The latest title in the "Bravely" series is now available for smartphones, featuring new warriors of light!

On January 27, 2022, the smartphone title "Bravely Default Brilliant Lights" began distribution. This RPG was developed to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the "Bravely" series. In this article, we will introduce the outline and battle system of this title, as well as our impressions after playing it.

Warriors of Light embark on an epic journey to explore crystals

The setting of this work is a vast continent called "Vermelio. One day, Claire, who was studying alchemy in Brass, also known as the "City of Alchemy," receives a request to investigate. The request included an order to go to a pyramid in the suburbs of Brass to investigate the effects of the "light" that has been occurring recently.

Accompanied by a young man named Steele Franklin, Claire heads there, where she meets the adventurer Sandra Cassandra, the magician Rufus, and the fairy Lumina. Sandra and Rufus said that they had come to the continent of Vermelio from their own world by the light generated in the pyramid. Lumina the fairy tells them that Claire and the other four have received the revelation of the Great Alchemy and that they have been chosen as warriors to save the world, and leads them on a journey to gather eight hopes. This is the prologue of the film.

The initial setting is the continent of Vermelio, but the main story of this work also involves two other worlds, "Luxendark" and "Exilant". Both have appeared in previous "Bravely" games, and nostalgic characters such as Tiz Auria, the main character of the first game, have been implemented in this game, transcending the boundaries of the game and time axis.

The "Bravely" series has been highly acclaimed for its scenario, and the app version of this title is expected to be no different. In particular, the game's connection to past works is depicted from the beginning as if it is more than just a crossover, and there is a sense that it will be involved in the core of the storyline.

In addition, the characters implemented in this work have their own individual stories, which will be explained later on in the specific method of obtaining them. I have only seen only a part of the story since it has just been distributed, but I was able to confirm several stories that are prequels to the main story. To gain a deeper understanding of the world and the story, it is recommended that you also get to know the character stories while progressing through the main storyline.

Turn-based battles using "Brave" and "Default

Battles in this title are turn-based. A party of up to four players battles enemies using abilities such as attack and recovery each time it is their turn to fight. In addition, two elements, "Brave" and "Default," are involved.

Using "Brave" allows the player to take up to three additional actions instead of consuming "BP". Brave players can use their braves in a variety of ways, such as attacking and recovering twice each, or choosing to attack all four times.

To save BP, use default. During the turn you choose to default, you cannot do anything, but instead you can reduce the damage you receive from enemies. This is useful when you are about to receive an enemy's big move, as it allows you to prepare for the Brave and defend yourself at the same time.

You can borrow BP in advance, so you don't necessarily need to have a BP of 1 or more to use a Brave; you can use it 3 times at any time even if you have zero BP. However, in that case, the BP will become negative and the target ally will not be able to act at all until it returns to zero. If it is a negative amount, BP will be recovered one by one each turn, so if the BP is minus 3, the target will be stuck for 3 turns.

The timing of when to use Brave and Default, and how to cover the turn in which you cannot move if you borrow BP in advance, are some of the most exciting aspects of battles in this game. In small fry battles, it is fine to borrow BP in advance and rush into the fray, but boss battles are not over so quickly, so this is where the player's skill really comes into play.

This title also supports auto-battles, so you can leave these tactics to the AI. If the battle speed is increased, it will be more comfortable. This makes it easy to play, even for those who are new to the game. Personally, however, I prefer to use the auto-battle function only for battles against small fry. In battles against strong enemies or bosses, one turn's action can make or break the game, so leaving the battle to the AI leaves me feeling uneasy. Unless you have a well-trained character, it will be difficult to auto-battle boss battles as well.

Using Mithril, you can certainly get a character to join your team.

There are two main ways to acquire characters in this game. One is by turning in gacha, and the other is by joining a character directly. Both use a special item called "mithril.

It is worth mentioning that one can obtain companions directly. Currently, all implemented characters are eligible for this. This is quite easy for players, as they can obtain a character without any luck by gacha. The exchange rate is 2,000 each, but since the amount of mithril you receive when you start the game is about 4,000, you can always get up to two companions of your choice. It should be noted that in this case, you will not be able to obtain the exclusive weapon that the target has.

Each gacha requires 300 mithril, or 3,000 mithril for 10 rounds. This is similar to other social games, but the highest rarity "R10" in this game is 10%. However, since weapons other than those that can unlock characters are also eligible, it may be difficult to realize the high rate if you pull the gacha for the sake of characters.

Equipment can be obtained not only from the gacha but also from the main quests. You can rely on them to collect weapons and use the mithril to exchange for characters. Especially in the early stages of the game, when the player's strength is limited, it is a great way to ensure that he or she will be able to acquire new friends.

Although it may seem a little difficult to get your hands on a 10th anniversary title, this title focuses solely on a new world and protagonist. Even those who are not familiar with the "Bravely" series should be able to enjoy this game.

(Text by Yoshiyoshi Natsunouchi)

Game Information

Bravely Default: Brilliant Lights

BRAVELY DEFAULT BRILLIANT LIGHTS

Compatibility: iOS / Android

Genre: RPG

Distribution date: Undecided

Play Fee: Free to play (items are charged)

Official Twitter: ##