Square Enix has had mixed success when it comes to creating new Final Fantasy games for mobile devices. For example, All the Bravest was soundly criticized, but Record Keeper has become a hit.
The newest mobile Final Fantasy game to reach North America is Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius, and it’s clear they wanted to go for something different with this one.
For the most part, Brave Exvius holds true to the basic gameplay seen in the majority of mobile social RPGs, such as Final Fantasy Record Keeper and Tales of Link. You control a party composed of both original characters and characters from across the Final Fantasy series. Units level up through battles, but you can also increase their levels by fusing them with other units. Eventually, you can evolve (or “awaken”) them into stronger forms.
If you want more characters, you can try your luck at the game’s gacha system by spending an in-game currency called lapis. There’s a strong emphasis on crafting, both equipment and abilities, and you expend an energy meter to begin each mission. These basic gameplay elements are standard mobile RPG fare with a Final Fantasy aesthetic.
The numerous systems can be overwhelming if you aren’t used to these sorts of games, and it might turn away players who dislike the social RPG style of micromanaging units.
However, Brave Exvius differentiates itself from the crowd by including traditional RPG elements. When you first enter a dungeon, you’ll play through a series of set, turn-based battles, but once you clear it, you can return to it for a special “Exploration” stage. This lets you explore the area like a classic Final Fantasy dungeon, complete with treasure chests, secrets, and random encounters.
Likewise, you walk through towns in a traditional way. Towns include shops and NPCs, some of whom will give you side quests. You can even change the controls to use a simulated D-pad if you prefer that to the default touch controls.
These little touches make Brave Exvius feel more like a Final Fantasy game than it would otherwise. Fans of classic JRPGs will be more at home here, although they can’t escape the mobile gacha gameplay at the game’s core.
Another strong point is that its plot is more than just an excuse for battles and character-collecting. Brave Exvius has a fair amount of dialogue in its quests, particularly banter between its main protagonists, Rain and Lasswell. Rain and Lasswell are endearing, and their interactions are what drew me back to the game more often than its gameplay.
Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius is an odd blend of styles. The traditional RPG elements are nice, but they aren’t the game’s focus. In the end, it will probably appeal the most to players who enjoy both old Final Fantasy games and mobile social RPGs—but it opens the door for Square Enix to create a mobile Final Fantasy truly styled like a classic JRPG.
