Game Station

Is Bravely Default the best portable game ever? – Reader’s Feature. by Metro

A reader enthuses over 3DS role-player Bravely Default, and explains why he thinks it’s the best Final Fantasy game for years.Due to a lack of free time any more, with work and family life taking away most of my weekly hours, I tend to play games which are rather short, or pick up and play games where there’s no story (beat ‘em-ups usually). However, there’s one game series I will always find time for, no matter what, if it means a week off work, no social life or packing my girlfriend off shopping all week, then it has to be done, the series in question: Final Fantasy. Or in this case, Bravely Default on the Nintendo 3DS.Around a year ago I asked GC if this promising role-playing game would see a UK release, and have since been watching it’s progress. The original Bravely Default was later given an upgrade, and named Bravely Default: For The Sequel. This is the version us lucky European gamers have. Developer, Silicon Studio (makers of 3D Dot Game Heroes) are an independent Japanese firm who teamed up with Square Enix because every item, magic spell and equipment are from the Final Fantasy universe, from phoenix downs to ribbons and dark matters to aegis shields, it’s all there and will delight even the most hardcore Final Fantasy fan.Admittedly Bravely Default isn’t the best name for a 70 hour role-player, but that aside it’s not just one of the best role-players available at the moment, it’s arguably the best handheld game ever made. After discovering the UK release date I instantly pre-ordered the limited deluxe edition of the game, which came in a large black box, containing a deck of AR cards, a statue of the leading character Agnès, a mini-soundtrack, a lovely art book, and the game. It was like Christmas had come early.So finally, with a week off work, and an understanding girlfriend who caught up on her favourite films, I went upstairs to play this hotly anticipated game in piece, and what a game as well. It’s like a modern version of the classic Final Fantasy series all in one game. All four leading characters are likeable, especially Ringabel. The game world’s characters are also funny. Sage (the dirty old man in the woods) was hilarious, as was the black mage, Ominus Crowe. The game also featured towns, where you could rest up, buy magic tomes, items and equipment. The graphics and music throughout the game are fantastic and a real joy.Where Bravely Default comes into it’s own though, is the battle system. Without going into to much depth, you can launch a four attack assault or simply defend. You can also just attack once and save up your attacks if you like. Initially I thought the battles were too easy, but I soon discovered that launching all four heroes to attack four times each, had its drawbacks. Especially against bosses who had more than enough hit points to cope with your barrage and will then launch his own assault which will probably wipe your party out. So strategy was the key to some great battles.I am now at the end of this superb game. I have beaten every boss, found every item, and loved every second of it. It goes to show that a long term gamer can still be wowed by a handheld game, which must make this game special. It’s a shame the game will be overlooked by many, and even more of a shame that it’s not on a home console either, but if you have never played a role-playing game or a Final Fantasy before then this is the perfect place to start. Thank you Silicon Studio and Square Enix for bringing this masterpiece to Europe.

By Metro