Granblue Fantasy: Relink is finally out, which ends a lengthy development saga that saw the action role-playing game announced in 2016. Multiple presidencies and one world-changing pandemic later, it now arrives after developer Cygames took over development in 2019 after a collaboration with PlatinumGames dissolved. While it’s difficult to live up to expectations after such a prolonged production, fans will be glad to know that Relink has a solid foundation that occasionally dazzles during its main campaign thanks to some spectacular scripted sequences.
While it’s easy to get caught up in a thought experiment of what could’ve been given PlatinumGames’ action expertise, what Granblue Fantasy: Relink actually offers is still worth celebrating. The high point is certainly getting to experience the world of GBF in a new way. Seeing these characters and familiar foes in a fully featured and oftentimes beautiful action RPG is wish fulfillment of the highest order. The production value regularly shines during the campaign, which is highlighted by one or two scripted moments in each chapter that really wow with intense action and impressive art design.
The main story is a rather quick one, as you’ll be able to wrap credits within 10 hours if you mainline the campaign (and it’s probably even quicker if you play cooperatively with other humans rather than A.I. teammates). However, this isn’t a detriment to the experience but to the game’s advantage, as it never overstays its welcome and rarely features anything that feels like padding. Instead, it is well-paced and goes from one highlight to the next, while nicely animated cutscenes keep the story moving.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink also isn’t hurting for content as it has a vast amount of post-game content and side quests for players to take on after credits wrap. There are over 100 quests for players to check out afterward, skill trees to max out, weapons to strengthen, and plenty to keep you grinding away either solo or with a group of friends. The biggest highlight is the unlockable Fate Episodes, which detail your main party members’ backstories. The world really feels fleshed out thanks to the extra content, which is filled with lore about the Zegagrande Skydom.
If there is one complaint to be had, it’s that the gameplay itself rarely feels remarkable. The action is always all fun and competent, never becoming frustrating, but it lacks a layer of depth that would’ve made it a classic action RPG that would’ve appealed to more than just GBF fans. Playing with friends certainly lessens any monotony, but it’s easy to come away a bit underwhelmed by its combat system, given how many years it was in development.
In fact, if you don’t wish to engage with the game’s action system, it’s entirely optional, which is actually a rather smart decision given the game’s mobile roots. Relink includes two great assist mode offerings, one of which relies on mashing the attack button to unleash a bevy of skills and combos, while the other plays on its own as long as players move the control stick (even dodging out of the way of attacks for you). While some gamers might scoff at such inclusions, they allow the story to be experienced by all and allow this to be an excellent entry point for the action RPG genre.
There’s a lot to really like about Granblue Fantasy: Relink. Featuring higher production value than most of the genre, Cygames’ latest offering is able to look incredible and deliver some memorable sections during its enjoyable story. Fans of the mobile game will be thrilled with how this turned out, as it is one of the most polished action RPGs in recent memory.
SCORE: 8/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 8 equates to “Great.” While there are a few minor issues, this score means that the art succeeds at its goal and leaves a memorable impact.
Disclosure: The publisher provided a PlayStation 5 copy for our Granblue Fantasy: Relink review. Reviewed on version 1.001.000.
