Bravely Default — The beginnings of the new golden age of JRPG

At a time when the JRPG seemed to be losing its luster, a small team of visionaries within Square Enix, Team Asano, named in honor of its creator, decided to restore the genre's nobility. Their mission was clear: to rekindle the flame of great adventures where strategy, emotion and creativity mingle harmoniously. Bravely Defaulta true love letter to the classic JRPG, embodied this ambition brilliantly. This game marked a revelation for me, because it was thanks to this opus on Nintendo 3DS that my love for the genre was born.

Bravely Default, a revival of the JRPG… Not without difficulty!

Despite its cult status today, Bravely Default did not immediately achieve the commercial success it deserved when it was released in 2012. Limited communication around the title and competition from other major 3DS games overshadowed its launch. Although praised for its homage to the classics of the genre, the game took time to gain recognition, particularly outside of the Japanese market. Yet even with positive reviews, many players missed out, often put off by certain flaws in the plot. In particular, chapters 6 to 8, which require revisiting dungeons already explored and confronting previously defeated bosses, were perceived as repetitive, slowing down the experience for the less patient. But behind these imperfections hid a visionary work, a cornerstone of the revival of the modern JRPG.

For those who persevered, Bravely Default proved to be a high-quality adventure, marking an essential step in the preservation of the classic JRPG, which, without this creation, might have sunk into oblivion. Yet his legacy has not been without challenges. In 2020, Tomoya Asano, creator of the series, issued an apology for Bravely Secondthe direct sequel to the first opus. Although this second installment received some positive feedback, the team recognized that many aspects did not live up to fans' expectations. This game served as a catalyst for deep introspection, a questioning that influenced all subsequent projects of Team Asano. This reflection has borne fruit, as evidenced by the critical and commercial success ofOctopath Traveler I & IIas well as the remake of Dragon Quest III. This journey shows that failure is not an end, but rather an opportunity for renewal, a lesson that Square Enix has been able to take advantage of.

A scenario that inspires

The story of Bravely Default begins in the peaceful kingdom of Caldisla, a place quickly plunged into chaos following the destruction of the village of Norendereduced to ashes by a mysterious fault. Tiz Arrior, the only survivor of this tragedy, is forced to become the hero of an adventure that exceeds him. His quest leads him to meet Agnes ObligeVestal of the Wind, guardian of the elemental crystals of the world. These crystals, symbols of universal balance, are plunged into darkness, and their purification becomes the central objective of their journey. Throughout their journey, they are joined by two other companions: Ringabelan amnesiac seducer with a mysterious journal predicting the future, and Edea Leea warrior torn between her family duty and her personal convictions. Together, these four heroes form an unlikely but united group, ready to face the dangers that threaten their world.

The story of Bravely Default follows the quest of these heroes through Luxendarca world anchored in pure medieval fantasy tradition. Their mission is to purify elemental crystals – Wind, Water, Fire and Earth – to prevent an imminent global catastrophe. However, each purification is accompanied by moral dilemmas and battles against formidable adversaries, notably members of the Forces Eterniaan empire challenging the established order. Each region of Luxendarc offers its share of storytelling, memorable supporting characters and philosophical conflicts around themes such as faith, power and responsibility.

However, the true heart of the story is revealed in the second half of the game. The heroes then discover that their world is only one facet of a much larger reality. By manipulating the crystals, they open portals to parallel dimensions and find themselves trapped in a time loop, orchestrated by a formidable enemy. This turnaround upsets the player's perception, forcing him to relive certain events while questioning the boundary between heroism and manipulation. Paying homage to JRPG classics while breaking their conventions, Bravely Default offers a daring and unforgettable adventure, where the heroes' choices are echoed until the conclusion of their journey.

