Poll of the Day > Why do people like Bravely Default?

(+) Yeah! (+)

It's honestly the worst JRPG I've played in a long time, maybe ever. The story is so full of classic Final Fantasy tropes and systems that the first half borders on generic. When the story finally picks up in the second half the game becomes so nauseatingly repetitious that it's absurd! And the story never reaches a level to make any of it worth it. I only bothered to finish it because I was able to turn the encounter rate off and rush through the second half. I really don't understand what people see in this game.

Why does it bother you? Let people enjoy what they enjoy.

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it has a lot of great action

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Far-Queue posted...

Why does it bother you? Let people enjoy what they enjoy.

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Far-Queue posted...

Why does it bother you? Let people enjoy what they enjoy.

I'm not bothered by people liking it. I'm trying to understand why they do. It's hard for me to see what anyone would find fun or redeemable about it at all.

You don't have to understand it. Maybe the game isn't to your liking. That's fine. You do you, dude.

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You're asking why people liked a relatively classic jrpg when there is a distinct lack of those.

Far-Queue posted...

You don't have to understand it. Maybe the game isn't to your liking. That's fine. You do you, dude.

Sure, I don't *have* to understand it, but I *want* to, hence the topic. I am doing me. You're free to ignore this topic if you don't like the question? So maybe take your own advice and "you do you, dude."

JigsawTDC posted...

Sure, I don't *have* to understand it, but I *want* to, hence the topic. I am doing me. You're free to ignore this topic if you don't like the question? So maybe take your own advice and "you do you, dude."

Sometimes, you just cant explain. Its a pretty simple game, from what I remember. And sometimes, people like that. Or maybe they just likes the battle system. It could be anything, really. Somebody could like the exact stuff youll hate. And if they do, itll still be hard for you to understand...
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If you want to understand, maybe begin by asking what people like about the game and leave it at that. You start off trashing the game and listing what you dislike about it and that comes off as abrasive and puts people on their defense.

Don't try to play it like you're reaching out and looking for people to persuade you on your opinion. You're only saying you want to understand because I called you on your BS.

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BlackScythe0 posted...

You're asking why people liked a relatively classic jrpg when there is a distinct lack of those.

I don't know if I'd say there's a lack of classic JRPGs, and people can always play the actual classics, but I can see why would that "classic" feel would draw people in. That's why I first wanted to play it, especially since it based on classic Final Fantasy which is one of my favorite series. I just don't think it was well-executed.

Bravely Second is better, then again I played the Japanese version of Bravely Default where it had a boring near endgame, the international version shortens that boring near endgame.
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JigsawTDC posted...

I don't know if I'd say there's a lack of classic JRPGs, and people can always play the actual classics, but I can see why would that "classic" feel would draw people in. That's why I first wanted to play it, especially since it based on classic Final Fantasy which is one of my favorite series. I just don't think it was well-executed.

There is a distinct lack of classic RPG's being made today. There are some cheap RPG maker games on steam, yea, but it's not the same as a professional effort.

LinkPizza posted...

Sometimes, you just cant explain. Its a pretty simple game, from what I remember. And sometimes, people like that. Or maybe they just likes the battle system. It could be anything, really. Somebody could like the exact stuff youll hate. And if they do, itll still be hard for you to understand...

Okay, if simplicity and repetition are the main draw for some people, then I could see why they might like this game. I guess I just play JRPGs for totally different reasons.

Far-Queue posted...

If you want to understand, maybe begin by asking what people like about the game and leave it at that. You start off trashing the game and listing what you dislike about it and that comes off as abrasive and puts people on their defense.

Don't try to play it like you're reaching out and looking for people to persuade you on your opinion. You're only saying you want to understand because I called you on your BS.

So you're upset because I didn't frame the question and my opinion in a way that protects your ego? Get over yourself dude. It's just a video game. I asked a legitimate question and listed what I didn't like about the game. I never said I was asking to be persuaded. Just trying to understand. Your weird hostility isn't accomplishing anything except making me think you've got some personal issues to work on.

I'm not upset at all lol

I've never even played this game. You made a shit topic and I'm pointing out that's it's a shit topic is all

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Hop103 posted...

