Octopath Traveler II is the next major release utilizing Square Enix’s HD-2D engine, and the development studio looked back to Chrono Trigger for HD-2D version 2.0.
In an interview at Famitsu, Octopath Traveler II director Keisuke Miyauchi talked about pushing the HD-2D engine forward. The original Chrono Trigger served as a source of inspiration throughout the development of Octopath Traveler II due to its vivid pixel art and scenery. Miyauchi states the development team wanted to make “picture-perfect” art within the HD-2D engine.
“Last time, we had in mind an inclusive nostalgia that many people hold on to, but we thought that not much would change if we used the same method again,” producer Miyauchi said. “We needed to expand the scope this time.”
Miyauchi added, “By envisioning the beautiful pixel art scenery they drew back then – the trial scenes in Chrono Trigger, for example – we aimed to raise the bar of expressiveness with HD-2D by making art that would be picture-perfect no matter when you screenshotted it.”
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is another major title utilizing the enhanced engine. News about the upcoming remake will likely come after the release of Octopath Traveler II.
Lastly, Octopath Traveler II releases on February 24, 2023 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam.
