Bravely Default 2 Reviews
Bravely Default 2 invites players to reacquaint themselves with its unique Brave and Default battle system in this brand new sequel to the original.
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.
The new JRPG hitting Nintendo Switch is stuffed full of the genre's most recognisable tropes, for better or worse
This is a game in between a rock and a hard place, and while it will definitely find its audience, it won’t make it onto any list of essential RPGs as its predecessor did.
While the combat system of the Bravely Default 2 is unique and offers a high risk, high reward style of gameplay not seen elsewhere, the overall experience plays out in classic JRPG fashion. Luckily it does an excellent job of being a classic JRPG. I had fun grinding out XP for the jobs I wanted, with it never feeling like a chore, the true sign of a well made JRPG. The lack of mouse support for the PC version though is next to unacceptable with all the menus you work in. Classic JRPG style, not necessarily a modern day classic. No true innovations keep it from perfection.
Despite falling a bit short in the story and characters department compared to its predecessors, Bravely Default 2’s satisfying combat encounters, deep job customization and stellar soundtrack makes it a worthy comeback for this fan favorite series.
Bravely Default II is a throwback to the Final Fantasy games of the '80s, in all the best ways. Some modern quality-of-life enhancements smooth the road a bit, but all the good stuff you remember is here for the taking. If grinding monsters for levels, unlocking new skills, and hunting for missing crystals is your idea of a good time, then Bravely Default is your video game nirvana.
Bravely Default II to its core is what fans should expect from a well devised JRPG, with the depth of customisation and a stellar battle system combining for an enthralling experience. Only to be matched by its engaging script and blissful music making this a must have for Nintendo Switch owners. Saying that newcomers to the series or JRPGs in general may find Bravely Default II a bit too difficult and demanding, especially with the bosses dishing out defeats left, right and centre.
It's hard to call Bravely Default II a masterpiece, but it's not trying to be one. Yet still it's a solid game, full of classic JRPG charm. And perhaps it's a great reminder of why we love the genre in the first place.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Bravely Default 2 is a classic JRPG that certainly doesn't reinvent the wheel, but its intriguing combat system and the customization offered by the many classes available can make it interesting for fans of the genre.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Overall, Bravely Default 2 is a solid RPG with a unique battle system and a satisfying job system.
Bravely Default 2 is a comfortable game in an uncomfortable season. It offers a well-refined experience with a few exciting elements but doesn't quite grasp the experimental or groundbreaking design it was shooting for.
However, with that incredibly addictive gameplay alone, along with the plethora of side-content, I can see traditional Final Fantasy fans having a lot of fun here, even if it’s a bit of a shallow adventure. Now that this engine has proven it’s worth in terms of gameplay, I am very excited for their next project if they have more time to spare in the writing room.
Bravely Default II borrows much from the games and franchises that came before it, while still carving out a fun and thrilling identity of its own.
Bravely Default 2 brings us back to an older era of simpler RPGs with deep systems and shallow stories. If that sounds like a feature, not a bug, then this is the RPG for you.
The reason to question Bravely Default 2‘s existence boils down to its inability to think for itself. The Brave and Default combat system strikes a near-perfect balance between two rival battle mechanics that have struggled to coexist over the decades, but that’s about the extent of the game’s individuality.
Bravely Default II is a great way to get into RPGs. A combat system and a spectacular soundtrack accompany a story that no fan of the genre should miss.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Bravely Default II can get frustrating at times, but it more than makes up for that by being endlessly charming and endearing, and remains a joy to play through from start to finish.
Bravely Default 2 is a pretty JRPG with a strong combat system, but in terms of story, the switch adventure is a little too short.
Review in German | Read full review