Ultimately, Bravely Default 2 is a very by-the-books jrpg. If you've played one, you've basically experienced what BD2 brings to the table in terms of story. If you're looking for something deep and game-changing, you won't find it here.
With that said, the gameplay is tight and very fun and more than makes up for some of the lackluster parts in the story. With three difficulties you can swap between at basically any point with no downsides or penalties, you can play the game at your own pace. It's as challenging as you want it to be. While you can't mow through the whole game super easily on the easiest difficulty and you will have to strategize and plan, it's very satisfying and an excellent experience all around. I completed the game 100% just because I wanted to spend more time with it.
The biggest downside BD2 has is that the story is sort of a letdown, especially as you get further in. The standalone chapters hold up well with the overarching narrative between them falling short. There are multiple endings, and they do little to explain things or even tie up the experience in a satisfying way. The postgame challenges are very difficult, but rewarding to play. (Grinding for items, not so much.)
I thoroughly enjoyed Bravely Default 2 and now that I've finished my 100% file, I'm going to go back in with a ng+ and carry some things over to try out different job combinations and experience it again. I highly recommend this game - but only if you're already a big jrpg fan, and one who enjoys the gameplay more than the story.
With that said, the gameplay is tight and very fun and more than makes up for some of the lackluster parts in the story. With three difficulties you can swap between at basically any point with no downsides or penalties, you can play the game at your own pace. It's as challenging as you want it to be. While you can't mow through the whole game super easily on the easiest difficulty and you will have to strategize and plan, it's very satisfying and an excellent experience all around. I completed the game 100% just because I wanted to spend more time with it.
The biggest downside BD2 has is that the story is sort of a letdown, especially as you get further in. The standalone chapters hold up well with the overarching narrative between them falling short. There are multiple endings, and they do little to explain things or even tie up the experience in a satisfying way. The postgame challenges are very difficult, but rewarding to play. (Grinding for items, not so much.)
I thoroughly enjoyed Bravely Default 2 and now that I've finished my 100% file, I'm going to go back in with a ng+ and carry some things over to try out different job combinations and experience it again. I highly recommend this game - but only if you're already a big jrpg fan, and one who enjoys the gameplay more than the story.