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Bravely Default: The RPG the 3DS Needs
The latest on Square's gorgeous new project.
Square Enix's Bravely Default: Flying Fairy might (still) have one of the more absurd titles out there, but it should be considered amongst the top tier of games coming to the Nintendo 3DS later this year. Though only confirmed for release in Japan at this point, this turn-based RPG takes traditional mechanics, twists them a bit, and coats them in a water color aesthetic that is entirely unique amongst the 3DS's offerings.
The last time I was able to update you on this game, it had just debuted through Nintendo Direct in what could only be described as a teaser trailer. Outside of confirming the game was a classically styled RPG, Square Enix said nothing, relying on the game's visuals to do all the talking. Back then I wrote, "Bravely Default is a mystery. It also has more of my attention than just about any other 3DS project right now. I may get to play Mario this year, but I'll be wondering about Bravely Default for quite a long time."
Many of those words still ring true, but my obsession now rests on getting my own hands on Default, as much of the mystery has cleared through Japanese demos and quick updates by the developer. Square has revealed much more about this RPG, including details about its battle system, length and more. Plus there are plenty of new screenshots and a trailer (see above) to obsess over. For a game that reportedly will take 60-70 hours just to beat on a cursory level, discounting a more detailed, thorough approach to completion.
Default's core mechanics are at once familiar and yet entirely clever. At its heart, this is a turn-based RPG like most others - physical attacks and magic are the norm here, and you'll even find your characters can occupy different classes or 'jobs' to have a specialized functionality. What's more interesting is how your actions are taken during battle. Each action you perform (like attacking) consumes a 'Brave Point'. This concept will apply to your allies and enemies as well.
During battle you're able to consume these points in varying quantities, even going into negative numbers if you're stretching to defeat an opponent. (Dipping below zero Brave Points will cause your character to stall out until he or she has recovered enough to execute more actions.) 'Brave' and 'Default' commands manipulate these points, allowing you to spend points to gain extra turns or skip those turns to build up more points, respectively.
How you conduct battles can impact you later, as bonuses are awarded if you skillfully dispatch your enemies. Taking no damage or managing to defeat your foes in a single turn, for example, can yield you extra rewards.
There's still plenty we don't know about this game, though its visuals and core mechanics are enough to have our attention. There's also plenty of time between now and the game's release, and plenty more, no doubt, before any sort of localization occurs - assuming it happens at all. Here's hoping Square notices how much this game has grabbed our attention, and understands it will grab the world's attention as well. Thanks to Andriasang and Siliconera for details and translation efforts.
Before you go, consider checking out IGN's Bravely Default screenshot gallery. There are so many new images and pieces of art you won't know what to do with yourself. Except stare. And click. And drool.
