Granblue Fantasy is a known player when it comes to mobile games. It has dominated the market for nearly a decade and with new content released weekly since its inception, it is one of the most expansive gaming MMORPGs around. With millions of players around the world, countless stories, and a host of colorful characters, the franchise is now entering a new and unknown world: console gaming.
A whole new fantasy
Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a title derived from the Granblue universe for PlayStation. It features a never-before-told story centering on the Captain, the player character, as he explores the Kingdom of Heaven. Unlike the main series, the game features a sizeable single-player campaign and four-player cooperative mode.
With the move to console games, Cygames wanted the battles to feel like spectacles, and they do. Compared to previous games in the series, Relink is an action RPG where players choose between four different adventures in a team at once, with the adventurer you choose significantly changing your battle experience. From fast and agile characters to high-damage warriors, take a look at the MMO’s DNA as the fights unfold and remember to always stay present during the colorful spectacle of battle. Enemies trigger status effects, work to separate you from your party, and try to prevent Links, which are combo attacks with party members. Unite all four members for flashy combos that deal massive damage to anything that moves.
role playing for everyone
Considering that fans of the franchise can come from mobile, anime, and other media areas, the combat and gear design is streamlined without alienating more experienced gamers. Instead of a sprawling open world, the game is divided into large levels of open areas. Customize your gear and equipment before you enter to take on those specific challenges.
There are two support modes for those new to action-adventure RPGs or gaming in general. Assist mode is played using just an analog stick and button to perform combos and attacks, while full assist mode is played with just an analog stick as characters automatically attack and perform combos on every altercation.
Exploration is encouraged as hidden bosses and treasures exist for those willing to search for them. The characters themselves also help bring the world to life, with constant banter as you explore and even during fights.
Outside of the main story, a four-player cooperative mode focuses on addressing the quest for that authentic MMORPG experience. There are over 100 from the start, focused on challenging bosses and raids on new areas. Thoughtful teamwork is required, but you are free to change your loadout for each individual and take them on at your own pace.
history and spectacle
Ancient gods known as Primordial Beasts rule this world, and the forces of evil seek to unleash them upon the earth. Cross your path with them at different points in the story, each of which is unique and features large-scale battles against creatures that reach for the sky or change the landscape, providing for breathtaking gameplay moments.
For those looking to learn more about the universe, the Granblue Fantasy The Animation anime adaptation will bring you up to speed on everything you need to know before getting into the game.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink seems to live up to its storied legacy and is a must-try title if you’re a fan of fantasy of any genre. It will arrive on PS5 and PS4 on February 1, 2024.
