Square Enix has no shortage of beloved RPG series to choose from over their long 40-year history, from the iconic Dragon Quest series that set the standard for the genre to series like Kingdom Hearts, which is considered one of gaming’s most unique and innovative action RPG franchises. Franchises like Final Fantasy have completely reshaped the landscape of the industry as well, and continue to receive new entries and acclaimed remakes still to this day.
Perhaps one of the most highly anticipated RPG franchise returns in gaming, however, is that of NieR, Square Enix’s cult-classic action RPG series that grew from a niche favorite into one of the publisher’s biggest modern successes. Fans have been begging for an official third installment in the series for years, yet Square has been surprisingly tight-lipped about any such project.
While players will have to continue waiting on NieR‘s official return, in a recent interview with Square Enix producer Tomoya Asano, he teased and all but confirmed an official sequel for a different beloved 10/10 Square Enix RPG series that’s likely already in development (via CB).
Square Enix May Be Bringing Back A Fan-Favorite
While the franchise just saw a brand-new entry with Octopath Traveler 0, Square Enix’s HD-2D RPG series still has fans eagerly awaiting the next mainline installment. Octopath Traveler 3 has yet to be officially announced, but in a new interview with Square Enix producer Asano, he more or less confirms that it’s in the works.
In the original interview with Dengeki, Asano does his best to speak around a third entry without officially confirming that it’s in the works, but his attitude and commentary suggests the game is not only likely, but is probably already in development.
Octopath Traveler 2 refined nearly every aspect of the original, which Screen Rant reviewed as a 10/10. The second entry made many aspects better, with a more interconnected cast and stronger storytelling, as well as expanded combat and exploration systems. As such, expectations for a third entry are higher than ever, and it appears SE is well aware of that fact.
Whether it introduces another ensemble of eight protagonists, builds on the series’ signature Break and Boost combat, or pushes the HD-2D art style even further, Octopath Traveler 3 has all the ingredients to become one of Square Enix’s next major RPG releases when it finally arrives, though it’s unclear exactly how it will improve further on the established formula.
Don’t Bet Against Octopath 3
With the Octopath series still in its youth in Square Enix terms, having only released the first entry eight years ago, there’s vast potential for the franchise to continue to expand its player base, especially with the upcoming launch of the Octopath 1 & 2 Bundle on Switch 2 later this year. With Octopath Traveler 0 serving as a highly rated prequel entry, Square Enix and Team Asano has only strengthened the series’ foundation ahead of what many hope will be a true third mainline installment.
If Square Enix can build on the refinements introduced across all three existing games while continuing to evolve its signature HD-2D style, Octopath Traveler 3 could cement the series as one of the publisher’s defining RPG franchises alongside Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, or Dragon Quest.
Octopath Traveler
10/10
- Released
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July 13, 2018
- ESRB
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T for Teen: Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
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Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo
- Engine
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Unreal Engine 4
