The original version of Granblue Fantasy Versus was a resounding success and received positive player reviews. A sequel to this series was introduced in December 2023, known as Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising. Following its predecessor, it is an anime combat game with 2D game development graphics and 3D animations, introducing rollback and crossplay to the netcode.
While it may still lag behind Guilty Gear Strive, never mind competing with big names like Street Fighter 6, it is still an enjoyable 2D fighter in its own right. For context, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising includes the entire roster from the original game, including DLC characters. It also features all the content from RPG mode but wrapped in the new story mode.
Listed below is our opinion after playing the remake version of the original Granblue Fantasy Versus that launched on 14th December 2023.
Pros
- Enhanced Graphics and Gameplay
- Excellent Character cast
- Packed with multiple Modes
- Beginner-friendly controls
Cons
- Simplistic for Veteran Gamers
- Less Value for Money
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising Review
Gameplay and Story Is An Improvement
The dialogue and cutscenes from the original story are still engaging, and the voice acting remains top-notch, although some conversations tend to drag on. However, the pacing can feel sluggish at times, particularly during side-scrolling combat sequences against hordes of enemies, which lack excitement, especially on the default difficulty setting. Boss fights, on the other hand, offer a tougher challenge, requiring players to learn and adapt to complex enemy patterns.
The new storyline in Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is an improvement, allowing experienced players to skip ahead and dive straight into the action. It revolves around Lucilius stirring up trouble once again. Unlike the original game, there are no filler combat sections. Instead, players engage solely in challenging boss battles, a positive change. However, the abundance of story content may overwhelm players who aren’t up to date with the game’s narrative.
Also Read: Wuthering Waves 6 Arc Storyline Quality Receives Brutal Reaction From Chinese Players
Variety Game Modes Are Much Welcome
There are many game modes available in Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising. These game modes contain different aims and challenges that the players must overcome to make things right.
- Main Story Mode: The Story mode leads players into a world of chaos in which they have to face difficult challenges and enemies while going through side missions like Quests and Quest Battles.
- Combat Mode: In Combat mode, players are marked to enter into 1-on-1 combat with their enemies and use their skills and combos to defeat their enemies.
- Arcade Mode: The Arcade mode consists of games that give you collectables and raise your rank for casual matchmaking.
- Online Mode: The online mode is considered a fun way to meet other players because there is endless queuing for matches in online mode.
- Training Mode: In the training mode, gamers are marked to learn and experience different character skills and practice combat to enhance their gameplay.
Character Roster Versatility
There are 25+ characters in Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, all with different skills, unique combos, and signature power skills that can deal devastating damage.
Apart from combat abilities and specific specialities that make every character unique, gamers need to think precisely in decision-making and problem-solving. This character-based combat and fighting adds action and thrill to the game. Below are the most influential characters we utilise:
- Nier: Utilises the Primal Beast death, capable of remaining on the field to inflict damage, although it becomes useless if damaged itself. She offers a unique playstyle with a focus on field presence.
- Anila: Specialises in quickly closing distances, providing a swift combat approach compared to other characters.
- Siegfried: Known for heavy hitting with sweeping attacks, delivering grounded and powerful blows to opponents.
- Grimnir: Excels in mix-ups and quick attacks.
Skills Replacing Weapons
In Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, weapons are gone, and instead, players equip skills with passive effects like increased attack based on their health, improved critical hit rate, and so on. It’s also possible to heal and resurrect allies, boost their attacks and summon Rigging Arrows with active skills.
The ultimate skills are new variations of skills added in Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising that add all sorts of powerful moves at the cost of your 50% special metre, with 25% being refunded if the skill hits.
Moreover, the game added a ton of utilities to each character, which allows the okay RS freedom to create new combos, whether they want to deliver massive damage or do a corner carry while stacking up their metres to perform skills.
Stunning Visuals and Audio
Besides the story and combat, the graphics are realistic, and there have been many corrections and upgrades made in this new or Rising version of Granblue Fantasy. For example, the stage graphics and the surroundings are immersive, including some fascinating 3D animations. The graphics and visuals are based on anime, so it looks cartoonish, but the colour saturation and modelling are well developed.
Apart from its stunning graphics, GFVR (Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising) is equipped with great sound effects and audio. Every character speaks in Japanese, and the subtitles are given in English. The soundtracks in the lobby and during the matches elevate the gameplay.
The characters in this game are developed beautifully with precision, and a lot of work has been done on the visuals of abilities, skills, and projectiles of the characters, which makes the overall game high quality.
Immersive Controls and Combat Features
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising controls revolve mainly around four buttons on the controller, which perform almost all the attacks and special skills that the players are equipped with. Players can choose whether they want to perform;
- Light attack
- Medium attack
- Heavy attack
- Unique attack
All of these controls are for offence, but for the defensive players, the game is equipped with quick dodge and invulnerable dashes known as crossovers, which can be used to dodge over projectiles or close the distance between you and the enemy. The controls of this game are smooth and responsive, and a match usually ends in minutes.
Parting Notes
With everything considered, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is more than just an upgrade of the original form. From including easy control mechanics and a fascinating cast of characters to solving all the base issues found in the previous version. However, if you are seeking games with more difficulty, you may have to turn somewhere else.
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