Octopath Traveler 0 Receives High Famitsu Score Ahead of Nintendo Switch Release

Square Enix has once again captivated RPG enthusiasts with the release of Octopath Traveler 0, the newest entry in its acclaimed HD-2D role-playing franchise.

Building upon the studio’s tradition of blending classic RPG sensibilities with modern visual flair, Octopath Traveler 0 lets players forge their own journey as a fully customizable protagonist—an exciting evolution for the series.

Scheduled for launch on December 4th, 2024, the game is available for both the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, continuing Square Enix’s strong presence on Nintendo’s popular platforms. The Octopath Traveler series is well-known for its HD-2D art style, which fuses pixel art with 3D environments, delivering a unique aesthetic that stands out among modern RPGs.

Prior installments, Octopath Traveler (2018) and Octopath Traveler II, both debuted on the Nintendo Switch to critical acclaim and strong sales.

Square Enix’s latest release further pushes the envelope, allowing players not only to step into the role of hero, but also to rebuild their in-game hometown as part of their personalized quest. One of the earliest major critical responses comes from Japan’s esteemed gaming publication, Famitsu.

Their panel of four reviewers awarded Octopath Traveler 0 an impressive score of 34 out of 40, breaking down to individual scores of 8, 9, 9, and 8.

This puts Octopath Traveler 0 ahead, by two points, of another major release this week, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which received 32/40, though it still trails Kirby Air Riders’ leading score of 36/40. For reference, previous Octopath Traveler games set a high bar—both the first and second entries received 36 out of 40 from Famitsu.

The strong showing for Octopath Traveler 0 demonstrates Square Enix’s consistency in crafting compelling, high-quality RPG experiences for Nintendo’s hardware ecosystem. Players interested in experiencing Octopath Traveler 0 ahead of release can find a demo on the eShop.

Notably, progress from the demo will transfer to the full version, allowing for a seamless transition when the game officially launches.

This consumer-friendly approach has become a hallmark for Square Enix, making it easy for fans to try before they buy while honoring their investment of time. Following the celebrated release of the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake in October, Square Enix keeps expanding its HD-2D RPG library, maintaining its reputation for reinvigorating genre classics on the Nintendo Switch platform.

Octopath Traveler 0’s early critical praise from Famitsu sets the stage for what could be another milestone release in the series.

Expect more reviews and in-depth analysis as embargoes lift, and stay tuned to trusted sources for comprehensive coverage on this notable addition to the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 lineup.