Square Enix · Feb 7, 2014
Bravely Default follows the story of main character Tiz, a humble shepherd and the lone survivor of a cataclysmic event, as he joins a group of loyal companions on a journey to restore balance to the world. The battle system is what differentiates Bravely Default from other RPGs. Here players can strategically choose when to initiate two complementary commands: Brave and Default. This innovative system encourages players to think carefully about strategy during every enemy encounter. Selecting "Brave" lets players increase the number of actions a character can take in a turn, while "Default" allows players to store actions for later use.
As an RPG enthusiast, playing Bravely Default for the first time was an exhilarating journey through a magical and immersive world. Developed by Silicon Studio and published by Square Enix, this game is a modern classic that harks back to the golden age of role-playing games. One of the most striking aspects of Bravely Default is its beautiful and vibrant art style. The game's stunning hand-drawn graphics and meticulously designed environments breathe life into the world of Luxendarc. Each location feels unique, from lush forests to desolate dungeons, complemented by a dynamic day-night cycle that adds depth to exploration. The game's storyline is a delightful mix of traditional RPG tropes and unexpected twists. Four brave heroes, Tiz, Agnès, Ringabel, and Edea, embark on a quest to restore the balance of the elemental crystals and save their world from impending doom. While the overarching plot might seem conventional at first, it evolves into a gripping and emotionally charged narrative that kept me invested throughout. Bravely Default's combat system is where it truly shines, introducing a refreshing twist on turn-based gameplay. The "Brave" and "Default" mechanics revolutionize strategy, allowing players to take multiple actions in a single turn or defend while accumulating extra turns. This unique system encouraged me to carefully plan my moves, balancing aggression and defense during battles, resulting in a satisfying and rewarding experience. The character development and job system further enhance the gameplay depth. Each character can assume multiple jobs, ranging from classic classes like Black Mage and White Mage to more unconventional ones like Vampire and Performer. Experimenting with different job combinations not only tailored my party to suit my playstyle but also offered ample opportunities for customization and tactical mastery. The musical score by Revo complements the game's atmosphere perfectly, enhancing the emotional impact of critical moments and providing a memorable backdrop to the adventure. Despite its many strengths, Bravely Default does suffer from some pacing issues in the mid-to-late game, with repetitive segments that could have been trimmed down to maintain the game's momentum. However, the engaging story and the allure of discovering new job abilities and hidden secrets overshadow these minor shortcomings. In conclusion, Bravely Default is a triumphant return to the roots of classic RPGs, blending innovative mechanics with nostalgic charm. Its engrossing world, captivating storyline, and strategic combat mechanics make it a must-play for any RPG enthusiast. Whether you're a newcomer to the genre or a seasoned fan, Bravely Default will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression as a true gem in the RPG pantheon.
The risk-rewards system and job customization are the game's highlights. Making full advantage of the 3D effect also greatly improved the game's graphics, making it appear more current and immersive. The brave and default systems make combat more enjoyable by allowing for more detailed battle costumization and tactics, along with great music. The main drawback of Bravely Default is the repetitive chapters in the middle of the game. If you are a turn based rpg game enthusiat, you will most likely enjoy the journey.
Bravely Default is an AMAZING way to scratch the itch for a classic-feeling JRPG with a deep class system, excellent characters, and a cool story. The music is good, graphics are good, and difficulty is extremely well balanced, although there are some spikes that felt as if they came from nowhere. My only other gripe is it felt like there was a bit of filler content to add length to the game, which wasn’t necessary. There is plenty of replay value to add playtime. Anyways, I’m leaving BD excited for Bravely Second and Bravely Default II.
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