Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Review
OUR RATING: 9/10
Granblue Fantasy: Relink is an action RPG that takes players on a thrilling journey through a fantastical world of flying islands and mythical creatures. Developed by Cygames, in collaboration with Platinum Games, this game is based on the popular franchise, Granblue Fantasy. After years of development, Granblue Fantasy: Relink finally made its debut in February 2024, and it was well worth the wait.
In Granblue Fantasy: Relink, players are thrust into the middle of an ongoing adventure. The game starts with the crew of the airship Grandcypher venturing into the Zegagrande skydom in search of Estalucia, a lost land at the end of the skies. However, their journey is quickly interrupted when they are attacked by monsters and their primal beast, Bahamut, goes berserk. This sets the stage for a grand adventure filled with mystery, epic battles, and the power of friendship.
The storytelling in Granblue Fantasy: Relink is engaging and enchanting. While some elements may feel familiar to fans of the franchise, the game puts its own spin on the well-worn tropes of Anime Fantasy Adventure. The villains are imposing, and the push-and-pull dynamic between the crew and their adversaries creates a sense of tension and excitement. The game strikes a balance between fresh start and familiar trip, making it accessible to both newcomers and long-time fans.
Combat is the heart and soul of Granblue Fantasy: Relink. The game features fast-paced and stylish action, reminiscent of Platinum Games’ signature character action titles. Players control a squad of four characters, each with their own unique playstyle and abilities. The combat is team-based, requiring players to strategically link their attacks and combo special moves to unleash devastating attacks or create moments of slow motion to maximize their damage output.
One of the standout features of Granblue Fantasy: Relink is the diverse lineup of playable characters. Each character has an entirely unique playstyle, allowing players to find the one that suits their preferred combat style. From dual-wielding blades to special meters and pets, every character feels distinct and brings something new to the gameplay. Mastering your main character’s abilities and finding the perfect build using different weapons and sigils is crucial for success.
The combat system in Granblue Fantasy: Relink is not only fun but also deep and rewarding. Perfect Dodge and Perfect Block mechanics add an extra layer of skill-based gameplay, while a large skill tree allows players to unlock and upgrade various abilities. The game strikes a balance between accessibility and complexity, making it enjoyable for both casual players and those seeking a challenge.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a visual feast. The game captures the distinctive art style of the franchise, bringing the familiar characters and environments to life in stunning detail. From the bustling streets of towns to the breathtaking landscapes of flying islands, every location is beautifully crafted. The animations are fluid and expressive, breathing life into every character and enemy.
While the game stays true to the original artistic designs, it adds a new dimension with its 3D models and environments. The transition from 2D illustrations to 3D models is a delight to behold, showcasing the evolution of the franchise. The audio design is equally impressive, with a delightful soundtrack composed by Tsutomu Narita and Nobuo Uematsu. The voice acting, available in both Japanese and English, adds another layer of immersion to the game.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink offers a wealth of content beyond the main campaign. The endgame content is where the game truly shines, providing players with a seemingly infinite grind to level up their characters, upgrade their gear, and tackle even more challenging quests. The game follows a gameplay loop similar to that of the Monster Hunter series, where players take on quests to battle giant monsters, gather materials, and enhance their arsenal.
The game features a quest board where players can pick up various quests to increase their rank and unlock more quests. These quests often involve battling powerful monsters, providing a satisfying challenge for players. The grind in Granblue Fantasy: Relink is not only about acquiring better gear and skills but also about finding the perfect build for your playstyle. The sigils, which impact stats and provide bonus effects, play a crucial role in optimizing your character’s capabilities.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink is not just an alright game; it is a truly great action RPG. Whether you are a fan of the franchise or new to the series, this game offers a captivating and enjoyable experience. The engaging storytelling, deep combat mechanics, stunning visuals, and extensive endgame content make it a standout title in the genre.
With its blend of familiar tropes and fresh twists, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a game that will keep players hooked for hours on end. Whether you are exploring the enchanting world, engaging in epic boss battles, or fine-tuning your character’s abilities, there is always something exciting to do.