Bravely Second is better, then again I played the Japanese version of Bravely Default where it had a boring near endgame, the international version shortens that boring near endgame.

I have Bravely Second, but I haven't felt compelled to play it since I beat the first.

BlackScythe0 posted...

There is a distinct lack of classic RPG's being made today. There are some cheap RPG maker games on steam, yea, but it's not the same as a professional effort.

I guess it depends on what you consider classic and what platforms you're interested in. There's a plethora of classic feeling JRPGs on cell phones (which is a huge market in Japan). I get that's a turn-off to most people, and 3DS game feels more accesible to a Western audience.

Far-Queue posted...

I'm not upset at all lol

I've never even played this game. You made a shit topic and I'm pointing out that's it's a shit topic is all

Oh okay, you're just a troll. Got it!

why do people like a game

answer: because they do

I completely agree..... I've played quote a few jrpgs and this one is just a rehash. Nothing special at all

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JigsawTDC posted...

Okay, if simplicity and repetition are the main draw for some people, then I could see why they might like this game. I guess I just play JRPGs for totally different reasons.

Yep. Thats how it is. Some people play for different reasons. Personally, I like certain games just for the battle system.
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ReggieTheReckless posted...

why do people like a game

answer: because they do

I think that's a lazy answer though. Just like I gave reasons why I disliked it, people can know why they like something. There's always a reason for something. LinkPizza and BlackScythe have given reasons where I can see why someone might interpret this game differently than I did.

JigsawTDC posted...

So you're upset because I didn't frame the question and my opinion in a way that protects your ego? Get over yourself dude. It's just a video game. I asked a legitimate question and listed what I didn't like about the game.

You honestly didnt seem like you were asking about the game. You seemed like you were just trashing it, possibly tot get a reaction... Thats what it seemed like. Ive heard many people actually ask question about games. You dont need to trash it to do so. It doesnt really make many people take you seriously...

JigsawTDC posted...

Oh okay, you're just a troll. Got it!

Far-Queue Is probably my one the least troll-like of the posters here. Calling him one makes me think youre more of one than him.
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smh people so butthurt cause op doesnt like their weeb baby game smh my damn head

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JigsawTDC posted...

people can know why they like something.

Not always. Ive played many games where I dont know why I keep playing them. So, some people may just like it because they do. Its as simple as that sometimes...

JigsawTDC posted...

LinkPizza and BlackScythe have given reasons where I can see why someone might interpret this game differently than I did.

Its not always that simple, though. You cant just ask why someone likes a game. There could a hundred reasons why. Ranging fr the reason you dont like it, to things that you would never have even thought about, to things you may not even know the game has to offer, to pretty much anything...
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LinkPizza posted...

You cant just ask why someone likes a game.

amen
its offensive to stupid people that cant explain why they like stuff

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DirtBasedSoap posted...

amen
its offensive to stupid people that cant explain why they like stuff

No. Not really...
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Im sorry you lack the emotional intelligence to explain why you do/dont like things.

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LinkPizza posted...

Yep. Thats how it is. Some people play for different reasons. Personally, I like certain games just for the battle system.

Yeah, I know different people play games for different reasons, I just never considered that the repetition would actually be something that they looked for in a game, and that the biggest detractor for me was a positive feature for others. Maybe that's a result in living in a society that values novelty and uniqueness. I've talked about this game in a few JRPG groups, but it's kinda like an insular echo chamber there (no one really likes this games in the groups I'm part of).

DirtBasedSoap posted...

amen
its offensive to stupid people that cant explain why they like stuff

I think it shows a lack of self-awareness if you don't understand your own likes and dislikes. You don't need to be intelligent to think critically and analyze your likes and dislikes.

LinkPizza posted...

You honestly didnt seem like you were asking about the game. You seemed like you were just trashing it, possibly tot get a reaction... Thats what it seemed like. Ive heard many people actually ask question about games. You dont need to trash it to do so. It doesnt really make many people take you seriously...

All I did was ask a question and list why I didn't like that game so people could better understand my position. The title is literally a question, and I listed why I why I have a hard time understanding it. Yeah, I didn't like it, so my opinion is going to come across as trashing it. Doesn't mean other people can't like the game or that I'm not interested in why they did.

