It’s hard to forget the eventual arrival of Square Enix and Acquire’s Octopath Traveler. Each month, the publisher shares with us an update trailer with news on characters and gameplay mechanics. For the game’s May Overview, Square Enix finally reveals the final two characters of the eight protagonists and gives us a preview of Talents.
The first revealed hero of the pair is Cyrus, the Scholar. He sets off on a journey in search of a lost tome that may hold mysteries. Cyrus’ Path Action is Scrutinise, which allows him to extract useful information for use. The effects can range from stores discounts, to secrets and evidence that may help solve mysteries.
The final revealed protagonist of the game is Ophilia, the Cleric. She is a servant of the Order of the Sacred Flames who begins a pilgrimage to restore light to the realm. Her Path Action, Guide, allows her to lead characters to where they need to be the most. For instance, she might reunite a child with their lost mother, or set up unexpected encounters.
As for gameplay mechanics, the May Overview treats us to an explanation of Talents. Each of the eight protagonists also have, like their Path Actions, one Talent. These are passive abilities that may trigger in battle or out on the field. Here are their talents:
- Olberic – Can use Boost mode while defending to bolster defense and protect allies.
- Cyrus – Gains insight into one of enemies’ weaknesses at the start of each battle.
- Therion – Can open special treasure chests by picking their locks.
- Ophilia – Summons guided people to fight on the battlefield.
- Primrose – Summons charmed people to fight on the battlefield.
- Alfyn – Concocts potions that either heal allies or damage foes.
- Tressa – Automatically collects currency while roaming the world.
- H‘aanit – Can capture and tame beasts, and then sic them on enemies.
If you haven’t noticed yet, the first letters from each of the protagonists’ names also spell out Octopath. Indeed, the trailer adds that while you may begin with a single protagonist, you will recruit the other seven as you travel the realm.
Players can bring up to four characters in an active party. If they wish to swap a character out with someone else, they only need to visit the local tavern to do so. Furthermore, once a protagonist has been recruited, you can also discover more about their personal storylines at the tavern.
So far, the game is shaping up to be quite unique despite being a throwback to the golden era of JRPGs. With the game coming out in less than two months, it’s likely that we’ll hear more about it at next month’s E3 2018. Hopefully this May Overview won’t be the last one.
Octopath Traveler is set to launch worldwide for the Nintendo Switch on July 13 2018.
