When Square Enix showed up at today's Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase with an unannounced action RPG packing HD-2D graphics, fairy friends, magic crystal customization, familiar sprites and character portraits, and a distinct emphasis on traveling, I was fully prepared for a Bravely Default or Octopath Traveler spinoff or installment that had ditched turn-based combat, echoing the recent trajectory of the mainline Final Fantasy games and the FF7 remake trilogy.
Instead, it turns out we actually live in the best timeline for once: this action RPG is all-new, every bit as gorgeous as Bravely Default and Octopath, and the proudly turn-based Octopath Traveler 0 was announced immediately afterward. Plus, it turns out the reason it looks so familiar is that it's from "the creators of Octopath Traveler and Bravely Default," per its announcement trailer.
