Japan to Get Free-to-Play Version of Bravely Default, Includes Half the Game

Bravely Default is arguably one of the best RPGs, if not the best, that Square Enix has developed in the last few years. It has been so successful, especially in the US, that SE is planning to refocus its efforts to better serve traditional JRPG fans in the future. Before then, Japanese players are getting a special surprise: a free-to-play version of the 3DS adventure on July 28.

Based on Bravely Default: For the Sequel, the 2013 update to the original 2012 game from which the localized version was adapted, the free eShop download will contain the first four chapters. Considering that the entire game is eight chapters long, this is an incredible deal! The only catch is that voice acting has been removed. Should players want to play the remaining game and enjoy voiced dialog, they can download an update for 2000 yen (roughly $20) and transfer their progress over.

This is surprisingly generous news from a company that has been practicing some rather unsavory money-making tactics in recent years. It would be great if this deal was brought over here for Western players still on the fence.

Via: Gematsu