Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster – A Sneak Peek

A Switch 2 launch game that won’t throw you into Default-mode despair.

So yeah, the Nintendo Switch 2 dropped this thing called “Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster” the other day. It’s just the old Bravely Default, now looking snazzier in HD. Originally, this was a 3DS deal way back in 2012, but it hit the West a bit later, with some tweaks and a bit more to play around with. Classic timing, right?

Now, there’s all this buzz about how this game kinda started as a Final Fantasy spin-off before branching out on its own — but I’m gonna skip most of that. Seriously, Google it if you’re into history lessons, or maybe there’s a vintage NWR article that explains it better from, like, the dawn of time. Who knows?

But here’s the thing: Bravely Default is one of those turn-based JRPGs that people can’t stop talking about. It’s got this “Brave/Default” system that’s made waves in other Square Enix RPGs since. Ever heard of the Octopath Travelers? Yep, they borrowed from this. Basically, while you’re battling away, you can “Default,” which saves moves, or go all “Brave” and unleash multiple attacks at once. Sounds hectic but fun, right?

Ok, I’ll admit I’m curious about this remaster. I’ve played Bravely Default II and Octopath Traveler II but somehow skipped the original. People keep saying it’s a blast—a long, epic RPG that feels like those classic SNES-era Final Fantasy games with new tricks up its sleeve. Plus, this HD version is priced way better at $40, which is kinda refreshing when new games are asking for your entire wallet.

So I tried out this remaster at PAX East 2025. Used the new Joy-Con 2s for RPG parts—felt kinda cool—and tackled the new minigames with mouse controls. All on TV, though, not handheld. I played on some development kit, so I can’t promise it’ll be exactly the same once it’s out, but those joysticks? Seem pretty on point.

In the game’s first few minutes—just a taste, really—I wandered through a cave, fought some random enemies, and yeah, it looks sharp, like a remastered oldie should. It’s no total remake, but that’s fine by me. Preview limits meant no in-depth gameplay capture, but I’d swear it was running at something like 60fps. And those backgrounds? Hand-drawn beauty, man.

This remaster throws in two fresh minigames using the Switch 2’s mouse controls: Luxencheer Rhythm Catch and Ringabel’s Panic Cruise. Now, the mouse feel on Switch 2? Eh, not quite your trusty PC mouse, but hey, I bet some kid’s gonna dive into Civilization from this and thank Nintendo later.

Luxencheer’s like Theatrhythm, where you flail Joy-Con 2s around to songs. Fun? Sure. Rhythmic? I don’t know, I played on easy cause I was short on time. Maybe it’s smoother on harder settings.

Ringabel had me more hooked, though. You’re flying an airship and juggling all this control stuff—wheel, levers, valves. It’s a hot mess, and I think that chaos could be a hit at parties.

In all, these extras are like neat little toppings on the main dish. They’re not the main reason you’re here, but they sprinkle some fun. There are also new features, like a single-screen UI and fast-forwarding, plus some revamped stuff from the old StreetPass mode.

Bottom line? Come June 5, Square Enix is launching this HD revival of a beloved 3DS-era RPG. The price is right, and it seems like they nailed it. There are still some unknowns, like whether all original features make a comeback, but this looks like a win.