Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent

Clear instructions and supplementary resources make this an easy-to-play RPG (role-playing game), but some aspects may not grab, or hold, kids' interest. Although the events in Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent take place before the original Octopath Traveler offering, kids who are familiar with the initial game may find the prequel's plot is easier to follow. Novices shouldn't have any navigation issues, though. A small map shows what options they have in a given scene, and they can direct their characters to walk to a location with a quick swipe. They choose a main storyline from three options that focus on a search for power, money, or fame and make other decisions that shape their experience.

Some visual elements are impressive, particularly for a 2D pixel game -- snow falls gently from the sky, and torch lights placed along the roadside give off a warm, realistic glow. The developers have also included some nuances that keep the gameplay from being too monotonous. Kids might negotiate with a character they meet for a possession, for example, or a character might offer a new piece of information. The storyline appears to play a much bigger role in the game than the battles, which occur sporadically and feature a slightly passive structure. Kids essentially select special moves for their travelers, hit a button, and then watch them strike in succession. The game's character conversations can feel drawn out -- some consist of just one- or two-word responses kids have to slowly click through. A number of those interactions don't do much to further the plot. The game isn't necessarily bad -- there aren't any huge content, purchase pressure, or other negative components. But since the storyline unfolds at an uneven pace, and the battle action centers more on plan-making than physical performance, Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent may not deliver the level of pizazz kids are looking for.