Over the past decade, Cygames has cultivated the Granblue Fantasy series, initially through a mobile gacha-style action-RPG and subsequently through various spin-offs including an anime series and a duo of 2D fighting games.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink marks a return to the franchise’s RPG roots, aiming to retell the original story to a fresh audience. While the game generally succeeds in condensing the narrative into a concise, roughly 20-hour experience, it encounters some challenges along the way.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink centers on The Captain, who could be either Gran (male) or Djeeta (female), leading a band of skybound adventurers in search of the elusive island of Estalucia. The Captain is bound by life force to Lyria, a girl with the rare ability to communicate with Primal Beasts, the deities of the world.
Accompanied by a diverse group of warriors, each with their own backstory, the Captain’s journey unfolds. The core team consists of Katalina, Lyria’s steadfast guardian; Io, the resident mage; Rackam, the pilot of the Grandcypher airship; Eugen, a reformed mercenary; and Rosetta, an enigmatic femme fatale.
While additional members can be recruited to diversify battle strategies, their impact on the overarching narrative is less pronounced compared to the central group.
A standout feature of Relink is its captivating aesthetic design, faithfully translating the series’ renowned 2D illustrations into immersive 3D environments. Battles burst with vibrant hues, accompanied by dynamic animations reflecting each character’s personality.
The evocative orchestral soundtrack, featuring esteemed composers like Nobuo Uematsu and Tsutomu Narita, further enhances the game’s immersive experience, drawing players into its richly crafted world.
In terms of gameplay, Relink offers a brisk, action-focused combat system reminiscent of titles like Kingdom Hearts. Players engage in fast-paced hack-and-slash mechanics, complemented by strategic elements such as Link Attacks and Skybound Arts. These mechanics inject depth into battles, allowing for dynamic team synergies and tactical maneuvering.
While the main storyline unfolds over roughly 15-20 hours, with optional difficulty settings accommodating varying playstyles, it may feel somewhat predictable to seasoned RPG enthusiasts. However, occasional twists and memorable moments prevent it from descending into complete cliché.
Furthermore, the game’s episodic structure, comprising distinct chapters with clear objectives, maintains a steady pace without overstaying its welcome.
Despite its engaging combat and narrative, Relink’s core story mode lacks significant challenge, with ample healing items and competent AI companions mitigating potential difficulty spikes. However, optional side activities, such as challenging quests and character-specific Fate Episodes, offer additional depth and replay value for dedicated players.
Overall, Granblue Fantasy: Relink encapsulates familiar elements of the franchise within a streamlined RPG experience. While it may not revolutionize the series, its captivating visuals, engaging combat mechanics, and accessible storytelling make it a worthy addition for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
