Publisher Square Enix
Developer Square Enix
Format PS5 (reviewed), Xbox Series X/S, PC, PS4, Switch, Switch 2
Game engine HD-2D engine
Release date 4 December 2025
Aesthetically speaking, Octopath Traveler 0 is fascinating, albeit increasingly familiar. A prequel to 2018’s Octopath Traveler (which spawned a 2023 sequel), it uses Square Enix’s HD-2D technology, as also seen in remakes of the first three Dragon Quest games. By pairing 2D sprite-based characters with 3D backgrounds (viewed to avoid incongruity from a retro near-isometric angle), HD-2D does a fine job of recreating the charming visual vibe of seminal early 8-bit and 16-bit RPGs, while cleverly adding modern levels of solidity, detail, vibrant colour palettes, and even tricksy animation effects.
