Project Octopath Traveler, a Nintendo Switch-exclusive RPG by Square Enix, was featured in the latest Nintendo Direct, showing off a game with beautiful graphics and an interesting combat system.
The RPG, which is awkwardly named due to it still on its working title, is being developed by the same team behind the critically acclaimed Bravely Default for the Nintendo 3DS.
Project Octopath Traveler: What Is It All About?
Project Octopath Traveler has been known for some time, but the latest Nintendo Direct revealed a detailed look at what Nintendo Switch owners can expect from the upcoming RPG.
The first thing that stands out from the Project Octopath Traveler trailer is the RPG's so-called 2D-HD graphics, which downright look amazing. Square Enix fans will appreciate hints of Final Fantasy VI in the game's backgrounds and sprites, supported by crisp 2D art and 3D lighting and camera effects.
The graphics are not the only thing that is interesting about Project Octopath Traveler. Similar to traditional RPGs, the game will utilize a turn-based combat system. However, the mechanics of Project Octopath Traveler go deeper than that, with the trailer showing how the different characters of the game react to different situations.
Project Octopath Traveler will make the most out of the choices that players make, and as the working title suggests, there are eight main paths that players can take in the RPG. These paths are connected to the eight characters in the game, each with unique stories and skills. The trailer featured Olberic, a warrior who is able to challenge anybody to a duel, and Primrose, a dancer who uses "Allure" to convince travelers to follow her anywhere.
Project Octopath Traveler Demo Now Available
Following the Nintendo Direct livestream, a demo version of Project Octopath Traveler was released on the Nintendo eShop, allowing Square Enix RPG fans to try out the game. The demo appears to be a beta test, as players will be asked for feedback on various aspects of the game through a survey.
Square Enix will then use the results of the survey to further fine tune Project Octopath Traveler, which is expected to be released worldwide sometime in 2018, and hopefully with a less awkward-sounding title.
More Nintendo Switch Games
In the same Nintendo Direct, the 2016 reboot of Doom and Wolfenstein II were revealed to be coming to the Nintendo Switch, making that three Bethesda titles for the hybrid console in addition to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
The highly anticipated Super Mario Odyssey, meanwhile, will launch on Oct. 27.
Square Enix is bringing Project Octopath Traveler exclusively to #NintendoSwitch. A demo will be available later today following the Direct. pic.twitter.com/QKwpbje7Wc
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) September 13, 2017
