Alright, so here’s the deal. I gotta admit right off the bat — Bravely Default on the Nintendo 3DS? Nope, never played it. I know, I know, it’s like everyone kept saying it was the next best thing since Final Fantasy. But hey, life happens, right? So, fast forward to PAX East 2025, and suddenly, Square Enix throws a demo of Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster my way. Great timing, I guess, since now I can give my completely inexperienced take on it.
First impression? The game’s ditched its dual-screen shtick. Sad, I know, but they made up for it with some shiny high-def graphics. There’s also a spiffy new UI — probably trying to dazzle us or something. I chatted with someone from Square Enix (felt pretty important saying that) about remaking the second game too, and she gave me this look of, “Maybe, maybe not.” Who knows? Maybe my genius suggestion will inspire them.
Oh, and about the demo: You think RPG means leisurely character chats and epic cutscenes? Not here. It’s more like “race against the demo clock.” So, I skipped most dialogue. The combat though? Now that’s where it shines. You got this Brave and Default mechanics thing going on. Wanna go Brave? You get to attack bunches of times but then turn into a sitting duck for a bit. Default, though, you’re basically a turtle banking some future hits. It’s all about finding that balance. Me being me, I went all reckless and kept attacking. Who needs defense anyway, am I right? Well, maybe sometimes…
Didn’t even touch the whole job system thing, which is apparently a big deal. But from what little I did play, yeah, it’s awesome. Kinda kicking myself for not trying it on the 3DS way back when, but hey, second chances, right? The Switch 2 release is set for June 5. Same day as the console drop. So if you’re like me and missed it once, here’s your shot.
