Character customization is quite similar to the classic Final Fantasy games as it’s handled by job classes. In this game, there are a plethora of job classes to choose from that ranges from Thief, Vampire, Dragoon, White Mage, Black Mage, and Knight. These classes are unlocked when certain quests or bosses are defeated in this game. Just like past Final Fantasy games where job classes are utilized, certain weapons and armors works best for a certain class. If you are a Thief, Daggers are the only weapon that works best and gives advantage to your character. With so many to choose from, you will be able to switch at your expense, though remember that the job levels you stack up will reset to the job levels of the job you selected.
Progression is more of the same in a JRPG game. You will be going through different towns, chatting with towns folk, gearing up, clear dungeons and fight bosses. In Bravely Default, it’s somewhat linear though you are given options to do sidequests that gives many benefit to your characters. Since not all job classes are unlocked by simply going through the main story, those who are seeking to unlock every classes must do sidequests. These sidequests can be quite lengthy but note that when completed, the rewards will be worth it.
If sidequests are not your type, there is this mini-game that has been added in this game that adds a little flair to the game. After reaching a certain point in the game, you will be given a chance to rebuild the town of Norende where you can have villagers to help you run the town, set up shops, and fight of invaders. If you are fond of using the Nintendo 3DS StreetPass feature, you will benefit a lot in rebuilding Norende as you will get more residents in your town. If you have many residents, you can ask them to rebuild shops among other things in the game. The more residents you have, the faster they will be able to complete their task.
JRPG gamers looking for a real fix on their JRPG needs, Bravely Default will give you that. Those who have been waiting for so many years to play a real JRPG, you will find that Bravely Default will be the game you have been looking for after so many years. With its hefty customization, lengthy story, interesting new battle features, and pretty much quests that are worth completing, Bravely Default is the definitive fix JRPG gamers have been craving for.
[Editor’s Note: Bravely Default was reviewed on the Nintendo 3DS platform. The game was provided to us by the publisher for review purposes.]
