Parents' Guide to

Octopath Traveler

Game Nintendo Switch 2018
Octopath Traveler Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Marc Saltzman By Marc Saltzman , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Deep, challenging tale will keep you playing for hours.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

  • Octopath Traveler Screen #1
  • Octopath Traveler Screen #2
  • Octopath Traveler Screen #3

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 15+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Jesse Potter
Jesse Potter Adult
July 20, 2018
age 13+

Great for younger statisticians who are mature enough for sexual innuendo.

The game is a love-letter to classic RPGs of the SNES era as the CSM review states. I would like to point out, however, there is more sexual innuendo in the game than the review let's on. In the very beginning of the game, the dancer character is sexually objectified multiple times and sexually harassed and assaulted by numerous non-playable male characters. I have all boys at home and think this may still be a bit too much even for my almost 15 year old. It's up to you how mature you think your son or daughter is in this situation.
Paul A.
Paul A. Parent
February 18, 2023
age 16+

This is NOT a kids game

One of the main characters in the game starts in a place where she is being abused by her boss, with heavy references to implied unconsentual "relations". Later her friend, another woman in the same situation, is violently murdered in front of her. When she finally kills her boss, his death scene is played out in detail (no blood but lots of dying noises). Imo this should have been rated M.
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What's It About?

OCTOPATH TRAVELER -- as the name suggests -- is a role-playing game that lets players choose from eight different characters, each with a unique story and abilities, as you set out on a grand adventure. Reminiscent of classic fantasy role-playing games (RPGs) such as portable Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest (and even The Legend of Zelda) titles, the game offers turn-based combat, the ability to level up and equip yourself with better items, hundreds of characters to talk to (including allies to band with), locations to unlock, and items to find and use (and buy and sell). Each of the eight characters takes you down a different path in the same game universe. Whether you choose to specialize in swordplay, magic, thievery, or healing, it's up to you to chart each character's journey and determine the fate of this world.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (4 ):

While this massive adventure takes some time to get into, the excellent story and deep gameplay will keep you exploring and fighting through its amazing world for dozens of hours. The turn-based combat in Octopath Traveler provides lots of depth: Players have different items and spells to use, combo attacks and chained moves, defensive maneuvers, and a Boost mode to unleash an even greater attack or give aid to allies. Players will have to determine which attacks are most effective on which enemies (e.g., considering vulnerabilities to fire or ice blasts). While combat starts off at a reasonable difficulty, it ramps up quickly -- boss fights can crush you quickly if you don't have a stockpile of healing and protective items. Couple this with the lack of health bars for enemies, forcing you to guess how much damage each will take to be defeated, and you'll quickly realize that this is a seriously tough game.

While you're roaming through towns, the countryside, and caves, you'll meet many people who may ask you to do something for them or join your party, and all your decisions will have lasting effects on the storyline. There are love interests, revenge-laden story paths, and tales of friendship, family, and loyalty. The dialogue can be pretty cheesy, including dramatic voice acting that might make you roll your eyes. And during combat, the lines you hear grow repetitive. But between the many characters you can play, deep turn-based gameplay, and huge environments to explore, Octopath Traveler is a great pocket-sized game from one of the best developers in the business. Players who love classic RPGs on Nintendo Game Boy or Nintendo 3DS will fall for the charm of this well-crafted, smoothly executed adventure.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about violence in video games. How is the impact of the violence in Octopath Traveler affected by the small, pixelated graphics? What message does it send that conflict resolution is handled solely through combat?

  • What's the appeal of "retro" pixelated graphics in video games? Do you think that the classic visuals in Octopath Traveler allow the designers to focus more on telling an engaging story? Would the game be as engaging if it had current visuals?

  • How is the impact of helping others in need affected by the fact that you can only solve problems by fighting? Should characters who help people be rewarded with things?

Game Details

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