Bravely Default II Critic Reviews

It seems inevitable to me that there are going to be a lot of people that dismiss Bravely Default II as a “retro-style JRPG.” They’ll see the turn-based combat, the very “JRPG” design of the characters, and all the other genre tropes that the game indulges, and assume that that’s all it is. Nothing could be further from the truth. Nuanced writing, impeccable design and subtle subversion highlight that Bravely Default II is, instead, a game that uses its genre rather than allow it to become beholden to it. In many ways it's a highly metafictional thesis that explores what people love about JRPGs, and what is genuinely important to the genre. In doing so the game has become this wonderfully nuanced, beautiful, entertaining and emotive experience, and in my book, that makes it a masterpiece.

Bravely Default 2 is one of the best games to point to when people ask what makes JRPGs fun.

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.

A no-brainer delightful JRPG to start the year with beautiful aesthetics, endearing characters, and an easy-to-engage storyline. I implore you to not miss this call to our classic JRPG foundations.

I would absolutely recommend Bravely Default II to any RPG fan out there that’s in the market for something new, regardless of whether you have any prior experience with the series or not. It’s a really solid, charming RPG that will provide you with hours and hours of entertainment. The job system is remarkably diverse, and the battle system is just unique enough to keep it from feeling like a chore even after countless encounters. Definitely check out Bravely Default II when you get a chance, you won’t be disappointed.

Bravely Default 2 works like clockwork, and just to witness the technique that the Brave / Default system requires it is worth giving one of the best JRPGs that exist on Nintendo Switch a shot.

For JRPG fans, Bravely Default 2 is a new twist on familiar comfort food. Subtle innovations make a proven recipe worth exploring all over again, and JRPG fans will find a lot to digest.

Fans of the Bravely series will have a blast with Bravely Default II. It may not stray far from its predecessors but it does deliver another thoroughly enjoyable journey with updated graphics and a whole new story with loveable characters.

The wait for Bravely Default II has been long and hard, but now that it is finally here it convinces with high quality graphics, storytelling, gameplay and sound. While this title is not without flaws, these are minor compared to the overall excellence of this title. A joy to play at home on the big screen or on the go, this title is a great addition to any turn-based RPG fan's library.

Bravely Default II couldn't be through with the past, as shown by the JRPG's traditional 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.

Bravely Default II is the pinnacle of old-school JRPG. By delivering what makes the charm of the works of yesteryear while updating the script, the rhythm and the general tone, he achieves a real tour de force.

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.

A reboot of the series that still stays true to its roots, Bravely Default II is most certainly worth the half-decade we waited for it. This is a must-have for fans of the series and JRPG fans in general.

Bravely Default II is truly a JRPG fan’s JRPG, and while I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping it would smash my expectations the way the first game did, I’d be similarly dishonest if I were to say that I didn’t enjoy every minute of it.

That little complaint aside, Bravely Default II does a wonderful job of scratching the classic JRPG itch, while also subverting the genre’s tropes and conventions in fascinating, sometimes surprising ways. It’s a fresh take on the familiar tale of four Heroes of Light, full of charming characters (Adelle!), beautiful locations, and sharp writing, with captivating battle and job systems to go with it. Even if, for me, it doesn’t quite hit the same highs as Bravely Second, it comes damn close—and that’s high praise.

Enormous maps, a gorgeous visual world, marvelous soundtrack, amazing combat and a jobs system that feels just right to go with this experience all contribute to make a turn-based RPG that features the right elements to stand out within the Switch catalogue.

Bravely Default II is one of the Switch's best RPGs, and that's not small praise for an RPG on a system that's already home to some of the genre's best.

Bravely Default II is a solid game, perfect for new players, but also for veterans. You never get tired of playing because combat, characters and jobs will keep you entertained in an artistic and precious world.

Those visual and technical annoyances and failure to stick the landing properly on its otherwise strong narrative muddied the experience for me. Bravely Default II is a beautiful, interesting throwback RPG that falls short of its full potential because of small details. The 2020 worldwide pandemic during Bravely Default II’s development may be a factor, but I wonder if this twice-delayed game needed a few extra months.

Bravely Default II is a fun sequel that does it’s best to improve on it’s predecessor. While the dungeon designs are simplistic and the side quests lack variety, it’s hard to ignore what Bravely Default II does well.