Bravely Second: End Layer Reviews
Despite a cloying story and poor dialogue, Bravely Second is a sweeping adventure.
So if you like classic RPGs, there's no reason to avoid any of the Bravely games, and if you're not sure about this one for some reason, download that free demo and get crackin'. It's easy to pick up for a bit (even if just for "Chompcraft" on the loo) and play a few minutes, or play through an afternoon with. Or for nostalgia's sake, you can sit super-close to your old console TV with your nose practically on the screen to relive those JRPG glory days.
"Bravely Second: End Layer" is a well-polished rendition of the classic gameplay that fans of Japanese RPGs know and love. The game doesn't necessarily break any new ground in a widely travelled genre and can be susceptible to some well worn RPG tropes. Its beautifully presented world combined with wonderful music and fun battle system, however, make the game a pleasing romp and worthy addition to any classic JRPG fan's library.
Bravely Second is a missed opportunity in many ways. It's too similar to the original to woo a new crowd, and any risks it takes are narrative-centric and mostly fall flat. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled to still be playing JRPGs in 2016, but it's more important than ever for studios to avoid resting on their laurels.
By piling complexity on atop the simplicity of a tried-and-true formula, Square Enix has produced a worthy successor to Bravely Default. I'm sure the developers are already thinking about what it would mean to "Bravely Third" in battle.
Bravely Second: End Layer is a worthy follow-up to Bravely Default, which in itself is one of the best RPGs on the Nintendo 3DS. Granted, if Bravely Default didn't move you the first time around, Bravely Second probably won't, either. For better or worse (but mostly better), it's a straight-up second helping of its predecessor.
Bravely Second is something of a rare JRPG sequel. It features the same battle system, world, and many familiar characters from the original. The new Jobs and even more convenient features for grinding make it a fun adventure for anyone who loved the original. If you haven't played Bravely Default, however, this isn't an adventure you should jump straight into.
Bravely Second takes concepts from it's predecessor and improves on them completely, making this the best game on the 3DS.
Bravely Second is exactly what a sequel should be, improving upon the foundation of the original while adding in its own ideas to further enhance the experience. The 60+ hour adventure is more consistent than the first game, and the main plot and side quests are more elaborate and engaging.
Bravely Second: End Layer isn't quite the innovative powerhouse its predecessor was, but offers a more refined experience that learns from Bravely Default's mistakes.
Enjoying everything Bravely Second has to offer still requires putting up with a lot of filler
Bravely Second: End Layer is everything I want out of a JRPG.
The graphics are fantastic, and the 3D game maps are very fun to explore.
The follow-up to Square Enix's terrific JRPG Bravely Default is decidedly the former. And while it's a great game, it may not satisfy everyone.
If, deep in your soul, you love optimizing characters, power-gaming, and creating incredibly broken move combos while still being challenged by enemies, then Bravely Second provides the perfect playground. Fans of the original may find their return to Luxendarc a little too familiar, and the story may be a bit cheesy, but the combat system alone is worth it.
Bravely Second: End Layer has a merely passable story, but the fantastic combat, new job classes, and updated mechanics make it an excellent installment to the series.
Bravely Second might not take as many risks as a sequel should, but that doesn't matter so much when you experience the great character interaction, impressive graphics, outstanding soundtrack and addictive gameplay of this wonderful RPG.
Bravely Second continues in the footsteps of its predecessor, trying again to find that magic oasis of fun which balances out the old and the new.
Bravely Default modernized the classic Final Fantasy formula, but Bravely Second improves on it in almost every way.
Although it’s not going to win over those who struggled to get into Bravely Default from the early going, Bravely Second should hold great appeal for everyone else.