So, the other day I found myself deep diving into the whole scene around Nintendo Switch 2’s upcoming launch. And guess what popped up? An HD version of Bravely Default. Yeah, the 2012 3DS game is making a comeback as “Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster.” Crazy, right?
Now, there’s a tangled history behind this game that connects back to the whole Final Fantasy thing, but honestly, I kinda zoned out—Wikipedia’s got you covered there. Some wise old sage from the internet likely wrote about it ages ago.
Okay, let’s cut to the chase. Bravely Default’s this turn-based RPG that everyone keeps raving about. It’s got this “Brave/Default” mechanic that everyone and their grandma seems to love. Your party has to choose between holding their ground or going all out against monsters. It’s sorta unique, in a makes-you-think kind of way.
I’m pretty hyped, mainly because I’ve delved into Bravely Default II and Octopath Traveler II, but not the OG. People say it’s a blast—an RPG that tips its hat to the timeless SNES-era games while tossing some new ingredients into the pot. And it’s not even expensive, just $40 in the U.S., which feels like a steal compared to the usual pricey stuff.
So, while cruising PAX East 2025, I stumbled upon a demo of this Flying Fairy HD Remaster. Played it using their fancy Joy-Con 2s for the main game and then the new minigames with some mouse-like controls. Handheld? Nope, had to stick to TV mode, and it’s all still in development. But the joysticks? They felt right at home under my thumbs.
I got to poke around the first ten minutes, battled a few critters in a cave, and let me tell you, it looked sharp. It’s no full-blown makeover, but the clean graphics and smooth performance were reassuring. Couldn’t grab any clips, but my eyes swear it must’ve been hitting that sweet 60fps or close. Those lovingly drawn backgrounds from the original—they shine even more now.
Oh, and the new minigames! There’s this Luxencheer Rhythm Catch which feels like a distant cousin to Theatrhythm. You shake those Joy-Con 2s around like you’re leading a parade, catching beats left and right. I played on an easier setting and, well, I couldn’t fully feel the groove, but I guess it’s still fun.
Then there’s Ringabel’s Panic Cruise, my kind of chaos. Flying an airship with two mice as hands? Yep, exactly. You’re twisting wheels, managing levers, fixing bits and pieces—it’s silly and hectic and has potential for some party laughter.
These little extras feel like a nod to Switch 2’s quirks rather than main features, but hey, it’s something. They also threw in a slick single-screen UI, revamped StreetPass, and those nice-to-have fast-forward options.
June 5’s the date to circle. Square Enix is dropping this bad boy, and it seems like a solid piece of nostalgia with a modern twist. There might still be some question marks about a few features, but it’s looking pretty promising!
