[Review] Octopath Traveler 0 The Beginning of a Legendary Journey Where We Become the Storytellers

Octopath Traveler 0 is a completely new turn based JRPG that lets players create the first custom protagonist in the series and embark on a journey to restore a hometown left in ruins. The game gives players a chance to interact with a wide variety of characters, use the signature Break and Boost combat system to turn battles around and shape a path entirely of their own choosing.

Today, the author had the chance to dive into this adventure, shape a personal story and bring the village back to life, and naturally this full review is here to share the journey with readers. This review was played on PS5 and some observations may be updated as future patches appear.

The character creation system stands out more than ever. The combat system gains deeper strategic layers. The storyline is intense with an impressive amount of content. The world is filled with exploration and meaningful interaction. The city building system delivers warmth and depth. Here is the full review.

The Character Creation System That Makes This Entry Truly Stand Out

One of the most impressive elements of this game is how different the opening feels compared to the previous entries. Players can now create a character completely from scratch, from hairstyles to hair colors to eye colors. This system lets everyone design a true personal hero and it goes even further by expanding the skill variety that can be combined from multiple directions to create a truly unique playstyle. This makes the entire playthrough feel constantly fresh and exciting.

This major shift stands out because previous entries required players to choose predetermined characters. Being able to create a hero from the ground up makes the journey feel far more personal. Every incident, every decision and every victory feels like our own adventure instead of following someone else’s story. This heightened sense of personalization is one of the biggest reasons this entry rises above the rest and leaves such a memorable impression.

A Combat System with a Deeper Layer of Strategy

The combat system remains familiar but refined. The polished consistency is one of the author’s favorite aspects of Octopath Traveler 0. Players must constantly plan each skill, manage BP to deliver powerful attacks and read enemy weaknesses to turn the tide. Every mechanic is carefully designed to ensure that every encounter feels impactful and rewarding.

A key new element is the protagonist’s Ultimate system, a powerful move that players can unleash once the gauge is full. Used at the right moment, it can turn a desperate situation into a decisive victory.

Team composition has also evolved with an eight character formation split into two rows. Players can switch freely between the front row for active combat and the back row to recover HP and SP. Some characters support the back row and positioning deeply affects the outcome of each fight. The system becomes noticeably more strategic and gives players freedom to manage swaps, resources and ultimate timing. This is a combat system the author can confidently praise without hesitation.

A Powerful Storyline Filled with Weight and Meaning

The plot of this game is so strong that it deserves praise at the outset. It begins with a vivid atmosphere that feels like the start of a beautiful adventure, then shifts sharply into tragedy and surprises players instantly. This rapid emotional shift draws players into the world immediately and keeps them eager to discover what happens next.

Once the intense opening settles, the game transitions into village restoration. Every quest, whether main or side, is crafted with purpose, making the world feel meaningful and alive. Nothing feels random or filler. Every moment adds value to the overall worldbuilding.

The storytelling is even more engaging thanks to the freedom given to players. With three main paths and quests that guide the journey in flexible ways, players can shift the direction of the story as they please. There is no need to clear the narrative in a strict order. The world encourages exploration, helping townspeople or enjoying optional activities along the way.

The game is filled with side quests, character building missions and recruitable allies hidden across different areas. The amount of content is large, yet the freedom remains intact. Players can choose what to do first without feeling lost, making the journey enjoyable from start to finish.

Exploration and World Interaction

When exploring, certain areas may require missions to unlock or contain enemies too strong for early encounters, creating danger that adds excitement and pushes players to grow stronger and return for a rematch.

The vibrancy of the world is strengthened by the Path Action system, which makes interacting with NPCs deeper and more rewarding. Players can shop from non-merchants with risks depending on NPC levels, but the potential rewards such as strong skills or valuable items make the challenge worthwhile.

A City Building System That Feels Warm and Full of Life

One of the most impressive features in Octopath Traveler 0 is the Village Development system, which forms a core part of the gameplay experience. Watching a deserted village slowly revive and take shape creates an emotional connection to the world.

This restoration mechanic is not a simple optional activity. It allows players to design their ideal village with facilities that continually expand the settlement. Seeing the village grow in a way that reflects personal decisions creates a lasting sense of pride.

Characters invited to the village also enrich this system. Each one has unique abilities that influence gathering, building or improving certain areas. Players must consider how to assign villagers effectively, adding a management element that deepens the experience. The system makes the city beautiful, but more importantly, it enhances gameplay variety and overall strategic depth.

Review Summary

It is clear that Octopath Traveler 0 stands out with a character creation system that offers full freedom and creates a strong sense of personal adventure. The combat retains the series identity while adding strategic layers including eight-character formations and Ultimate move. The storyline delivers powerful emotional beats with a vast amount of meaningful content. The world encourages exploration across nearly every direction with NPC interactions that feel purposeful, and the village development system builds attachment and pride through visible growth shaped by player decisions. This creates an experience filled with depth, enjoyment and long lasting impact.

The author gives this game a score of 9.5 out of 10, though other players may have different perspectives.

Strengths include the independent character creation system that influences the entire journey, the deep combat system, the intense plot, the large amount of content with complete freedom, the Path Action system that enriches the world and the village development that creates a powerful emotional bond.

Notable concerns include the familiar core combat system that may feel less fresh for returning players, the silent protagonist and the relatively challenging English difficulty that may be an obstacle for some.

Thanks to Bandai Namco Entertainment for supporting the review. Stay tuned for more game reviews soon.

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Source: This Is Game Thailand