75
MONSTER
A new world, a new story, and all-new Heroes of Light await in an original RPG experience arriving on the Nintendo Switch system in 2020! This successor to the original Bravely Default game comes from the team that brought you the Bravely series and Octopath Traveler, and features music from Revo (Sound Horizon/Linked Horizon), acclaimed composer of the Bravely Default soundtrack.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
EXPAND ALL
Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
68
Critics are split on Bravely Default II's story. Some praise its engaging narrative, nostalgic nods to classic Final Fantasy games, and unexpected twists, while others criticize its lack of originality, predictable plot, and uninteresting side-quests. The game's reliance on traditional JRPG tropes may appeal to genre fans but feel cliché to others. Characterization and dialogue also receive mixed reviews. Overall, while not a masterpiece, Bravely Default II offers an enjoyable experience for players.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
68
Positive (80-100)
13%
Mixed (50-79)
83%
Negative (0-49)
4%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics are split on Bravely Default II's story. Some praise its engaging narrative, nostalgic nods to classic Final Fantasy games, and unexpected twists, while others criticize its lack of originality, predictable plot, and uninteresting side-quests. The game's reliance on traditional JRPG tropes may appeal to genre fans but feel cliché to others. Characterization and dialogue also receive mixed reviews. Overall, while not a masterpiece, Bravely Default II offers an enjoyable experience for players.
Gameplay Mechanics
Expand for full analysis
80
Bravely Default II's gameplay impresses with its strategic Job System and Battle System, lauded for customization and engaging combat by critics. However, some find the grind-heavy nature and increased difficulty off-putting, limiting experimentation for casual players. Overall, the game offers an enjoyable experience with deep customization options and rewarding battles, appealing to genre fans despite its drawbacks.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
80
Positive (80-100)
78%
Mixed (50-79)
22%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Bravely Default II's gameplay impresses with its strategic Job System and Battle System, lauded for customization and engaging combat by critics. However, some find the grind-heavy nature and increased difficulty off-putting, limiting experimentation for casual players. Overall, the game offers an enjoyable experience with deep customization options and rewarding battles, appealing to genre fans despite its drawbacks.
Graphics and Visual Design
Expand for full analysis
75
Critics have mixed opinions on the Graphics and Visual Design of Bravely Default II. Some praised the attention to detail, beautiful backgrounds, and character outfits, while others criticized the low-poly character models, lack of animations, and poor texture quality. Overall, while there were positive aspects, some felt the game lacked a unique style or identity.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
75
Positive (80-100)
44%
Mixed (50-79)
56%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics have mixed opinions on the Graphics and Visual Design of Bravely Default II. Some praised the attention to detail, beautiful backgrounds, and character outfits, while others criticized the low-poly character models, lack of animations, and poor texture quality. Overall, while there were positive aspects, some felt the game lacked a unique style or identity.
Music and Sound Design
Expand for full analysis
86
The Sound Design and Music of Bravely Default II received high praise from critics for its beautifully arranged music, memorable melodies, and region-specific themes that enhance the game world. While some critics had minor criticisms, the majority agreed that the soundtrack and voice acting added to the overall enjoyment and immersion of the game. Overall, critics found the sound design and music of Bravely Default II to be a standout aspect that greatly contributed to the game's success and appeal.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
86
Positive (80-100)
86%
Mixed (50-79)
14%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
The Sound Design and Music of Bravely Default II received high praise from critics for its beautifully arranged music, memorable melodies, and region-specific themes that enhance the game world. While some critics had minor criticisms, the majority agreed that the soundtrack and voice acting added to the overall enjoyment and immersion of the game. Overall, critics found the sound design and music of Bravely Default II to be a standout aspect that greatly contributed to the game's success and appeal.
Voice Acting
Expand for full analysis
74
Critics generally praise the voice acting in Bravely Default II as stellar, well-done, and superb, effectively bringing characters to life. While some criticize certain accents like Dag's Australian accent, overall, the voice acting is considered strong and adds depth to the game. Variety of accents may not be cohesive, but positive reviews outweigh the negative, making voice acting a standout feature in the game.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
74
Positive (80-100)
50%
Mixed (50-79)
40%
Negative (0-49)
10%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Critics generally praise the voice acting in Bravely Default II as stellar, well-done, and superb, effectively bringing characters to life. While some criticize certain accents like Dag's Australian accent, overall, the voice acting is considered strong and adds depth to the game. Variety of accents may not be cohesive, but positive reviews outweigh the negative, making voice acting a standout feature in the game.
