Octopath Traveler II (2023)
Game Description:
In Octopath Traveler II, set in the vibrant world of Solistia, players embark on a journey with eight distinct travelers, each with their own unique stories and abilities. This new installment elevates the series' signature HD-2D graphics, blending nostalgic pixel art with modern 3D elements. As players explore diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to serene countryside, they will face challenging battles and make impactful choices that shape their adventure. Each traveler's path offers a unique narrative, allowing players to delve into tales of ambition, revenge, love, and redemption. With a world full of possibilities, players can forge their own path, deciding where to go and whose story to unfold in this captivating RPG.
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What Parents Should Know About Octopath Traveler II
Age Rating
Release Date
2023
ESRB Age Rating Summary:
Octopath Traveler II is rated T for Teen by the ESRB with Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, and Use of Alcohol and Tobacco. This is a role-playing game in which players follow the stories of eight characters in a fantasy world. From a top-down perspective, players explore towns while interacting with figures and battling enemies (e.g., monsters, human villains). Combat is turn-based, with players selecting attack moves from a menu then watch characters perform brief actions on screen. Characters use spears, swords, and elemental attacks to deplete opponents' health bars; battles are highlighted by impact sounds and cries of pain. Cutscenes sometimes depict small defenseless characters killed by bladed weapons. Swords or bags are sometimes depicted with blood stains. The game contains some suggestive material: a female character designed with low-cut clothing and deep cleavage; dialogue such as "...another brothel girl...[H]ow about entertaining us instead? I'm sure you'll find us more satisfying than the lord himself”; “After you downed three full glasses of wine, you and I got up to all sorts of naughty hijinks”; “Why don't you come have some fun with us?...[W]e were told we could have our way with you…”). Characters are sometimes depicted drinking liquor and/or hiccupping and drunk; one scene depicts a character smoking a cigarette. The words “p*ssed” and “bastard” appear in the game.
Content Warnings:
Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
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Parental Notes
While many parents praise the gameplay experience, they caution that Octopath Traveler II may not be suitable for younger kids. The game contains mild language, including words like “p*ssed” and “bastard.” Violence is present but not graphic, with turn-based combat featuring swords and elemental attacks, accompanied by impact sounds and cries of pain. Some cutscenes show small characters being killed with bladed weapons, and blood stains are occasionally visible. Suggestive themes are notable, with dialogue referencing brothels and drunken behavior, and a female character is depicted in revealing clothing. Alcohol and tobacco use are also depicted. Many parents recommend this game for teens 13 and older due to these mature themes.
Why Your Kid Might Like Octopath Traveler II
Octopath Traveler II offers an engaging experience for teens who enjoy RPGs with rich storytelling and strategic gameplay. The game’s unique HD-2D graphics blend nostalgic pixel art with modern 3D elements, creating a visually stunning world that appeals to both new and seasoned gamers. The diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to serene countryside, provide a sense of exploration and adventure. Each of the eight travelers has a distinct story, allowing players to immerse themselves in narratives of ambition, revenge, love, and redemption, which resonate with the emotional depth teens often seek in games.
The strategic turn-based combat system challenges players to think critically and plan their moves carefully, which can be particularly appealing to those who enjoy tactical gameplay. The ability to make impactful choices that shape the adventure adds a layer of personalization, making each playthrough unique. Teens appreciate the freedom to forge their own path, deciding where to go and whose story to unfold, offering a sense of control and agency. With its combination of engaging storytelling, strategic battles, and beautiful visuals, Octopath Traveler II provides an experience that many teens find both enjoyable and rewarding.