Bravely Default II

Bravely Default 2 is one of the best games to point to when people ask what makes JRPGs fun.

Ever since it was announced, Bravely Default 2 would have definitely been hyped up and looked forward to by many. I will have to preface this by saying that I am completely unfamiliar with the first games, but at least 2 takes place in a new continent with new characters. Unfortunately, this does mean that any references to the previous cast would be lost on me. Well, no point in me rambling about...

Bravely Default 2 is a long, familiar journey with excellent customizable combat and jobs systems that let you make your party and your playthrough truly your own. Its character and enemy art that was excellent on the 3DS doesn't translate all that well to the higher resolution of the Nintendo Switch, but the beautiful backdrops and environments get a massive boost from and look fantastic. And whi...

Bravely Default II doesn't do all that much to differentiate itself from the games that came before it. How you'll feel about that will depend on what you want out of the game: do you want something that is familiar and comforting, or a title that innovates on a decades-old formula? If you're here for the former you'll absolutely enjoy your time with Bravely Default II, even if some of its failing...

Bravely Default II is an excellent turn-based JRPG, full of rich gameplay systems, endearing characters and flexibility that welcomes new players. You don’t need to have played the previous games to enjoy this one.

Bravely Default II doesn't exactly break new ground in the saturated JRPG genre, but instead refines and iterates upon the the foundation of the genre itself and the combat system that was introduced in the first game. It's a marked improvement over its predecessors in many ways, and most importantly, it's JRPG comfort food for genre fans.

That’s pretty much Bravely Default II in a neat little package. It’s more Bravely Default, which is more classic JRPG formula, distilled for a modern era. It’s not going to reinvent RPGs as we know them, but this series still has life in it yet.

If you only have a few hours to play each day, then you might find yourself struggling to push forward and stay motivated to continue. You can always change the difficulty of the game between three different settings—you can even change it at any point, so if things feel too easy or hard, then you can always swap to a different difficulty—but that doesn’t get rid of the grindy feeling that’s deep ...

What Bravely Default II has retained from previous games has been polished to a high standard and delivers the perfect slice of turn-based JRPG nonsense you’re craving. However, be warned as the areas that have changed aren't as solidly executed and can have frustrating results. Bravely Default II is definitely worth the look for JRPG fans or fans of the series, but be prepared for an experience t...

Its flaws are plain to see, and your mileage will vary depending on what you value in RPGs. But if you're willing to spend time looking for the best of Bravely Default II, you'll find a great, rewarding experience.

Applying financial terminology to fantasy worlds could produce other fascinating titles in the future. Is it possible to Cautiously Mortgage, Lazily Foreclose, Furiously Equitize, or Nobly Deficit? These questions are not answered by this game. Eek! Don't make an 'O' with the mouth, characters!

Bravely Default II is a good RPG that undermines everything amazing the previous two games. The new battle style discourages risk taking and thus less freedom with the job system. The first 30 or so hours are great, despite a slow start in terms of gameplay, but the last 20 are too frustrating to be worthwhile and the story ends on an unsatisfying note.