Octopath Traveler 0 launched on December 4, 2024, and the review scores tell a complicated story. With 61 critic reviews logged, the game earned a Metascore of 85 on PlayStation 5, 83 on PC, and 80 on Nintendo Switch 2. But those numbers hide a fierce debate about whether Square Enix successfully transformed their mobile gacha game Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent into a legitimate console experience.
What Changed From Mobile to Console
Octopath Traveler 0 is a comprehensive reimagining of the 2022 mobile title Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent, developed by Square Enix and DokiDoki Groove Works. The transformation removed all gacha mechanics and typical mobile game systems, converting a free-to-play experience into a traditional console RPG. Square Enix explicitly confirmed to Kotaku that this is a core entry in the series without gacha or other mobile mechanics.
The mobile original featured over 100 recruitable characters through gacha pulls. Octopath Traveler 0 streamlines this to over 30 characters that players meet organically through the narrative journey. The game still maintains the expanded eight-person battle party introduced in Champions of the Continent, doubling the four-character limit from the first two mainline games.
Key additions include:
- Customizable silent protagonist replacing the eight distinct travelers from previous entries
- Town-building mechanic allowing players to reconstruct their destroyed hometown
- Centralized narrative following one protagonist hunting three antagonists who destroyed their village
- Full party of eight characters in combat for more strategic depth
- Story set in Orsterra from the first game but occurring years before those events
Critics Who Loved It
Several reviewers crowned Octopath Traveler 0 as the series pinnacle. One critic from an unnamed publication gave it a perfect 10 out of 10, declaring it sets a new benchmark for the franchise. They praised its remarkable art direction and cutscenes, claiming the storytelling and writing surpass the first two titles while presenting a classic JRPG feel. The combat system with a full party of eight introduces what they called some of the most notable bosses in the series.
DeckHQ’s Noah Ketsky awarded 4.5 out of 5 stars, calling it an excellent JRPG and valuable series addition. Despite acknowledging it lacks some charm and character development from prior installments, he highlighted great combat, compelling narrative, and solid town-management system all wrapped in beloved HD-2D visuals.
French outlet Be-Test gave it an 8.8 out of 10, praising how it successfully adapts old mobile content into an ambitious console experience. They noted that despite flaws, it offers one of the best narratives in the series with mature and fully crafted storytelling. GamesRadar called it the strongest entry in the series, improving the JRPG formula while being an enhanced and unabridged experience.
Kotaku’s review couldn’t recommend it enough despite admitting the game doesn’t reinvent the wheel. They praised how it uses a simple framework to create something compelling. Game Informer noted it has solid story and combat that puts a captivating twist on classic turn-based formula, with a staggering amount of content.
Critics Who Found It Lacking
Not everyone embraced the mobile-to-console transformation. Push Square’s Liam Croft gave it 7 out of 10, calling it solid but noting overwhelming familiarity that makes parts feel like a retread. While the town-building mechanic and expanded party system are clever additions, much of the experience remains consistent with earlier titles, falling below the standard set by predecessors.
TechRaptor’s Parker Johnson delivered the harshest verdict with 6 out of 10, declaring it the weakest title in the series thus far. While turn-based mechanics remain top-notch, he argued it sacrifices compelling characters for a false sense of freedom. MonsterVine’s James Carr awarded 3 out of 5, acknowledging the combat system represents significant advancement over previous games but stating the narrative doesn’t reach the heights of either prior entry.
Dutch outlet Vilgz gave 7.5 out of 10, praising the excellent prologue and challenging final segment but criticizing the dragging middle section. They questioned spending around 40 hours of the 60-hour main story on familiar ground for a satisfying conclusion, noting lovely character interaction moments are interspersed with lengthy stretches. RPG Site didn’t leave a good first impression, stating the opening hours aren’t great and gameplay feels restrictive.
The Town Building Debate
One of Octopath Traveler 0’s signature new features is the town-building system, but critics remain divided on its implementation. As you rebuild your destroyed hometown, you create various facilities using materials found during exploration. The mechanics involve selecting and dropping desired buildings onto land cleared of garbage.
