Octopath Traveler 0 Review: A Bold Prequel With Brilliant Combat and Uneven Storytelling

Octopath Traveler 0 arrives with the kind of confidence only a series that helped define the HD‑2D era could muster. As a prequel to the first two games, it carries the weight of fan expectations, nostalgia, and the challenge of adapting the mobile‑only Champions of the Continent into a full console RPG. And somehow, Octopath Traveler 0 manages to be both a triumphant return to form and a reminder that even the prettiest pixel art can’t hide every flaw.

Across major outlets, the game has earned praise for its combat depth and late‑game payoff, while also taking criticism for its sprawling cast and occasionally uneven storytelling. IGN highlights that the final chapters elevate the entire experience, calling the last stretch “true greatness” after more than 100 hours of play. GamesRadar praises the tactical combat and calls it “the strongest entry in this retro‑styled JRPG series yet” despite some narrative limitationsGamesRadar+. Game Informer, meanwhile, appreciates the expanded mechanics but notes that the large cast makes it hard to connect with individual characters.

With all that in mind, here’s a grounded, human‑sounding look at what Octopath Traveler 0 actually delivers.

A Fresh Start in Orsterra

Octopath Traveler 0 takes players back to Orsterra, but this time the journey begins in Wishvale, a peaceful town that doesn’t stay peaceful for long. The game opens during the Day of Reverence festival, only for the celebration to be interrupted by an attack that sets the entire town ablaze. From there, the player‑created protagonist sets out on a path shaped by revenge, restoration, or something in between.

Unlike the original Octopath Traveler, which centered on eight distinct heroes, Octopath Traveler 0 puts you in the shoes of a silent protagonist while letting you recruit more than 30 characters throughout the adventure. This shift gives the game a different rhythm — more flexible, more customizable, but also more chaotic when it comes to narrative focus.

Game Informer notes that the expanded mechanics and stripped‑down gacha elements make this version “a premium, well‑paced game,” but the sheer number of characters can dilute emotional impact.

HD‑2D Still Works Its Magic

The HD‑2D art style remains one of Square Enix’s most reliable tricks, and Octopath Traveler 0 is no exception. The lighting, particle effects, and layered environments make every town and dungeon feel like a handcrafted diorama. Even CNET, which was more critical of the game overall, admits that the visuals are “impressive to watch” and among the strongest aspects of the experience.

If you’ve played the previous entries, you’ll feel right at home — maybe a little too at home. Some reviewers argue that the game leans heavily on familiar aesthetics and structure, but the execution is polished enough that it rarely feels stale.

Combat Is Where Octopath Traveler 0 Truly Shines

The Break and Boost system returns, and it’s better than ever. GamesRadar calls the turn‑based battles “among the genre’s finest,” praising the increased tactical depth and the way the game encourages experimentation with party composition.

IGN also highlights the combat as a major strength, especially in the final chapters where the difficulty spikes and the mechanics fully unfold. If you enjoy strategic JRPG battles that reward planning and punish sloppy play, Octopath Traveler 0 delivers in spades.

The expanded roster of recruitable characters means you can build wildly different teams, from glass‑cannon mages to tanky front‑liners to support‑heavy squads. It’s a playground for players who love tinkering with builds.

A Story That Takes Time to Find Its Heart

Octopath Traveler 0’s biggest point of contention is its storytelling. With so many characters and branching paths, the narrative can feel stretched thin. Game Informer notes that the cast is “bloated,” making it difficult to form strong attachments. CNET echoes this sentiment, calling the characters “forgettable” despite the game’s strong presentationCNET.

But here’s the twist: IGN argues that the final 20 hours tie everything together in a way that elevates the entire experience, turning earlier narrative threads into something genuinely memorable. It’s a slow burn — sometimes too slow — but the payoff is real.

Final Verdict: A Worthy, If Imperfect, Prequel

Octopath Traveler 0 is a fascinating entry in the series. It’s ambitious, beautiful, mechanically rich, and occasionally messy. The combat is outstanding, the visuals are stunning, and the late‑game story beats hit hard. But the uneven pacing and oversized cast keep it from reaching the emotional heights of its predecessors.

Still, for fans of the series or anyone craving a deep, strategic JRPG, Octopath Traveler 0 is absolutely worth the journey.