Bravely Default producer Tomoya Asano was recently kind enough to field a question on the Nintendo Handheld Gaming Facebook page, revealing his inspirations behind the game's plot.
Asano started off with the somewhat predictable ā yet understandable ā response of establishing a fantasy RPG setting revolving around crystals and cute, exaggerated characters so that fans could jump in comfortably. After establishing that, however, he added there were other outside sources that held creative influence, including foreign TV and games:
I used the methodology of American TV dramas like the older Beverly Hills 90210 (Iām a huge fan!), and Glee as references. In terms of games, a number of games developed outside of Japan had major influence on the storytelling. So if you think about it, I guess you could call Bravely Default a traditional Japanese RPG with American content thrown in.
Few probably ever expected their JRPG to contain intentional notes of a '90s show about Californian teens, but there you have it. If it contributes to games as good as Bravely Default, someone should make sure Asano has the entire boxed set of the series!
If you've played Bravely Default, do you agree with Asano's sentiment that it's like a JRPG with American content? Does something about its story click with you now that you know some more about its creation? Let us know in the comments.
[source facebook.com, via destructoid.com]
Comments 27
I guess that explains some of the themes in chapter 2.
Well, now I know why so many characters and NPC's are so insanely arrogant and/or self-absorbed, but I couldn't really notice any references of the teen show variety...
So are Beverly Hills housewives' problems caused by hair dyes and fairy wings???
... And that kills any interest I had in trying this.
Haha. how funny! XD I'm really liking the story, music & gameplay so far.
Interesting! I know those shows because my sister and mom always had to watch them, but I haven't really noticed something that shows off these inspirations. The story still feels really JRPG'ish.
I... don't see it.
That's.... one way to market a game and get people interested to buy this..?
Really....did we need to know this!
@Smitherenez That's because jrpg'ish is really only western culture 10-15 years behind us. I've always said Japan has been trying to copy the western civilization only they seem to be a decade behid or so! Tech is more advanced in some aspects but not the way they live.
I don't see it. Wait does that mean there's a feature for a crappy musical number?
Some games i have played had a teen drama plot element INCLUDING Final Fantasy series so I'm not fully surprised for that.
"Bravely Default Producer Inspired by 90210 and Glee"
Uhh comments like that will drive me away from the game.
@element187
I started it a few days ago and its actually pretty decent. This is definitely weird though
Better that than being inspired by shows like Jersey Shore I guess!
Yeah, I totally couldn't tell. The amount Bravely Default has in common with a teen drama is pretty much zero.
wait, if it's a JRPG with Western influences... why didn't they plan a worldwide release for it?
why would he say this people will be turn off with this comment but its a great game neitherless.
@player310
lol! I just passed that chapter =)
@MAN1AC I don't doubt its a good game, but if I didn't know anything about Bravely Default and they said its like Glee or 90210, I would seriously pass.
Glee isn't even that bad; the first season, anyways.
This game is owning my Life!
This made me crack up... Are sure sure???? I don`t see that in the game but I have never watched them shows. All I care about is BRAVELY SECOND and THIRD.
@element187 - Yup. Definitely not going to be buying it now.
Never watched those shows. Are they THAT bad?
@vnminh1999 Glee's kinda corny. I never saw 90210, though. I can't imagine it was that bad. In fact, it was pretty influential...some people just don't like Teen Dramas, though. Which is weird, since even the best JRPGs never elevate themselves above Teen fiction, storywise.
This game is an utter masterpiece. Anyone with a 3DS and wanderlust needn't doubt this statement: You need this game.
As far as the inspiration goes... people who are judging it are gravely mistaken. It merely gives the game an enjoyable air and it's easy to understand everyones' plight. It all goes well and nothing feels gimmicky. And if you dislike the characters for any odd reason the complexity of the combat system and job system will swallow your qualms because you'll be too busy crunching numbers.
Aren't most JRPG's typically teen dramas? I've rarely come across a cast that's say in their 30's/40's, they're usually hormonal teenagers and 20-something's with maybe one or two actual adults around. Why should this be surprising? lol
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