Links

Steam

Playstation

Twitch

CRITIK

Granblue Fantasy: Relink

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Granblue Fantasy: Relink
Item: Granblue Fantasy: Relink
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJan 31, 2024

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

DeveloperCygames

Overview

A grand adventure in the skies awaits! Form a party of four from a diverse roster of skyfarers and slash—or shoot or hex—your way to victory against treacherous foes in this action RPG. Take on quests solo or with the help of others in up to 4-player co-op play!

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Granblue Fantasy: Relink are varied, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. In terms of positives, several critics appreciate the engaging and enchanting nature of the story. Gamer Escape and RPG Site, for example, commend the story for its interesting spins on familiar formulas and its brisk pace with a good balance of tension, danger, humor, and respite. The Games Machine also mentions the captivating lore and the presence of charismatic villains and colossal monsters, which add excitement to the narrative. Additionally, RPG Fan praises the Fate Episodes and Glossary system for providing a brilliant method of handling character backstories and lore. On the negative side, some critics express disappointment with certain aspects of the story. Digital Trends and Metro GameCentral criticize the narrative for being weak, predictable, and cliché, with the latter mentioning weak and saccharine dialogue. Inverse and VideoGamer also point out that the story lacks character development and depth, with optional side quests being more interesting. COGconnected highlights the potential turn-off for players who haven't played the first game, as the story serves as a sequel to the original Granblue Fantasy. Furthermore, Worth Playing suggests that the story feels like something designed to fill space rather than being genuinely self-contained. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the engaging and enchanting nature of the story, others find it lacking in depth and character development. The brisk pace, tension, and balance of elements in the narrative are generally praised, but the predictability and clichés in the plot are criticized by some. The presence of charismatic villains, colossal monsters, and the Glossary system are highlighted as positive aspects. However, the lack of character interplay and the feeling of recruitable crewmates being like guest stars are mentioned as minor weaknesses. It is worth noting that the opinions on the story may vary depending on the familiarity with the franchise, as some critics mention confusion for newcomers or the lack of background information provided.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Granblue Fantasy: Relink. Some praise its engaging and enchanting nature, brisk pace, and captivating lore, while others criticize its weak, predictable plot and lack of character development. Positive aspects include charismatic villains and the Glossary system, but some feel the story lacks depth. Familiarity with the franchise may impact one's perception of the narrative.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Granblue Fantasy: Relink were overwhelmingly positive. The combat mechanics were praised for being engaging, enjoyable, and well-executed. Critics such as But Why Tho?? and Siliconera highlighted the swift and precise movements, as well as the unique feel and weight of each character. The combat system was described as deep, with a wide cast of characters that have radically distinct playstyles, allowing for building the perfect party and adding depth to late-game customization. The combat was also commended for its variety, with a massive and unique roster of characters, each with their own gimmicks and playstyles. This variety was seen as key to getting the most out of combat, as mentioned by GamingTrend and Wccftech. However, there were some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Granblue Fantasy: Relink. Some critics, like The Games Machine and ZTGD, mentioned the limited number of monsters, which could lead to a feeling of repetition after a few hours. The inability to switch between party members on the fly was also seen as a drawback by Wccftech and VideoGamer, as it could have added more variety and strategy to the combat. Additionally, COGconnected pointed out that the combat mechanics and lore were under-explained, while basic actions were over-explained, which could potentially affect the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Granblue Fantasy: Relink is highly enjoyable and engaging. The combat system was praised for its depth, variety, and tactical elements. Critics such as Digital Trends, Gamer Escape, and RPG Site highlighted the unique playstyles of each character, the seamless mechanics, and the challenging battles. The gameplay was also commended for its fluidity, well-timed blocks and dodges, and the thrill of mastering different combat styles, as mentioned by Inverse and RPG Fan. The ability to customize characters, the extensive collection of playable characters, and the inclusion of side quests and missions were also seen as positive aspects of the gameplay experience, as mentioned by Noisy Pixel and God is a Geek. In conclusion, the majority of critics found the gameplay of Granblue Fantasy: Relink to be very good. The combat mechanics were praised for their depth, variety, and engaging nature, with each character offering a unique playstyle. While there were some criticisms regarding limited monster variety and the inability to switch party members on the fly, the overall consensus is that the gameplay is enjoyable, exciting, and well-executed. The positive aspects of the gameplay experience outweighed the negatives, making Granblue Fantasy: Relink a highly recommended game for fans of action RPGs.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics unanimously praised Granblue Fantasy: Relink's gameplay for its engaging combat mechanics, deep character playstyles, and variety. While some noted limited monster types and inability to switch party members on the fly as drawbacks, overall, the game offers a highly enjoyable and well-executed experience with challenging battles and extensive customization options. Recommended for action RPG fans seeking a thrilling and diverse gameplay experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of Granblue Fantasy: Relink, with many describing it as stunning, gorgeous, and visually breathtaking. They commended the game's art direction, vibrant colors, and detailed environments. The visuals were often compared to paintings, with watercolor-like backgrounds and a cel-shaded anime look. Critics such as CGMagazine, COGconnected, and Gamer Escape specifically mentioned the game's beautiful artistry and well-designed 3D models. The character designs were also highlighted, with characters described as expressive, characterful, and superbly designed. The game's visuals were further enhanced by impressive animations and fluid movements, as noted by Gamer Escape and GamerRD. The boss battles were particularly praised for their epic scale and dazzling spectacle of light, accompanied by a fantastic soundtrack, according to Digital Trends. While the overall sentiment towards the graphics and visual design of Granblue Fantasy: Relink was positive, there were some criticisms raised by a few critics. One recurring critique was the inconsistency in the 3D character modeling, as mentioned by But Why Tho??. Some environments were also described as generic and lacking detail, as noted by GameGrin. Additionally, Worth Playing mentioned that while the character models and environments looked great, some areas were a touch lackluster. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus among the critics was that the graphics and visual design of Granblue Fantasy: Relink were very good. The game's stunning visuals, detailed environments, and vibrant colors were highly praised. The art style, reminiscent of the anime, was commended for its striking visual style and beautifully drawn characters. The game's visuals were considered a standout feature, with critics such as Inverse and RPG Fan emphasizing the breathtaking and eye-popping nature of the visuals. The positive reception from the majority of the critics solidifies the game's strong visual presentation and its ability to capture the distinctive style of Granblue Fantasy.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics unanimously laud Granblue Fantasy: Relink for its stunning, breathtaking visuals, vibrant colors, and detailed environments resembling watercolor-like paintings. The game's artistry, expressive character designs, and epic boss battles with dazzling spectacle are highlighted, though some critics noted minor inconsistencies in 3D modeling and generic environments. Overall, the game's graphics receive high praise for their striking anime-style visuals and impressive animations, solidifying its strong visual presentation and capturing the essence of Granblue Fantasy.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Granblue Fantasy: Relink received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Several reviewers praised the game's soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu and Tsutomu Narita, as exceptional and fantastic. Digital Trends and RPG Fan specifically highlighted the triumphantly showcased sound design in the boss fights, which added to the overall enjoyment of the game. The orchestral arrangements were described as epic, with RPGamer noting that they added to the whimsical nature of the adventure. The musical scores, ranging from relaxed town pieces to fast-paced battle themes, were also commended by GameGrin and RPG Site for their impressive quality and ability to match the tone of the game. However, a few critics did express some minor concerns regarding the sound design and music of Granblue Fantasy: Relink. Wccftech mentioned that the music felt more like background noise and did not stand out. GamersRD and Inverse did not provide specific comments on the sound design but mentioned that the soundtrack consisted of instrumental pieces that fit the genre. Additionally, COGconnected mentioned that while the voice-acting was not egregious, some players may prefer switching to the Japanese audio, suggesting that the English voice-acting might not have been as strong as the Japanese counterpart. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Granblue Fantasy: Relink were highly commendable. The majority of reviewers praised the game's soundtrack, with many highlighting the exceptional compositions by Nobuo Uematsu and Tsutomu Narita. The voice acting was also widely appreciated, with several critics, such as Noisy Pixel and RPG Site, noting the strong performances from the voice cast. The positive feedback regarding the sound design and music, coupled with the minor concerns expressed by a few critics, indicate that Granblue Fantasy: Relink successfully delivered an enjoyable audio experience that enhanced the overall gameplay and storytelling.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Granblue Fantasy: Relink wows critics with exceptional sound design and music, featuring epic orchestral arrangements and diverse musical scores that match the game's tone perfectly. While some critics had minor concerns, the majority praised the soundtrack's quality and voice acting performances, making it a standout feature that enhances the overall gameplay experience.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The majority of the critics praised the voice acting in Granblue Fantasy: Relink, with many considering it to be very good. Critics such as GamingTrend, Gamer Escape, RPG Fan, and TRG all commended the voice acting, highlighting the charming and well-done performances of the main characters. Hey Poor Player even went as far as to say that the voice acting did a great job of drawing the player into the story. The availability of both Japanese and English options was also appreciated, with Gamer Escape specifically mentioning the excellent English cast and inspired casting choices. RPG Site singled out Erica Lindbeck's exceptional turn as Katarina and Kyle Hebert's portrayal of Rackem as standout performances. Overall, the positive opinions of the critics indicate that the voice acting in Granblue Fantasy: Relink was a strong aspect of the game, adding depth and personality to the characters. However, there were a few critics who had some reservations about the voice acting in Granblue Fantasy: Relink. COGconnected mentioned that while the voice-acting sounded like it was straight out of an anime, it may be preferable for some players to switch to the Japanese audio. Metro GameCentral criticized some voice-acting as annoying and felt that the dialogue was weak and saccharine. While these negative opinions exist, they were in the minority and did not outweigh the overall positive reception of the voice acting. In conclusion, the voice acting in Granblue Fantasy: Relink received high praise from the majority of the critics. The charming and well-done performances of the main characters, the availability of both Japanese and English options, and standout performances by certain voice actors were highlighted as positive aspects. While a few critics had reservations about certain aspects of the voice acting, the overall consensus was that it was excellent and added depth and personality to the characters. Fans of the game can expect a strong voice acting performance that enhances their immersion in the story and gameplay.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics overwhelmingly laud the voice acting in Granblue Fantasy: Relink, praising the performances of main characters and the availability of both Japanese and English options. Standout performances by voice actors were highlighted, although some critics had minor reservations. Overall, the voice acting adds depth and personality to the characters, enhancing player immersion in the game's story and gameplay.