DirtBasedSoap posted...

Im sorry you lack the emotional intelligence to explain why you do/dont like things.

Well, I didnt say that, now did I. I even said that for many games, I like them for the battle system. So, maybe you should stop assuming and grow up a little... Esepcially with the way youve been posting lately...
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DirtBasedSoap posted...

Im sorry you lack the emotional intelligence to explain why you do/dont like things.

Seriously lol

LinkPizza posted...

Far-Queue Is probably my one the least troll-like of the posters here.

Let's not get carried away here, Link ol' chap.

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LinkPizza posted...

Well, I didnt say that, now did I. I even said that for many games, I like them for the battle system. So, maybe you should stop assuming and grow up a little... Esepcially with the way youve been posting lately...

jfc you post like a 12 year old girl


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Far-Queue posted...

Let's not get carried away here, Link ol' chap.

Yeah, I mean, you came into a topic about a game you have no experience with and avoided the question in the OP. It's classic trolling and not sure how Link could claim otherwise!

Because get this TC. Other people like the game.

Although I did find the second half a bit repetitious but not really all that much.

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Extreme_light posted...

Because get this TC. Other people like the game.

Although I did find the second half a bit repetitious but not really all that much.

See below:

JigsawTDC posted...

I think that's a lazy answer though. Just like I gave reasons why I disliked it, people can know why they like something. There's always a reason for something. LinkPizza and BlackScythe have given reasons where I can see why someone might interpret this game differently than I did.

JigsawTDC posted...

Yeah, I know different people play games for different reasons, I just never considered that the repetition would actually be something that they looked for in a game, and that the biggest detractor for me was a positive feature for others. Maybe that's a result in living in a society that values novelty and uniqueness. I've talked about this game in a few JRPG groups, but it's kinda like an insular echo chamber there (no one really likes this games in the groups I'm part of).

Thats the problem. You saying I just never considered means that explaining might not really work. Many people actually like repetition. Especially since they can just play without really thinking... Like after a long day at work. People are going to like different things. Like food. You may not like a food because of reason A. But reason A is the reason someone else likes it...

JigsawTDC posted...

I think it shows a lack of self-awareness if you don't understand your own likes and dislikes. You don't need to be intelligent to think critically and analyze your likes and dislikes.

Its not about not knowing your likes and dislikes, but rather liking something you normally wouldnt like. Ive play games where it checks off boxes where I wouldnt play it. But theres still something alluring about it. Like when you cant stop watching a really bad movie, or a train wreck... Eventually, I usually know what it is even if it take a while to find out, though. Though, its usually the battle system I found interesting. Haha.

JigsawTDC posted...

All I did was ask a question and list why I didn't like that game so people could better understand my position. The title is literally a question, and I listed why I why I have a hard time understanding it. Yeah, I didn't like it, so my opinion is going to come across as trashing it. Doesn't mean other people can't like the game or that I'm not interested in why they did.

The title itself is definitely fine. But then you immediately start off trashing the game hard. Ive asked why people liked a certain game many times without immediately trashing it. And it can turn people off answering your question. Or even make some people defensive, like Far-Queue said...

Far-Queue posted...

Let's not get carried away here, Link ol' chap.

I did say one of the. Or it was suppose to say that before autocorrect screwed me over. Haha.

DirtBasedSoap posted...

jfc you post like a 12 year old girl

Thats more like you, actually. Trying to start drama and get a rise out of people. I posted like a normal person where you post like a child who recently learned how to go online...

JigsawTDC posted...

Yeah, I mean, you came into a topic about a game you have no experience with and avoided the question in the OP. It's classic trolling and not sure how Link could claim otherwise!

Because he never came in to directly go against you. He probably came in to hear actual answers, and then saw you asking the way you were asking. So, he doesnt seem like he was trolling. Just because he didnt play the game doesnt mean he wrong in what he said...
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"All I did was ask a question..."

JigsawTDC posted...

