Bravely Default II

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.

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.

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.

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. [Issue #52 – May/June 2021, p. 69]

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I wanted to both scold Bravely Default II for its many flaws and kiss it for some stellar moments when it shone like a diamond. At the end of the day the latter decisively outweighed the former. The game boasts one of the best combat systems I’ve seen in jRPGs, towns that are a work of art, and a breathtaking soundtrack. If you like the genre, there’s a chance you’ll fall in love with Bravely Default II. [04/2021, p.48]

Bravely Default 2 on the Switch is a competent JRPG that doesn’t really try anything new, but it does everything so well that it doesn’t even matter.

Despite a couple shortcomings with the story and extraneous elements, Bravely Default II is a rock-solid JRPG that will appeal to anyone with a love of world exploration, character management, and turn-based combat.

Bravely Default II is not for those who desire a simplistic thoughtless combat experience where progression is achieved with little thought. This game embodies the opposite of that philosophy and is meant for anybody who has the patience to fail, think, and learn. While not housing a stellar narrative, it does a decent job of providing one alongside an addicting gameplay loop that any JRPG fan should consider diving into for the endless combat possibilities alone. Each player’s combative journey has the potential to be unique to them and them alone, and that is what ultimately cements Bravely Default II as one of the best JRPG experiences on the Switch.

In Bravely Default II, you either break the battle system with some beautiful strategy, or it breaks you. And that’s the thrill of it. Taking charge of massive customization options to build a party that can uniquely demolish the varied bosses is incredibly satisfying and never gets old. When you couple that stellar action with a phenomenal soundtrack, it becomes possible to forgive the game’s uninspired story and technical hiccups. And while I really wish Square Enix were not struggling so much to tell a great story lately, Bravely Default II is still an utterly addicting RPG and an excellent addition to the Nintendo Switch library.

The unbalanced difficulty and the monstrous power gap that separates the common monsters from the tough bosses could represent a big obstacle for users who are mostly interested in the story and unwilling to devote themselves to grinding body and soul. Conversely, players who are orphaned of the high level of challenge that characterized old-school products will find their match in Bravely Default II and in the deep customization of the party that the title includes in their arc. So arm yourself with courage and set off in search of the Elemental Crystals together with the four Heroes of the Light.

Without straying too far from the formula set by its predecessors, Bravely Default II proves there's still life left in old-school JRPG ideals with challenging and addictive combat and some beautiful sights and sounds. Its punishing nature might put some players off, but the satisfaction of mastering its systems is well worth the time and effort.

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.

Bravely Default II is a classic JRPG in the style of the early Final Fantasy games. However, it also tries to adapt to modern times. It offers more mechanics, complexity, a deep story, an extraordinary artistic section and fun battles.

Overall, Bravely Default 2 is a solid RPG with a unique battle system and a satisfying job system. Having allowed time to pass between the first two iterations and this one, Bravely Default 2 remains a natural extension of the older games, though improved in various aspects. Without question, Bravely Default 2's job system is the shining aspect of the game and does enough to keep my interest despite a relatively predictable story.

Bravely Default 2 is what you're looking for if you're on the hunt for an extremely traditional yet (at times) punishing JRPG, both on the go and at home.

Bravely Default II is a fantastic JRPG. There are some small issues that prevent it from becoming an instant classic, but the feeling we got after watching the true credits will stay with us for a long time.

Bravely Default II is an RPG with an interesting battle system that allows you to stock multiple turns to use at once. With many main and sub jobs to choose from, the game also offers plenty of customization options. While the way the story progresses can get repetitive, the various lands you visit and their cultures and history feel grounded in reality.

