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MONSTER

Bravely Default II

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Bravely Default II
Item: Bravely Default II
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2021

GenresFantasy, Adventure, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Single Player

AvailableFeb 26, 2021

PlatformPC, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperClaytech Works

Overview

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.

Elsewhere

7.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Bravely Default II are quite varied. Some critics, such as Gaming Nexus and Cubed3, find the storytelling to be well done, with intriguing plots, unexpected twists, and a variety of emotions. They appreciate the effort put into crafting an engaging narrative. Additionally, critics like App Trigger and Game Rant mention that the story pays homage to older Final Fantasy games, with classic story points such as going after elemental crystals. This nostalgic element adds to the enjoyment for fans of the genre. However, there are several critics who express negative opinions about the story. Critics like But Why Tho? and Game Informer find the story to be underwhelming, with stereotypical fantasy settings and cookie-cutter characters. They feel that the narrative lacks originality and fails to captivate the audience. Furthermore, critics like Telegraph and Pure Nintendo mention that the story is predictable and lacks surprises or twists. They find the side-quests uninteresting and repetitive, which detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Bravely Default II is a mixed bag. While some critics appreciate the well-crafted storytelling, unexpected twists, and nostalgic elements, others find the narrative to be tired, predictable, and lacking in originality. The game's reliance on traditional JRPG tropes, such as elemental crystals and a quest to save the world, may appeal to fans of the genre but may feel cliché to others. Additionally, the characterization and dialogue receive mixed reviews, with some critics finding the characters charming and distinct, while others find them uninteresting. Ultimately, the story of Bravely Default II may not be a breathtaking masterpiece, but it still manages to provide an enjoyable experience for players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Bravely Default II has received mostly positive reviews from critics. The Job System and Battle System are frequently praised, with critics such as Digital Chumps, The Mako Reactor, COGconnected, and Easy Allies highlighting the strategic turn-based combat and the ability to freely assign roles to characters. The Job System is described as complex and open-ended, allowing for customization and experimentation with abilities. The Brave and Default commands add an extra layer of strategy to battles, with the ability to spend Brave Points for multiple actions or increase defense and build-up actions for later use. The combat system is often considered the standout feature, with a variety of jobs and strategic options, as mentioned by But Why Tho?, GAMINGbible, Game Rant, and Impulsegamer. The gameplay also offers a diverse range of jobs, each with unique abilities and passive skills, providing flexibility to party composition and rewarding puzzle-solving. However, there are some negative aspects to the gameplay of Bravely Default II. Several critics, including Gaming Nexus, App Trigger, Comicbook.com, GameGrin, and Telegraph, mention the grind-heavy nature of the game. Grinding is required to overcome bosses and level up jobs, which can become repetitive and tedious. The random battle encounters and the need for grinding can be frustrating for some players. Additionally, Screen Rant and TheGamer mention that the increased difficulty in the game limits experimentation and may be off-putting to more casual players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the gameplay of Bravely Default II is enjoyable and engaging, with a strong emphasis on the Job System and strategic turn-based combat. The positive aspects of the gameplay, such as the customization options, deep job system, and rewarding battles, are frequently highlighted. However, the negative aspects, such as the grind-heavy nature of the game and the potential difficulty for casual players, are also mentioned. Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment is that Bravely Default II offers a satisfying gameplay experience for fans of the genre, as supported by the positive reviews from critics like Pure Nintendo, Power Unlimited, and We Got This Covered.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Bravely Default II are varied. Many critics praised the game for its attention to detail and beautiful backgrounds. The watercolor style of the cities and towns was particularly highlighted by critics such as GAMINGbible and Pure Nintendo, who compared it to the visuals of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening remake. The hand-painted aesthetic of the backgrounds was also commended by critics like But Why Tho?, who found them to be beautiful. The detailed and animated worldbuilding, as mentioned by Digital Chumps, App Trigger, and Impulsegamer, added to the overall positive impression of the game's visual design. The character models, especially the outfits, were also mentioned positively by Gaming Nexus and COGconnected. However, there were also criticisms regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Bravely Default II. Some critics, such as GamingTrend and The Mako Reactor, found the graphics lacking in options and textures, with poor quality textures being mentioned for Elvis' book. The chibi style of the character models was a point of contention for several critics, including Gaming Nexus, But Why Tho?, TheGamer, and Screen Rant. They felt that the low-poly character models clashed with the environments and each other, and that they were less impressive on larger screens. The lack of animations and odd animations for some characters, as noted by Gaming Age and ZTGD, further detracted from the overall visual experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Bravely Default II is mixed. While there were positive aspects, such as the attention to detail, beautiful backgrounds, and unique character outfits, there were also concerns about the chibi character models, lack of animations, and poor texture quality. The visuals were generally praised for their improvement from previous titles and for showcasing the art style with more detail on the Nintendo Switch. However, some critics felt that the game's visual design lacked a unique style or failed to find its own identity. Despite the criticisms, the colorful environments, various costume designs, and overall solid visual design were still acknowledged as praiseworthy by Easy Allies.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Bravely Default II received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. Many critics praised the music, describing it as beautifully arranged and masterful. The original score was highlighted as memorable, with catchy battle music and town themes that captured the essence of the moment. Critics such as Digital Chumps, Gaming Nexus, and Cubed3 specifically mentioned the high quality of the music and its ability to add to the overall enjoyment of the game. The orchestral soundtrack was also commended for its region-specific themes and score, which represented the style of each locale, as noted by We Got This Covered. The voice acting was another positive aspect, with COGconnected mentioning the impressive amount of dialogue being voiced. While the majority of critics had positive opinions, there were a few who had some minor criticisms. The Mako Reactor noted that while the music was great, it didn't reach the heights of the original game. However, this criticism was not shared by the majority of critics, and it seems to be more of a subjective comparison rather than a flaw in the sound design and music of Bravely Default II. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Bravely Default II is very good. The positive aspects of the soundtrack, including the beautifully arranged music, memorable melodies, and region-specific themes, were highlighted by multiple critics such as Comicbook.com, Game Rant, and Screen Rant. The music was praised for blending well with the story and environment, enhancing the immersion of the game world. The voice acting was also commended for adding to the overall experience. With the majority of critics expressing their positive opinions, it is clear that the Sound Design and Music of Bravely Default II is a standout aspect of the game, contributing to its overall enjoyment and immersion.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Bravely Default II are generally positive. Digital Chumps describes the voice acting as "stellar," while COGconnected mentions that it is "well done" and exceeds expectations in terms of the amount of voiced content in the game. Cubed3 praises both the English and Japanese voice overs, stating that they are "superb" and effectively convey the personalities of the characters. Comicbook.com also commends the overall strong voice acting, despite the seemingly random assortment of character accents. GAMINGbible mentions that the voice acting is "superb" for most characters, further reinforcing the positive sentiment. These positive opinions highlight the effectiveness of the voice acting in bringing the characters to life and adding personality to the game. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the voice acting in Bravely Default II. AusGamers specifically mentions the character Dag and describes his Australian accent as "nauseating." This negative comment suggests that certain accents or character portrayals may not resonate well with all players. Additionally, But Why Tho? mentions that while the full voice acting adds personality to the characters, they mostly have different accents. This could imply that the variety of accents may not be cohesive or consistent throughout the game, which could potentially detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Bravely Default II is generally strong and well-executed. The positive comments from Digital Chumps, COGconnected, Cubed3, Comicbook.com, and GAMINGbible highlight the effectiveness of the voice acting in bringing the characters to life and adding depth to their personalities. The negative comment from AusGamers regarding the Australian accent of a specific character suggests that certain accents or character portrayals may not be universally appealing. However, despite this criticism, the overall sentiment is positive, indicating that the voice acting in Bravely Default II is a noteworthy aspect of the game. Players can expect a solid performance from the voice actors, with a range of accents and strong character portrayals enhancing the immersive experience of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

22%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on PC, the critics Digital Chumps and Gaming Nexus both had positive experiences. Digital Chumps mentions that the PC version runs smoothly without frame stutters and allows for graphical settings adjustments. Gaming Nexus also praises the smooth performance on PC, stating that the game looks better on this platform compared to the Switch. These positive opinions highlight the advantage of playing Bravely Default II on PC, where players can enjoy a visually enhanced experience without any technical issues. On the other hand, GamingTrend criticizes the PC port for its lack of options and absence of mouse support, which they perceive as laziness. This negative feedback suggests that the PC version may not fully utilize the platform's potential and could have provided a more customizable experience. However, The Mako Reactor contradicts this criticism by stating that the PC version runs well with high frame rates and excellent image quality. These conflicting opinions indicate that the PC version of Bravely Default II has mixed technical performance reviews. For the Nintendo Switch, Cubed3 mentions that the game runs well on this platform, but loading times can be long and frequent. Additionally, they note a minor bug with the cursor in the ability menu. Gaming Age, however, has a positive experience with no encountered technical issues in both docked and handheld mode. TheGamer criticizes the Switch version for suffering from a stuttering framerate, while Video Chums highlights the limitations of the Switch console, including loading screens. ZTGD mentions that performance dips occur often in the overworld and combat but do not hinder the enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the PC version of Bravely Default II offers a smooth and visually enhanced experience. However, there are mixed opinions regarding the PC port, with GamingTrend criticizing its lack of options and mouse support, while The Mako Reactor praises its high frame rates and image quality. For the Nintendo Switch, the general sentiment is that the game runs well, although there are occasional technical issues such as long loading times, stuttering framerates, and performance dips. Despite these drawbacks, the critics agree that the technical performance does not significantly hinder the overall enjoyment of Bravely Default II on either platform.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Bravely Default II are generally positive. Many critics highlight the game's side content and additional activities as a major positive aspect of the replay value. Easy Allies mentions the availability of side quests, expeditions, and a card game called B 'n' D, which provide players with various options to engage with the game even when not actively playing. Pure Nintendo also praises the game for its numerous layers that come together cohesively, making players want to jump back into it despite its shortcomings. The availability of multiple false endings, as mentioned by ZTGD, is also seen as a positive aspect that provides plenty of game to play even after completing the main story. However, there are some negative aspects of the replay value that critics point out. Game Informer mentions that killing opponents can feel monotonous, suggesting that the combat encounters may not offer enough variety to keep players engaged in subsequent playthroughs. Telegraph highlights the need for grinding to level up job-points, which can be tedious and may deter some players from fully exploring the game's job system. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Bravely Default II offers a good amount of replay value. The game's side content, including side quests, hidden treasures, and the card game, are seen as enjoyable activities that add depth and rewards to the overall experience. The job system and the acquisition of Asterisks are also mentioned as positive aspects that provide opportunities for passive progression and unlocking more jobs. However, some critics caution that certain side missions can be tedious, and the need for grinding may not appeal to everyone. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment is that Bravely Default II offers a satisfying amount of replay value for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

