I first played Octopath Traveler through a pirated copy because games are very expensive here in Brazil. I think it was around 2024. I still remember the first time I launched it: I was completely amazed by the game's magic, its beautiful pixel art, and its absolutely incredible soundtrack.
I had already reached Olberic's Chapter 3 when my PC suddenly broke. Even so, when I got the chance, I replayed the entire game from the beginning just to see the ending. When I finished it for the first time, I sat there watching the credits roll. Then, out of nowhere, tears started falling from my eyes, just like when I first entered S'warkii. The soundtrack in this game is the kind that makes your eyes sweat.
I don't know how to explain it, but Octopath Traveler is a deeply touching experience that delivers a beautiful message by the end. Now that I finally had the opportunity to buy it and earn all the achievements, I decided to go for 100% completion. And even after two years, I still consider it one of the most underrated gems in gaming.
What's even more impressive is that I cried at the ending twice, because I had to beat the game a second time to get all the achievements lol.
The stories of the main characters are incredibly engaging, and even the side quests are surprisingly well-written. You can clearly see that this game was made with passion, care, and creative freedom.
Think about it: I played the entire game through a pirated copy, replayed it because my PC broke, waited two years until I could finally afford to buy it, replayed it again even though I already knew every character's story, completed every achievement, and every single time I played it, it managed to make me emotional.
At that point, I don't think the question for anyone reading this review is whether the game is worth buying, but when they're going to buy it.
Octopath Traveler will always have a special place in my heart.
Now it's time to replay Octopath Traveler II—which I also first played through a pirated copy lol—and this time, I'm going for the platinum.