Of the three games so far in the series, Bravely Default II quickly became my favourite. Despite the sharp disparity in boss difficulty compared to random encounters, it was easy to get into a rhythm of moving from area to area, conquering foes and acquiring new jobs, then grinding to unlock all the new abilities available. The story, while predictable, is still solid with an excellent feeling for both irreverent and serious moments. I often hummed along to the game’s many songs, and I can clearly picture the game’s various regions and the little ditties that went along with each biome. With an all-new cast, it’s also the most approachable, and comes highly recommended. Though the game can be completed at a much faster pace than I managed, my nearly 80 hours with the game are ones I have no regrets spending. For those looking for a throwback JRPG with heart and an addictive combat system with the ability to blend together job combinations, there’s nowhere else to turn.

The old-fashioned JRPG, which excites someone, scares others. If you don't have 60+ hours of spare time, you hate grinding and the clichés of Japanese RPGs are creeping up on your throat, turn around right away and have Fortnite. Otherwise, you must not miss it. [Issue#310]

Bravely Default 2 is the best JRPG that never came out of 1998 Japan. It has a deep combat system, a sunny disposition, and a weirdly positive outlook. Don’t pick it up unless you’re willing to make it a lifestyle choice for a month or so, and you have to be at or near the maximum possible biological tolerance for classic-style JRPGs. Bravely Default 2 is the absolute Platonic ideal of the form, with upsides and downsides that are both traditional for the genre and unique to it.

Despite falling a bit short in the story and characters department compared to its predecessors, Bravely Default 2’s satisfying combat encounters, deep job customization and stellar soundtrack makes it a worthy comeback for this fan favorite series.

Bravely Default II doesn't do all that much to differentiate itself from the games that came before it. How you'll feel about that will depend on what you want out of the game: do you want something that is familiar and comforting, or a title that innovates on a decades-old formula? If you're here for the former you'll absolutely enjoy your time with Bravely Default II, even if some of its failings start to grate on you. If you wanted the latter then the excellent combat, art, and music will help you overlook Bravely Default II's otherwise tired tale.

For fans of role-playing games, especially JRPGS, this game will come as a breath of classic RPG air. Turn-based battles with a twist, an intricate and intersectional job system, and a ragtag group of heroes are all key components that make the experience memorable.

I’ve been waiting for this game for a while now, and I’d say it mostly lived up to my expectations. There’s everything I love about the series here, from the characters to the challenging bosses to the well-organized systems. Sure, it’s mostly a linear experience, but there’s enough variety and sidequests to keep things fresh. And like any good Bravely Default game, there’s a handful of big twists to shock and amaze you.

Bravely Default II is a familiar yet enjoyable JRPG. Though some aspects like its visuals may not hit the mark, the job and combat system are excellent and give you freedom with your party. It can feel a little safe at times, but Bravely Default II is still a solid choice worth seeing through to the end.

Any way you look at it, Bravely Default 2 is a fantastic launch for fans of classic JRPGs, a genre that hasn't had it easy, even in the portable model. There's still a lot for me to find out, especially in terms of the systems and the interconnection of the abilities in the Jobs that are unlocked as you play. I'm more susceptible to the extrinsic values associated with the progression and micromanagement of games like this, which invariably ends up pushing the story into the background. I'm certainly going to keep on playing it; it will continue to deserve commitment and a place between the cat and me, and that's perhaps the highest praise I can give it.

Ultimately, Bravely Default 2 is a solid RPG that harkens back to Square Enix’s first steps in the genre. Fans and newcomers alike are quite sure to discover a hearty and satisfying offering of exploration, questing, turn-based combat, and endearing story beats. Now, I get to move on to the real post game: guessing what the next game in the series will be called.

The excessive grinding and generic story might put some people off, but if you can push past the initial bumps, you'll find a great JRPG waiting for you.

Bravely Default II returns to what gamers loved about the first installment while using the better hardware to upgrade the graphics. The return of the Brave/Default system, a wide variety of jobs, and the many interesting, outspoken characters are offset by quite a difficulty spike in story-related fights which too often require extensive grinding.

Bravely Default II borrows much from the games and franchises that came before it, while still carving out a fun and thrilling identity of its own.

