Bravely Default presented a medley of Final Fantasy V's job class system, Dragon Quest's grindy progression, Tales' Skits, and a lush visual style and soundtrack in a work that actually felt like a step-up in quality for JRPGs. Its deep combat system features self-turn manipulating mechanics (Brave/Default, reminiscent of Xenosaga: Episode II's build & release combat) that reconfigure basic JRPG battle concepts to its own means, enhanced by a long list of job classes and skills altering it in various ways. While the characters are pretty tropey by themselves, the wonderful story moments, long-winded character building and meta twists compensate greatly. However, the story's back half devolves into repetition and superfluous boss-fights, that at least act more like engaging party-customization challenges than relevant, coherent story moments. More than just being polished and entertaining, Bravely Default is a textbook case on how to update the recipes of the past.