Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster was a surprise announcement for the Switch 2, and later for PC and Xbox. The first Bravely Default game generated a lot of buzz back in the Nintendo 3DS days, when JRPGs were becoming increasingly rare, especially the good ones. While the landscape has changed a lot since then, the series has stuck around and now gets new life on modern platforms with this remaster. Since the original game used the dual-screen setup of the Nintendo 3DS, Square Enix had to adapt it for a single screen, and they seem to have handled that quite well.
This remaster also brings improved visuals. The original game had distinct watercolor backgrounds, and these have been updated to high definition with mixed results. They still look good, and some locations are beautiful, but there is a noticeable contrast between the watercolor backgrounds and the 3D characters. This was less noticeable on the lower-resolution screen of the Nintendo 3DS. Part of the issue comes from the chibi character models, which are mostly carried over from the original. They feel like a product of an earlier era, and it is hard not to think they could have used a refresh here.
The story follows a classic good vs. evil setup. There are four main heroes, and they fall into familiar genre tropes. That may have worked back then, but now it makes the characters feel a bit one-dimensional. The game leans heavily into JRPG archetypes, with each hero fitting a specific role, and the dialogue and narrative, at least in the first half, do not do much to elevate them. I still enjoyed it overall, but the game does not really open up until the second half, when the story starts introducing more twists. That said, it takes time to get there, so it is understandable if some players lose interest during the early hours.
One of the main issues, aside from the slow start, is that the later chapters can feel repetitive and grind-heavy. The new quality of life changes help reduce some of this, but not all of it. These include the ability to adjust random encounters, change combat speed, and a more manageable save system, which do make things easier. Since this game originally released well before Octopath Traveler and other newer Square Enix titles, it is not surprising that it feels a bit dated in comparison.
If you have already played the original, there is not much here beyond improved visuals. There are a couple of new minigames, but they are not compelling enough to justify a return. On the positive side, the game is not very demanding, so whether you are playing on Switch 2 or a PC handheld, it runs well. Handheld is actually my preferred way to play, as the visuals scale better on a smaller screen than on a 4K display. The low-polygon models can stand out and do not blend well with the watercolor backgrounds.
Gameplay is where Bravely Default shines the most. It features a unique job system that evolves with each character. The game uses a turn-based combat system built around two key mechanics, Brave and Default. You can use Brave to execute multiple actions in a single turn, or Default to defend and gain a Brave point. These points determine how many actions you can take, and they can go negative if you spend too many at once. Using this system well makes even basic encounters engaging, as there is a clear balance of risk and reward. It becomes especially effective during tougher boss battles later in the game.
The job system is also a core part of the combat. There are over 20 jobs available, which are unlocked gradually. Each job has its own level and offers unique advantages through commands, stat boosts, and equipment options. You can also mix and match abilities from different jobs to create stronger combinations. While unlocking and leveling these jobs requires a fair amount of grinding, the payoff feels worthwhile. That said, if you push the system too far, it can make the game overly easy and reduce the overall challenge.
While not the most impressive remaster, this is still a strong JRPG that deserves attention, and it is good to see Square Enix bring it back to modern platforms. The absence of a PS5 version feels a bit odd, but at least it is available elsewhere. The game runs well on both PC and Switch 2, so the choice comes down to personal preference. There is plenty of content here, easily offering over 40 hours of gameplay, and more if you want to explore everything.
Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster Game Information
- Price: $39.99
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Developer: Square Enix/Cattle Call Inc
- Platform: PC/Switch 2 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
