As anticipation builds for the launch of Octopath Traveler 0 on December 4, it appears that even the developers were somewhat caught off guard by the complexity of the town-building system. Game director Yasuhiro Kidera expressed his surprise during an interview with Automaton.
Kidera remarked on discussions with producer Hirohito Suzuki, recalling, “The development team questioned Suzuki multiple times, asking, ‘Are we really taking this that far?’ His response was always a firm, ‘Absolutely.’ So, we proceeded with our development accordingly.”
Suzuki justifies this ambitious design choice, stating, “I thought it was only logical to allow players to place buildings, decorative items, and vegetation.”
Player Creativity in JRPGs
The excitement surrounding Octopath Traveler 0 is palpable, especially considering what players have shared about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Developers behind that title expressed delight in seeing players craft ingenious builds that push the boundaries of the game, emphasizing, “The best reward you can get.”
While Octopath Traveler 1 and 2 already hold a special place in the hearts of turn-based RPG fans, many are curious how they’ll transition back to those titles after experiencing the innovative town-building feature in Octopath Traveler 0.
A Unique Approach to JRPG Development
Suzuki elaborates on a unique aspect of development for Octopath Traveler 0: “We made the unconventional decision to develop Zero as a full-priced main entry, despite its roots in the mobile iteration, Champions of the Continent. The town-building mechanic was crafted to be a standout feature, deserving of meticulous refinement.”
During a preview session of Octopath Traveler 0, GamesRadar+’s deputy news editor, Catherine Lewis, found herself utterly engrossed in this new mechanic, reflecting, “I had to keep reminding myself that a full RPG awaited me for the remainder of my preview.” It’s easy to see why as Suzuki notes, “Upon revisiting Octopath Traveler 0, I realize it has morphed into a mix of two genres—an RPG and a slow-life simulator.”
In addition to the innovative mechanics, Octopath Traveler 0 promises an extensive main story runtime of around 100 hours, boasting significantly 30-40% new content compared to its predecessor.