Bravely Default 2

Bravely Default II is the third main game in the Bravely series, following the original game Bravely Default and its sequel Bravely Second: End Layer. While Second was a direct story continuation from the original, Bravely Default II features a new story and cast of characters. Similar to prior titles, the game plays as a role-playing video game with turn-based battles.

The game contains an updated variant of the prior games' "Brave Point" system and use of collecting different "asterisks" to change a character's job class. Bravely Default II features turn-based combat that builds on the series’ signature "brave" and "default" systems. Players can choose to "default" during their turn, which allows them to defend and accumulate Brave Points (BP), or "brave," using stored BP to perform multiple actions in a single turn. This system encourages strategic decision-making, as players must weigh the benefits of conserving actions against the potential rewards of unleashing them all at once. Compared to previous titles, Bravely Default II introduces improved job customization, enhanced visuals, and refined battle mechanics, offering players more flexibility and depth in character development and strategy.

The game was announced for the Nintendo Switch at The Game Awards in December 2019. Upon being asked why the game was titled Bravely Default II despite being the third entry in the series, series producer Tomoyo Asano explained it was because he felt that Bravely Second, the actual second game in the series, had "parts that did not meet the expectations of fans." He originally felt it would be difficult to continue the Bravely series, but the development team's success with the Japan-only mobile title Bravely Default: Fairy's Effect and the 2018 Nintendo Switch title Octopath Traveler inspired them to revisit the series. Producer Masashi Takahashi described the approach as "return[ing] to our roots" while creating a new setting with new characters, leading to the name Bravely Default II. Revo, who composed the soundtrack for Default but not Second, also returned for Default II.

A demo of the game was announced and released on March 26, 2020, following a Nintendo Direct Mini presentation. Square Enix announced that they would be taking fan feedback from the demo and implementing it into the final release. The demo features a story not featured in the final game. The demo was generally praised, though many publications noted that the demo was more difficult than expected.

The game received generally positive reviews upon release. IGN's Seth Macy commended the game for continuing the battle and Job systems from the previous titles, its customization and strategy, and its tough but rewarding boss battles. However, he expressed disappointment in the sidequests and dungeon designs. Game Informer's Daniel Tack expressed similar praise for the battle and Job systems and found the experience fulfilling overall, but formulaic to the point of being dull at points. RPGamer's Anna Marie Privitere singled out the lack of a quest log and the imbalance of some Job classes as negatives, but overall concluded that Bravely Default II was her favorite game in the series thus far.

The game's presentation was generally praised by outlets. Macy called the visuals "jaw-droppingly beautiful" while adding that "the upgrade to the Switch has lost a little of their charm from the tiny worlds of the 3DS, and each location is stunning in HD". Watts expressed similar praise, adding "anytime I got access to a new job, I would immediately play dolls with my four heroes, seeing each of their unique looks in the new outfits". Tack called the visuals "all over the place," pointing out the contrast between some that were "quite picturesque and memorable" with strong lighting, and others that were "drab caves, earthy sprawls, and undercityscapes," concluding that the overworlds were merely to serve as a backdrop for enemy encounters.