While there are some visual issues and style choices that can be off-putting, the game overall looks great. You can also avoid some of the hassle of grinding by racking up items and money while you and your Switch are sleeping. Just make sure to swing by town regularly to pick up your rewards and set your characters exploring again. Fans of old school RPGs will love Bravely Default 2 but others might be better off picking up something a little more daring.

A charming neoclassical JRPG that, while somewhat flawed technically, will appeal to theorycrafters and those looking for gaming comfort food.

Overall this is a decent, yet seemingly old-fashioned Switch sequel to the 3DS roleplaying games which showed an original approach to turnbased tactics.

All in all, Bravely Default II is a game that chose to play it safe. It offers few surprises or twists, but it does offer one of the most excellent and enjoyable JRPG experiences on the Nintendo Switch. Whatever the story lacks, the gameplay more than makes up for, and I was delighted to advance and find what new jobs I was going to get. It's well worth the money for any Final Fantasy fan or anyone looking for an old-school JRPG. We have to hope that for the next game, the developers decide to go for Brave instead of Default when it comes to the story and setting.

Bravely Default II is a well made, mechanically expansive, JRPG.

If you're looking for a classic, JRPG experience, Bravely Default II is a fantastic pick up. Like the previous series entries, it brings old school role-playing into the modern era, with beautiful graphics and flexible systems.

Bravely Default 2 brings us back to an older era of simpler RPGs with deep systems and shallow stories. If that sounds like a feature, not a bug, then this is the RPG for you.

Featuring a new world, a new, colorful cast of characters and brilliantly designed environments, Bravely Default 2 can be an absolute trait for a significantly large amount of time. It does fall short, though, on all the shortcomings of the genre; unsurprising and often predictable plot elements, the need for grinding and the challenge, which is there, and requires the player to trod carefully.

While just falling short of being towards the top of my favourite JRPG's, Bravely Default does a lot right. Its job systems and battle system are great fun and the sleep mode sailing game always gives you something fun to return to. The characters and voice acting, in parts, leave a bit to be desired and some of the environments are a bit fuzzy. On the whole you get a lot of game for your money, its an enjoyable, challenging experience and worth your time.

Playing Bravely Default II was a truly memorable experience. Games like this just aren’t made very often any more. The flaws are very visible and your mileage will vary depending on what you value in your RPGs, but there is a great game here for fans and newcomers alike as long as you’re willing to look for it. Even with the issues noted throughout this review, Bravely Default II grabbed my attention and refused to let it go for 75 hours. It truly cemented my love for the job system.

As a standalone title, Bravely Default II stands as a superb JRPG. But when it gets to be compared to the original, it sadly falls short. No matter how great its strengths are, they will always be remembered as being even greater before. Yet you should still not miss it if you are into the genre or if you loved the original, as it is a wonderful title no matter what you compare it to.

Bravely Default II is a gem. It serves up amazing visuals with a combat system that both veterans and newcomers will love. It marries excellent characters with a rich in-game world, and delivers it with a majestic OST. It's not perfect but it's an excellent RPG that every Switch owner should try.

Bravely Default II succeeds at delivering what it’s best at: offering a taste of the past with the emphasis on creative class combinations, hordes of foes, and big boss battles. Bravely Default II deftly harnesses some of the ancient enchantment of classic grind-and-go console RPGs – but don’t expect anything beyond that.

Bravely Default 2 is a long, familiar JRPG journey with excellent customizable combat and beautiful backdrops that pass the time as you work through its extended stretches of grinding.

What Bravely Default II has retained from previous games has been polished to a high standard and delivers the perfect slice of turn-based JRPG nonsense you’re craving. However, be warned as the areas that have changed aren't as solidly executed and can have frustrating results. Bravely Default II is definitely worth the look for JRPG fans or fans of the series, but be prepared for an experience that's a tad rough at times.

Bravely Default II can get frustrating at times, but it more than makes up for that by being endlessly charming and endearing, and remains a joy to play through from start to finish.

