Square Enix and Nintendo made a demo available for Bravely Default, a supposed return to classic RPG form for the makers of Final Fantasy. This is a Nintendo 3DS game, and it’s already taken Europe and Japan by storm.
Bound for a full release in February of this year, this brand new demo is meant to do what all demos are meant to do: whet our gaming appetites and get us to buy in.
In some ways, it’s one of the best demos I’ve played in a long time. In one other, very distinct way, I kind of hate it.
Let’s start with the awesome. And, let me just say, you need to download this demo. It’s tremendous.
Bravely The Best Demo Ever
The solid parts of the Bravely Default demo come several fold. Upon reading them, you’ll likely agree that a lot of other demos should present themselves in a similar fashion.
First, and foremost for me, is that this demo contains content not found in the full game. That means what you do here, for the few hours that you do it, won’t be repeated in the main campaign. It also means that playing the demo will be important for those among us who consider themselves pure completionists.
The other biggie, and a huge reason for this demo’s success, is that progress here will carry over to the main game once it’s released. In fact, if you complete the demo, you’ll be given a reward that will help your characters at the onset of your adventure in the full campaign.
Playing the demo, thanks largely to those big reasons, doesn’t feel like a waste of time. Original content and actual character progression come together to make this demo almost feel like a worthwhile prequel.
The one quality for me that, perhaps, might turn other gamers off is that there’s practically no tutorial to speak of. A few tip cards fly in and out during play, but, other than that, you’re sort of on your own.
That means there are no tutorials to get in your way during play. It’s just you and the game, good luck.
The Bad Part?
At first blush, this side of the demo isn’t really “bad,” per se.
The first time you fire it up, as with all Nintendo demos, you’ll be met with a counter that starts at 30. The next time you go to play? 29. 30 plays stand between you and never trying this demo again.
Okay, on one hand, this is fine. I won’t sit here and suggest that 30 plays isn’t enough to decide whether or not a game is for you. You’ll likely know before play five if that’s the case.
The problem stems from one of this demo’s big positives. The storyline in Bravely Default’s demo is completely unique. Once those 30 plays are over, you’ll never be able to see this one again.
Square Enix, in their heyday, were known for creating well layered and incredibly good storylines and mechanic sets. Some gamers have played Final Fantasy VII, for instance, well over 30 times. They cherish the story and its elements.
After 30 plays, this demo and its contents are gone. If anyone out there wants to revisit it more than that, they can’t.
Hopefully Square Enix preserves the content by putting it out in a patch for the full game down the line. For now? If you consider yourself a gaming historian, take notes.
This demo is a must have as far as I’m concerned. It’s free. Download it.