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance, Granblue Fantasy: Relink received positive feedback from the majority of critics across different gaming platforms. On PC, But Why Tho?? commends the game for running excellently with a consistent frame rate and no lags or glitches. GamingTrend also highlights smooth gameplay on high settings, though it requires a powerful rig. The Games Machine further adds that the game runs at a stable 120 fps on ultra settings, showcasing the cross-gen nature of the game with captivating art direction. These positive opinions on PC demonstrate the game's optimization and ability to deliver a seamless experience. However, there were some negative aspects mentioned by ZTGD regarding the PC port. They noted the lack of certain features and crashes, but still acknowledged steady frame rates. It is important to consider these issues, as they could impact the overall experience for PC players, especially if the crashes occur frequently. Additionally, ZTGD did not fully test the online multiplayer, which may be a concern for those interested in that aspect of the game. On the PlayStation 5, the technical performance of Granblue Fantasy: Relink was highly praised by multiple critics. GameGrin emphasizes flawless performance, with no texture pop-in or screen-tearing observed. GamersRD mentions smooth gameplay without any technical problems, while IGN specifically highlights the absence of connection or framerate issues during online play. RPG Site and Shacknews both mention the game's solid performance on the PS5, with no slowdown or frame rate issues even during intense combat sequences. TRG notes the availability of different options for resolution and frame rate on the PS5, catering to players' preferences. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the technical performance of Granblue Fantasy: Relink is very good. The positive remarks from But Why Tho??, GamingTrend, The Games Machine, GameGrin, GamersRD, IGN, RPG Site, Shacknews, and TRG indicate that the game runs smoothly, with stable frame rates and no major technical issues on both PC and PS5. While there were some concerns raised about the PC port by ZTGD, the overall sentiment leans towards a positive experience across all gaming platforms. Players can expect a well-optimized and enjoyable gameplay experience in terms of technical performance in Granblue Fantasy: Relink.

TL;DR

technical performance

Granblue Fantasy: Relink impresses critics with smooth performance on PC and PS5, showcasing stable frame rates and captivating visuals. While some issues like crashes are noted on the PC port, overall feedback leans towards a positive gaming experience on both platforms. With flawless gameplay and no major technical problems, players can expect an optimized and enjoyable gaming experience in Granblue Fantasy: Relink.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

