Wow are we really not over the "HD2D style is overused and old news" debate ... ? That's just sad considering this is simply an artistic choice we're speaking here. It's likely to age just as well as games from the 4th generation did.

It's fine not to really vibe with the style though, but there's never been anything to be so upset about considering also that Square Enix has been one the sole devs of this kind of style (and a few pixel art games Indies here and there).

Also @curl-6 , the official description on Square Enix sites might be a good add-on for the OP.

How does this game relate to OCTOPATH TRAVELER: Champions of the Continent?

If you played the mobile title, OCTOPATH TRAVELER: Champions of the Continent, the game's setup may sound a little familiar. That's because OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 is inspired by story elements and gameplay ideas from that game.

This new entry in the OCTOPATH TRAVELER series has been designed as full-fledged console and PC RPG. It takes the acclaimed story from the mobile release but reworks it to add new story content and streamlines the overall story for a more compelling experience.

It features a new script with entirely new narrative elements, including new backstories for playable characters) , as well full voice acting that brings the many twists and turns home more effectively.

Similarly, OCTOPATH TRAVELER: Champions of the Continent featured battles with 8-character parties. OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 takes that idea and refines it to create even more strategically satisfying skirmishes.

It also brings entirely new features, such as the town building to restore your hometown - a substantial new element to the game that's fun and rewarding in equal measure.

In short, it's the best of both worlds - the amazing story and ideas of the mobile release combined with the gameplay and design that fans have come to love from the console and PC games. It doesn't matter whether you played Champions of the Continent or not - you're getting a new experience either way.

So basically, the game is a "remake/retooling/reimagining" of the Champions of the Continent mobile gacha game into a full fledged single player RPG, with of course loads of new content, added scripts and an official English dub which the mobile did not have.

I'm honestly surprised they actually went with an expanded version of what I, back then, wanted. I could've gone for a one to one port no problem.

Honestly, parts of this game like it's front-back row combat system and it's main cast(especially the villains) are why this game deserves the treatment of a full fledged release. 

I don't know how the town rebuilding aspect will play into the game though since there was a similar element in the mobile game(but hugely different from what was shown) but honestly, HUGE win for my Octopath Traveler love.

Also a net positive. It's a 50$ game !

Although, that makes me wonder if they'll fully adapt the storylines from Champions of the Continent ...

I've not played the mobile version, going by the trailer I'm guessing the 8 characters in battle must operate on a swap in like mechanics similar to FFX.

Yes ... And no. It's kinda complicated, cuz all the 8 characters on screen are part of the battle. The front row acts as the "active line" which uses techs, attacks n all. 

Back row serves mostly as a passive and recovery spot since one of the main way in this game to heal both HP/MP is to be in the back row. But depending on characters skills and techs, back row characters can actually passively buff the front row and such ... 

So it's a game of balance of about when to switch your characters appropriately.

So it isn't unlike something like the Suikoden games from what I heard but.

I don't know how they'll rebalance it all since the gacha aspect was a main aspect of party building but I hope they find a right balance

If only this would lead to Square Enix remaking some of their other Mobile gacha games that are now offline.

Final Fantasy Record Keeper becoming a SP game would be amazing.

Brave Exvius also needs a SP remake considering its shut down too less than a year ago.

It's good to see Switch 1 support continuing for those who haven't upgraded yet; the little system that could keeps chugging even in its 9th year.

Yeah just saw this; the Direct was at 11pm here and I have work today, so apologies for not following up sooner, I had to quickly post before heading to bed.

If a mod could move this to be general gaming forum that'd be great, thank you.

Now you gotta ask yourselves ... Why no upgrade path from the Switch 1 edition. I wanted full physical dangit !

Now I feel like I will have to make an exception with this one GKC just because it's one of my fav franchises ...

@BasilZero

I did make a good dent into Brave Exvius when it was out back then and I agree with what you said. Would seem like such an easy way for them to actually make previously good mobile content available and adapt them for console/PC users in better format. 

It’s all they’ve been doing. I can see I’m in the extreme minority here, but from an outsider’s perspective it seems a bit redundant. Glad you’re all vibing on it, I guess. Eat it up! There’s plenty more where that came from. 

Factually, no.

They've released plenty of 3D games and Final Fantasy ones in the meantime that have nothing to do with the HD2D style. 

Not only that but if you remember the year that Octopath 2 went out. They also released a number of AA games in different genre and styles that sadly mostly flopped.

HD2D based games are solely the ones that seemingly have had the most popularity amongst their AA offering which means in turn, They will continue to push for those to be produced. 

Again, it's fine if you personally do not adhere to what they're doing here or feel it redundant (which isn't even true considering how subsequent HD2D games have all kind of different artistic touches touches to differentiate them). You can only accept that is not an opinion shared by most at the moment.