Why Square Enix Remastered Bravely Default for Nintendo Switch 2: Behind the Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Revival

Square Enix has revitalized a JRPG classic with the release of Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster on Nintendo Switch 2, answering the call from fans and celebrating the tenth anniversary of the acclaimed Bravely Default series.

Developed by Silicon Studio and published by Square Enix, the original Bravely Default first debuted on the Nintendo 3DS in 2012, winning praise for its innovative combat system and nostalgic design that echoed the golden era of Japanese role-playing games.

In the lead-up to the series' milestone anniversary, Square Enix’s internal discussions focused on how best to commemorate the legacy of Bravely Default.

As revealed in a recent interview, Tomoya Asano, General Producer of the Bravely Series, explained that talks began in spring 2022 around the anniversary and how the development team could give back to their loyal community.

"We deliberated a variety of options, from conceptualizing a brand-new game to considering a full remake, but ultimately agreed that making the original Bravely Default accessible on modern platforms would resonate most with our audience," said Asano. Assistant producer Masashi Takahashi, who contributed to the original game’s development, expressed heartfelt excitement during the planning phase.

The team quickly realized that marking the ten-year milestone was a unique opportunity.

Asano recounted encouraging his colleagues, asking, "With just six months to the anniversary, can we achieve this?" Despite the tight timeline, the team pressed on, with development soon aligning with the launch window for Nintendo Switch 2—a fortunate coincidence that allowed for both modern hardware support and fanfare. Naofumi Matsushita, Producer of Bravely Default, noted an additional catalyst: the discontinuation of the Nintendo 3DS eShop, set for March 2023.

"Amid the news of the eShop closure, we saw a significant outpouring from worldwide fans who mourned losing access to the game and its features.

It was a powerful reminder of the ongoing passion for Bravely Default," Matsushita stated.

He explained that witnessing this enthusiasm deepened the team's commitment to a remaster, ensuring fans would not lose a beloved classic to time. The result is Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, which brings the original's acclaimed gameplay, story, and artistry to the Nintendo Switch 2 with enhanced HD graphics and quality-of-life improvements.

The remaster not only modernizes the visual experience but also incorporates feedback and requests from a decade of series fans, further solidifying Bravely Default’s place in the RPG pantheon. As the Bravely Default franchise surpasses one million copies sold worldwide, Square Enix’s decision to launch this remaster stands as a testament to the enduring impact of its original vision and the dedication of its creators and community.

The availability of Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster on Nintendo Switch 2 ensures that new and returning players alike can experience the legacy that helped define a generation of handheld RPGs.

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