'Octopath Traveler' release date news: Switch-exclusive JRPG launching on July 13

A promotional photo for the upcoming Switch-exclusive Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) Nintendo Japan official website

Nintendo announced that the Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) "Octopath Traveller" developed by the Bravely Default team at Square Enix is scheduled to release for Nintendo Switch on Jul. 13.

Polygon reported that Nintendo made the announcement during its Nintendo Direct presentation on Mar. 8. Nintendo also announced two new characters for players to look out for — Tressa, a merchant who has the ability to acquire new items from other characters in the game world and Alfyn, an apothecary who is able to ask in order to gain new information from dialogue trees. Polygon also reported that Nintendo's presentation detailed the games job system that allows players to amalgamate specialties for more better strategic options during combat.

Nintendo announced "Octopath Traveller's" special edition that will be available for purchase upon its release on Jul. 13. The game's special edition will include a pop-up art book, a map, a "sound selection CD" and a replica of the in-game currency's coin.

"Octopath Traveler" is set in a magical world named Osterra. Players take on the role of one of the eight adventurers, each with his or her own distinct story and individual positions in the map. Each adventurer has a unique command which can be used in interacting with non-player characters (NPCs) like that of Tressa's and Alfyn's mentioned earlier. Two other adventurers have been previously announced alongside their unique commands — Olberic, a warrior who has the ability to duel with anyone in the game, expose evil and dispose of obstacles and Primrose, a dancer who has the ability to lure enemies into certain traps, lead lost NPCs back to the town and summon those she is allied with into battles.

The upcoming game features turn-based battles which allow players to attack using weapons and elemental attacks. Players receive up to five Boost Points which they can utilize during their turn to allow their characters to attack multiple times, raise defense or increase their ability's potency. Players face enemies which sports shield counters that lowers whenever they are attacked. When that said counters are depleted, enemies enter a stunned state wherein they are more susceptible to damage.

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