GamesRadar noted the system is quite basic and designed to prevent distraction. You often must progress to certain story points before unlocking new facilities or clearing more land for additional buildings. Polygon argued the town management system lacks depth and feels underdeveloped compared to other aspects of the game.
The divided reception suggests Square Enix added the feature to differentiate from previous entries without fully committing to making it a core pillar of gameplay. It exists as a pleasant distraction rather than a transformative addition, which disappointed some reviewers hoping for more substantial innovation.
What About That Mobile Story
The main plot closely mirrors Champions of the Continent, with the player character pursuing three antagonists responsible for hometown destruction – Herminia the Covet, Ty the Hero, and August the Playwright. Fans who appreciated the mobile game’s storyline consider this alignment positive, as Champions of the Continent earned praise for its narrative despite the gacha trappings.
However, the transition to a single customizable protagonist instead of eight distinct travelers proves controversial. Previous Octopath games thrived on their character-driven storytelling, with each traveler bringing unique perspectives and motivations. The silent protagonist approach sacrifices that characterization for player projection, which doesn’t resonate with everyone.
Multiple critics noted the story feels awkwardly stitched together despite individual character moments being enjoyable. The unnecessarily large cast inherited from the mobile version creates pacing issues, with some characters receiving insufficient development across the 60-hour runtime.
FAQs
Is Octopath Traveler 0 a remake of a mobile game?
Yes, Octopath Traveler 0 is a comprehensive reimagining of the 2022 mobile gacha game Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent. Square Enix removed all gacha mechanics and mobile game systems, transforming it into a traditional console RPG experience.
What are the Metacritic scores for Octopath Traveler 0?
Based on 61 critic reviews, Octopath Traveler 0 earned a Metascore of 85 on PlayStation 5, 83 on PC, and 80 on Nintendo Switch 2. Individual review scores range from 6 out of 10 to perfect 10 out of 10.
When does Octopath Traveler 0 release?
Octopath Traveler 0 launched on December 4, 2024 for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. The game was developed by Square Enix and DokiDoki Groove Works.
How many characters can you use in Octopath Traveler 0?
Octopath Traveler 0 features over 30 recruitable characters that players meet through the narrative, reduced from over 100 in the mobile original. The battle system allows eight characters in your party simultaneously, double the four-character limit from previous mainline games.
Does Octopath Traveler 0 have town building?
Yes, Octopath Traveler 0 introduces a town-building mechanic where players reconstruct their destroyed hometown. The system involves finding materials during exploration and placing facilities on cleared land, though critics describe it as basic and lacking depth.
What is the story of Octopath Traveler 0?
Set in Orsterra years before the first game, Octopath Traveler 0 follows a customizable silent protagonist whose hometown was destroyed. Players pursue three antagonists responsible for the destruction – Herminia the Covet, Ty the Hero, and August the Playwright.
How long is Octopath Traveler 0?
The main story of Octopath Traveler 0 takes approximately 60 hours to complete. Critics note the middle section can drag, with some questioning whether 40 hours of that runtime feels like retreading familiar ground before reaching the satisfying conclusion.
Conclusion
Octopath Traveler 0 represents a fascinating experiment in transforming mobile content into premium console experiences. Square Enix deserves credit for completely removing gacha mechanics and creating a standalone RPG that functions without predatory monetization. The expanded eight-person party system and town-building mechanics show ambition, while the gorgeous HD-2D visuals and solid turn-based combat maintain the series standards. However, the mixed critical reception reveals fundamental tensions – critics who judge it as a mobile game remake find it impressive, while those comparing it to Octopath Traveler II find it lacking in character development and innovation. With Metacritic scores ranging from 80 to 85 depending on platform, it’s clearly a competent JRPG that won’t satisfy everyone. Whether this mobile-to-console transformation succeeds depends entirely on your expectations and how much you value cohesive storytelling versus pure gameplay systems.