The highly anticipated action RPG Granblue Fantasy Relink finally made its debut earlier this month after enduring numerous delays and reboots across multiple development studios. Against all odds, it has exceeded expectations, with developer Cygames recently revealing that Relink achieved an impressive milestone of selling 1 million copies within its first 11 days.
The game has garnered positive reception on both PlayStation and PC platforms, boasting an average Metacritic score of 80 and an impressive 89% rating from over 18,000 Steam user reviews. Interestingly, it has resonated strongly with fans of Monster Hunter, particularly as they await the release of Monster Hunter Wilds in 2025.
As someone who has been a longtime enthusiast of Capcom’s renowned hunt-a-thon series and now finds themselves captivated by Relink, I can certainly understand the appeal.
Engaging in battles against griffins and dragons to gather resources for weapon upgrades, all while striving for the elusive S++ evaluation, bears striking similarities to the exhilaration of hunting down Rathalos for rare loot to enhance your gear and optimize your performance.
Moreover, the inclusion of co-op multiplayer adds an extra layer of enjoyment reminiscent of the cooperative gameplay experience in Monster Hunter titles.
Relink boasts a compelling narrative alongside a diverse roster of playable characters to unlock and enhance, providing ample content to keep players engaged for dozens of hours. For those seeking additional challenges, a plethora of repeatable quests featuring unique adversaries and grading systems await.
The wide variety of team compositions and the depth of combat mechanics akin to those found in fighting games further elevate the experience.
One of Relink’s most remarkable achievements is its ability to introduce newcomers to the intricacies of the notoriously complex Japanese gacha game genre while delivering top-notch combat mechanics. Thoughtful tutorials, engaging narrative elements, and superb voice acting contribute to creating an inviting and accessible world within Relink.
In summary, the release of Granblue Fantasy Relink marks a significant triumph for both the Granblue franchise and the gaming community at large.
With promising hints from Cygames about future updates, fans eagerly anticipate the possibility of receiving Monster Hunter-inspired post-launch content, including new characters and quests. As February unfolds, Relink emerges as a delightful surprise and a strong contender for game of the year accolades.
