Square Enix is one of the few developers and publishers known for a specific genre niche. While Ubisoft, EA, and Bethesda provide a number of titles that fit different interests, Square Enix is theindustry leader in Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs), making a name for itself with mammoth franchises likeFinal FantasyandDragon Questamong others. The sixteenth mainline entry inFinal Fantasy’s catalog is arriving next year, but that’s not to say Square Enix is abandoning smaller titles like the recently announcedOctopath Traveler 2.
JRPGs can be presented in a number of different ways, with graphical fidelity and glitzy combat not necessarily indicative of a good product.Chrono Triggeris generally more revered thanFinal Fantasy 15despite being over 20 years older, for example.Octopath Traveler 2andBravely Default 2are by no means AAA in their approach to presentation, but their smaller size sends a message to fans that Square Enix is committed to JRPGs of all shapes and sizes.
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Octopath Traveler Shows Bigger Isn’t Better for JRPGs
Though itsHD-2D visuals are gorgeousand add new elements to nostalgic offerings,Octopath Traveleris significantly smaller than the most popular Square Enix properties. Its charm is in its simplicity, and though it garnered strong critical praise, sales didn’t reflect the quality. The emergence ofOctopath Traveler 2is great news for fans, and the opportunity to develop on what the first game started is something Square Enix surely won’t squander.
Bravely Default 2released in 2021, and is perhaps a canary in the coal mine that gives insight forhowOctopath Traveler 2will pan out. It was received well enough to justify more entries, but a potentialBravely Default 3is likely some time away. Luckily, it seems Square Enix is dedicated to makingOctopath Travelera franchise in the meantime, which should softens the blow for JRPG fans. The pair of releases are signs that Square Enix wants to produce more than just huge AAAFinal Fantasytitles, and it has the capability to do so with ease.
Square Enix is Focused on Innovation
Video games have a lot of potential for innovation and new ideas despite being a popular source of entertainment for almost half a century. More money usually means higher risk, which makes big developers inclined to rely on mechanics and philosophies that are tested and proven to be effective. Square Enix' AAA offerings are no different, asFinal Fantasy 16will not have an open world, instead mimickingFinal Fantasy 7 Remake.
However, Square Enix' reach is huge, and it has the ability to try approaching game design in a number of ways.Bravely Default 2is a superb gamedespite not boasting revolutionary visuals, butOctopath Travelerintroduces new quirks to the typical turn-based combat system, wrapped in an HD-2D style that has since been utilized inTriangle Strategyand the remake of SNES classicLive A Live. A smaller scale and budget means there’s less pressure for a game to succeed, which is why developers can try new things to stand out.Final Fantasywill always draw the biggest audiences, butOctopath Traveler 2andBravely Default 2are proof that Square Enix is committed to more than just the big sales.
Octopath Traveler 2launches May 31, 2025 for PC, PS4, PS5, and Switch.
