Bravely Second: End Layer Reviews
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.
A good combat system and gorgeous visuals are significantly let down by an underwhelming and perfunctory narrative that can make progression a real chore. Whilst there are elements that work in isolation, Bravely Second doesn't manage to tie them together in a way that matches the quality of the original.
A great combat system and world held back by immersion-breaking dialogue choices.
Despite a cloying story and poor dialogue, Bravely Second is a sweeping adventure.
Bravely Second takes after its predecessor almost to a fault
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.
Bravely Second: End Layer does not live up to its predecessor's standards but this does not make it any less of a good RPG. Its visual environment is superb, it's loaded with content and its lifespan will keep everyone around it for a long time. It also improves on its predecessor's class system, while it falls out with the soundtrack and narrative.
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Bravely Second manages to retain much of what made the first game so good, but it stumbles too much to really leave a mark.
If it weren't for the utterly brilliant turn-based battle system, freely customisable characters through new and old job types, and the breadth of accessible options that enhance the RPG experience tenfold, Bravely Second would be held in lower esteem, since the narrative that tries too much to hit comical notes and lacks a core that sets itself apart from other role-playing storylines is disappointing. There are some clever ideas thrown in that try to improve on the original game's plot, along with a handful of entertaining characters in amongst the obnoxious ones, as well as great use of 3D, but End Layer should be played for its battle and job systems first and foremost, provided the original title was enjoyed.
Look closer and the connections between "the daily grind" and this form of "play" multiply, spiral out, form fractals.
Bravely Second is an unapologetic sequel to a JRPG that is a spiritual successor to another, and all the better for it.
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.