It's honestly the worst JRPG I've played in a long time, maybe ever. The story is so full of classic Final Fantasy tropes and systems that the first half borders on generic. When the story finally picks up in the second half the game becomes so nauseatingly repetitious that it's absurd! And the story never reaches a level to make any of it worth it. I only bothered to finish it because I was able to turn the encounter rate off and rush through the second half. I really don't understand what people see in this game.

^ this is not inviting people to discuss a game. This is shitting on a game and daring people to defend it.

Only after I said you shouldn't let it ruffle your feathers did you change your tune and start with the "I'm just trying to understand" BS lol

Just because Dirt is in here jerking you off now doesn't make you any less full of shit


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JigsawTDC posted...

See below:

I liked the gameplay, story, some of the callbacks to classic FF/jrpgs stuff, like the jobs/subjobs. The soundtrack was pretty solid too. I also enjoyed the random encounters feature as it made grinding less of a chore.
Though I will say one thing, I can't say that I was all that invested in most of the characters. Ringabel was fairly interesting though.

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LinkPizza posted...

Thats the problem. You saying I just never considered means that explaining might not really work. Many people actually like repetition. Especially since they can just play without really thinking... Like after a long day at work. People are going to like different things. Like food. You may not like a food because of reason A. But reason A is the reason someone else likes it..

How is it a problem if you gave that reasoning, and I was immediately able to see where you're coming from? Literally the opposite of "explaining might not really work" because I got it.

LinkPizza posted...

The title itself is definitely fine. But then you immediately start off trashing the game hard. Ive asked why people liked a certain game many times without immediately trashing it. And it can turn people off answering your question. Or even make some people defensive, like Far-Queue said...

All I did is list what I didn't like about the game, giving explanation for why I find it hard to see reedamble aspects of the game. I'm sure it comes across as "trashing it hard" if you're like really enamored with the game or something, but it doesn't invalidate any questions. If *you* get defensive that's on *you*. Getting defensive about how you feel about a video game is a little absurd. There's more important places to direct your ego.

LinkPizza posted...

Its not about not knowing your likes and dislikes, but rather liking something you normally wouldnt like. Ive play games where it checks off boxes where I wouldnt play it. But theres still something alluring about it. Like when you cant stop watching a really bad movie, or a train wreck... Eventually, I usually know what it is even if it take a while to find out, though. Though, its usually the battle system I found interesting. Haha.

I'm not sure what you're point is, because you're just exemplifying that it's not hard to analyze and know why you like something, even if it's not something you'd typically enjoy.

Far-Queue posted...

this is not inviting people to discuss a game.

thats your opinion. whats he supposed to do? not give his honest opinion? sorry it was too harsh for you to handle but it wasnt really blind bashing of the game, it read more like the thoughts of someone that legit tried it and hated it. he wanted to hear what other people who liked it thought. Its very simple :)

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Far-Queue posted...

"All I did was ask a question..."

^ this is not inviting people to discuss a game. This is shitting on a game and daring people to defend it.

Only after I said you shouldn't let it ruffle your feathers did you change your tune and start with the "I'm just trying to understand" BS lol

Just because Dirt is in here jerking you off now doesn't make you any less full of shit

You're purposely misinterpreting my intent with the topic despite the fact that I've explicitly stated it. I asked a question, listed why I found it hard to see why people found it enjoyable, and you are getting defensive because I'm "trashing" the game. I've never once attacked anyone's opinion on it or belittled them for liking it. You are letting your ego get wrapped up in a video game you've never played. None of my OP is an attack on anyone liking the game, just explaining why I didn't like it. I really don't see why you're getting so defensive about it.

Extreme_light posted...

I liked the gameplay, story, some of the callbacks to classic FF/jrpgs stuff, like the jobs/subjobs. The soundtrack was pretty solid too. I also enjoyed the random encounters feature as it made grinding less of a chore.
Though I will say one thing, I can't say that I was all that invested in most of the characters. Ringabel was fairly interesting though.

I can see why someone might like those parts of the games. I guess the detractions just took away from me appreciating some of those aspectd. And yeah, I felt Ringabel was the only interesting character of the main cast myself.

JigsawTDC posted...

How is it a problem if you gave that reasoning, and I was immediately able to see where you're coming from? Literally the opposite of "explaining might not really work" because I got it.

