All categories

GranBlue Fantasy: Relink varies-with-devices

A co-op-friendly fantasy RPG
4.3 
Latest version:
varies-with-devices See all
Developer: No Other Developer
Collect

A co-op-friendly fantasy RPG

GranBlue Fantasy: Relink is the long-awaited sequel to the popular RPG, GranBlue Fantasy. This title from Cygames follows the events of the first installment, so fans of the franchise can look forward tofamiliar sights and characters alongside a number of new adventures.

Similar to its predecessor, GranBlue Fantasy: Relink makes use of turn-based combat elements where you will have to gather a group of four characters to make up your team. The other three characters apart from your own will either be controlled by other players inco-op mode or a CPU in solo gameplay.

What can you expect?

The story of GranBlue Fantasy: Relink takes place in a mystical world filled with futuristic elements. Here, you will be able to run into several unique and interesting characters—each with their own stories and subplots. Unlike the previous installment where the characters and environment were presented in a 2D format, players can look forward to a moreimmersive experience with lifelike 3D visuals in this iteration.

With astunning open world for you to explore, players can scour intriguing areas of interest with different sceneries and unique opponents waiting around each corner. As previously mentioned, you will have the opportunity to engage in turn-based combat—which can feel quite draggy for some players—however, this also allows you to come up with better strategies that will allow you to synergize with your teammates.

In order to play with friends on the same team, you’ll have to make sure you’re connected to a stable internet connection. No worries, though, as you can also opt toplay solo and allow the game to control your team members so that you don’t have to worry about managing each member in the middle of a particularly intense battle.

A promising FF alternative

Granblue Fantasy: Relink is shaping up to be a great alternative to the Final Fantasy franchise, particularly Fantasy Final XVI. It has gone a long way from its full 2D renderings, featuring full 3D characters and fight scenes. More importantly, it has reworked the design of its Primal beasts, elementals that hold unimaginable power. Some of the fights are reminiscent of the FFXVI Eikon battles—massive monsters and grandiose VFX included.

As a return to the long-running JRPG franchise, Relink brings players to the Sky Realm. In this fantasy world, players are treated to a series of floating islands above an endless blue expanse. While it’s not an open-world RPG, it does have an interesting linear plot. Lead your crew of skyfarers and unveil the conspiracy involving the Church of Avia and the rest of the Zegagrande Skydom.

New content and balanced characters

The latest update to Granblue Fantasy: Relink (version 1.1.4) arrives, delivering fresh content and targeted gameplay refinements. Endgame crews face new trials in Gulp... So These Are the Rumored Monsters and Lock Horns, with victory unlocking powerful allies, Seofon and Tweyen. New sigils with unique traits bolster strategic options, while trophy hunters can add new achievements to their collections. Quality-of-life improvements smooth the seas, which means environmental effects no longer disrupt protected characters, and camera control during chain bursts becomes optional.

Version 1.1.4 extends beyond the surface with a wave of balance adjustments. The update addresses a variety of character concerns, including bug fixes and damage cap increases, ensuring a more balanced experience for characters like Katalina, Rackam, Io, and Eugen. Rosetta players benefit from a smoother rose attack application, while Ferry, Narmaya, and Vane see damage boosts and specific skill tweaks. Additional refinements include ease-of-use indicators on Crewmate Cards, adjusted music timing for specific quests, and lingering bug fixes.

A significantly broader game universe

The latest update for Granblue Fantasy: Relink, Version 1.3.1, introduces a treasure trove of features that significantly enhance the player experience. Four major quests, titled “Pageant of Might and Magic,” “Zathba's ‘Volunteers,’” “Dark Swordsman's Nightmare,” and “Zero,” have been added. Players must first complete “The Final Vision” to unlock these quests, presenting new challenges and rewards. These quests are designed to diversify gameplay, offering fresh content and new objectives for players to conquer.

Apart from the major quests, several new side quests have been introduced, including “How Does Siero Do It?,” “Astral Research Notes,” and “Be Legendary.” These side quests become available in Folca after clearing Chapter Ø Skybound Heart. Additionally, a new Photo Mode feature will be available once players reach Folca during Chapter 1 of the main story. This allows players to capture and share their adventures with fellow players.

Adding to the excitement is the introduction of a new playable character, Sandalphon. Obtaining Sandalphon requires a special crewmate card, which players can trade for at the Knickknack Shack. The necessary treasure for this card can be sourced from either of the quests "The Final Vision" or "Zero." For players eager to add Sandalphon to their roster more quickly, a Character Expansion Set containing the required treasure is also available for purchase.

Explore a vast world

While the turn-based combat elements of GranBlue Fantasy: Relink can feel quite tedious for some players, this allows more opportunities for players to think over the next best course of action rather than simply hacking and slashing whatever’s in their way. Not to mention, the gorgeous imagery and lore-filled plot blend together quite well to build an entertaining open world for players to enjoy.

Review summary

Pros

  • Immersive and visually appealing 3D visuals
  • Sizable open world with unique NPCs to interact with
  • Allows you to play with friends or solo

Cons

  • Combat mechanics can feel lengthy
  • Non-open-world gameplay

Comments

Suggestions

STORY OF SEASONS: Friends of Mineral Town
STORY OF SEASONS: Friends of Mineral Town

STORY OF SEASONS: Friends of Mineral Town for windows from Marvelous Inc.

NEKOPARA Vol. 1
NEKOPARA Vol. 1

Run a sweets shop with catgirls

Metin2
Metin2
Free

Free the land of Metin in this Oriental adventure

Persona 3 Reload
Persona 3 Reload

A re-imagination of a much-loved RPG

Dog Brew
Dog Brew

Embark on an adventurous journey as a dog brewer in this simulation game

Corpse Party
Corpse Party

Partying with the dead

Download