If you're like me, you will quickly press X through the screen telling you that it will erase your only character. Thankfully, my cloud save from last night was still there and hadn't been updated. Instead, make sure to use Load Game. This may seem obvious to some, but I figured I'd try to save someone else the same potential pain.

Make sure and let Brad know if he ever decides to give this game a try.

Did you not see the message it gave you after finishing the game? It says to start NG+ to load your saved game since your clear data has now been saved.

And good thing you had the cloud save.

Quickly pushing buttons rarely leads to anything good.

Why would you quickly press buttons skip messages? That usually leads to bad things happening, especially when you are in a menu.

What are the benefits to starting a New Game+ ?

@Azteris: Once again, another good reason why the game needs multiple save slots. Hopefully others will avoid the pitfall you fell into.

@Bassario said:

What are the benefits to starting a New Game+ ?

Pretty much everything. You keep your level, items, money, etc. You can face the Ur-Dragon whenever you want from the rift stone in the starting village. All the quests you finished the first time through will still count towards the trophy/achievement for completing all pre-planned quests and the one for doing 50 notice board quests. You can get more than one portcrystal. You can eventually reach the max level(200?) if you so desire. Can't think of anything else.

@Bassario said:

What are the benefits to starting a New Game+ ?

None. At least no direct ones.

You simply start a new game, with all your gear/level carrying over, as well as all NPC affinity and unlocked sell gear. It is however a good way for people who want to experiment with more of other classes from scratch, and don't want to do it in the bleak post game or in Everfall.

If you want to experience the proper ending you pretty much need Newgame+ as you cant continue after it otherwise.

If you want any challenge whatsoever and gear drops it's best to stay in post-game Everfall.

@wemibelec90 said:

Quickly pushing buttons rarely leads to anything good.

This. Countless hours i spent picking the wrong things and restarting the game over and over.... :(