Octopath Traveler 2 takes everything great from the first game while fixing its issues. The turn based combat is one of the best out there, combined with an amazing job system that gives a lot of depth. Random encounters are fast and fun, while bosses need tactics and can be challenging. The break system, attacking enemies with their weaknesses to leave them open for more damage when broken, is a great tactical feature. At no point of the game I needed to grind (except optional super boss).

Characters and stories are absolute peak. All 8 travelers are so different, offer so many aspects and each story is at least great. The best ones are absolutely phenomenal, while even the weakest character arc is still good.

The music is one of the best Soundtracks ever. Each character theme fits so well and grows on you while experiencing their stories.

It also feels way more like you are in an actual party now, due to the combined chapters plus the final chapter which combines everyones story. This was missing in the first one and is totally nailing it in the 2nd one.

The only issue I can see are the first chapters. Most players will collect all characters first, most players will play all first chapters to get the proper character introduction, which can lead to the feeling of playing the tutorial 8x in total. But overall, it is one of the best JRPGs ever created.