81
MONSTER
A role-playing game from the Bravely Default team is being developed exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. They have brought a new world to life through a mix of CG, pixel art, and "HD-2D" visuals.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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73
Octopath Traveler’s fractured, character-driven narrative splits critics: while its bold experimentation and vivid arcs captivate some, others decry its incoherent structure and repetitive storytelling, leaving it as a divisive, experimental gamble that prioritizes standalone tales over a unified plot.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
73
Positive Reviews (80-100)
40%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
55%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
6%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Octopath Traveler’s fractured, character-driven narrative splits critics: while its bold experimentation and vivid arcs captivate some, others decry its incoherent structure and repetitive storytelling, leaving it as a divisive, experimental gamble that prioritizes standalone tales over a unified plot.
Gameplay Mechanics
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86
Octopath Traveler delivers addictive, strategically rich turn-based combat with innovative "Break" and "Boost" mechanics, diverse classes, and nostalgic JRPG charm, though grinding, repetitive structures, and generic dungeons dampen its polish—yet its blend of tradition and modern depth cements it as a genre standout.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
86
Positive Reviews (80-100)
87%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
13%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Octopath Traveler delivers addictive, strategically rich turn-based combat with innovative "Break" and "Boost" mechanics, diverse classes, and nostalgic JRPG charm, though grinding, repetitive structures, and generic dungeons dampen its polish—yet its blend of tradition and modern depth cements it as a genre standout.
Graphics and Visual Design
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90
Critics hailed Octopath Traveler's HD-2D visuals as a stunning blend of 16-bit nostalgia and modern polish, with vibrant art, dynamic lighting, and immersive worlds. Minor flaws like static NPCs and technical hiccups were overshadowed by its innovative, nostalgic charm, cementing it as a JRPG masterpiece.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
90
Positive Reviews (80-100)
92%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
8%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics hailed Octopath Traveler's HD-2D visuals as a stunning blend of 16-bit nostalgia and modern polish, with vibrant art, dynamic lighting, and immersive worlds. Minor flaws like static NPCs and technical hiccups were overshadowed by its innovative, nostalgic charm, cementing it as a JRPG masterpiece.
Music and Sound Design
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89
Critics hailed Octopath Traveler’s soundtrack as a masterpiece, praising its orchestral grandeur, nostalgic charm, and emotional depth, with comparisons to JRPG legends like Uematsu and Shimomura. While voice acting and minor repetition drew some criticism, the music’s immersive power and character-driven motifs solidified it as a defining gem of 2018.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
89
Positive Reviews (80-100)
89%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
11%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics hailed Octopath Traveler’s soundtrack as a masterpiece, praising its orchestral grandeur, nostalgic charm, and emotional depth, with comparisons to JRPG legends like Uematsu and Shimomura. While voice acting and minor repetition drew some criticism, the music’s immersive power and character-driven motifs solidified it as a defining gem of 2018.
Voice Acting
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72
Critics praise Octopath Traveler's voice acting for boosting immersion and character depth, with dual English/Japanese tracks offering flexibility. DarkStation and Vandal highlight standout performances, while The Sydney Morning Herald praises the volume. However, inconsistencies, awkward delivery, and repetition—criticized by COGconnected, GameCrate, and GameSpot—undermine some moments. Though flawed, it’s a solid, if uneven, cornerstone of the game’s appeal.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
72
Positive Reviews (80-100)
39%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
61%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Critics praise Octopath Traveler's voice acting for boosting immersion and character depth, with dual English/Japanese tracks offering flexibility. DarkStation and Vandal highlight standout performances, while The Sydney Morning Herald praises the volume. However, inconsistencies, awkward delivery, and repetition—criticized by COGconnected, GameCrate, and GameSpot—undermine some moments. Though flawed, it’s a solid, if uneven, cornerstone of the game’s appeal.
Technical Performance
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78
Octopath Traveler delivers stellar PC performance with customizable settings and smooth gameplay, while its Switch version shines with portability and seamless mode transitions—though both platforms face minor glitches and stutters that don’t detract from the overall solid technical experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
78
Positive Reviews (80-100)
45%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
55%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Octopath Traveler delivers stellar PC performance with customizable settings and smooth gameplay, while its Switch version shines with portability and seamless mode transitions—though both platforms face minor glitches and stutters that don’t detract from the overall solid technical experience.
Replay Value
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78
Octopath Traveler delivers massive replay value via non-linear storytelling, deep customization, and sprawling content, but repetitive side quests, fragmented narratives, and grind-heavy mechanics may frustrate some, making its appeal split between completionists and casual players.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
78
Positive Reviews (80-100)
52%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
48%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Octopath Traveler delivers massive replay value via non-linear storytelling, deep customization, and sprawling content, but repetitive side quests, fragmented narratives, and grind-heavy mechanics may frustrate some, making its appeal split between completionists and casual players.
Overall Verdict
81
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
81
Positive Reviews (80-100)
86%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
13%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
1%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Octopath Traveler is a nostalgic JRPG gem praised for its retro visuals, deep combat, and charm, though its fragmented storytelling and pacing flaws slightly tarnish its shine—still, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre.
81
MONSTER
Reviews
169 reviews found100
Digitally Downloaded
Jul 12, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Octopath Traveler is a beautiful game that successfully combines retro aesthetics with modern game development. It offers a captivating story, engaging gameplay, and a visually stunning world. The game's ambition and use of sprites are impressive.
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93
IGN
Jul 12, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review overall praises Octopath Traveler, stating that the more the reviewer played, the more they loved it. The game is described as a charming homage to 16-bit RPGs with stunning visuals and a deep battle system.
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93
GameCrate
Jul 16, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Octopath Traveler delivers a unique and ambitious JRPG experience that successfully blends modern game design practices with a 16-bit RPG format, offering engaging gameplay, compelling storytelling, and stunning visuals.
90
The Sydney Morning Herald
Jul 23, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Octopath Traveler is a meticulous and intoxicating game that combines traditional and innovative elements. It features an addictive battle system, interesting stories, and a beautiful world. It feels like playing a classic Final Fantasy for the first time, but with the gameplay and presentation benefits of an extra 20 years of progress.
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90
CGMagazine
Jul 19, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review concludes by stating that Octopath Traveler is a bold risk for an era of cinematic RPGs and praises its characters, world, and music. It describes the game as polished and comes close to being perfect for the reviewer's own tastes.
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90
DarkStation
Jul 23, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Octopath Traveler lovingly embraces old-school RPG conventions while offering its own refreshingly modern take. It is a game that tugs at the heartstrings and fully engages the player.
90
Cubed3
Jul 17, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Octopath Traveler is a fantastic RPG that feels right at home on Nintendo Switch, offering an engrossing and satisfying storytelling experience with minor pacing issues.
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90
We Got This Covered
Jul 19, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Octopath Traveler is a fantastic throwback to a beloved genre, reintroducing a new generation to classic JRPGs.
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90
RPGamer
Jun 21, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Octopath Traveler is a hugely enjoyable modern take on traditional turn-based RPGs, with engaging stories, excellent gameplay, beautiful graphics, and a captivating score.
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90
Critical Hit
Jul 19, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Octopath Traveler is praised as a master class of a JRPG, with its nostalgic yet modern feel, compelling storytelling, fantastic combat, stunning visuals, and excellent music. It is highly recommended for Switch owners.
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