Short version: Don't pick this over other JRPGs. It's a good game, but the cracks begin to show very early on, depending on who you start your game with.
Less short version:
I think Octopath Traveler 2 marks the first JRPG I've ever played where getting another character is an "UH OH" moment instead of a "Cool, my forces against evil and those who'd kill me improve!" moment. Unfortunately, every new character that joins the party is:
Level 1, basically naked with useless gear, and needs babying to improve. Bonus: every character draws from the same pool of gear. This means, that if you have a well established first character since...you start with them, and you find one nearby and they're your duo, great! This will not be the case with other characters unless you know the meta. I don't, I picked the thief because prior JRPG history says that stealing gets you OP stuff.
Seems like it was the case at the start, but unlike other games - this game has gates to keep you from stealing TOO MUCH, too early. The path action system is tied to levels, and is quite literally the only benefit of leveling. Leveling is not easy, and more importantly, getting money (leaves) is NOT EASY EITHER. This is the bigger problem, since unlike most games in the genre - restated: levels don't mean a darn thing in terms of 'general power'. Gear however does, and if you can't afford it (or in some cases steal it. Early on, there's not much valuable stuff you can take. There's 8% items that are likely cash sell items but...I have bad luck. X-COM was quit because of bad RNG, and 8% has shown me through many a save scum that I'm not getting it), then you're not getting power progression.
Continued disclaimer: I picked Throné as my starter, and I'm not using guides. I like that the game is not afraid to hand me my ass by wandering into areas (because freedom of choice is for suckers!!!!!!!), but then playing the game normally doesn't seem to give what's required for progression beyond "go here, good luck." Seems like I'm behind the curve on currency and can't seem to keep up despite doing battles that take a tad longer than other games due to the break/weakness system.
People swear on Octopath Traveler and 2's the one I got (Humble Bundle pricing), but I don't get the hype. Star Ocean 2 and specifically the remake 2R - are the highest height of JRPG for me. This isn't a top 5 or a top 10 by comparison. I'll try to finish it, but I fear I'll run into adversity I can't surpass...because of a lack of ability to pay absurd prices for weapons I kinda' need to do damage in a game full of spongey enemies.
