Granblue Fantasy: Relink boldly steps away from the fighting arena to deliver a massive action RPG experience, charming players with its gorgeous game world and engaging gameplay. While fans of the fighting games may have had their reservations about Relink, its blend of stunning visuals and gratifying combat swiftly elevates it to the status of a standout title by Cygames that’s not to be missed. We checked out the PlayStation 5 version.
Set aboard the Grandcypher, an airship navigating the Skydom of Zegagrande, the game immerses players in an epic tale of adventure, huge primal beasts, and the enigmatic Church of Avia. Central to the story’s appeal is the deep bond you’ll form with a diverse crew, each character possessing a rich backstory and unique personality. The inclusion of Fate Stories adds depth, allowing players to delve further into the motivations and histories of their companions, providing a welcome respite from the rigors of battle while also expanding on the lore of the world in which all the action takes place.
Looking more at the game’s cast, character development extends beyond just the narrative arcs, with ample opportunities for customization through weapon upgrades, ability unlocks, and the strategic allocation of Sigils. The addition of new party members over time enhances this sense of personalization, ensuring a well-rounded team capable of tackling any challenge or an oddball crew that’s challenging to mesh well in combat. Elemental attributes further diversify combat dynamics, rewarding players for strategic party composition and tactical decision-making.
Combat itself is a generally thrilling affair that brings the energy of other Granblue titles into a whole new genre, seamlessly blending standard attacks with special moves and the Link Attack mechanic that lets you lean into team/party-based gameplay. The crescendo of battle reaches its zenith with the Skybound Art, a visually stunning display of power that underscores the game’s intensity. Boss encounters, while formidable and visually impressive, provide a satisfying challenge, demanding adaptability and a degree of mastery when it comes to the game’s combat mechanics.
Visually, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is absolutely gorgeous, with meticulously crafted environments and backdrops that are at times reminiscent of entirely hand-made landscapes. The accompanying soundtrack complements the journey beautifully, enhancing the immersive audiovisual experience. Despite occasional issues with character animations and camera movement that we’re hoping will be improved upon post-launch, the overall quality is excellent and faithful to the style of the 2D fighting games.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the game offers a wealth of content, from Fate Episodes to side missions and challenging quests. The game even offers online co-op functionality, with multiplayer elements that add depth to boss encounters, fostering a sense of camaraderie among players – though we enjoyed the campaign as a solo playthrough.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink’s strengths lie in its beautiful environments, engaging combat mechanics, extensive party customization, and compelling character development. Players may encounter occasional clutter during combat, but these minor drawbacks do little to detract from the overall excellence of the game – which is a fantastic action RPG take on a franchise that’s beloved for its fighting games.
Score: 8.4/10
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