[N-Direct] project Octopath Traveler: various details, videos, demo

16 September 201716 September 2017 Lite_Agent Octopath Traveler, Square-Enix

project Octopath Traveler, the latest game from the producers of the Bravely series, was showcased during the latest Nintendo Direct presentation. We got a really nice presentation of the game, with some pretty juicy details, but also a trailer, and even a demo version. Yes, you read that right, a demo version is already available for download on the Nintendo eShop!

project Octopath Traveler features a unique art-style, mixing CG, pixel art and… “visual wizardry”, that developers call “HD-2D”.

At the beginning of the game, you get to choose one of 8 characters: they all have their own origins, goals, talents, and more. Unlike other traditional RPGs, you’re free to choose where you want to go, but a more unique aspect of the game is the character commands.

Each character has a unique command, that can be used to interact with the world. For example, a character can challenge people to duel… almost anyone, including random villagers! Another one can lure characters away, which is a great way to get rid of pesky guards blocking the way for example.

Two characters were revealed during the presentation:

The Warrior, Olberic = challenge to duel
The Dancer, Primrose = lure others into following her

project Octopath Traveler features a turn-base battle system, with some new mechanics. One of them is called the Boost System: you accumulate BP at every turn, and then, you can use those BP to increase the strength of your attacks and abilities, launch chain attacks, or heal allies. How you use those precious BP will be key to victory.

Intrigued by this game? Time to download the demo from the Nintendo eShop, then! But you need to be warned: this demo is pretty meaty (several hours)! It can be played with either English or Japanese voice acting.

Here’s the extended trailer for project Octopath Traveler: