Bravely Default
Format: Nintendo 3DS
Completion: Completed
Score: 82/100 [B]
Personal Judgement: One of the best turn based games I've ever played. This is what Final Fantasy games are supposed to be.
Critical Appraisal: Elegant and well designed turn based combat system is the key feature in a game which seems to do nearly everything right.
Highlights: Predictable but endearing story and plentiful features in a game which looks and sounds great but has little replay value outside seeing an alternate ending.
Completion: Completed
Score: 82/100 [B]
Personal Judgement: One of the best turn based games I've ever played. This is what Final Fantasy games are supposed to be.
Critical Appraisal: Elegant and well designed turn based combat system is the key feature in a game which seems to do nearly everything right.
Highlights: Predictable but endearing story and plentiful features in a game which looks and sounds great but has little replay value outside seeing an alternate ending.
Hook [11/20]
Story: The game sets up an intriguing mystery and is full of lovable but flawed characters. For a story that's ultimately simpler than it initially appears and very quickly becomes predictable, it hits all the notes just right. It's a charming take on classic RPG tropes, and I love it. [8/10]
Replay: The game has multiple endings and numerous optional side quests, but I found a second playthrough to be tedious and unwelcome. I basically got the Obliterate skill (which auto kills monsters below the party's level) and blew through it as fast as I could just to see the other ending. Unless you skip a bunch of stuff the first time through the game is only fun the first time. That being said, the first time is an amazing and unforgettable experience. [3/10]
Replay: The game has multiple endings and numerous optional side quests, but I found a second playthrough to be tedious and unwelcome. I basically got the Obliterate skill (which auto kills monsters below the party's level) and blew through it as fast as I could just to see the other ending. Unless you skip a bunch of stuff the first time through the game is only fun the first time. That being said, the first time is an amazing and unforgettable experience. [3/10]
Substance [19/20]
Features: This game goes all out. New Game+ with a variety of options, demo bonuses, summoning friends into battle, insanely customizeable special attacks, a deep job system, an interesting skill system, two complete language tracks, AR cards, an innovative combat system, rewards for putting the game in sleep mode, and more! [10/10]
Usability: This game is fairly well constructed and easy to control. I was a little confused that the game's options menu (which they call "config") was hidden under the "Tactics" menu. [9/10]
Usability: This game is fairly well constructed and easy to control. I was a little confused that the game's options menu (which they call "config") was hidden under the "Tactics" menu. [9/10]
Visual [18/20]
Graphics: The scenery is beautiful. It's like watching adorable chibi characters wander through a masterful painting. The character designs have great personality, and the monsters (with a couple exceptions) look intriguing. [9/10]
Animation: The animation perfectly compliments the graphics. Attacks and skills look thrilling, and the special moves are breathtaking. [9/10]
Animation: The animation perfectly compliments the graphics. Attacks and skills look thrilling, and the special moves are breathtaking. [9/10]
Audio [17/20]
Music: The music is elegant and fanciful through most of the game. The combat music does it's job well, thought not quite as high quality as the rest of the music. The music which plays during special attacks (and the length of which determines the length of status effects) is magnificent. [8/10]
Sound Effects: The sound effects perfectly compliment the game, and having voice settings was a much appreciated touch. Personally I preferred to play with the Japanese audio track. [9/10]
Sound Effects: The sound effects perfectly compliment the game, and having voice settings was a much appreciated touch. Personally I preferred to play with the Japanese audio track. [9/10]
Fourth Wall [17/20]
Polish: This game is a smooth modern interpretation of a classic gameplay system, and has no flaws which I can find. [9/10]
Value: The game is still selling at it's original price point of $39.99, but I'd say it's well worth it. If you're a fan of turn based RPGs this is a title which cannot be missed. [8/10]
Value: The game is still selling at it's original price point of $39.99, but I'd say it's well worth it. If you're a fan of turn based RPGs this is a title which cannot be missed. [8/10]
Extra
For me, this was probably the best game to come out in 2014. It's certainly one of my favorite Final Fantasy games. It might be my favorite, but I'm awfully fond of the FFI and FFVI. I've heard some people complain about the option to buy SP, and I understand that opinion. It didn't bother me, but maybe it should have. I only used SP one time the entire game with a boss who was giving me a little extra trouble.
(SP allows you to freeze time so that only the player party can act. It's one of the rewards for putting your game in sleep mode.)
(SP allows you to freeze time so that only the player party can act. It's one of the rewards for putting your game in sleep mode.)