A DA who knows how to seduce

And how can you not be seduced by this daring attempt by Team Asanoalready known for titles like the remake of Final Fantasy III on DS or the most discreet Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light. Looking more closely, we notice an artistic continuity between The 4 Heroes of Light et Bravely Default. The artistic direction shares obvious similarities: a miniaturization of the characters, boldly modified proportions, and a charming chibi aesthetic. This was the entire visual identity that the team sought to offer, a signature that left its mark.

However, the stylistic evolution of Team Asano will take a notable turn. Except Bravely Default II on Nintendo Switch, where the team still maintains a style close to the origins, it will then opt for a real return to its roots with Octopath Traveler. The latter abandons miniaturization in favor of a pixel art aesthetic, enhanced by the modernity of HD-2D, showing a desire to honor the classics while exploring new artistic horizons.

Le gameplay brave the classic default to forget it

Bravely Default is not limited to its charming aesthetic; it also shines with its gameplay, which brilliantly modernizes the codes of the classic JRPG. At the heart of the experience is the innovative combat system Brave et Defaultwhich redefines traditional turn-based. Each character can choose between two main options: Defaultwhich puts him in a defensive position while saving a BP (Brave Point) for future use, or Bravewhich allows you to spend several BP in a single turn to chain attacks. This mechanic introduces strategic depth, where players must balance caution and aggression, transforming each encounter into a true tactical puzzle. In addition, another pillar of the gameplay is the job system, a direct homage to the classics of Final Fantasyand more particularly in the third opus of the license. This system provides some flexibility allowing players to assign each character one of several available roles, such as Chevalier, Mage noir or Monkwhile giving them the opportunity to retain the skills for a second job. The impact of these mechanics was not limited to Bravely Default. Recent titles, such as Metaphor ReFantasia or the remake of Dragon Quest IIIwere inspired by this job system, proof of the lasting influence of Team Asano on the evolution of the modern JRPG.

This flexibility in the job system allows for almost endless combinations, ranging from obvious synergies to bold choices that fully reward player creativity. Each job is acquired by defeating an asterisk bearer, a major boss in the story that directly influences the progression system — a brilliant idea that both adds challenge and strengthens the game's universe. In addition to its mechanics gameplay, Bravely Default stands out for its social innovations. Using the Nintendo 3DS' StreetPass feature, players can recruit villagers to rebuild Norende, Tiz's home village, which was destroyed at the start of the game. This management mini-game offers unique rewards, such as rare items or special skills. At the same time, players can summon their friends' avatars into battle, allowing them to benefit from powerful attacks or share their own abilities. This feature reinforces the community aspect of the game, despite the fact that it remains a primarily single-player experience.

These particularities make Bravely Default an innovative experience that manages to balance the nostalgia of classic JRPGs with modern innovations, while providing the ideal ground for the creativity of passionate gamers. theory crafting.

Bravely Default, the snowdrop of a frozen kind

To conclude, this initiative by Team Asano was not in vain. Bravely Default has established itself as one of the most significant works of the early 2010s in the world of the genre that is dear to us. At a time when the genre seemed to be getting lost in mechanics that were too simplified or far from its roots, this game was able to give players back what they expected from a true JRPG: a deep tactical combat system, a touching storyline and a rich world to explore. For my part, it marked a turning point. This return to basics, while incorporating fresh and innovative ideas, redefined what a classic Japanese role-playing game could be while flirting with current standards. The quality of its writing, its memorable characters and the balance between exploration and strategy allowed Bravely Default to stand out among so many others.

The impact of this production goes well beyond its commercial success. Bravely Default has played a pivotal role in the JRPG revival, inspiring a new generation of developers and reigniting fans' interest in more classic gaming experiences. He has been a model for titles like Octopath Travelerwhich takes up part of its heritage in terms of gameplay mechanics. At the end of the day, Bravely Default is not just one game among many. It is one of those works which has revived the soul of the genre, demonstrating that it was not yet extinct. It is thanks to games like this that the JRPG has found a new life, firmly anchored in its roots while evolving towards the horizons of our nearest times.