'Octopath Traveler' release date, special edition news: Square Enix's new Switch title set for July release
It seems like Square Enix is packing some amazing surprises for its loyal followers this year, and it is starting the countdown with a new Switch title that is set for a release this year on July -- the new role-playing title "Octopath Traveler."
Produced and developed by the same team that worked on the phenomenal RPG classic "Bravely Default," "Octopath Traveler" will see a Switch platform debut on July 13, which was confirmed during the recently concluded Nintendo Direct presentation.
In line with the reveal, Nintendo also shared that aside from the standard version, the game will come in a special edition package complete with extra goodies such as a cloth map, a pop-up book, a CD soundtrack, and a coin replica of the game's currency.
The said special version named "Wayfarer" will see a release the same day as the regular edition.
Besides the confirmation of various editions that players can choose from, Masashi Takahashi, the game's producer also shared details on the new characters that will be integrated into the release -- Tressa, a skillful merchant able to talk her way into buying various items, and Alfyn, who specializes in information collection.
On top of this, Takahashi also indicated that now, players will be able to imbue their characters with multiple classes while in matches.
Graphic-wise, the game will feature a hand-drawn pixel style enhanced with CGI, which Square Enix dubs as "HD-2D."
When it was first announced back in January 2017, "Octopath Traveler" was initially called "Project Octopath Traveler." Its gameplay will feature turn-based attacks, which can either be weapon-based or elemental-based. Users will also be able to choose from eight characters equally divided into groups of four for male and female and with varying classes.
Before its official release, Square Enix provided curious fans with a free demo back in 2017 to make them experience the game's overall feel and theme. In exchange, players provided the company with feedback in order to enhance aspects of the game that needed tweaking.