Its different for everyone. I know some people who dont understand that people like sometimes about a game they dont like. Where some immediately understand. I guess you do understand. Which I guess makes this topic pointless now...

JigsawTDC posted...

All I did is list what I didn't like about the game, giving explanation for why I find it hard to see reedamble aspects of the game. I'm sure it comes across as "trashing it hard" if you're like really enamored with the game or something, but it doesn't invalidate any questions. If *you* get defensive that's on *you*. Getting defensive about how you feel about a video game is a little absurd. There's more important places to direct your ego.

It comes off as trashing even if youve never played the game. Even Far-Queue saw that. Some people will just think youre trashy a game they like for no reason. Its not so much about ego as it is being nice. Its be better around here if everyone wasnt so negative all the time...

JigsawTDC posted...

I'm not sure what you're point is, because you're just exemplifying that it's not hard to analyze and know why you like something, even if it's not something you'd typically enjoy.

Because someones self-awareness isnt based on not being sure why they like a game of not... Its based on way more. If they were the case, many people would have no self-awareness as many people dont even know what draws them to someone they like. Or why they chad a crush on a certain person... But whatever...
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BlackScythe0 posted...

You're asking why people liked a relatively classic jrpg when there is a distinct lack of those.

Pretty much. It would have been extremely unremarkable if it had released on the SNES in the mid-90's (well, aside from the graphics requiring some manner of wizardry to pull off on a SNES, but we'll assume they're downgraded accordingly for such a hypothetical), but in a world where turn-based JRPG's have been largely neglected (Squenix themselves didn't expect it to do well because they'd convinced themselves nobody wanted such games anymore), it scratched the itch very nicely. The story is thoroughly meh (mildly interesting until they seemingly gave up on writing anything new to fill the last half of the game), but the combat and class systems manage to both satisfy the yearning for a classic JRPG while also keeping things fresh and interesting such that it's not relying entirely on nostalgia.

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adjl posted...

Pretty much. It would have been extremely unremarkable if it had released on the SNES in the mid-90's (well, aside from the graphics requiring some manner of wizardry to pull off on a SNES, but we'll assume they're downgraded accordingly for such a hypothetical), but in a world where turn-based JRPG's have been largely neglected (Squenix themselves didn't expect it to do well because they'd convinced themselves nobody wanted such games anymore), it scratched the itch very nicely. The story is thoroughly meh (mildly interesting until they seemingly gave up on writing anything new to fill the last half of the game), but the combat and class systems manage to both satisfy the yearning for a classic JRPG while also keeping things fresh and interesting such that it's not relying entirely on nostalgia.

I guess partly why I was so disappointed in this game is that I played it for the classic feel, but story is also a huge part of games for me (especially JRPGs) so I was let down. Also, I think playing Octopath Traveler first might have inhibited me from appreciating Bravely Default's classic elements more. Octopath Traveler had that classic feel, but also felt fresh and original, despite most the stories not being anything particularly special. That one wasn't a perfect game for me or anything, but I liked it more than Bravely Default. I know it's the same development team, so I'm still willing to give Bravely Default II a chance.

Thanks to those of you who explained why you liked this game (or why someone else might)! I have a clearer understanding of why some people enjoyed this one.

Its first half is pretty solid.

When they reach a certain point and keep going back through the world/boss fights over and over again though...that part hurts to play through, and is the opposite of fun.

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JigsawTDC posted...

Also, I think playing Octopath Traveler first might have inhibited me from appreciating Bravely Default's classic elements more.

I can see that that would eliminate the "finally, a turn-based JRPG!" sentiment that BD gave a lot of people when it first came out, since you would have had that itch scratched already. That said, Octopath's gameplay generally felt like Bravely Default Lite to me, with less depth to the combat and class systems and overall less strategic variety. It was still enjoyable, but I would say I like Bravely Default better in that regard.

JigsawTDC posted...

story is also a huge part of games for me (especially JRPGs) so I was let down.

