Final Fiction

There are two game plots that I would be referring in the upcoming write-up, namely Bravely Default: Flying Fairy (BDFF) and its sequel, Bravely Second: End Layer (BSEL).

Music

Both of these games had great soundtrack. The first game had songs composed by Revo from Linked Horizon where else the latter title was packed with new songs by ryo (supercell) in addition to songs from the prequel. Initially, I was not impressed by the music. However, after 80 hours gameplay time on each title, these songs somehow just latch onto me and I became addicted to these songs. Notable song titles from the series include "That Person's Name Is", "Yunohana" and "Altair and Vega's Theme". Though 160 hours of gameplay time is just a lot for two stories, but the great soundtrack made time passes by quickly without my notice.

BDFF after-thoughts

However, the main focus on my write-up is the plots of both game titles. Let's start with BDFF. I bought this game after picking up some good reviews online. After finishing the prequel in the year 2014, I was mind-blown by its complicated but engaging plot and how various gameplay elements fit snugly into that plot. THE PLOT WAS JUST AMAZING. Without revealing too much spoiler, various common tropes of JRPGs were used in amazing ways to make a plot unlike anything that I have ever known of. The character behaviours may be common in ACG media, but the localizing team gave the game extra punch in the dialogues, thus enhancing the characters and their charms. Puns and other wordplay come into hand, but all-and-all, these dialogues made all the characters lovable, particularly Ringabel.

BSEL after-thoughts

Convinced that the game had already gave a great ending, I initially thought that BSEL was just a sequel game title made to cash on the great success of the prequel. And so, I did not pick up this game until a sales took place late last year (2016). Considering the long time past since I played the prequel, starting on BSEL did feel like a new game to me just because I have totally forgetten about my play experience on BDFF. As such, it was definitely a value-buy for me. Furthermore, the BSEL plot, particularly its side quests, offer some of the best backstory as well as character development this series have to offer. For good measure, allow me to say this one more: THE SIDE QUESTS offer great backstory and character development. Please do not miss it. BSEL also upped its game on puns and wordplay, so those who are annoyed with wordplay during BDFF with be even more disturbed with the dialogues of BSEL.