Bravely Default: For The Sequel Is Like A “Demo” For Bravely Default 2

Bravely Default: For the Sequel will be an enhanced version of the Bravely Default game, and is currently being developed at the same time as the actual sequel. What kind of improvements will we be seeing? Producer Tomoya Asano talks all about these and how the idea began, in a featured interview in this week’s Famitsu magazine.

Famitsu starts the interview out by asking Asano about the significance of the game’s subtitle, “For the Sequel”.

“First, I’d like to start out by saying that the development of For the Sequel is happening parallel to the actual sequel of Bravely Default.” says the producer. “The upcoming title [Bravely Default: For the Sequel] is a Bravely Default that is made in anticipation of the game’s sequel. So that would make For the Sequel a literal translation of its concept.”

Bravely Default: For the Sequel will have various new features that will be in the actual sequel of the game, such as an enhanced version of the battle system, which allows players to choose Brave to use turns in advance or stock them for the next turn. Famitsu asks about their reason for implementing the new system in the enhanced version of the original game.

“For Bravely Default, we released various demo versions and were able to revise the game according to the opinions and references of those who got to try it out,” says Asano. “It was thanks to this game of catch we had with our players that it was made possible. So, this time, prior to the actual sequel, in order to see everyone’s reaction, we’re implementing the new system ahead of time.”

He continues, “That said, the upcoming title could be implied as a demo version to the proper sequel, but I’d like to remind you that it is not an actual demo, where you can only play a part of the game. Rather, you’ll get to play the original version in full, but in a much easier-to-play form and also in a larger scale.”

To sum it up, instead of waiting until they have a demo of the sequel, the development team will be implementing certain features from the sequel in Bravely Default: For the Sequel, in order to stay in touch with players and their thoughts ahead of time.

However, the new system isn’t the only thing they’ll be adding. In addition to new features such as being able to change encounter rates and upgraded town graphics, they’ve made over 100 tweaks and improvements in line with what they believe will make the game more enjoyable, Asano says.

The above image shows the upgraded character interface of Bravely Default: For the Sequel in comparison to the original version. The top screen has a longer list so you won’t have to scroll as much, and the developers have added stats and new touch-screen compatible buttons to the left of the character on the bottom screen.

The battle screen has also been upgraded, as it now indicates the commands you’ve input for each character. Additionally, you can now scroll through a different screen that will show various stats such as conditions and buffs. Also, in addition to having English and other languages options such as French, Italian, German and Spanish; Bravely Default: For the Sequel also offers other data-related options. While transferring data from the original version, you can choose what you’d like to transfer, such as your character levels, jobs, money, items and more.

Furthermore,  For the Sequel offers three save data slots unlike the original game, which was limited to just one.

Bravely Default: For the Sequel will be coming out on December 5 in Japan, while Europe will be getting the game later this year. North America will see it in 2014.