After releasing Octopath Traveler for Nintendo Switch in 2018, Square Enix decided to trademark 'HD-2D' . This clearly defined the studio's intentions, giving a name to its distinctive aesthetic and indicating that it wouldn't be the only RPG from the company to share this art style. A few years have passed, and the HD-2D family has grown . These are the titles that fall under this design style within Square Enix.
These are the titles with HD-2D aesthetics from Square Enix
Octopath Traveler
Released exclusively for Nintendo Switch, the first of the HD-2D games was developed by the same team behind the successful Bravely Default. The game's aesthetic was groundbreaking, featuring a 16-bit style very similar to games of this type from the Super Nintendo era, but with highly detailed environments.
The video game tells a story from eight different perspectives . The player can start with their preferred protagonist, and each story is unique, as are the characters, who each possess their own unique abilities. This title has sold over a million copies, which is a very impressive figure considering it's a niche RPG released on only one platform.
Triangle strategy
On March 4th, Triangle Strategy will take over from both Octopath Traveler and Final Fantasy Tactics . This tactical role-playing game will also be released exclusively on Nintendo's hybrid console.
We won't just need to showcase our combat skills in this RPG. Decision -making will be key to the plot's development. Every choice we make will influence the course of our adventure, leading us down the path of Utility , Morality , or Freedom.
Live to live
It was released in 1994 for the Super NES in Japan , but like most JRPGs, it never left the borders of the Land of the Rising Sun. Now a classic, it will arrive on Nintendo Switch worldwide on July 22nd . In addition to allowing us to enjoy its story from seven different perspectives and across its various eras, we'll finally be able to play it in our own language. And that's not all: it will also be remastered with HD-2D graphics.
Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake
From a remaster, we jump to a remake . Although its release date isn't confirmed, everything points to this title also being released sometime in 2022, as it coincides with the 35th anniversary of the series . Unlike the others, this game may be released on more platforms.
According to Masaaki Hayasaki, producer of the video game, by recreating this title, many new people will have the opportunity to judge this work with new eyes.
Octopath Traveler: Champion of the Continent
Finally, we have a prequel to Octopath Traveler coming to mobile phones . It's slated for release in 2022, but details about the title are scarce. What is clear, however, is that 2022 will be the year of HD-2D.
OCTOPATH TRAVELER: Champions of the Continent (English ver.) will launch in North America and Europe in 2022!
We'll have more to share in mid-February, so keep an eye on the official Facebook page for the latest news!#octopathcotc #Octopath Traveler Championhttps://t.co/S0OlifhWz6 pic.twitter.com/2wPwNMJbhT— オクトパストラベラー 大陸の覇者【公式】 (@OCTOPATH_SP) February 8, 2022