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 very flawed but good RPG that deserved a better PC port. With a lack of options that still somehow result in smeared textures, the console version is still the way to go at this price.
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.
The new JRPG hitting Nintendo Switch is stuffed full of the genre's most recognisable tropes, for better or worse
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.
Overall, Bravely Default 2 is a solid RPG with a unique battle system and a satisfying job system.
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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 couldn't be through with the past, as shown by the JRPG's tradtional elements which inevitably, if not deliberately arouse nostalgia. While its wider, undulating world invites exploration, this episode seriously lays everything down, from the decidedly abrupt narrative to the extremely demanding strategical battles, exploiting the risk rewarding system and jobs' combination skills at full extent. Such kinds of class, whether wisely revised or exquisitely original, are worth it. Hence Tomoya Asano signs a deeply moving fairy tale intended for the genre's erudites, a beautiful proof of bravery.
Review in French | Read full review
As if it was ever in doubt, Square Enix has demonstrated once again that it understands exactly what ingredients are necessary to make a great RPG. The interesting, risk-based combat is supported by a diverse class system and a well-told story, which all combine to make for an experience that can be tough to put down. That said, one can't help but feel a consistent sense of 'been there, done that' with Bravely Default II; Square certainly could've pushed the envelope just a little more with this entry. That aside, you really can't go wrong with Bravely Default II. This is a well-crafted and expertly-made RPG that is easily worth your time and money; we'd highly recommend that fans and newcomers alike look into picking this up.
Bravely Default 2 is occasionally weighed down by its poor pacing and sometimes sluggish gameplay, but it still offers a sprawling and expansive JRPG that sticks closely to the roots of the genre while offering up a few unique twists.
In Bravely Default II, you either break the battle system with some beautiful strategy, or it breaks you. And that's the thrill of it. Taking charge of massive customization options to build a party that can uniquely demolish the varied bosses is incredibly satisfying and never gets old. When you couple that stellar action with a phenomenal soundtrack, it becomes possible to forgive the game's uninspired story and technical hiccups. And while I really wish Square Enix were not struggling so much to tell a great story lately, Bravely Default II is still an utterly addicting RPG and an excellent addition to the Nintendo Switch library.
We had reservations about Bravely Default II, which in the transition from Nintendo 3DS to Switch we were not sure would preserve the magic of the originals, but the final code managed to dispel most of our fears. Although the product is very derivative, as the newborn Claytechworks studio and Team Asano have not deviated much from the canons of the saga, neither as regards the classic plot and for the brand's historic combat system, square Enix's new proposal has nonetheless proved to be a solid and engaging JRPG.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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
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.