defenses and hp coupled with damage output which I have unintentionally limited myself.
An incredible review, dude. Loved your voiceover, editing, and gameplay. And completely agree, both the music and the ambiance of the game is spectacular. The combat being repetitive isn't something that I agree with personally. Only because of how I play these games. Mostly they are to relax and unwind, so I don't mind something being repetitive, especially because it soothes me to get into a nice rhythm with the game and just enjoy getting stronger and progressing through the story.
Finishing up Chapter 4 for the game rn and its been great. The game manages to keep you interested even after losing that beginners awe with how you can see a common theme in the chapters. It lets you know that their paths are going to cross at the end.
I loved how you created this video in such a way that you made me.. idk.. empathized(?) you because we shared similar experiences. I also went through a time when I lost my child-like curiosity & wonder; and only played games for 30 mins like you said. I also have just recently gotten back my love for gaming again. And what do you know, Octopath was one of them~
09:27-10:25 pure epic! Really i enjoy this moments like you, and i think aloot of people here to. For Light, for Treasure, for redemption, for truth, for freedom, for revange, for master, for Succor... amazing.
2018 me had no idea what he was getting into when he got this game. I got out of pure curiosity. I wasn't a huge rpg guy at the time and didn't care for xenoblade or persona or any of that at the time and the more I think about it, the more I realize octopath was kind of the gateaway for me into the vast world of amazing 100 hour RPG's. This game is magical and I could not put it down either and while I don't have as much time as I did then, I am really enjoying 2 just as much if not more and I hope you have fun with it as well. Also no way you have only 100 subs??? You're getting a new sub from me! 10/10 video
I really liked this game when it came out and I’m working my way through the second. It has one of my favorite game OSTs ever and the second one lives up to the first.
Just liked and subbed to your channel! Your review and video was very wellmade and it's crazy how you don't have anymore subs ! I'd love to see exploration of the idea of Gate of Finis, I definitely felt that could've been where all of their stories connected and not just an optional side quest
i looove this game and ot2 so far ❤ your video summed it up pretty good, i agree 100%. I am a huge fan of almost everything but especially the soundtrack its just perfect! I listen to it almost everyday, the battle music is so awesome for workouts too :)
being able to capture almost every enemy that wasn't a story critical boss was such a gem of an idea and they had plenty of variety for status effects or mixing up attacking types beyond just the weapons jobs would give us.
Octopath was one of my first Jrpgs. The best part about it for me was that even though there are 8 characters, you could choose who the story would be about. Somewhat. Everyone is equal in octopath, it’s only your choice whether to pay attention to their story or not. This was great for me because when I played as Haanit, I didn’t pay attention to maybe alfyn’s story. But seeing someone else play as alfyn, I get to see his game play and the main core of his story. The visuals were also amazing in this game, and the music really set the atmosphere for me. Overall, this was kinda my first impression of jrpgs, and it’s great. The turn base combat fits some players game style too!
Octopath 1 was such a gem of a game. I played it relentlessly until I beat it. The music (bought the OST cause it's that good), visuals, and combat are some of the best I've ever encountered (Almost on par with XC2 and XC3) I just started Octopath 2 last weekend and I'm hooked all over again. I am loving the changes to the character interactions with one another and the music paying homage to the first but still being unique and new is so enjoyable
The demo story is so real to me too! I downloaded the demo and left it there for days, until one day, on a bus trip back to my hometown, I finally played it. The moment I arrived my hometown, I purchased the game lol. I didn't even play the demo for 2, went straight to the purchase page and I'm having a blast with it!
I'm glad I'm not the only one who shared this opinion. Octopath 2's soundtrack certainly is not bad, and is just as enjoyable and masterfully crafted as the first. There's just something missing about it that doesn't resonate with me as well as the first game's soundtrack did. Granted, the game is still very new. Maybe with time, I'll grow to appreciate the second game's soundtrack more.
I completed it on Xbox when it came to Game Pass two years ago and now I'm waiting for my PS4 copy of 2 to arrive, this is one of my favorite games of all time.
Just beat the shrine of the war bringer legit two days ago and the rune blade, classic rpg’s on ps1 like Suikoden 1 and 2 are reasons why I was immediately drawn to this game back in 2018 and it’s my all time favorite rpg
You reminded me how much I love Octopath Traveler. I kind of forgot about this game until I saw this in my recommended. This was my first JRPG, and I loved every second of it. I think my critical brain shys away from it because its flaws, and for all intents and purposes, this game is mid. That being said, I think it holds a special place in my heart. That music alone triggers something deep within me. I can still stand my the music being this game's single greatest contribution to the world. Thanks for this video. P.S. Tressa is the goat
I had a similar experience with the game, I downloaded the demo, picked h'aanit (i LOVE her so much) and I got so engrossed in the game that when I saw my time was nearly up I scraped together the money to get the full game. to this day it's one of my all-time favorites
This was a great retrospective, but seriously go play Octopath 2 right now and start making a review of it! You'll enjoy it a lot, it only manages to improve upon the formula the original had. The boss sprites even have different sprites throughout a boss battle depending on their moves they're using and the phase they're in, it's astonishing and the stories and characters are even better than the original.
Love the first one, have yet to play the 2nd more than the demo. Felt the same though and I could hardly be bothered with the demo but I don't think I was in the mood for it at the time lol. I will come back to it and buy it later when it's cheaper. I'll probably be in the mood next time.
Octopath Traveller 1 is a game that I enjoy even if it doesn't really satisfy my main driver to play RPG's- the stories. I have suffered jank gameplay if it gets me interesting stories, and while the writing and individual character stories aren't BAD I realized after clearing the game that I just vibe so much harder with linear stories told in a pre-determined manner with characters who constantly interact with each other and help each other grow. OP1 did not give me that. I also realized that deep down I will always appreciate towns that are in full 3D rather than the "seen from above" perspective of old-school RPG's, the more unique a town feels the better and I just felt like too many towns here were reused tilesets, if you know what I mean- even if the animal sprites were supercute. But dear lord is it CRUNCHY. Not just the thrill of charging up your BP and unleashing a fully powered attack, or the slowdown of a break- those segments are immensely addictive, but all the jobs and talents and weak points feed my numbercrunching powerleveling brain in the exact right way to make me jump into combat again and again. It's fun to grow powerful and come up with plans and strategies to break foes- especially because the act of breaking them is so satisfying. Add to that a musical score that clears damn near anything else Square-Enix has created (And by Aelfric's flame the kudos I give you for the the editing of the battle prelude moments), and I have a game that even if I just think the plot is okay, is just so SATISFYING to play that I stuck with it until the very end. ... Never did beat the superboss though- failed my first attempt after getting really far, saw you had to refight ALL the bosses, sighed and moved on. Still, my thanks for this video to remind me of what 1 was like, especially now that I'm going through 2.
"A modern take on SNES era games" Let me introduce you two little games called: Xenogears & Breath of Fire 3! Great video and essay - you made me excited for the sequel.
only complaints i have is how badly the early game chapters are connected between the 8 stories and how even enemies that you would kill to grind xp have a lot of health just so you get to always use the combat system (which i do admit is a good system to change up the normal turn base combat)