56%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Granblue Fantasy: Relink are generally positive. Many critics highlight the game's post-game content as a major factor contributing to its replayability. Siliconera mentions that the post-game allows players to explore new islands, engage in solo boss fights, and offers assist modes for easier playthroughs. Wccftech also praises the cooperative play with up to four players in quest missions, providing opportunities for experimentation with new techniques and team compositions. Additionally, CGMagazine mentions a plethora of quests and exclusive story beats in the post-game, further enhancing the replay value. On the negative side, some critics express concerns about the limited variety and repetitive nature of the game's content. VideoGamer specifically mentions the lack of variety and repetitive missions, which may limit the replay value for some players. The Games Machine also points out that the game offers a limited number of adversaries and some choices and concessions that may make the long-term challenge and interest less satisfying. These criticisms suggest that while the game does offer replay value, it may not be as varied or engaging as some players would hope. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Granblue Fantasy: Relink has a decent amount of replay value. The game's post-game content, including quests, boss fights, and character strengthening, is praised by multiple critics such as Gamer Escape, God is a Geek, and RPG Site. The multiplayer aspect of the game, with online co-op and cooperative quest missions, is also highlighted as a positive aspect by critics like RPGamer and Shacknews. While there are concerns about the limited variety and repetitive nature of the content, the overall sentiment is that the game offers enough replay value to keep players engaged after completing the main story.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise Granblue Fantasy: Relink for its replay value, highlighting engaging post-game content like new islands, solo boss fights, and cooperative play for up to four players. However, some critics express concerns about limited variety and repetitive missions. Despite this, the consensus is that the game offers decent replay value with quests, boss fights, and multiplayer options keeping players engaged beyond the main story.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Overall, the opinions of the critics regarding the Overall Verdict of Granblue Fantasy: Relink are largely positive. The game is praised for its captivating narrative, mesmerizing visuals, and fun gameplay experience. Critics such as But Why Tho?? and GamingTrend highlight the game's strengths, with But Why Tho?? describing it as a "highly enjoyable entry" that series fans will love, and GamingTrend stating that it is a "fantastic action game" with a unique roster of characters. The game's combat system is also highly praised, with GamingTrend mentioning its fun combat system and Siliconera stating that it is a "more than sufficient action RPG" that will keep players entertained for hours. However, there are some criticisms raised by the critics. The main story of Granblue Fantasy: Relink is mentioned as a weak point by Digital Trends and Game Informer, with Digital Trends stating that the game struggles to nail down its identity and Game Informer mentioning that it lacks ambition and unique content. Additionally, some critics mention limitations in terms of adversaries and long-term interest, as mentioned by The Games Machine. The game's gameplay options are also mentioned as a limitation by Wccftech, who states that it could have been more intricate. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a visually stunning game with enjoyable gameplay and a captivating narrative. Critics such as Hey Poor Player and RPG Fan praise the game for its engaging story, enjoyable gameplay, stunning visuals, and wealth of content. The game is praised for its satisfying combat, deep customization, and potential for future growth. While there are some criticisms regarding the weak main story and limitations in gameplay options, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics recommending the game to fans of the genre and series veterans.

TL;DR

Critics largely praise Granblue Fantasy: Relink for its captivating narrative, stunning visuals, and fun gameplay. Positive feedback highlights the enjoyable combat system and unique characters, but some critics criticize the weak main story and limitations in gameplay options. Overall, the consensus is that the game is visually stunning with engaging gameplay and a captivating narrative, recommended for fans of the genre and series veterans.

CRITIK

Reviews

138 reviews found

100

Hey Poor Player

PlayStation 5

Jan 31, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a triumph and one of the most mechanically deep and rewarding action-RPGs. It is praised for its engaging story, enjoyable gameplay, stunning visuals, and wealth of content. The estimated overall score is 9.

Read full review

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Jan 31, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Granblue Fantasy Relink is an exceptional game with a lot going for it, with few complaints.

Read full review

RPG Fan

PlayStation 5

Jan 31, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Granblue Fantasy: Relink has surpassed the reviewer's lofty expectations and set a new bar for character action RPGs. It is a must-play game that delivers a fast, dramatic, and exciting experience.

Read full review

Inverse

PlayStation 5

Jan 31, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The overall verdict of the review is highly positive, with the reviewer loving Granblue Fantasy: Relink despite its flaws. The game is praised for its combat, character variety, and the feeling of fighting as a team. The reviewer expresses a desire to continue playing the game and mentions the potential for future updates.

Read full review

God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Jan 31, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a gorgeous game with satisfying combat and a deep level of customization. The story and character development are enjoyable, and there is plenty of replay value. Overall, it is a highly recommended game.

Read full review

RPG Site

PlayStation 5

Jan 31, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a resounding success, offering a stacked roster of playable characters, intuitive multiplayer action combat, and a bombastic single-player story quest. It sets quite a bar for other RPGs in 2024 and provides extensive replay value.

Read full review

Gamer Escape

PlayStation 5

Jan 31, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite initial concerns, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a really good game and a delight in terms of action RPG gameplay. It is a strong example of an RPG that can be enjoyed whether you are familiar with the franchise or not.

Read full review

RPGamer

PlayStation 5

Jan 31, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Granblue Fantasy: Relink delivers its simplistic storytelling and combat excellently. The presentation is high quality, and the adventure continues through quests and upgrading. The story arc may feel short and incomplete, but it leaves the player wanting more.

Read full review

ZTGD

Jan 31, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a grand achievement with fantastic presentation, satisfying combat, and a cast of unique playable characters. Despite some technical issues, it is a game worth investing many hours into.

Read full review

Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 5

Jan 31, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a much better action RPG than anticipated and could potentially become a big new property.

Read full review