Technical Performance
Expand for full analysis
70
Critics praise Bravely Default II's smooth performance and graphics on PC, with Digital Chumps and Gaming Nexus highlighting its advantages over the Switch. However, GamingTrend criticizes the PC port for lacking options and mouse support. For the Switch, reviewers note occasional technical issues like long loading times and stuttering framerates. Overall, while there are mixed opinions on the PC version, both platforms offer an enjoyable experience despite some technical drawbacks.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
70
Positive (80-100)
44%
Mixed (50-79)
33%
Negative (0-49)
22%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Critics praise Bravely Default II's smooth performance and graphics on PC, with Digital Chumps and Gaming Nexus highlighting its advantages over the Switch. However, GamingTrend criticizes the PC port for lacking options and mouse support. For the Switch, reviewers note occasional technical issues like long loading times and stuttering framerates. Overall, while there are mixed opinions on the PC version, both platforms offer an enjoyable experience despite some technical drawbacks.
Replay Value
Expand for full analysis
70
Critics praise Bravely Default II for its engaging side content and additional activities, such as side quests and a card game, contributing to its strong replay value. The game's multiple false endings also provide ample gameplay beyond the main story. However, some critics note that combat encounters can feel repetitive and grinding for job-points may be tedious. Overall, Bravely Default II offers a satisfying amount of replay value with its diverse content and job system, despite minor drawbacks.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
70
Positive (80-100)
27%
Mixed (50-79)
73%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics praise Bravely Default II for its engaging side content and additional activities, such as side quests and a card game, contributing to its strong replay value. The game's multiple false endings also provide ample gameplay beyond the main story. However, some critics note that combat encounters can feel repetitive and grinding for job-points may be tedious. Overall, Bravely Default II offers a satisfying amount of replay value with its diverse content and job system, despite minor drawbacks.
Overall Verdict
75
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
75
Positive (80-100)
62%
Mixed (50-79)
36%
Negative (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Bravely Default II offers solid gameplay mechanics and stunning visuals, praised by critics for its battle system and job customization. However, some reviewers criticize its lack of originality and failure to innovate within the JRPG genre. Despite minor flaws, the game is recommended for fans seeking a nostalgic RPG experience.
75
MONSTER
Reviews
121 reviews found95
Digital Chumps
Sep 7, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review recommends Bravely Default II for those new to the series and praises the improvements in the PC version. It states that there is little reason to purchase the game on PC if already playing on the Switch.
Read full review
91
Player 2
Feb 28, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Bravely Default 2 is a trip through memories that the reviewer truly needed, and they enjoyed every minute of it.
Read full review
91
Gaming Age
Mar 23, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Bravely Default II is a solid and charming RPG that provides hours of entertainment. It is recommended for RPG fans, regardless of prior experience with the series.
Read full review
90
Cubed3
Feb 25, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Bravely Default II is a high-quality game with excellent graphics, storytelling, gameplay, and sound. Minor flaws do not overshadow the overall excellence of the title.
Read full review
90
Video Chums
Feb 25, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Fans of the Bravely series will have a blast with Bravely Default II, although it only has minor updates from its predecessors.
Read full review
85
Pure Nintendo
Mar 15, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
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.
Read full review
85
GameGrin
May 5, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Bravely Default 2 is a comforting and safe JRPG experience that does everything well, but doesn't try anything new. Recommended for fans of old school JRPGs.
Read full review
85
Gaming Nexus
Sep 20, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Bravely Default 2 is the experience the reviewer wants when playing a JRPG. The battle system is a fun twist on traditional turn-based combat.
Read full review
83
COGconnected
Feb 25, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Bravely Default 2 is a solid RPG with a unique battle system and a satisfying job system. The job system is the shining aspect of the game.
Read full review
80
We Got This Covered
Mar 7, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Bravely Default II is a great JRPG that borrows from previous games and franchises while still creating its own fun and thrilling identity. It reminds players of where the genre came from and offers a satisfying experience.
Read full review