I really wanted to enjoy Octopath Traveler 2, but I just couldn't get into it. While the game is visually stunning and the combat system is good, the storytelling left me completely unengaged. The biggest issue is how disconnected the eight character stories feel. Each character embarks on their own journey, but there's no meaningful interaction or overlap between them. It’s like playing eight separate, shallow games rather than experiencing a grand, cohesive adventure.

This lack of connection makes the entire narrative feel fragmented. You spend hours switching between stories that don’t intertwine or build off each other, which really diminishes any emotional impact. Even when you have all eight characters in your party, it feels like they’re just along for the ride, barely acknowledging each other’s presence. For a game that tries to deliver rich character development, the lack of any shared progression or meaningful dialogue between the cast makes the overall experience feel hollow.

The disjointed storytelling ultimately saps any sense of momentum or investment. It just felt like I was checking off boxes playing through the isolated chapters. The game had the potential to weave these stories into something much greater, but it squandered that opportunity, leaving the experience feeling empty and disconnected.

I really like the game. I've always been a fan of long-form rpgs, but I don't really have the time to sit down and dedicate to them anymore. This game is very easily digestible in short 15-30 minute bursts. It really reminds me of a refined version of a lot of the ideas that were on display in the SaGa Frontier series and Bravely Default. I think it's a great experience and an interesting mix of a very traditional feeling JRPG with an open world setting that's very not par for the course.

Game design and the art is great. It runs with no issue in both PC and Steamdeck.
I dont think i will do all characters stories. Too many random counter every 7 seconds and combat is too slow for me ''it is me issue not the game'. I enjoyed my almost 30 hours so it is recommend.