BD's story just baffles me. It started out alright. Nothing amazing, but certainly serviceable, and there seemed to be some interesting twists coming. But then those twists happened... and nothing else did. The rest of the story just consisted of ignoring all the revelations from the game's pivotal moment and repeating the first four chapters over and over again. It was like the producers read what the writers had up until that point, then got tired of reading, fired all of them, and just copy+pasted the first stuff a few times to fill out the rest of the game. It's easily one of the most egregious cases of wasted potential I've ever seen in a game's story, and I don't understand how they screwed it up as badly as they did. Granted, somebody also thought the Endless Eight arc of Haruhi season 2 was a good idea, so I guess there's precedent elsewhere for such poor judgement.

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DirtBasedSoap posted...

thats your opinion. whats he supposed to do? not give his honest opinion? sorry it was too harsh for you to handle but it wasnt really blind bashing of the game, it read more like the thoughts of someone that legit tried it and hated it. he wanted to hear what other people who liked it thought. Its very simple :)

Too harsh for me to handle? You not paying attention?

Far-Queue posted...

I've never even played this game.

As a matter of fact, I'm not all that big a fan of JRPGs in general. I don't give a rat's ass about anyone's opinion of any game.

The point of contention was how he seems incapable of living in a world where people enjoy things that he doesn't. When I called him out on that, he backpedaled and tried to claim he was looking to foster dialog to reach some sort of understanding. If you go back and read the OP that's clearly bullshit. It's very simple :)

But you go right ahead and keep up with your little mutual masturbation with TC here


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Far-Queue posted...

The point of contention was how he seems incapable of living in a world where people enjoy things that he doesn't.

Can you point out what specifically gave you that impression? I've been having pretty friendly and mutual conversation with people who enjoy this game right in this topic. Seems like a bit of projection if you ask me!

The main story can only exist because people refuse to share critical information for no reason.

However the characters are interesting, and the game play fun.

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JigsawTDC posted...

I guess partly why I was so disappointed in this game is that I played it for the classic feel, but story is also a huge part of games for me (especially JRPGs) so I was let down. Also, I think playing Octopath Traveler first might have inhibited me from appreciating Bravely Default's classic elements more. Octopath Traveler had that classic feel, but also felt fresh and original, despite most the stories not being anything particularly special. That one wasn't a perfect game for me or anything, but I liked it more than Bravely Default. I know it's the same development team, so I'm still willing to give Bravely Default II a chance.

Thanks to those of you who explained why you liked this game (or why someone else might)! I have a clearer understanding of why some people enjoyed this one.

Hopefully it is an improvement, especially in the story department. They'll probably focus more on the story this time.

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adjl posted...

I can see that that would eliminate the "finally, a turn-based JRPG!" sentiment that BD gave a lot of people when it first came out, since you would have had that itch scratched already. That said, Octopath's gameplay generally felt like Bravely Default Lite to me, with less depth to the combat and class systems and overall less strategic variety. It was still enjoyable, but I would say I like Bravely Default better in that regard.

I do enjoy a lot of the quality of life features included in Bravely Default. Turning off the encounter rate was a relieving mercy because, as I mentioned in the OP, I probably wouldn't have completed the game if it wasn't for that. I think more games should allow you to adjust difficulty at will.

adjl posted...

BD's story just baffles me. It started out alright. Nothing amazing, but certainly serviceable, and there seemed to be some interesting twists coming. But then those twists happened... and nothing else did. The rest of the story just consisted of ignoring all the revelations from the game's pivotal moment and repeating the first four chapters over and over again. It was like the producers read what the writers had up until that point, then got tired of reading, fired all of them, and just copy+pasted the first stuff a few times to fill out the rest of the game. It's easily one of the most egregious cases of wasted potential I've ever seen in a game's story, and I don't understand how they screwed it up as badly as they did. Granted, somebody also thought the Endless Eight arc of Haruhi season 2 was a good idea, so I guess there's precedent elsewhere for such poor judgement.

It had so much potential, but I feel like the game was executed in a way that really highlights its faults. With a plot involving parallel worlds there's a lot of directions you can take it, but as you mentioned... nothing really happens after a point. I also feel like working towards the "true" ending feels counterintuitive. Like, if you catch onto the obvious hints, going for an earlier ending makes so much more sense from a story perspective. But if you want the "true" ending you have to push through acting like what's right in your face isn't there.