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Bravely Default vs Fire Emblem Awakening

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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Bravely Default
Bravely DefaultStrategic turn‑based RPG where brave actions and careful defaults shape destiny
Fire Emblem Awakening
Fire Emblem AwakeningCommand the Shepherds and alter the threads of fate in this acclaimed tactical RPG.
Overview
Description

Bravely Default follows Tiz Arrior, a humble shepherd, and three companions as they journey across Luxendarc to restore the elemental crystals swallowed by darkness. Guided by the fairy Airy, the party battles foes using a unique Brave/Default system that lets players stack actions or save them for later, demanding thoughtful strategy at every turn. The game blends classic JRPG storytelling with deep tactical combat, offering a richly detailed fantasy world, memorable characters, and a challenging yet rewarding battle system that encourages players to plan each move carefully.

Fire Emblem Awakening is a critically acclaimed tactical role-playing game developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS. Players assume the role of Robin, a tactical strategist who suffers from amnesia, joining forces with Prince Chrom and the Shepherds of Ylisse to protect their kingdom from the threat of the Plegian army and mysterious masked warriors. The game seamlessly blends traditional turn-based tactical combat with deep social simulation mechanics. Players can forge bonds between characters through the Pair-Up system and conversations, unlocking powerful combat bonuses and the ability to marry units to pass down skills to their children, creating an emotionally resonant journey where permanent death adds high-stakes tension to every battle.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
Paid (One-time)
Category
JRPG
JRPG
Best for
JRPG and tactical combat fans
Strategy gamers and RPG fans
Specifications
General
msrp
$59.99
$39.9933%
release date
2013-12-05
2012-04-19
Specifications
developer
Silicon Studio, Square Enix Product Development Division 7+250%
Nintendo SPD Production Group No. 2, Intelligent Systems
publisher
Nintendo, Square Enix
Nintendo
age rating
PEGI 12, ESRB T
ESRB T, PEGI 12
multiplayer
Single player
Single player
critic score
85/100
90/100+6%
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Innovative Brave/Default battle system
  • Engaging four‑character story
  • Beautiful fantasy world design
  • High replay value with job system
  • Engaging and deeply strategic turn-based combat system
  • Memorable cast of characters with rich support conversations
  • Innovative marriage and child inheritance mechanics
  • Outstanding presentation featuring beautiful cutscenes and music
Cons
  • Occasional pacing slowdowns in early chapters
  • Difficulty spikes can be challenging for newcomers
  • Limited platform availability (only Switch)
  • Difficulty curve can spike unexpectedly in the later chapters
  • Level design occasionally favors brute force over tactical puzzle-solving
  • Avatar character can sometimes overshadow the established main cast
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
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Fire Emblem Awakening
Fire Emblem Awakening

Command the Shepherds and alter the threads of fate in this acclaimed tactical RPG.

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Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon
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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Fire Emblem Awakening offers deeper tactical systems and more content for less money, while Bravely Default adds a unique Brave/Default battle mechanic but costs more and is Switch‑only.

Key differences

  • Awakening includes a Pair‑Up system and child inheritance, Bravely Default focuses on Brave/Default turn manipulation
  • Awakening’s price is $39.99 vs Bravely Default’s $59.99
  • Awakening is available on any platform that can run Nintendo Switch titles; Bravely Default is limited to Switch
  • Awakening has a higher critic score (90) than Bravely Default (85)
  • Awakening’s combat emphasizes grid positioning and weapon triangles; Bravely Default uses a job‑system without grid constraints
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

Awakening’s grid‑based tactics, Pair‑Up, and inheritance add layered strategy beyond Bravely’s turn‑based job system.

Fire Emblem Awakening

Platform availability

Awakening is a Switch title with no stated exclusivity limits; Bravely Default is explicitly limited to Switch.

Fire Emblem Awakening

Price & value

Awakening costs $39.99 versus Bravely Default’s $59.99, offering more content for less money.

Fire Emblem Awakening

Multiplayer / co‑op

Both are single‑player only.

Tie

Content & replayability

Awakening’s child inheritance, support conversations, and multiple acts provide extensive replay hooks.

Fire Emblem Awakening

Difficulty & accessibility

Bravely Default’s Brave/Default system can ease difficulty for newcomers, while Awakening’s spikes are noted as abrupt.

Bravely Default

Graphics & performance

Bravely Default highlights high‑resolution 3D visuals and fully orchestrated soundtrack; Awakening’s description mentions beautiful cutscenes but not 3D fidelity.

Bravely Default

Choose Bravely Default if…

Players who prefer a unique action‑economy system, high‑end visuals, and are comfortable paying a premium for Switch‑only experience.

Choose Fire Emblem Awakening if…

Players who want deep tactical combat, more content, and lower price, and don’t mind occasional difficulty spikes.

Common questions

Which game is cheaper?

Fire Emblem Awakening costs $39.99, while Bravely Default costs $59.99.

Do either games support multiplayer?

Both are single‑player only.

Which has a higher critic rating?

Fire Emblem Awakening has a critic score of 90/100; Bravely Default has 85/100.