Dear Reader:

You are viewing a story from GN Version 4.0. Time may not have been kind to formatting, integrity of links, images, information, etc.

Bravely Default interview - On why the DLC was included and balancing issues

by nintendaan
22 October 2013
GN Version 4.0
- 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.
- 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.
- Asano:"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. 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."
- Asano on balance issues: "Bravely Second isn't a de-merit, but a system that gives players an advantage. It's convenient, and very powerful. 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?' 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]."
- On why this was included as DLC: '"There's a chance that all the players could end up disliking it, so we really put a lot of thought into this one. 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. 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."
- On the cost of the drinks: "We're actually still in the brainstorming stage for that. 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."