Final Fantasy All the Bravest

The first hints of the game's existence came when Square Enix trademarked the name All the Bravest on December 1, 2012. Speculation began that the title related to Bravely Default: Flying Fairy.[11] Square Enix later posted a teaser page on their Japanese website with silhouettes of Final Fantasy heroes and enemies and a date of “1.17.” [12] This teaser led to further speculation that the game would be a re-release of Final Fantasy V or Final Fantasy VI. However, critics quickly dismissed both theories.[13] Square Enix officially unveiled the title on January 16, 2013, as Final Fantasy: All the Bravest, despite initial plans for the unveiling to occur the next day.[14] All the Bravest released in the Google Play Store on September 13, 2013.[1]

All the Bravest co-producer Ichiro Hazama recognized that the title “was a fun app, not a game”.[15] He also acknowledged that since it was not a full game, many fans were disappointed and that apps must be marketed appropriately based on what they are.[15]

Final Fantasy: All the Bravest was almost universally panned. Reviewers mainly focused their criticisms on the large number and cost of in-app purchases along with the lack of story, simplistic gameplay, and a lack of respect for players by Square Enix. Despite the poor reception, the game still managed to chart at number 25 on the "Top Paid Apps" chart on the iTunes App Store on January 18, 2013.[23]

IGN stated that despite a small amount of nostalgia, the game had such high prices for its in-game purchases that it was insulting with the gameplay was repetitive and boring.[18] They ultimately concluded that the game was a black mark on the Final Fantasy franchise.[18] They even took the unprecedented step of issuing a public service announcement not to buy the game.[24] They later cited the game for making money despite bad reviews and high prices.[25] Pocket Gamer also criticized the gameplay and in-app purchase system, stating that there was hardly any game to at all, with the app being like a shady casino.[19] Slide to Play criticized the game for having no gameplay or strategy and that it existed to take people's money.[22] Digital Spy echoed the criticisms of the games in-app purchases and poor gameplay, stating that it felt like a "parody" of what free-to-play games are like, feeling that it exists to "make loyal fans waste their money," adding that it would have had some appeal if not for its "shallow" gameplay.[21]

1Up.com also attacked the lack of real gameplay, as they believed the active time battle system has players attack with no thought to skills, weapons, or even characters.[26] Pocket Tactics, like IGN, also issued a public service announcement not to buy the game.[27] They stated that they long defended Square Enixs higher mobile game pricing, but believed that this title was so poor that it showed their distain for fans.[27] Kotaku also stated that the game is emblematic of Square Enix's lack of respect for fans, and a desire to milk the franchise for money.[23]

GamesRadar+ ranked it as the 44th worst game ever made. The staff accused its developers of cashing in on the Final Fantasy brand.[28] USgamer cited the game as being the most notable misstep Square Enix had done since CEO Yosuke Matsuda took over.[29] However, it also noted that the project had begun under the previous CEO, Yoichi Wada.[29]

A few critics found elements to compliment. 4Gamer loved the music, monsters, and characters that appeared from past Final Fantasy titles, as well as being able to fight with such a large party.[30] Famitsu also praised the appearance of so many familiar villains from each Final Fantasy title and called the boss fights challenging.[31] Gamezebo noted that the game ran well even with a significant amount of action occurring on-screen.[17] Kotaku identified the menus' flavor text as hilarious, and the only reason to get the game.[32]

• Official website