Bravely Default is arguably the most anticipated Nintendo 3DS title in quite a while. The game was released more than a year ago in Japan by Square Enix and since them fans of RPGs and Square Enix have been clamoring for a Western release. So when Nintendo announced a while ago that the game was coming out in North Amwerica it’s safe to say that people were thrilled.
Today Nintendo announced that not only will the game finally launch in North America in stores and in the Nintendo eShop on February 7th, but an exclusive demo will be released in the eShop on January 2nd. BUT the demo won’t just be a demo, but will be an exclusive story with hours of content not included in the main game in which Tiz and his allies work towards the restoration of Norentae village. You can also receive item packs which can be transferred to the full version of the game when it’s released along with up to twenty StreetPass tags and any friends registered in the demo.
Another interesting feature of the game is the addition of Sleep points, which are earner for every eight hours of non consecutive time the Nintendo 3DS system is in sleep mode. If players with the full game close their system while the game is active, they might gather additional warriors via StreetPass, but they also earn Sleep Points. Sleep Points can then be used during battle to change equipment, revive a fallen party member, heal or unleash attacks beyond the game’s usual damage cap. Taking advantage of the micro-transaction model that is used by a lot of game developers, players who don’t want to wait for their Sleep Points to refill have the option of purchasing SP potions in the Nintendo eShop to refill all three Sleep Points at once. Purchasing sleep points in the eShop isn’t necessary but gives players another option, and can be done right from the game menu without having to go into the eShop. Pricing details weren’t revealed.
The full game launches in stores and in the Nintendo eShop on February 7 at a suggested retail price of $39.99. Also launching at select retailers on February 7th is a Collector’s Edition, which includes the game, an art book, a soundtrack CD and 34 augmented-reality cards. These will be available at GameStop, Best Buy and Amazon.com at a suggested retail price of $49.99.
What do you think of this game? Are you going to purchase Bravely Default when it arrives in North America?