Octopath Traveler 0

A fantastic, refreshing third console entry in the series that introduces a create-your-own protagonist, three switchable story paths, and a borrowed-from-mobile front/back row formation system that adds real strategic depth alongside town rebuilding. Strengths include genuinely menacing villains driving one of the better RPG narratives in years, stunning 2D-HD visuals, and a strong orchestral score; the main knocks are an over-reliance on the break combat system, overly frequent random battles, and some enemy repetition. A polished, refined JRPG well worth picking up for genre fans.

A quintessential, daring RPG whose final 20 hours ascend to greatness after a roughly 80-hour buildup with its share of ups and downs. The HD-2D visuals, an outstanding soundtrack, and a deep break-and-boost turn-based system are standouts, and the town-rebuilding side plot enriches the main quest. Early storytelling can feel shallow with comically evil villains, and random encounters grow overbearing, but the daring conclusion makes the long journey worthwhile.