Bravely Default is an increasingly popular RPG (Role Playing Game) series developed by Square Enix, the renowned game developer and publisher. The series consists of four games, Bravely Default, Bravely Second, The End Layer and Bravely Archive, all of which have had success in the video game community. The games are set in the fictional world of Luxendarc, and follow protagonists as they battle to save the world from an evil force known as the Bravely Default Seven.
The Bravely Default series is praised for its unique systems, visual aesthetic, narrative-based storytelling and memorable characters. The gameplay is centred around the traditional turn-based combat of a role playing game, but the series includes some unique features that make it stand out. One feature is the “Bravely” system, which allows players to prevent or take additional turns at the cost of MP (Magic Points). This allows players to take more risks or play more defensively, depending on the situation. Another feature is the “Default” system, which allows players to stockpile turns, enabling them to unleash powerful attacks when enemies are most vulnerable.
The series' visual style is a mix of traditional hand-drawn anime illustrations and 3D polygonal models. This is often described as a “classic perfect” art style and is highly appealing to many players. The use of vibrant colours and detailed character designs bring the characters to life and help the game to stand out from other games on the market. This unique approach to visuals has become a recognised trademark for the franchise.
The music in the Bravely Default series is also highly praised by gamers. Composed by the renowned composer Revo, the game’s soundtrack blends a mix of orchestrated, choral and rock themes to create a consistently pleasant and engaging musical score.
The one aspect that truly sets Bravely Default apart from other RPG’s is its narrative-driven storytelling. The game revolves around the journey of the main characters Agnes, Ringabel, Tiz and Edea, as they travel around the world in search of a way to save the world from the Bravely Default Seven. Along the way, they come across a multitude of characters with their own stories to tell, and the player's choices decide how those stories unfold. This creates a powerful level of immersion and allows the player to become deeply invested in the game's story.
Though the Bravely Default series has not been on the market for very long, it has already gained a strong following of dedicated fans. This largely due to the title's remarkable transformation of the RPG genre and its captivating storytelling. Square Enix has made sure to keep players interested by releasing a steady stream of content throughout the last few years. This includes expansions, DLC and a wide variety of other content updates.
The success of the Bravely Default series is a testament to the level of quality that Square Enix puts into its products. The games have managed to capture the hearts of gamers with its unique mechanics, beautiful visual aesthetic and engrossing narrative-driven storytelling. With each release, Square Enix looks to be creating a truly transformative RPG experience that fans can enjoy now and in the future.
