Square Enix recently revealed some new features we’ll be seeing in Bravely Default: For the Sequel, an enhanced version of the original game. In addition to being able to do more damage than before, players will also get to stop time to give monsters a beating. Speaking with Famitsu, producer Tomoya Asano talks about how the idea came to be.
Here’s another look at how we’ll be able to do over 9,000 damage in the updated Bravely Default: For the Sequel, as the previous damage limit was set at 9,999 damage, this time we’ll get to dish out higher damage that ranges into the five digit figures. Additionally, one of the major new features that will be in the game is the Bravely Second, which allows one to pause time in the middle of battles, by using SP, and attack their opponents.
SP will accumulate while your 3DS is in sleep mode, which will give you one SP point every eight hours. While you can collect two to three SP a day, you’ll also be able to purchase SP Drinks from the Nintendo eShop, that immediately gives you three SP points.
During his short interview with Famitsu, Asano shared a few thoughts on the Bravely Second feature.
“While we can’t change the game’s characteristics, we also can’t just make it more difficult, so I decided to put in a simple idea,” answers Asano when asked about how the idea started. “I’d like to think of the Brave & Default system as a fun way to control turns, and I think Bravely Second will bring a fun way to deviate from the turn.”
While the Bravely Second feature sounds useful, there’s concern that it could be a bit too much. Famitsu asks if they share any concerns of it ruining the balance of the game.
“Bravely Second isn’t a de-merit, but a system that gives players an advantage. It’s convenient, and very powerful,” emphasizes Asano. “With that said, since it requires putting the Nintendo 3DS in sleep-mode to accumulate SP, players will most likely only be able to use it twice or three times a day. I expect people to use it after asking themselves ‘should I use that trump card?’”
Asano adds, “While it will be balanced in its own way, Bravely Default always had the Friend Summon and Ability Link features, so there aren’t any strict balances. I believe that’s one of Bravely Default’s charms that makes it enjoyable [laughs].”
After providing a brief explanation on how to accumulate SP, Famitsu asks Asano his reason for adding the SP Drink for Bravely Default: For the Sequel. SP drinks, which can be purchased as DLC, will allow you to replenish your SP without putting your 3DS to sleep.
“There’s a chance that all the players could end up disliking it, so we really put a lot of thought into this one,” says Asano. “With that in mind, the reason we decided to go through with the plan is because of our wish to have as many people possible beat the game. Some players might want to continue with the story but might not be able to beat the boss no matter how hard they try, and eventually give up on the game, which is the last thing we’d want.”
“It’s for this reason that we also included the difficulty and encounter rate adjustments,” continues Asano. “Ultimately, it will be an item that will allow you to beat bosses, simply by drinking it—although we didn’t make it into some item that’s like a ‘bomb that instantly blows up bosses’ because we still want you to have fun with the game. Just to be clear, the game will allow you to still use the Bravely Second up to two or three times a day, without having to purchase SP Drinks.”
Finally, Famitsu asks if he could share an estimate on how much the SP Drinks will cost in the 3DS eShop.
“We’re actually still in the brainstorming stage for that,” says Asano. “If it’s too cheap, then players will get to use it as much as they want, and that would ruin the balance. I think it’d be good to have a price that stays true to the value of a special trump card.”
Bravely Default is set to be released on December 6 in Europe and early 2014 in North America.
