Monday, November 18, 2013

I'm seriously considering importing a copy of Bravely Default: For the Sequel for its box art

I feel like an ass for admitting this, but I've nearly convinced myself to pick up a copy of Bravely Default: For the Sequel--the Japanese version of the game that will hit European store shelves on Dec. 6 and North American ones on Feb. 7--shortly after its release (on Dec. 5).

I feel like an ass, of course, because I know I should wait for the North American release so I can give this portable RPG the support it'll likely need in this region.

Despite that, For the Sequel is looking really appealing to me at the moment for a couple of reasons.


First, there's the fact that, even if I pick up For the Sequel during the first week of the new year, I'll still have it a month before I would if I waited for the proper North American release.

Second--and I fully admit this reason's a bit sad, or at least silly--there's the fact that I much prefer For the Sequel's colorful cover imagery (see above) to the rather stark art (below) that's seemingly going to be used for the North American iteration.


I know what some of you are thinking: but the North American version's box art is the same as the art that graced the cover of the original Japanese release of Bravely Default!

Although I realize and appreciate that, I guess what I'm saying here is that I simply prefer this newer, more vibrant alternative.

The question is, though: do I prefer it enough that I'm willing to pay a premium--and feel like a bit of an ass--to obtain it?

26 comments:

Zaphod65 said...

You could always print your own cover. I've done that with used games that have no cover art.

Justin Difazzio said...

When did the subtitle change from Flying Fairy to For the Sequel? I friggin hate it. But it fits right in with Nintendo's seeming obsession with titling things in such a way that the consuming public is completely befuddled.

thegaygamer.com said...

I don't have access to a printer that would be able to do such a thing, Terry. Unless I could go to Kinkos or something like that...

thegaygamer.com said...

It isn't Nintendo's doing, Justin; Square Enix publishes the game in Japan. Also, this is an updated version of Flying Fairy--which is the version we'll get here in February and Europe and Australia will get in December. I have a feeling they altered the subtitle for the Japanese version simply to let potential buyers know it's not the version they already have. Plus, it's to let them know that this version includes some changes/updates that will be present in the as-yet-unofficially announced sequel. Does that make sense? Sorry if I was confusing in the post...

Justin Difazzio said...

Oh, you weren't confusing. I've been confused about that subtitle since the first time I saw it.


It's still an incredibly odd choice for a subtitle.

thegaygamer.com said...

Oh, I agree that it's odd. That said, it's also very, um, "Japanese," so not too surprising for me. I think the funniest/weirdest part of it is that it could also be taken as meaning something along the lines of "buy this to fund the sequel!" Anyway, thankfully it seems the game will just be called "Bravely Default" outside of Japan.

Justin Difazzio said...

Oh. Good!

thegaygamer.com said...

Glad I could quell your fears, Justin :)

Zaphod65 said...

Ah, good point. My printer died awhile back and I couldn't do that right now if I wanted to. I'll have to replace it at some point.

dowfs said...

I love your sense of style and posts like this, i've been watching your blog for some time and i really like it.
I would totally pickup the japanese version if my money allows it.

thegaygamer.com said...

We stopped buying our own printers a few years ago, Terry, because every one we bought died shortly thereafter. So, I think I'll probably just leave the box art of whichever version I end up buying alone.

thegaygamer.com said...

Hey there, dowfs! Thanks for the comment--especially considering it's so nice :)

My only fear with the Japanese version--which is "only" about $49 through sites like PlayAsia--is that the English text option will be a chore to find. Or, worse, it'll be part of some sort of DLC, which is how it was originally announced.

Once I know more about that, I'll make my own decision as to whether I'll buy the JP version or NA one.

BTW, here's a link to PlayAsia's page for the game: http://www.play-asia.com/bravely-default-for-the-sequel-paOS-13-49-en-70-709h.html

apricotsushi said...

I was going to ask why you weren't considering importing the European version, and then I remembered... REGION LOCKING


Anyway, I'm totally with you about the Japanese/EU artwork being way better! I do wish we got the limited edition of the game that doesn't come with the statue over here though, because I'd rather pay $55 for an artbook + CD than $150 for all that and a statue... But I suppose I'm paying for the better cover art and the chance to play it in December, too, haha.

thegaygamer.com said...

Yes, Anne. YES! Stupid region-locking :|


Why don't you buy the regular edition of the game over there, BTW? Or do you want the artbook and CD?


I briefly considered trying to get the CE that's being released here, but I know I won't do anything with the artbook or CD, so I'm passing on it. Just the basic game--either JP or NA--for me!

diaglyph said...

Can't wait for this game!!
I thoroughly enjoyed the demo!! :D
I'm glad they've dropped the subtitle completely.

apricotsushi said...

Oh, I really do want the artbook and CD, I think. I really love the art style and imagine the music will be very lovely. Plus, it's probably the biggest release in the past 2 or so years for me!

diaglyph said...

The soundtrack is amazing!!
I've downloaded it since I missed out on the special ed

thegaygamer.com said...

I like the art style, too, but I just can't imagine I'd do much with a book about it. Also, I'm sure the soundtrack will be lovely, but I also can't imagine I'll sit around and listen to it. I'm glad you think you'll make use of both, though. I certainly wasn't trying to sway you against the CE. I think it's great that so many people are planning to buy the CE released in their respective regions :)

thegaygamer.com said...

Pirate! Just kidding :P

thegaygamer.com said...

And you're not usually a fan of turn-based RPGs, right?

diaglyph said...

LOL :p

diaglyph said...

Though this would have to be my favourite ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ7gdKT_K5g

thegaygamer.com said...

Oh, that's really energetic, isn't it? I really can't to experience this sucker for myself :)

diaglyph said...

And this haha

Combat music:
http://youtu.be/7a-8pqvm298

thegaygamer.com said...

You're really on a roll, aren't you? ;P

diaglyph said...

Cant you tell Im really looking forward to this? :p