62%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall verdict of Bravely Default II is a mixed bag, with both positive and negative opinions from the critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its solid gameplay mechanics, particularly the battle system and job customization. Critics such as Gaming Nexus and COGconnected highlighted the unique twist on traditional turn-based combat and the satisfying job system as the standout features of the game. The graphics, sound design, and world exploration were also commended by critics like Cubed3 and Pure Nintendo, who found the overall quality of the game to be excellent. On the other hand, some critics expressed disappointment with Bravely Default II in terms of its lack of originality and failure to innovate within the JRPG genre. The Mako Reactor and Telegraph criticized the game for following JRPG conventions without adding anything new or innovative. The uninspired writing and minor frustrations were also mentioned by critics like But Why Tho? and TheGamer. Additionally, the high difficulty and rough early stages were seen as potential deterrents for some players, as noted by Screen Rant. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Bravely Default II is a solid JRPG experience that will appeal to fans of the genre. The game's strengths lie in its engaging gameplay mechanics, such as the battle system and job customization, as well as its charming graphics and sound design. However, it falls short in terms of originality and innovation, with some critics feeling that it lacks creativity and fails to reinvent the genre. While it may not be considered an essential RPG and may not appeal to everyone, Bravely Default II is still recommended for those looking for a nostalgic, old-school RPG experience.

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.

MONSTER

Reviews

121 reviews found

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.

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Player 2

Nintendo Switch

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.

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Gaming Age

Nintendo Switch

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.

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Cubed3

Nintendo Switch

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.

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Video Chums

Nintendo Switch

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.

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Pure Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

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.

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GameGrin

Nintendo Switch

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.

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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.

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COGconnected

Nintendo Switch

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.

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We Got This Covered

Nintendo Switch

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.

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