gekigengar gargant III!!! (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
aestivalis) wrote2021-03-22 12:12 pm
aestivalis) wrote2021-03-22 12:12 pm
Bravely Default II is a very good game about STOP DOING THAT
I wonder if this is going to be an update about Bravely Default II! (It is.)
I have almost hit 100 hours on this game and it still isn't over! I am absolutely certain that I haven't been playing an "optimum" run, like, I know it can be beaten much much faster than this? But damn, I am just playing at my own pace, doing sidequests whenever I get the chance, revisiting old areas to battle monsters that used to be too powerful for me, and the hours have just kept on clocking up. And here we are!
I'm pretty certain I'm in the final leg of the game now, but I've been decently sure of that for a fair little while now, SO HEY. Who knows! If I had a hard time being spoiler-free outside the cut last update, this one is going to be even worse. How to even explain where I am at this point? I am... just a little bit past the scene where Elvis leaves some flowers, and have just finished seeking guidance from an old friend. SORRY LADS, THAT'S THE BEST YOU'RE GETTING
✦ Let's talk plot first. Mag Mell is a cute little town, although it has a chest somewhere in it that I can't seem to find which is Deeply Upsetting. Interesting to learn that fairies are just born out of flowers, apparently! Erin has a cute outfit and I want to have it.
I do feel like Esmeralda was convinced a little too easily by Elvis. Actually, if it isn't a bit odd to say, I feel like Adelle and Elvis have sort of become the main characters and main romance of the story at this point, with Seth and Gloria serving more as their supporting cast. I really would have liked to have seen Gloria making an impassioned plea on behalf of humanity, although I can understand why Elvis's endlessly friendly bumbling appeal might perhaps have been more effective in this circumstance. I do like the idea of Esmeralda deciding 'well, we obviously have nothing to fear from you' after speaking to him, although it's rude that she wouldn't believe it coming from Adelle herself...!
✦ The road down to the Fount of Knowledge was full of enemies that killed me a lot. I've been largely too stubborn to back down from playing the game on hard mode, since I've been playing that way for such a long time at this point, but dang, enemy encounters ain't ever going easy on my poor self. It was a sweet location, though, particularly with the shimmering images of memory dotted along the path—that nice little nostalgic path down to the final encounter...
✦ First time I tried to battle the Night's Nexus, I reached its second form but got got. But at least that meant I knew what I was up against, could swap some abilities or equipment around and try again, eh? Second time, I did it!
... That is to say, I defeated the second form. Then it had a THIRD phase. I didn't survive the third phase.
✦ Having had that experience, I decided to go and check out some of the Halls of Tribulation, aka the bonus asterisk fights. THEY HARD, GUYS. I actually managed to defeat Bernard, Shirley, Anihal and Orpheus on hard mode, which was quite uplifting...! But I wasn't even getting close with any of the others.
Actually, that's not strictly true. With the amount of single-target damage afoot, I could actually keep Adam, Marla and Horton pretty well under control. I tend to run Gloria is a walking fortress anyway, so letting her use Wall > Wall > Reprisal > Defender of the People was keeping her and the rest of the party pretty safely alive no matter what was being thrown toward them. With that in place, I was able to bring Horton and Marla both down to earth. But Adam, man... he just outhealed anything I could do to him. I clearly wasn't there yet, set-up wise. Needed to regroup and try again.
In the end, I actually dropped the difficulty down to Normal for a while, mostly because I wanted to get in those first clears and unlock the Legendary levels for my asterisks. Playing on normal, I was able to defeat:
- Bernard, Shirley, Orpheus, Anihal (defeated on hard)
- Galahad, Glenn and Gladys
- Helio, Domenic and Martha
- Adam, Marla and Horton*
Which has given me access so far to Freelancer, Thief, Gambler, Bard, Beastmaster, Shieldmaster, Salve-Maker, Swordmaster, Oracle, Spiritmaster, Dragoon, Hellblade, Phantom and Monk. I still haven't gone back to attempt Roddy, Lily, Selene and Dag since lowering the difficulty, AND UHHH, THE LESS SAID ABOUT FOLIE, CASTOR AND VIGINTIO THE BETTER.... that did not go well.
*see next bullet point for details...
✦ When you get certain ridiculously powerful job class combos figured out, it's a little hard to forget them. Even if they actually trivialise some content in a way that isn't actually strictly fun. Phantom/Salve-Maker is one of these combos. Paralysing and poisoning Adam into oblivion was very effective, but I'm not sure it made me feel very good. Going on to use those exact same tactics against the Night's Nexus and even against Sir Sloan really really didn't fill my dark soul with light. I think, for my own enjoyments sake, I might have to ban that combo for the remainder of this playthrough.
✦ SO HOW ABOUT THAT SECOND CREDIT ROLL, HUH
✦ Adelle my sweet child, if we're not going to let Gloria sacrifice herself, what makes you think we're going to let you and the rest of fairykind do the same. my love. my daughter. this is not happening. you have made me watch these credits all over again and made my heart break for you and it is for naught. come back you naughty naughty sweetheart.
