Bravely Default 2 Reviews
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 that's a tad rough at times.
Bravely Default 2 offers a lot for JRPG lovers to dig into.
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 failings start to grate on you. If you wanted the latter then the excellent combat, art, and music will help you overlook Bravely Default II's otherwise tired tale.
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The tactical flexibility in Bravely Default 2 is among the best in class, and tinkering with its possibilities is a fine pass-time in itself. But it gets bogged down in a churn of routine battles, wayward balancing and humdrum fantasy. While the original game’s compact focus felt comfy on a 3DS, the Switch magnifies the blemishes of the sequel and leaves it looking a little underdressed.
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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.