Monster Hunter, go over here. Taking down those imposing enemies is an absolute joy thanks to Relink’s smooth combat and helpful companions.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink
Platform: PC, also on PlayStation 4/5
Developer: Cygames Inc.
Publisher: Cygames Inc.
Release date: January 31st, 2024
Price: $59.99 via digital download
Availability: Steam
Granblue Fantasy: Relink, which was initially shown in 2016, has encountered a number of concerning issues. The game was three times postponed from its original schedule of release during the 2018 Tokyo Game Show. The partnership between PlatinumGames and Cygames broke up in 2019, with Cygames taking over full development responsibilities. However, much like in some of Relink’s most breathtaking fight scenes, in which a group of courageous explorers overcomes an intimidating opponent the size of a tower, Osaka Cygames has triumphed over the odds in a breathtakingly creative way.
It’s not the apparent aspects that make this action role-playing game so outstanding. Indeed, it excels in every basic area. Relink is well-founded, with a compelling storyline, action-packed scenes, and visually breathtaking skyworlds that transport you there. But what really makes Relink a fun game to play are the subtle yet brilliant features.
A Lot of Blue Shades
Relink’s plot doesn’t have a very intricate structure. Players are introduced to various important cast characters in the preamble, which is based on the lore produced by the property’s gacha roots. The main character, “The Captain,” who can be either Gran or Djeeta, depending on your gender preference, is usually the center of attention for the entire trip. Despite the protagonist’s somewhat flexible nature, there are far too many dialogue options that merely ask whether you wish to move the story forward.
The Grandcypher skyship’s Captain plays pranks with each character after emerging from a fierce storm. And it’s clear from the outset that you’ll want to spend the following thirty hours with this likeable cast. However, Cygames is aware that players might not be acquainted with the team. In addition to offering a glossary of Granblue jargon, the game will eventually allow you to finish tasks that reveal each character’s past from their own perspective. These stories, it’s interesting to note, span a wide range of emotions, from happy ones to some that are sure to make you cry.
An Exciting Journey
But an onslaught of aerial creatures interrupts The Captain’s conversations. A little girl named Lyria calls on Bahamut to battle the attackers in an effort to counterbalance the assault. Once these opponents are vanquished, the formidable being launches an assault on the Grandcypher, destroying the ship in the process. Relink spends most of his playtime figuring out why these trustworthy protectors have become unruly. Relink mentions cults and a propensity for dogmatism, but for the most part, he is not interested in picking sides. Rather, the game prefers to foster a little mystery, giving the game’s collection of personalities a platform to flourish. Here’s another brilliant idea: Relink provides a brief summary of what you’ll miss if you choose to skip the cutscenes.
The action in the game is satisfactorily matched by the caliber of the portrayal. Three difficulty levels will be available for you to choose from when you start a new campaign. This is an impressive range, as Relink’s fighting can be as easygoing as it is demanding. While special powers are assigned to a trigger-hold and face button combination, character-specific movesets are based on light and heavy assaults. Relink consistently maintains short cooldowns and eye-catching animations across all characters. Every now and again, the title feels like a shōnen anime combat scene.
Gaining Proficiency in the Arts
A portion of this visual extravaganza takes place during Skybound Arts and Burst. When a gauge fills, the former becomes active, activating a character-specific but generally useful ability. When your AI assistants get in on the action with their meters maxed out as well, Burst Arts executes a visually stunning display. With a press of both analog sticks launching a series of powerful assaults and characters calling out the name of the next ally in line, Skybound Arts also puts a good workout on your monitors.
Here, Cygames doesn’t squander the chance to provide expositional information; in response to her turn, the brash young wizard Io says, “I know!Thankfully, there are other instances of character development that break from the norm. Sometimes, chapters take unexpected turns; for example, a mission to free prisoners could turn into an invasion of a goblin base. Despite the fact that you’re usually tracking down the next waypoint on a map, this action game flows more naturally than most.
Combating as a Group
Games that attempt to foster a sense of teamwork with partners controlled by a CPU frequently fail. Relink, however, performs an excellent job of simulating playing with humans, with the exception of a few late-game showdowns that test the artificial intelligence’s boundaries. Rejuvenation is usually what a healer offers if your health is poor. Allies also make an effort to entice the enemy to retreat while you’re surrounded. Although you will undoubtedly want to play as multiple characters at once, Cygames wants you to play as a single party member who is always working with your companions.
More quests that you can complete online with other people can be unlocked as you progress through Relink’s chapters. A brief portion of day one cooperative play demonstrated lag-free communication that was strikingly similar to the game’s single-player mode. Yes, we’ve finally reached a stage where it’s starting to become harder to distinguish between human and bot behavior. Furthermore, Relink’s team-based activity shouldn’t deter soloists because it gives them the opportunity to influence the behavior of their allies.
An Extended Feeling of Advancement
Progressing farther is, of course, richly rewarded with Mastery Points, which open up nodes on an expansive skill tree. The payouts are rather gradual, providing a tiny upgrade to elemental resistance or a modest stat boost, which is one drawback. Although the microtransaction madness is thankfully absent, Relink’s gacha roots are evident. Thankfully, adding weapon sigils is a slightly more satisfying procedure. With these modifications, players can complement their preferred play style by using several sigils, giving them a little more choice.
But Relink’s deep artistic sensibility more than makes up for any mistakes. The title constantly treats the eyes with its appealing character designs, sensual animation, and luxurious environments that elevate the conventional 2D product into 3D. Relink’s use of Nobuo Uematsu’s music proves to be equally impactful; he contributes everything from serene melodies that enhance exploration to dramatic battle anthems that give boss bouts a sense of urgency.
In summary
Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a cobalt-colored sky that offers a welcome break from a period of grey dreariness, especially considering the industry’s current fondness for live support and microtransaction-heavy games. This action role-playing game offers a feeling of adventure, friendly characters, and the satisfaction of working as a team.
On a PC, Granblue Fantasy: Relink was played using a review code that the publisher sent.
Review Overview
Gameplay – 95%
Controls – 80%
Aesthetics – 90%
Content – 95%
Accessibility – 95%
Value – 100%
93%
EXCELLENT
Summary : Granblue Fantasy: Relink, despite a few development issues, is a very well-executed adventure. Amazingly, it shines in situations where its action role-playing contemporaries sometimes fall short. For thirty hours, the fight is still engaging, even with CPU-controlled companions acting like humans. The best part is that the task is widely scaleable, giving viewers of all ability levels a perfect entry point into Granblue’s magnificent skyworlds.