Wahhh, I can really understand where she was coming from by choosing to stay in Mag Mell. BUT, ahh... see, I understand why they made plenty out of Elvis and Adelle in particular during that scene, but I feel like Gloria maybe spoke one line and I don't think Seth said anything at all? And that's a bit of a shame, because all in all I really buy in to the friendships that have built between these four characters and it seems a shame to undercut that. As for Elvis and Adelle... I don't mind it?! I think I would be happy to have it stay more between the lines than it looks like it's ultimately going to be, although even this confession didn't explicitly veer into the romantic. I don't know, man. This is still the best romance writing Bravely has managed across three games, but the idea of them loving each other this much while still having a completely platonic relationship just. really appeals to me as well, you know? So few examples of that.
✦ S I R S L O A N ! ! ! !
✦ Best boy is back, baby! And we're leaning real hard into the Defying Destiny stuff at this point, which is very standard JRPG but also always very delightful. Got some real Auron vibes from Sloan being the survivor of a previous generation's great hero quest, and particularly a survivor who went on to aid and nurture those who might ultimately break the cycle of sacrifice. I hope Sir Sloan did kisses with Godric, Emma, Lonsdale, the as-yet-unseen Fairy Queen, and, uh, hopefully his wifey as well. Maybe King Vernon too, why not.
I haven't really taken a proper look at Bravebearer yet, but it's clearly the equivalent of the Sage class from Bravely Default in terms of being the class you use to farm JP and/or EXP. Back in 2014 when I played Bravely Default for the first time, I used the Sage class and the one-handed play configuration to do so much grinding while I was actually undergoing chemotherapy, hfjdk. Cannula in one sad hand, 3DS in the other, lmao. GOOD MEMORIES, in their own demented way. It'll be a strange kind of nice to revisit that again.
✦ That's pretty much where I'm at at this point! Though last update I think I once again forgot to mention the ongoing adventures of Dag and Selene. Dag has been changed by his brief blacksmith apprenticeship and has decided he wants to make things instead of destroy them... starting with making a whole new life with Selene! He even proposed with a ring he crafted himself, and she said yes! It was actually very sweet!
BUT THAT DOESN'T CHANGE THE TIME HE BEAT UP ON AN OLD MAN WHILE SHE HELD A CHILD HOSTAGE. I. WILL. NOT. HAVE. IT. No one does my Sir Sloan that way and gets a free pass. No one.
Do a little apology, Dag, and maybe just maybe I might see about forgiving you. a little bit.
SO HEY, maybe next time I update, I'll have finished the game! There's always a chance! Like, for real this time! Just gotta believe, man. Just gotta believe.
I have almost hit 100 hours on this game and it still isn't over! I am absolutely certain that I haven't been playing an "optimum" run, like, I know it can be beaten much much faster than this? But damn, I am just playing at my own pace, doing sidequests whenever I get the chance, revisiting old areas to battle monsters that used to be too powerful for me, and the hours have just kept on clocking up. And here we are!
I'm pretty certain I'm in the final leg of the game now, but I've been decently sure of that for a fair little while now, SO HEY. Who knows! If I had a hard time being spoiler-free outside the cut last update, this one is going to be even worse. How to even explain where I am at this point? I am... just a little bit past the scene where Elvis leaves some flowers, and have just finished seeking guidance from an old friend. SORRY LADS, THAT'S THE BEST YOU'RE GETTING
✦ Let's talk plot first. Mag Mell is a cute little town, although it has a chest somewhere in it that I can't seem to find which is Deeply Upsetting. Interesting to learn that fairies are just born out of flowers, apparently! Erin has a cute outfit and I want to have it.
I do feel like Esmeralda was convinced a little too easily by Elvis. Actually, if it isn't a bit odd to say, I feel like Adelle and Elvis have sort of become the main characters and main romance of the story at this point, with Seth and Gloria serving more as their supporting cast. I really would have liked to have seen Gloria making an impassioned plea on behalf of humanity, although I can understand why Elvis's endlessly friendly bumbling appeal might perhaps have been more effective in this circumstance. I do like the idea of Esmeralda deciding 'well, we obviously have nothing to fear from you' after speaking to him, although it's rude that she wouldn't believe it coming from Adelle herself...!
✦ The road down to the Fount of Knowledge was full of enemies that killed me a lot. I've been largely too stubborn to back down from playing the game on hard mode, since I've been playing that way for such a long time at this point, but dang, enemy encounters ain't ever going easy on my poor self. It was a sweet location, though, particularly with the shimmering images of memory dotted along the path—that nice little nostalgic path down to the final encounter...
✦ First time I tried to battle the Night's Nexus, I reached its second form but got got. But at least that meant I knew what I was up against, could swap some abilities or equipment around and try again, eh? Second time, I did it!
... That is to say, I defeated the second form. Then it had a THIRD phase. I didn't survive the third phase.
