Bravely Second is a complicated RPG with a steep learning curve, but once you understand what is going on and how to tackle the battle system, it makes for an enjoyable experience that is packed with a gorgeous soundtrack and some memorable set pieces.
The game is set two and a half years after the events of the previous title, Bravely Default. It follows the tale of Crystalguard Cavalier Yew, who sets off on a quest to rescue Pope Agnes after she is kidnapped by the antagonist of the game, Kaiser Oblivion. If you never finished the last game, then you might have an issue catching up on the game’s story and lore.
To be honest, If you did not play the previous game in the series, then I recommend you do as it will help you understand not only the story, but the general mechanics featured within the game. Saying that, the game shares quite a substantial amount of mechanics with the Final Fantasy series, especially when it comes to its items and battle system. Saving pre-sets to switch out classes makes the battle system run smoothly.
The battle system in the game is the highlight of the experience. It works in a turn-based system where you can choose to attack as normally, Default on your turn to boost defence and save up a turn, or Brave by using all the turns that you have saved up to deal more damage. Its adds a layer of strategy to the battle system as you need to predict your opponents attacks. Do you wait, or strike? On top of that, there are 30 classes to choose from which you will unlock as you play through the game.
Starting of as a Freelancer who can examine enemies for HP stats and abilities, and moving onto other classes like a Wizard, Fencer and Bishop. Each class is unique and if you have played any Final Fantasy, their abilities are easily recognizable. You do then get classes which are a bit out there like Patissier who makes sweets that cast different status effects on the enemies. You will often find yourself keeping with a class for quite some time before switching to another as they are all well-balanced and there is really no best one to choose from, you just go with how you prefer to play the game.
Still, there is a grind that you will go through to level up the classes, especially when you first obtain a new one. You will had back to the last areas you were in to fight a bunch of enemies and grind for some XP. This gets tedious after a while especially when you are late in the game and have done it for the hundredth time already. It also does not help that you need to level each class up for each character, and this prevents any sort of diversity later on with other characters as you would rather just carry on than grinding to try a different class on a different character.
Although the battle system is top-notch, the game suffers with a few dull characters and some weal dialogue at points. Comedy is dry and falls flat, and at times it actually gets a bit awkward due to its odd skits in the weirdest of places. Characters never fully come to life, which makes it hard to relate to them, especially when the comedy comes into play. The main hero Yew is slightly over-dramatic and seeks way too much attention for the most mundane situations. The rest of the cast are just overly-serious and at times hard to read.
Conclusion:
In the end Bravely Second: End Layer has everything going for it that a true RPG fan will love. Once you have looked past its weak character development and cheap dialogue cameos, there is a solid RPG here with a gorgeous world to explore. If you have played the first one and loved it, there is no question that you need to pick this up, as it’s an improvement on the past title in every aspect.
Score: 80/100
Review by Marco Cocomello
