Bravely Default Image
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 67 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 693 Ratings

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  • Summary: [Available in the U.S. - Feb 2014] This new yet traditional offering from Square Enix captures the charm and elegant and simplicity of yesteryear's canonical RPGs. Become a Warrior of Light and journey to the land of Luxemdarc in this classic tale of personal growth and adventure.
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Bravely Default: Flying Fairy - Official Trailer
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 67
  2. Negative: 0 out of 67
  1. Apr 14, 2014
    100
    It sounds like a lot, and it is, but not in an overwhelming way but in a fantastic, three in the morning, I can’t stop playing this game kind of way. When it all comes together and you destroy a boss that gave you troubles just a few job levels ago, it feels great.
  2. Dec 30, 2013
    95
    For 2013, Bravely Default is easily the best RPG of the year that will keep fans of this genre extremely happy as they join these characters in their fight for freedom.
  3. Feb 3, 2014
    90
    Bravely Default is an RPG for everyone.
  4. Dec 5, 2013
    86
    Fans and open-minded newcomers will enjoy a substantial adventure that proves the JRPG is alive and kicking.
  5. Hyper Magazine
    Feb 12, 2014
    80
    A JRPG that only occasionally gives into the genre's worst impulses, and one that rewards strategy and dedication. [March 2014, p.70]
  6. Dec 30, 2013
    80
    Bravely Default is a triumphant blending of a classic template with some fresh ideas and modern user-friendliness, albeit with a few areas that could still be refined before going on to the next level.
  7. Feb 3, 2014
    60
    Bravely Default's more interesting ideas, particularly the mechanics behind the battle system, breathe some life into a very traditional RPG. 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.

See all 67 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 22 out of 151
  1. Dec 9, 2013
    10
    This game is some of the most beautiful video game graphics I've ever seen. Words other reviewers have used are elegant and lush totallyThis game is some of the most beautiful video game graphics I've ever seen. Words other reviewers have used are elegant and lush totally agree. Couldn't agree more in fact. That alone makes this game such a refreshing play. Just playing in pure beauty... Expand
  2. 794
    Mar 14, 2014
    10
    Not finished the game yet, but I absolutely love it. For the first time in a LONG time I'm actually playing a game that is challenging me! INot finished the game yet, but I absolutely love it. For the first time in a LONG time I'm actually playing a game that is challenging me! I love the character design and the voice acting is solid, too. Above all else though, the gameplay is simply fantastic. Don't miss out on this game! Expand
  3. Feb 20, 2014
    10
    Bravely Default is the most epic, amazing throwback RPG I've played in years. The Job system is simply a thing of beauty. It's one of thoseBravely Default is the most epic, amazing throwback RPG I've played in years. The Job system is simply a thing of beauty. It's one of those rare RPGs that makes you WANT to grind to unlock those sweet new Job abilities. The Metacritic score of Bravely Default stands at 85 as of this writing. That is a travesty. It's an instant classic that deserves to be mentioned with alongside Fire Emblem Awaking. Expand
  4. May 20, 2016
    8
    Right then. I'm gonna try to keep this short and sweet. Definitely a great throwback rpg from the yester years of Final Fantasy. PrettyRight then. I'm gonna try to keep this short and sweet. Definitely a great throwback rpg from the yester years of Final Fantasy. Pretty likeable characters and plot. Albeit a bit simple at first with the plot. Art direction is good, spells look nice and flashy.

    A LOT of optional boss rebattles. The story is charming in it's simplicity up until the 5th chapter I believe. The game is 8 chapters long. From the 5th to the 8th chapter (with the exception of the finale) the game is completely redundant and I reeeeally had to push through and make myself complete it.

    You essentially have to do the same thing 4-5 times until something changes. Can't say much more without spoiling. Overall, I would definitely give the game a 7-8. Well worth your time and especially since the game is cheaper now, I would say it certainly deserves a spot in your 3ds library.
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  5. Dec 6, 2013
    8
    Awesome game, near perfect.
    People will hate on the voice acting and script, but that's their opinion.
    CG: 9.5 PR: 9 VI: 10 AU: 10 GP:
    Awesome game, near perfect.
    People will hate on the voice acting and script, but that's their opinion.

    CG: 9.5
    PR: 9
    VI: 10
    AU: 10
    GP: 10
    LA: 10

    9.6/10
    Expand
  6. Apr 27, 2020
    7
    Un jrpg que contiene todos los elementos que cualquiera buscaría en un juego de este tipo pero con algunos lastres que hacen que no sea paraUn jrpg que contiene todos los elementos que cualquiera buscaría en un juego de este tipo pero con algunos lastres que hacen que no sea para todo el mundo.

    Lo bueno:
    - Sistema de combate dinámico y divertido.
    - Gran variedad de trabajos que ofrece al jugador un amplio arsenal de posibilidades.
    - Banda sonora muy buena y en general muy buen apartado artístico.

    Lo malo:
    - La historia es un sinsentido.
    - Tras el capítulo 4 el juego se basa en repetir los combates contra los mismos jefes una y otra vez, siendo la mayoría combates opcionales. Si los haces te llevará horas, probablemente acabes cansado de los jefes y no obtendrás ninguna recompensa (no dan experiencia ni objetos especialmente relevantes). Si no los haces verás como te pasas la mitad de los capítulos del juego en cuestión de minutos.
    - Siguiendo con el apartado anterior, los capítulos 7 y 8 parecen estar de relleno. La historia no avanza lo más mínimo y lo único interesante son los combates opcionales contra grupos de jefes, los cuales son peleas muy duras y, nuevamente, sin ninguna recompensa. Me parece una forma terriblemente artificial de alargar la duración de un juego.
    Expand
  7. Jul 15, 2023
    0
    I would say this game ruined my life but that would be an understatment. My wife adored this game, though I didnt understand what the fuss wasI would say this game ruined my life but that would be an understatment. My wife adored this game, though I didnt understand what the fuss was about. Unfortunantly within the hustle and bustle of my busy life and demanding high paying job (6 figures a year) I did not notice that she was starting to develop an addiction. A few years ago, she was driving back from work. Playing this on her 3DS, she was so absorbed she was not paying attention to the road. She crashed... The medical bills she endured were so large she was practicly dead to me. I divorced her within the week and grived the relationship like she was dead. This game ruined my life. Expand

See all 151 User Reviews