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A PS5 code was provided to GamingPizza for this review. Granblue Fantasy: Relink is available now for PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch.
I’m admittedly way too late in reviewing Granblue Fantasy: Relink, one of my most anticipated titles of the year. But as they say, better late than never — especially when the game in question turns out to be a thorough delight. Moving from a mobile Granblue Fantasy game to a full-featured console RPG, Granblue Fantasy: Relink has set a high bar for how mobile franchises should transition to larger platforms.
The game sets its narrative in the expansive and mystical Sky Realm, a universe already beloved by fans of the franchise. Unlike some JRPGs that delight in weaving convoluted stories that can sometimes lose you (and me, especially) in their complexity, Granblue Fantasy: Relink maintains a steady narrative pace. From battling rogue primal beasts to unraveling the nefarious plots of the Church of Avia, the game introduces plot points that are engaging yet manageable — a narrative pacing that hooks you from the start without overwhelming.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink doesn’t skimp on character diversity and development, either. Each member of your skyfaring crew is meticulously crafted, from the stoic Katalina to the enigmatic Rosetta. The game employs Fate Episodes, a clever mechanic that not only provides depth to each character’s backstory but also enhances gameplay by boosting characters’ abilities. Deciding which of these intriguing characters to take on missions was a delightful dilemma, courtesy of their engaging backstories and unique combat styles.
Slashing Through the Clouds: Combat That Cuts Deep
The combat system in Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a finely tuned machine. Balancing bread-and-butter hack-n-slash mechanics with deeper strategic elements like Link Attacks and Skybound Arts, the game offers a combat experience that is both exhilarating and tactical. What I particularly enjoyed was the responsiveness of the controls and the short cooldowns on powerful skills, which meant that my favorite moves were almost always at my fingertips. Although the combat could feel a tad easy at times, the satisfaction of executing well-timed bursts and link moves never wore thin.
Graphically, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a masterpiece. The cel-shaded characters and lush environments are so beautifully rendered that each locale feels like stepping into a new painting. This artistic prowess extends to the epic boss battles, which are not only a challenge to tackle but also a spectacle to behold. The soundtrack, with its epic orchestral scores, perfectly complements the visuals, enhancing the dramatic flair of battles and the serene beauty of quieter moments.
PREVIOUSLY: Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising Review – Rising to the Occasion
The voice acting in Granblue Fantasy: Relink deserves a special mention as well. With options in both English and Japanese, the game offers stellar performances that bring its characters to life. This attention to detail in audio presentation enriches the narrative and ensures that each character interaction is memorable.
More Than Just a Party Game: Community and Multiplayer
While the single-player campaign is robust, the multiplayer aspects of Granblue Fantasy: Relink shine brightly. The game smartly incorporates community features that allow for cooperative quests and even raids, similar to the communal hunts of Monster Hunter. This not only extends the game’s longevity but also builds a community of players who return time and again to tackle new challenges together.
What sets Granblue Fantasy: Relink apart is its successful redefinition of a gacha game into a deep, engaging console RPG. It retains the addictive character collection and progression systems familiar to gacha enthusiasts but elevates them within a framework that emphasizes player skill and strategic depth. This blend of old and new enriches the game, offering a fresh take on familiar mechanics, and is something that I particularly enjoyed as a relative gacha newbie.
To the Skies and Beyond: A Perfect Landing
Granblue Fantasy: Relink is more than just another entry in the crowded field of JRPGs — it’s a standout title that deserves every bit of its perfect score. From its engaging storyline and well-developed characters to its dynamic combat system and stunning visuals, the game delivers a comprehensive and deeply satisfying RPG experience. Whether you’re a veteran of the franchise or a newcomer eager to explore its wonders, Granblue Fantasy: Relink offers a world that’s as rich in adventure as it is in beauty.
In Granblue Fantasy: Relink, every element from gameplay to graphics works in perfect harmony to deliver a top-tier RPG experience. If you haven’t already taken to the Sky Realm to join the Grandcypher crew, you’re missing out on one of the year’s best gaming adventures. This game shows just how far a clear vision, creativity, and respect for the source material can take a game. Put plainly: Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a high-flying masterpiece.
NEXT: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Review – A Newcomer’s Tale in a Timeless Saga