✦ Having had that experience, I decided to go and check out some of the Halls of Tribulation, aka the bonus asterisk fights. THEY HARD, GUYS. I actually managed to defeat Bernard, Shirley, Anihal and Orpheus on hard mode, which was quite uplifting...! But I wasn't even getting close with any of the others.
Actually, that's not strictly true. With the amount of single-target damage afoot, I could actually keep Adam, Marla and Horton pretty well under control. I tend to run Gloria is a walking fortress anyway, so letting her use Wall > Wall > Reprisal > Defender of the People was keeping her and the rest of the party pretty safely alive no matter what was being thrown toward them. With that in place, I was able to bring Horton and Marla both down to earth. But Adam, man... he just outhealed anything I could do to him. I clearly wasn't there yet, set-up wise. Needed to regroup and try again.
In the end, I actually dropped the difficulty down to Normal for a while, mostly because I wanted to get in those first clears and unlock the Legendary levels for my asterisks. Playing on normal, I was able to defeat:
- Galahad, Glenn and Gladys
- Helio, Domenic and Martha
- Adam, Marla and Horton*
Which has given me access so far to Freelancer, Thief, Gambler, Bard, Beastmaster, Shieldmaster, Salve-Maker, Swordmaster, Oracle, Spiritmaster, Dragoon, Hellblade, Phantom and Monk. I still haven't gone back to attempt Roddy, Lily, Selene and Dag since lowering the difficulty, AND UHHH, THE LESS SAID ABOUT FOLIE, CASTOR AND VIGINTIO THE BETTER.... that did not go well.
*see next bullet point for details...
✦ When you get certain ridiculously powerful job class combos figured out, it's a little hard to forget them. Even if they actually trivialise some content in a way that isn't actually strictly fun. Phantom/Salve-Maker is one of these combos. Paralysing and poisoning Adam into oblivion was very effective, but I'm not sure it made me feel very good. Going on to use those exact same tactics against the Night's Nexus and even against Sir Sloan really really didn't fill my dark soul with light. I think, for my own enjoyments sake, I might have to ban that combo for the remainder of this playthrough.
✦ SO HOW ABOUT THAT SECOND CREDIT ROLL, HUH
✦ Adelle my sweet child, if we're not going to let Gloria sacrifice herself, what makes you think we're going to let you and the rest of fairykind do the same. my love. my daughter. this is not happening. you have made me watch these credits all over again and made my heart break for you and it is for naught. come back you naughty naughty sweetheart.
Wahhh, I can really understand where she was coming from by choosing to stay in Mag Mell. BUT, ahh... see, I understand why they made plenty out of Elvis and Adelle in particular during that scene, but I feel like Gloria maybe spoke one line and I don't think Seth said anything at all? And that's a bit of a shame, because all in all I really buy in to the friendships that have built between these four characters and it seems a shame to undercut that. As for Elvis and Adelle... I don't mind it?! I think I would be happy to have it stay more between the lines than it looks like it's ultimately going to be, although even this confession didn't explicitly veer into the romantic. I don't know, man. This is still the best romance writing Bravely has managed across three games, but the idea of them loving each other this much while still having a completely platonic relationship just. really appeals to me as well, you know? So few examples of that.
✦ S I R S L O A N ! ! ! !
✦ Best boy is back, baby! And we're leaning real hard into the Defying Destiny stuff at this point, which is very standard JRPG but also always very delightful. Got some real Auron vibes from Sloan being the survivor of a previous generation's great hero quest, and particularly a survivor who went on to aid and nurture those who might ultimately break the cycle of sacrifice. I hope Sir Sloan did kisses with Godric, Emma, Lonsdale, the as-yet-unseen Fairy Queen, and, uh, hopefully his wifey as well. Maybe King Vernon too, why not.
I haven't really taken a proper look at Bravebearer yet, but it's clearly the equivalent of the Sage class from Bravely Default in terms of being the class you use to farm JP and/or EXP. Back in 2014 when I played Bravely Default for the first time, I used the Sage class and the one-handed play configuration to do so much grinding while I was actually undergoing chemotherapy, hfjdk. Cannula in one sad hand, 3DS in the other, lmao. GOOD MEMORIES, in their own demented way. It'll be a strange kind of nice to revisit that again.
✦ That's pretty much where I'm at at this point! Though last update I think I once again forgot to mention the ongoing adventures of Dag and Selene. Dag has been changed by his brief blacksmith apprenticeship and has decided he wants to make things instead of destroy them... starting with making a whole new life with Selene! He even proposed with a ring he crafted himself, and she said yes! It was actually very sweet!
BUT THAT DOESN'T CHANGE THE TIME HE BEAT UP ON AN OLD MAN WHILE SHE HELD A CHILD HOSTAGE. I. WILL. NOT. HAVE. IT. No one does my Sir Sloan that way and gets a free pass. No one.
Do a little apology, Dag, and maybe just maybe I might see about forgiving you. a little bit.
SO HEY, maybe next time I update, I'll have finished the game! There's always a chance! Like, for real this time! Just gotta believe, man. Just gotta believe.