Interview: Octopath Traveler 2 producer Masashi Takahashi on why the game has a new cast and story

Octopath Traveler 2 is coming next week, and ahead of the game’s launch, we got to ask a couple of questions to producer Masashi Takahashi.

In our quick interview with Takahashi, we got to ask him about the game’s entirely different story and cast, and why the developers decided to not go with a direct sequel. Takahashi also mentioned some interesting info about gameplay with new players to the series (and to JRPGs in general) in mind.

The following is the full transcript of our short interview with Takahashi:

While it’s a sequel, it follows a new cast of characters in a new setting. What made you decide to go with a different story and cast for this game?

To us, it seemed like it was just a while ago since the original OCTOPATH TRAVELER was released, but it has been five years since its launch!

With that in mind, we wanted to make sure that OCTOPATH TRAVELER II was a title that even those who are unfamiliar with its predecessor could fully enjoy it. For this reason, we decided to develop an entire new story and range of characters.

What learnings did you get from the previous OCTOPATH TRAVELER games that you were able to apply in OCTOPATH TRAVELER II?

We learned so much from the first title in all facets of the game. We made sure that any slight dissatisfactions we had with the original series and anything we thought we could have done better were addressed to make this title the very best it can be!

The games in the series appeal to fans of classic JRPGs. But during development, did you think about how this game can be accessible to those who don’t typically play turn-based RPGs?

As the title has turn-based command battles at its core, it may not draw in players who find such a system unappealing. For those willing to give a new type of game a try, the game has so many different paths open for players to explore.

Even just taking the townspeople as an example, players can battle them, steal items from them, or even take them along on their adventures. Along the way, players will encounter mysterious dungeons, and seemingly inaccessible treasure boxes.

The player is not required to investigate everything in order to clear the game, but it is filled with intriguing side-quests and places to explore.

While it is quite different from an open world game, it has many of the same attributes, which will make it very enjoyable for fans of games with such freedom of action.

Octopath Traveler 2 will be released on PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC on February 24, 2023.