Bravely Default
Price: $44.94
Buy it on: Amazon
Square Enix is a veteran in the RPG circuit, and has had their fair share of impressive portable releases. Crisis Core, Final Fantasy Tactics Advanced and a myriad of Final Fantasy re-releases have all made their way onto modern handhelds, and rank from nostalgic to excellent.
Born as a spiritual successor to the spin off game Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light, Bravely Default hits the mark through a charming blend of old school nostalgia and modern sensibilities. Metro referred to it as "the best Final Fantasy game that never was," and they aren't alone. Bravely Default has been praised for an overall phenomenal localization, presentation, music and everything else, but I think the real draw to the game is through the combat.
Turn based RPG's have an issue with keeping the gameplay loop engaging, and Bravely Default takes a unique approach. In combat you're able to forgo your current turn, but then use that same turn again in the future. This alone makes the game worth checking out for RPG fans. If you're a fan of other Square Enix games and are looking for one with a gameplay twist while familiar elements of the RPG genre are not just kept intact, but enhanced than I highly recommend Bravely Default.
Published Jan. 30th 2018
