Octopath Traveler Goes Full Animal Crossing? Square Enix Teases Town-Building Prequel
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Square Enix is mixing things up with *Octopath Traveler 0*, adding town-building elements to the classic RPG formula, which could either be a stroke of genius or a recipe for delightful chaos.
Right, so Square Enix, those cheeky devils, are back with another slice of that HD-2D goodness. But this time, it's not *just* an RPG. They've announced *Octopath Traveler 0*, a prequel to the original that's throwing a town-building sim into the mix. Sounds wild, doesn't it?
Now, before you start thinking this is some radical reinvention, let's be fair dinkum. It's still recognisably *Octopath Traveler*. We're back in Orsterra, that charmingly retro-futuristic world, rocking the same eye-popping HD-2D visuals – you know, the ones that make you feel like you're playing a diorama come to life. The battle system? Yep, it's all there: Breaking enemies with that satisfying stagger, boosting your actions for maximum impact, and those unique Path Actions when you're mingling with the townsfolk. If you're a fan of the original you'll feel right at home.
But here's where things get a bit… different. Apparently, some blighter torches your hometown, Wishvale, right at the beginning (rude!). So, naturally, you're tasked with rebuilding the place. What this *actually* means for the rest of the game is anyone's guess at this point. Will we be crafting furniture? Managing resources? Hosting tea parties for wandering merchants? (I'm secretly hoping for that last one). What I *reckon* is that Wishvale will act as your central hub, a place to stock up on supplies, give your party members a place to crash, and generally feel like you're actually making a difference to the world. Because let's be honest, sometimes all those epic quests just feel a bit… detached, don't they?
*Octopath Traveler 0* is slated for a December 4th release. Now, I know what you're thinking: “Another HD-2D game? Haven't they flogged that horse to death already?” And fair enough, you've got a point. But I can't help but be a little bit excited. The original *Octopath Traveler* had a certain charm, even if the story did sometimes feel like it was dragging its feet through treacle. And the battle system? Pure strategic bliss. Plus, the thought of actually *building* something in that world? That's got my curiosity piqued, it has.
Look, I'm not saying this is going to be the greatest game ever made. But Square Enix is clearly trying to shake things up a bit, and for that, they deserve a bit of credit. We'll have to wait and see if *Octopath Traveler 0* can deliver on its promise, but until then, I'm cautiously optimistic. Maybe this town-building thing will breathe new life into the series, or maybe it'll just be a slightly awkward addition. Only time will tell. Colour me intrigued though, mate!
(Credit where credit's due: this news comes courtesy of Edwin Evans-Thirlwell at Rock Paper Shotgun. Cheers, Edwin!).
Tags: Octopath Traveler, Square Enix, JRPG, Town Building, HD-2D
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun