Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster Brings Strategy to Switch

So, here’s the thing. I never got around to playing Bravely Default on the Nintendo 3DS. I know, I know, shocking stuff. My friends couldn’t stop raving about it, saying it’s up there with Final Fantasy. This year’s PAX East 2025 was my chance to dive into the HD Remaster version of Bravely Default Flying Fairy. Finally, I’m in the loop, sorta.

First impressions? Holy cow, no more dual screens. I didn’t expect that. Instead, they’ve cranked up the graphics, which I guess is cool compensation? They even tweaked the UI—side note, kinda fancy. I casually asked a Square Enix rep if they’d use this setup for Bravely Second: End Layer. She gave me a polite smile, maybe. They might, they might not. Who knows?

Now, playing an RPG in a timed demo—who thought that was a good idea? Anyway, dialogue and cutscenes? Yeah, I kinda skipped those. But the combat! That stuck with me. You get these two moves, Brave and Default. Brave is like, attack a bunch but leave yourself open afterwards. Default sorta banks your turns so you can Brave without the pain later. I went all in with Brave, consequences be darned. Let’s just say it was a wild ride of risk-taking.

Didn’t get around to the job system, but hey, I was impressed. It seems criminal I never played the original, but this revamped version is like a second chance. The game’s dropping on June 5 along with the new Nintendo Switch 2. Seriously, check it out.