Bravely Default Reviews

Bravely Default is ranked in the 93rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
No Recommendation / Blank
Dec 3, 2013

Post fantasy.

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IGN
David Evans
Top Critic
8.6 / 10.0
Dec 5, 2013

Bravely Default offers a handful of modern twists on what is otherwise a fairly traditional JRPG, albeit one that is exceptionally refined, characterful and well-made. It’s no revolution, and if random encounters and turn-based battles turn you off, you won’t find anything to change your mind here. But fans and open-minded newcomers will enjoy a substantial adventure that proves the JRPG is alive and kicking.

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Jan 28, 2014

Bravely Default is ambitious without being unconventional: an effective, engaging addition to a genre often hamstrung by tradition.

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8 / 10
Dec 3, 2013

A brave game indeed as it attempts to marry the best of old school Japanese role-players with new and modern ideas… and generally succeeds.

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8 / 10.0
Jan 28, 2014

Bravely Default’s depth and variety largely make up for a slow pace and repetitive mission structure

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8 / 10
Dec 13, 2013

Thanks to its excellent battle system, Bravely Default breathes new life into a traditionalist genre.

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8 / 10.0
Jan 30, 2014

Bravely Default is a masterful blend of old and new

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Yes
Feb 7, 2014

If you've got a craving for that classic RPG feeling, this is your game. Four heroes; four crystals; a world to be saved--you know how it is.

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USgamer
Top Critic
Feb 7, 2014

It's a return to Final Fantasy's roots, and it's beautiful.

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Jan 31, 2014

Bravely Default is an RPG for everyone. Its configuration and customization possibilities make it a great choice to be someone's first RPG or 500th RPG. It has a story that starts out cliché but ends up leaving a lasting impression, gameplay that stays interesting for triple-digit hours, a blend of innovation and tradition, graphics and music that please the eyes and ears, and when it's all over, left me with a feeling well beyond satisfaction.

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9 / 10.0
Jan 28, 2014

Bravely Default gave me an experience that seemed to put me right back in my bedroom in the middle 1990s, where I'd sit in front of a small Hitachi television set and play the day away with a Super Nintendo controller in hand, so engrossed that I'd forget to eat. It harkens back to a time where we were all in love 16-bit Japanese role-playing games, and couldn't get enough of them.

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8 / 10
Feb 10, 2014

Bravely Default is a refreshing infusion of modernity into what's otherwise a traditional old-school RPG. It adds some new spice to turn-based battles, while also adding an engaging story, an engrossing Job system, and much-needed customization.

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9 / 10.0
Nov 25, 2013

It’s a brave (geddit?) move on Square-Enix’s part to not stamp Bravely Default with a more popular title, because ironically, Bravely Default is one of the best Final Fantasies in years. Taking the very best of 8/16-bit entries of the series, and bringing them up to date with some beautiful graphics, clever features and engaging gameplay, this is a must for someone looking for a more traditional JRPG. On a system that has been lacking some meaty RPG action, this is a superb combination of old school gameplay with modern day additions that makes for an adventure you don’t want to miss.

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94 / 100
Jan 28, 2014

Bravely Default’s decision to transform turns into a currency adds a layer of complexity to classic JRPG combat, and the flexible job system gives you tons of room for customization. Honestly, if you’re a fan of the genre, then there’s little here not to like.

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8.5 / 10.0
Feb 10, 2014

Silicon Studios and Square Enix have delivered an almost classic, very Final Fantasy-esque Japanese role-playing game for Nintendo 3DS

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75 / 100
Mar 3, 2014

Bravely Default’s combat combines the best things that old-school JRPGs had to offer with some new and welcome additions, and its social features are incredibly forward-thinking. However, its sluggish pacing and over-reliance on repetition and genre conventions holds it back from being the Final Fantasy replacement we all wanted it to be.

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Feb 7, 2014

While many might argue that turn-based combat has become stagnant over the years, 'Bravely Default' intends to breath it new life.

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Guardian
Top Critic
Jan 12, 2014

In Bravely Default, developer Square Enix has recaptured what made its earlier Final Fantasy games so wonderfully absorbing, while addressing many of the flaws inherent in the genre.

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Digital Spy
Top Critic
Feb 3, 2014

However, the game is also let down by its fair share of derivative and less ambitious features. Bravely Default disappointingly wastes a lot of its potential, but Square Enix will get another shot with the already-announced sequel.

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Feb 8, 2014

Bravely Default is a joy to play for old school JRPG fans. The music, graphics and mechanics all blend together perfectly and it continues in a already strong lineup of RPGs on the 3DS. This little handheld is becoming quite the powerhouse for these kind of games.

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