JRPG fans are in a frenzy after Microsoft unveiled a series of titles from Japan’s top developers that will soon grace the Xbox and Xbox Game Pass lineup. The crown jewel among these announcements is none other than Octopath Traveler 2, slated for release on Xbox platforms in early 2024.
Microsoft broke this news at one of the industry’s premiere events, the Tokyo Game Show. While fans have enjoyed the game since its release in February on PC, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch, Xbox enthusiasts eagerly awaited their turn.
Now, their patience is set to pay off.
For the uninitiated, the term Octopath Traveler might sound like a mouthful, but to RPG aficionados, it’s music to their ears. Square Enix’s original title, Octopath Traveler, was a trailblazer in its own right. Launching in 2018, the game was a blend of nostalgic pixel art with contemporary 3D graphics, dubbed by the developers as “HD-2D”. It was a fusion that transcended generational divides, appealing to both classic and new-age gamers alike. And it sold like hotcakes too, with over three million copies flying off the shelves across various platforms.
Its sequel, Octopath Traveler 2, has been widely lauded since its launch in February 2023, building on its predecessor’s legacy.
With improved HD-2D graphics, the game set players on a riveting journey across the world of Solistia. With as many as eight diverse protagonists to choose from, the storytelling is both broad and intimate. “Where will you go? What will you do? Whose tale will you bring to life? Every path is yours to take,” challenges Square Enix.
But why is this game so special? It’s praised for its storytelling acumen with beautifully intertwined narratives. Each one of the character’s tale converges into a grand, overarching story, a distinct improvement over the first installment in the series. Moreover, this RPG isn’t about dialogue and choices. Square Enix ensured an in-depth gameplay experience, offering more jobs, enhanced combat flexibility, and a vibrant world that beckons exploration.
Despite Octopath Traveler 2’s accolades and recognition, its delayed release on Xbox raised eyebrows. Xbox’s previous collaboration with Square Enix was quite smooth, with the original Octopath Traveler making its debut on Xbox Game Pass not long after its exclusive release on the Nintendo Switch.
Given this backdrop, the wait for the sequel seemed out of the ordinary. However, things are finally falling into place for Xbox enthusiasts.
What also piques interest is Xbox’s continued collaboration with Japanese developers. Over the past five years, Xbox’s repository of Japanese titles has more than doubled, signaling Microsoft’s strategic intent to capture a broad audience and ensure a more diversified gaming portfolio. This commitment isn’t just about quantity but quality as well.
For those counting days for the official release, there’s no confirmed date yet. While the promise of early 2024 sounds all well and good, players can only hope that there won’t be further delays. Additionally, Square Enix remains tight-lipped about whether the title will grace the Xbox Game Pass.
But, to sum it all up, the horizon is promising for Xbox and its loyalists after Xbox’s earlier promise of more partnerships with Japanese developers after securing Final Fantasy 14 for the Xbox.
Fingers crossed, we’ll be hearing news of Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 7 Remake as well as Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on the Xbox next.