Bravely Default 2 is occasionally weighed down by its poor pacing and sometimes sluggish gameplay, but it still offers a sprawling and expansive JRPG that sticks closely to the roots of the genre while offering up a few unique twists.

It's more Bravely Default, which is more classic JRPG formula, distilled for a modern era.

Just like the previous chapters, Bravely Default II delivers a true-to-the-roots JRPG experience that is a little short in surprises, but truly enjoyable.

Bravely Default II is punishing at times, but if you're willing to spend time grinding for XP, there's plenty to reward the most patient of players.

Bravely Default II is a formulaic but well executed JRPG.

As if it was ever in doubt, Square Enix has demonstrated once again that it understands exactly what ingredients are necessary to make a great RPG. The interesting, risk-based combat is supported by a diverse class system and a well-told story, which all combine to make for an experience that can be tough to put down. That said, one can’t help but feel a consistent sense of ‘been there, done that’ with Bravely Default II; Square certainly could’ve pushed the envelope just a little more with this entry. That aside, you really can’t go wrong with Bravely Default II. This is a well-crafted and expertly-made RPG that is easily worth your time and money; we’d highly recommend that fans and newcomers alike look into picking this up.

Bravely Default 2 is a modernized classic that draws upon the best and worst of JRPGs.

Bravely Default 2 is a nice JRPG with a strong combat system, that only falls short in terms of its story.

Bravely Default 2 is a classic JRPG that certainly doesn't reinvent the wheel, but its intriguing combat system and the customization offered by the many classes available can make it interesting for fans of the genre.

As with its predecessors, Bravely Default 2 scores with its unique and complex round based fighting system and an inviting atmosphere. But beside other minor strengths, the game suffers from its strong grinding constraints and its imbalance by constantly toggling between too easy removable and overwhelming enemies.

Bravely Default II isn’t revolutionary by any means, but it’s still good classic era JRPG fun that’ll scratch the itch for an old-school adventure at least for a little while.

Do you also have to play this game? That depends. Personally I'm more drawn towards games like Persona 5 and Yakuza: Like a Dragon, who give their own spin to the age-old jrpg-formula. But if you aren't waiting on the goofy, postmodern tomfoolery of those games and desire that old trusting feeling of a classic middle-age fantasy-environment, then you'll be appeased with Bravely Default 2.

Bravely Default II is a good RPG that undermines everything amazing the previous two games. The new battle style discourages risk taking and thus less freedom with the job system. The first 30 or so hours are great, despite a slow start in terms of gameplay, but the last 20 are too frustrating to be worthwhile and the story ends on an unsatisfying note.

Bravely Default 2 is great for people longing for the Final Fantasy experience from the NES era. If you are okay with the long dungeons and repetitive fights, you will enjoy the combinations of different classes in fights in this refreshing game.

A missed opportunity to present a title at the height of his older brother. A classic RPG that does not innovate at any level and that can be improved in its approach and playable mechanics, although fans of the Genre and of the first installment will surely appreciate its proposal... which is also terribly beautiful to behold.

Bravely Default 2 is one of those games that quickly fade to oblivion. There's absolutely nothing remarkable about it. On the other hand, you do get a great character development system, solid, tactical combat mechanics, and some challenging bossfights. The end-result is a game that plays it very safe, designed for players looking for garden-variety jRPG.

Clearly, Bravely Default II is not without its flaws. A wonderful art style, delightful OST and intriguing storyline can only go so far, especially when technical glitches, odd UI mechanics and dungeon crawling make up most of the RPG. There is an element of frustration here too, where fans of the franchise may feel less compelled to sink 80+ hours into a game that feels somewhat off key. So, while it doesn’t quite reach the glorious heights of Bravely Second, Bravely Default II unfolds as a decent third entry to the series with enjoyable, albeit chilling, twists and turns.

Bravely Default 2 is a comfortable game in an uncomfortable season. It offers a well-refined experience with a few exciting elements but doesn't quite grasp the experimental or groundbreaking design it was shooting for.